1

Parent Handbook 2020-2021

193 E. Mount Pleasant Avenue

Livingston, NJ 07039

973-992-6546

2

WELCOME August 19, 2020 29 Av 5780 Dear Families, The Philip J. Solondz Preschool at Temple Beth Shalom, Livingston, welcomes you and your family to the 2020-21 school year. This Parent Handbook should answer most of your questions regarding policies and procedures and has been revised to include preschool-specific information related to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Our program has been reinvented in some respects, but we remain committed to providing a school environment with Jewish values that stress the importance of education, family, community, and the individual needs of each child utilizing best practices in early childhood education. We are guided by the Jewish Values of kehillah (community), b’not (importance of children), shema (listening and hearing) and pikuach nefesh (protecting and saving a life). Most importantly, the health and safety of every family and staff member is and always will be our top priority. Pandemic-related changes to our policies and procedures are included throughout this handbook and many sections are significantly impacted by these changes and should be read carefully. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. You understand that your child possesses unique qualities, needs, interests, fears, likes and dislikes. We count on you to share with us throughout the school year information that will help us to better serve your family. We value your input and feedback. We are “A Learning Community for Growing Children and Families.” Our program is a team effort, designed to be both supportive and loving, in which parent, director, teacher and child all work together. Please take the time to read the handbook thoroughly. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. B’Shalom, Randi Cohen Preschool Director

3

Table of Contents Welcome Letter ……………………………………………………………………………….. 2 COVID-19 Related Policies and Procedures ……………………………………………… 5 Licensing and COVID-19 Regulations Cleaning Practices Admissions/Schedule………………………………………………………………………...6-7 Registration Hours of Operation Before and After Care Curriculum Philosophy Vision Typical Day Arrival-Dismissal-Attendance/Absence-Parking Lot…………………………………… 8-10 Arrival Dismissal Attendance and Absence Lateness Parking Lot Etiquette /Traffic Safety Behavior…………………………………………………………………………………….10-11 Biting Transitions and Separation Anxiety Toilet Learning Parent Involvement ……………………………………………………………………….11-12 Board of Education Class Parent Job Description PTA Volunteers Communication (Parent/Teacher/School) ………………………………………………12-14 Communications – Methods Code of Conduct Collegiality and Staff Professional Development Confidentiality Conflict Resolution Emergency School Closings/Evacuations/Delayed Openings/Early Closings…….. 14-15 Weather-Related Delays and Closures COVID-19 Related Closures Fire/Disaster/Lockdown Drills Food and Belongings ……………………………………………………………………. 15-17 Allergy Awareness Snacks and Lunch Birthday Celebrations Snacks for Shabbat Clothing and Blankets Toys from Home Lost and Found Health/Communicable Diseases ……………………………………………………….. 18-19 Guidelines

4

Allergy Awareness Medication Policy Jewish Holidays ………………………………………………………………………….20 Shabbat Miscellaneous ……………………………………………………………………………20-21 Lynn Sayre Preschool Fund Security Special Situations Staff Gifts Therapists and Specialists Walking Trips

5

COVID-19 RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Licensing and COVID-19 Related Regulations Temple Beth Shalom Preschool is licensed by the State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF). All COVID-19 related changes are based on the DCF guidelines, recommendations form the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Livingston Department of Health (DOH). We will continually adjust our program’s policies and procedures to align with the current guidance from these agencies. Updates to our policies will be provided to families via email from the Preschool Director. We require that all families and staff follow state and local regulations related to COVID-19. This includes but is not limited to quarantine requirements stemming from family travel and any other ordinances. The following are enhanced safety protocols for staff and students to mitigate the risk factors associated with COVID-19:

Class sizes will be limited.

Each class will have dedicated teaching staff.

All students and staff will undergo daily health screening before entering the building.

Classes will remain socially distanced from each other to maintain the “pod” nature of the class family and prevent the spread of germs throughout the school. Close person-to-person contact will be strictly limited and discouraged. Social distancing guidelines between groups will be strictly observed.

Staff and students will wear masks. Staff are required to wear cloth masks while working. When feasible, children will wear face coverings when inside. Families will be asked to provide 2-3 masks. Masks worn will be sent home to be washed each day. Cloth face coverings will not be put on children under the age of two.

Staff members will use gloves during “high touch” moments in the school day, especially when taking students to the bathroom, when changing diapers or clothing and when serving food.

Custodial staff will be assigned during school hours to the sole task of cleaning the school equipment and surfaces, followed by nighttime cleaning after school hours to further sanitize classrooms, the building, and surfaces. Teaching staff will monitor use of all classroom toys and materials and will disinfect throughout the day and at the end of each school day.

Students and staff will wash their hands thoroughly upon school entry and throughout the day, before food, bathroom and anytime someone touches his/her face.

Visitors will not be permitted in the building. Cleaning Practices Due to COVID-19, enhanced cleaning and sanitation practices will be implemented by dedicated custodial staff. Toys, equipment and surfaces, especially doorknobs, light switches, countertops and restrooms will be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected on a frequent schedule throughout the day and again at the end of the day. Shared objects and play spaces will be cleaned between group use and in accordance with the CDC’s Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting Public Spaces document. Each class will vigorously teach and reinforce healthy hygiene practices, including proper hand washing and use of masks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

6

ADMISSIONS/SCHEDULE

In accordance with applicable federal law and school policy, TBS Preschool does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures or practices on the basis of race, gender, religion or national origin. Temple Beth Shalom supports inclusion and as such, works to provide special accommodations when needed. Parents may contact TBSinclusion@gmail.com for more information. Registration Enrollment is based on an application process. Early registration for the following school year takes place between December 1 and January 31 in the following priority order:

1. Preschool children/Temple members 2. Preschool children/Non-Temple members 3. Non-Preschool children/Temple members 4. General public

After January 31, registration continues on a rolling basis as space allows. After available spaces are committed, a waiting list is formed. All Temple financial obligations must be current to take advantage of Temple member priorities. Our goal is to make the best match between teacher and child to provide a positive learning experience for every child as well as provide at least one “friend” or familiar child in the class for each child. Rather than make a teacher or class request, the parent may write a letter describing their child’s strengths, weaknesses, special interests, learning styles, special needs, or anything else that portrays the child. Words such as sensitive, good memory, friendly, energetic, patient, stubborn, playful, serious, determined and confident are good adjectives to use. Knowing a child’s characteristics will help us match the child to a teacher and class. The parent can also list a few friends that their child knows to ensure that at least one is placed together for familiarity. The formation of a successful class is based on many different criteria and is the sole responsibility and discretion of the director. Date of application, registration priorities listed above, and now, during COVID-19 guidelines, schedules for working parents and siblings are also considered in determining class placement. Hours of Operation Class offerings are as follows (Please note that start and end times will be staggered between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. to allow for social distancing during drop off and pick up): 2s – Monday – Friday; 3 hours daily 3s – Monday – Friday; 4 hours daily 4s – Monday – Friday; 5 hours daily Shared School – Monday – Friday; dependent on bus schedule After-Care – Monday – Friday; program dismissal – 3 PM

Before and After Care

At this time, there will be no before care. If circumstances change and improve, we are flexible to add this back later in the school year. After care is reserved for children who register in advance for the entire school year. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, there is no hourly or drop-in service for before and after care. Also, this service will only be able to be offered with sufficient enrollment and staffing levels. After-care is offered from 12:00–3:00PM Monday-Friday. Usage of the service is paid in advance based on the Before/After Care Registration Form, which can be obtained on-line.

7

Curriculum Temple Beth Shalom Preschool uses a thematic, center-based curriculum blended with an emergent approach*. Among each age level, similar material is covered at similar times and coordinated among each teacher in the age level. See the general curriculum guide for details. Please note that there are individual strengths and interests of each teacher as well as differences among each classroom of children. You can expect both similarities and differences among classroom experiences with the end learning result to be similar among all and with all children receiving adequate preparation for their next educational step. *Reggio-inspired curriculum originates from a progressive educational approach in Italy that honors children deeply through respect for their expressions. The approach brings prime importance of social relationships to the learning. The curriculum emerges from the interests of the children with documentation used as a powerful tool for improving understanding, communication and personal growth. Philosophy Recognizing that learning opportunities for children must be both age and individually appropriate, TBS Preschool provides a developmentally appropriate program, blended with traditional and Reggio-inspired approaches, in which

Children, parents, and teachers build authentic relationships which strengthen us individually and collectively;

Children construct their own knowledge through a process of inquiry, investigation and reflection;

The physical and social environment support our learning opportunities;

Children are active participants, rather than passive recipients;

Inclusiveness expands children’s opportunities for growth. Vision The vision for TBS Preschool is to bring current “Best Practices” into our classrooms, which means collaborating with and educating our staff and parents as well as our children. “Best Practices” in our environment involve reflection, nonjudgement, positivity, openness to continued learning and change, the fostering of connections/community with an attitude of inclusivity, and the use of Jewish values and teachings as lenses. Typical Day

Arrival and Wash Hands

Small Motor/Manipulative Play

Morning Meeting

Center Time – Can be indoor or outdoors

Snack

Gross Motor Time

Specialty or Continued Center Time – art, cognitive, science

Dismissal for 2s/Lunch/Quiet Time for 3s and 4s

Dismissal for 3s

Afternoon Meeting for 4s

Specialty Time – Can include additional gross motor time

Dismissal for 4s

8

ARRIVAL – DISMISSAL – ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE-PARKING LOT SAFETY

Arrival

Will be at your designated time and entrance through car-line drop-off or direct hand-off at the door (if you walk to school). Please display provided placard on your dash to indicate your specific arrival time.

If you arrive earlier than your designated time, you will be instructed by staff to wait by the main sanctuary until it is your time to pull up.

Parents must remain in their car.

Engines must be turned off when child is exiting.

If possible, children and daily bag should be on the passenger side for easy exit. If not, driver must reach back to unstrap child from car seat and child will climb across for exit on passenger side. THERE IS NO EXIT BY CHILD OR DRIVER FROM THE DRIVER SIDE.

Parents, children and staff are all asked to wear masks during arrival. Parents will be asked each day to certify the following: 1. The child has not had close contact in the past 14 days with anyone diagnosed

with COVID-19 2. The child does not exhibit the following COVID-19 symptoms: fever, shortness of

breath, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, headache and/or fatigue. 3. In the previous 14 days, the child has not travelled on a cruise or internationally

to countries with widespread, sustained community transmission or visited a state that is on the NJ Mandatory Quarantine list.

Except for daily greetings there is no time at arrival to speak with staff. Any messages should be communicated via Remini or email.

In order for your child to enter school, the staff member at the door will verify that the screening questions are completed on the Remini app. This is every parent’s responsibility to complete prior to drop-off. In addition, the staff member will take your child’s temperature to verify it is below 100.4 Fahrenheit and will make a quick visual inspection of your child to be sure there are no signs of illness, which could include flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity), fatigue, or extreme fussiness. Staff will complete a similar, daily screening process prior to the start of their school day. Any staff or child registering a fever over 100.4 or answering “yes” to any screening questions will not be permitted to attend school that day. You will be asked to record on-line the names of anyone who has permission to pick up your child on a regular basis. If someone who is not on your list is going to be picking up your child, we will need an email with the person’s name on it from you. At dismissal, the teacher will ask for a form of identification if she is not sure who that person is who has permission to pick up your child. If you will be dropping your child off late please call the office, wait in your car by the door and we will bring your child to their classroom. If you are going to be picking your child up early please let the teachers know in the morning via Remini message or email and follow the same procedure - call the office and a staff member will bring your child to you. No one other than the children, teaching staff, and custodial staff are permitted in the designated Preschool wing during school hours.

9

Please make every effort to observe our classroom drop-off and pick-up hours. Please schedule any appointments for your child after school hours as our protocols and procedures make exceptions to scheduled arrival and dismissal times very difficult. Dismissal

Children are to be picked up promptly at dismissal time in designated parking spots near arrival door.

Try to arrive 5 minutes early so your child does not experience any undo anxiety having to wait.

Stand outside your car facing the dismissal door holding your placard on the name side which will help staff quickly and easily identify you.

Parents, children and staff are all asked to wear masks during dismissal.

Staff will hand your child to you. It is the parent’s responsibility to quickly secure the child into the car prior to exiting the lot. If parents stay to chat, make sure that children are secured in their car seats and that you exit in a timely manner if there is another dismissal soon after.

Each child will only be released to the authorized parent, custodian, guardian or designated car pool parent. WE MUST HAVE ADVANCE AUTHORIZATION IN WRITING VIA E-MAIL FOR A CHANGE IN THESE ARRANGEMENTS. Legal documentation must be provided in the event of special situations.

In case of an emergency we have asked for emergency names and phone numbers on our Emergency Information form. Any unfamiliar person will be asked for photo identification.

Repeated lateness for pick-ups will incur additional fees. Attendance and Absence There are no substitution days due to absences, holidays or vacations. Please notify the Preschool office via phone call or email if your child will not be attending school on any particular day.

Absences/Closures due to COVID-19 If a child or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 or if there is a known exposure by a student or staff member, the local health department will be notified and will provide direction on whether the entire school and/or a single classroom should cease operations. The duration may be dependent on staffing levels, outbreak levels in the community and severity of illness in the infected individual. While in school, if a staff member or child exhibits the following COVID-19 symptoms - cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, unexplained loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, headache, or fatigue – they will be removed from the group immediately to our designated quarantine space and watched until they can go home. Please refer to Virtual Policy for financial refunds due to closure. In the event of an identified case of COVID-19 in the school, notification out to a class or the school will be made under the guidance of the Livingston Department of Health and HIPPA regulations.

Lateness/Early Pick-Up

If you have a late arrival, please call the Preschool office and wait in your car by the door. A staff member will meet your child, take their temperature and make sure admittance questions are satisfactorily answered for the day, will bring your child to their classroom, and will sign them in at the Preschool office if more than 10 minutes late.

When picking up earlier than dismissal time, please follow the same procedure.

10

We will not leave any child unsupervised at any time. However, we ask that you respect our school hours and pick your child up promptly during their designated time.

Children not picked up five minutes after dismissal time are brought to the office to wait while the parent is called. After 10 minutes lateness, parents may be charged a minimum $5 fee.

In special circumstances, please call the Preschool office if you see that you will be unavoidably late so we can prepare your child.

Parking Lot Etiquette/Traffic Safety In order to allow for a safe and efficient drop off and pick up of children, please review the following:

If walking to school, please utilize sidewalks as much as possible.

The speed limit in the parking lot is 5 miles per hour.

All lanes in the parking lot are one way.

There are staff members in the parking lot every morning to direct traffic, complete health checks, and assist your child out of the car. Please obey their instructions for the safety of all.

Pull forward to your designated drop-off door and form a car line for drop-off.

Cars must be turned off when dropping off. No idling.

Parents are not permitted out of the car during drop-off and pick-up.

Children may not be left unattended in cars or the parking lot. This includes infants and siblings who are ill. Ensure that children are safely seat-belted if you conduct conversations so they do not run or wander in the parking lot.

No cell phone use while driving in the parking lot.

Please be patient and courteous. Please share these procedures with any and all people who may have drop off and pick up responsibilities for your child(ren), such as spouses, grandparents, and caregivers.

BEHAVIOR

An important goal of the Preschool is to help children learn to accept and respond to the guidelines of our school and classrooms. Teachers will encourage children to follow the guidel ines of basic classroom behavior through clear expectations, positive reinforcement and by providing a warm classroom environment. If a child behaves in an unacceptable manner that is disruptive or physically/emotionally harmful to himself or others, the child will be redirected or removed from the activity for a brief period. In the event a child continues to be disruptive or harmful, the teacher will involve the parents and/or the Director. The Preschool reserves the right to dismiss a child from the program due to behavioral issues (as outlined in the Involuntary W ithdrawal Pol icy) .

Biting This is common behavior among young children and unfortunately happens in a school setting from time to time. We do our best to provide an environment where minimal biting occurs. Each situation is handled with sensitivity and discretion on a case-by-case basis. If your child is bitten or bites someone at school, an accident report will be completed and telephone calls will be made to inform parents of both the biter and the bitten. We do not disclose the name of the child who did the biting nor who was bitten to other families. An appropriate plan of action will be created to deal with any on-going biting and to identify reasons for biting.

11

Transitions and Separation Anxiety

We recognize that transitioning to school may be challenging for some children this year, given the amount of time spent at home and utilizing a drop-off line procedure. Prior to the first day, the teachers will provide a virtual experience for you and your child as well an individualized, in-person experience through a drive-by arrival practice. Children are very good at sensing their parents’ anxiety. As much as possible, parents should take care of their own anxieties to then be a calming force for their child. Depending on their age, you can talk to them prior to the start of school to prepare them; a social story e-book will be sent to you to help with this process. We recommend reading it a lot with them. It may be difficult for some children but our experienced and nurturing staff will be able to ease their transition to school. The teachers will frequently communicate with the parents, especially during this transitional time. If a child is very upset for an extended period of time, parents may be called to pick up early in the first couple of weeks.

Toilet Learning

We welcome children to our 2s and 3s programs who either use the toilet or do not. If your child does not use the toilet, please send in diapers and wipes to be kept in your child’s classroom. If you begin toilet learning for your child, please inform your child’s teacher so that she can reinforce the learning in school and arrangements can be made for extra clothing, pull-ups, etc. Children in our 4s program are expected to use the toilet at the start of school. Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns with toilet learning with the director prior to the start of school.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT Board of Education A ten-member Board of Education, reporting to the Temple Beth Shalom Board of Trustees, serves to advise and oversee the smooth operation and general growth of the school. The TBS Board of Education reviews and approves school policies and decisions.

Class Parent Job Description This critical volunteer position is designed to help other parents, the classroom teachers, the Preschool Director, the Preschool Administrator, and/or the Parent Committee. More specifically, the job includes:

1. Welcome all first-time parents in the class extending hospitality, encouraging involvement, explaining policies & procedures, and answering questions/concerns throughout the year

2. Helping teacher, director, administrator or PTA to contact parents related to specific events, snow days, calendar changes, etc.

3. Coordinate class gifts 4. Facilitate communication and social interactions among families in the class; due to

COVID-19 guidelines, this could be virtual in the coming year. PTA Volunteers

Join us - we want your expertise! We invite you to work together with the Preschool Director, Preschool Administrator, teachers, assistant teachers and other parents to plan and staff our preschool fundraising activities and special programs. Through periodic focus groups, parents have an opportunity to provide critical input on curriculum, marketing, and facilities, which helps to improve our school.

12

Past PTA sponsored events have included school-wide Welcome Back Coffees, Parent’s Night Out, Book Fair, KidStuff Coupon Books, pizza and bagel lunches, challah sales, Purim Event, Dinner with Special Person, and Shabbat/Staff Appreciation Dinner. Through these events, funds are raised for new equipment and special programs. Each activity is meant to benefit our program and also allows an opportunity for parents to be involved in our school. Many past PTA programs will not be able to be offered this year due to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. We encourage parents and grandparents to be involved in our Preschool experience through sharing their talents and skills with us. We love involvement during holiday celebrations, special cooking activities, planting sessions, science experiments, sharing a favorite children’s book with us or telling us about their job. These special activities will be virtual until further notice and will be planned with your child’s teacher. Teachers will make every effort to be sure that all parents are given a chance to participate throughout the school year while following health and safety guidelines in the process.

COMMUNICATION (PARENT/TEACHER/SCHOOL)

At TBS Preschool, we view our program as a partnership among our staff, our parents, and our students. We encourage open communication between parents and teachers. Please share any concerns you may have as well as successes. Many factors from your child’s personal life may influence their behavior and success in school. Sharing any changes, both positive and negative, help us interact with your child for the benefit of all. Our teachers provide regular communication through written posts and pictures on our secure application, Remini, so that you are informed about what is happening. Daily classroom announcements and brief updates are also sent through Remini. It is the parent’s responsibility, with assistance from our Preschool Administrator, to understand how to use Remini and to check it regularly. If you would like to speak with your child's teacher, please leave a message at the preschool office or send a message via email or the Remini app. Be sure to include your name and the numbers and times you may be reached. All messages will be delivered to teachers and staff as quickly as possible at appropriate times. Teachers and staff will make every effort to respond to all parent communications as promptly as possible. If your message is about an emergency situation, please indicate this to the office staff.

Teachers will also have a work email address that you may use to communicate. Those emails will be answered before or after the school day between the hours of 8:30AM – 3:30 PM. Please do not send verbal messages through your child. Teachers are not responsible for verbal messages communicated at drop-off or pick-up. Please contact the preschool office to deliver a message to the teachers. The Preschool Director, Administrator and teachers can be reached at the following email addresses: Rcohen@tbsnj.org and Swysocki@tbsnj.org or by phone at 973-992-6546. School announcements/notices are distributed via e-mail alerts. On the Emergency Information Form, you are asked to list the names of anyone who has permission to pick up your child as well as a telephone password that may be used if you call so that we can confirm that the caller on the telephone is actually the parent/legal guardian of the child. Please make sure to alert the teacher and office, by phone and/or in writing, of changes in after school plans or the person picking up your child as soon as possible in the morning unless there is an emergency.

13

In the event that a classroom or the school is closed due to COVID-19, communication will be handled primarily through email.

Communication - Methods

Daily/Weekly Class Documentation – Teachers post blog entries containing a summation of the daily or weekly activities, on-going experiences, and/or important moments. Families are expected to stay informed by looking at these entries on Remini.

School Notices – Community events will be emailed to families. We will work to streamline communications so you are not bombarded throughout the day.

School Calendar – An electronic and paper version are available to families.

School Bulletin/Documentation Boards – Each class utilizes a board outside of the classroom as well as boards inside the classroom for pictures, children’s work, and words to make legible the life of our school. This represents careful observation of the children and their experiences by the teaching staff. To more fully understand and participate in the life of our school, parents are encouraged to read all documentation. Since parents will not be in the building, teachers will take pictures of this documentation and send through Remini.

Phone/Text Tree – Class parents from each classroom will organize a phone/text tree. On occasion, you may be contacted regarding an upcoming event, important school news, or emergency/weather-related closings.

Journey Binder – A binder is given to each child at the beginning of their first year of preschool. Pages are added with each consecutive year. Upon graduation, the book is given to the child to take home as a keepsake and chronicle of their experience at TBS Preschool. Included in the journey binder are newsletters, blog posts, significant artwork and photographs.

Conferences – A Formal Parent/Teacher conference is held in late January. Please check the calendar for dates. Informal phone conferences are held in the fall and the spring. In addition to these meetings, parents are welcome to schedule conferences with the teachers and/or director at any time.

Curriculum Night – A parent meeting is held in late September/early October to keep you abreast of classroom strategies and activities. For 2020, this meeting will be virtual. Your attendance is strongly encouraged and will bring vitality to the understanding of and planning for the children’s experience.

E-mail Correspondence – In an effort to save paper, most school notices are distributed by group email (addresses are not visible in this format). Parent email addresses are accessible to the parent body through PTA membership and class rosters (with prior permission). We do not authorize the use of your email address for purposes other than school and temple communications.

Code of Conduct

Our preschool is based on the Jewish values of kavod (respect) and kehillah (community). As such, we ask that parents and staff alike treat one another with respect, understanding and a sense of inclusion. In addition this year, we will focus on b’not (children and their unique interests, thoughts, feelings, and personalities) and shema (intent hearing and listening to each child) and pikuach nefesh (translates to “saving a life” and refers to our priority for health and safety). Collegiality and Staff Professional Development

TBS Preschool is organized to facilitate close and effective collegiality among staff. Each classroom has a minimum of two teachers who work and plan as a team. Their meetings regularly include the director and other members of the faculty. Team meetings and staff

14

professional development occur twice/month and will be virtual this year. Full-day professional development workshops are scheduled for October and November and March. Our strong commitment to collaboration is fundamental to the workings of our school. Confidentiality

Our staff will only discuss your child with you, the parent/guardian. In addition, photography and videotaping by parents and the sharing on social media, is permitted for their children only, as outlined in the Social Media Policy. Conflict Resolution

It is our hope that your time at TBS Preschool will be a pleasant experience for your entire family. Through open communication, most conflicts can be resolved promptly and to everyone’s satisfaction. The following steps are designed to help in the resolution of problems or disputes:

Any conflicts with the teaching staff should be addressed to the specific teacher involved.

Conflicts that cannot be resolved between the parties involved should be addressed to the director.

If the director’s response is not satisfactory, you may pursue your concern through a letter to Leah Beker, Director of Education, and/or the Chair of the Board of Education.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS/EVACUATIONS/DELAYED OPENINGS/EARLY CLOSINGS

Weather-Related Delays and Closures Temple Beth Shalom generally follows the Livingston Public School system for delayed openings and school closings due to inclement weather. A delayed public school opening means that the preschool arrival will occur 90 minutes later than usual. An announcement will be emailed by 6:00AM. A telephone call or text message coordinated by the class parents will also be made to inform you of a delayed opening. Be sure to check your messages on days when the weather is questionable. If you do not want a phone call, please inform your classroom parent at the beginning of the year. In the event of an emergency school closing during the day, the same procedure will be followed. An e-mail will be sent to all parents and class parents will be called to activate the phone chain. Parents will be asked to pick up children as soon as possible. Early dismissal for emergencies and/or weather is 11:30 AM, 11:45 AM or 12 PM based on your dismissal schedule. The director will remain until all children are picked up. TBS Preschool reserves the right to remain with the published school calendar and not make-up time due to cancellation or delays caused by inclement weather or other emergency situations. In the event of an emergency facility evacuation, parents will be notified via email and/or text as soon as all children and staff are safely in an offsite location. COVID-19 Related Closures If a child or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 or if there is a known exposure by a child or staff member, the local health department will be notified and will provide direction on whether school and/or a classroom should cease operations. The duration may be dependent

15

on staffing levels, outbreak levels in the community and severity of illness in the infected individual. While in school, if a staff member or child exhibits the following COVID-19 symptoms - cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, unexplained loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, headache, or fatigue – they will be removed from the group immediately to our designated quarantine space and watched until they can go home. Please refer to our Virtual Policy for financial refunds due to closure.

Fire/Disaster/Lockdown Drills During the school year, we conduct fire and disaster drills teaching students our safety procedures in a non­frightening manner. During fire drills, the children practice evacuating to a safe location away from the building. During disaster and lockdown drills, the children practice evacuating to the inner most areas away from windows and doors. Your child's safety and well-being are our priorities. In light of COVID-19 safety guidelines for social distancing, these drills will be reviewed with DCF and evaluated for changes in procedure and frequency.

FOOD AND BELONGINGS Allergy Awareness TBS Preschool has students who have severe allergies. Direct exposure to certain products can be life threatening for them. All food products brought to the preschool MUST be peanut and tree nut free. All food sent in with a child to the preschool by families must adhere to our “NUT AWARE” policy. There are no nut products or “made in a factory that processes nuts” products allowed in our school. To avoid cross-contamination, all staff and children wash their hands as soon as they enter in the mornings and staff and children wash frequently during the school day and particularly before lunch and snack. While we cannot guarantee a nut-free environment, we do all we can to make our facility a safer place for those with these severe allergies. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding with this serious issue. If your child is subject to moderate to severe allergic reactions which would necessitate giving Benadryl and/or epinephrine, you must send in an Allergy Action Plan that is to be completed by your child’s physician. This plan will outline your child’s allergens, allergic response and emergency drug protocol. This along with any medication must be delivered to school prior to the first day.

Any children with an allergy will have an Allergy Alert Form and a Medical Action Plan.

There is a medicine cabinet in the Preschool office that contains medications for allergies and instructions on how to use them.

We will provide each teacher with a Medical Action Plan for any of our students that have allergies. These Medical Action Plans remain with the teachers at all times.

Teachers who have children who may require use of an Epinephrine Pen are trained on its administration. Your responsibilities:

You will need to check every snack, lunch and the ingredients on the packaging. Products that contain nuts or are made in a plant that processes nuts are not allowed and will be sent home.

16

Parents will be called if we are not sure of the ingredients, especially soy and sun butter. It is helpful to label if you pack these ingredients in your child’s lunchbox.

Other allergies for your child or in your child’s classroom (i.e., fish, sesame, dairy, eggs) will be discussed with the teacher. Parents in that classroom will also be notified.

For other functions outside of the regular Preschool day, parents of children with allergies are responsible for checking on food ingredients prior to the function with event organizers or the Preschool Director.

Snacks and Lunch The Temple Beth Shalom Preschool follows kosher dietary laws and is nut allergy aware. All food for children (i.e., daily snack and lunch for 3s and 4s) will be supplied by the individual family. Children attending our 3s and 4s full day programs eat lunch as part of the school day. Make sure your child’s lunch containers are labeled with his/her name and/or are placed in a labeled bag. Lunch cannot be heated by staff. No baked goods from home are allowed and all packaged food must be marked with a Kashruth symbol. If you have questions regarding Kashruth symbols, please contact the Preschool office.

If you have any questions on what to send for lunch or snack, please speak with your child’s teacher or the director.

The teacher reserves the right to return food items if not properly marked.

The teacher will return all food that has not been eaten so you get an idea of what and how much your child is eating to gauge what you pack each day.

Birthday Celebrations

A birthday is a very special time for your preschooler with classroom celebrations. Classroom birthday celebrations are not scheduled on Fridays due to Shabbat.

We will not distribute party invitations, thank you notes, or gifts from children not attending a party.

Goody bags, balloons, outside entertainment, and special foods are not a part of our “in school” celebrations.

To honor each individual child’s birthday, our teachers plan a non-food celebration that is special.

Snacks for Shabbat TBS Preschool supports and promotes healthy eating. When it is your child’s turn, please bring in nut-free, kosher snacks that are in individual containers such as Smartpop, fruit cups, applesauce, and yogurt drinks. TBS Preschool provides individual challah rolls for each child. Please remember that all food brought in to school must be kosher and peanut and tree nut free. Please refer to the “Allergy Awareness” section of this handbook. Shabbat is a child-only celebration; we will take lots of pictures of your child during the blessings and share them with you. We expect parents to keep our goal for healthy eating in mind when providing Shabbat snack. Please save high-sugar treats like cake and ice cream for home and parties outside of school. As per our policy, if you need additional information on snack recommendations, please discuss with your child’s teacher or the director.

17

Clothing and Blankets We believe in play and lots of it. Good play requires the freedom to experiment, which often means getting messy and dirty. Please dress your child in clothes that are easily laundered and that are carefree. This includes comfortable, safe footwear (i.e., sneakers and no Crocs), which is suitable for gym and playground play. This school year we will be spending more time outdoors so layers are recommended and children should be dressed for the weather outside every day.

Each child should have a complete set of labeled clothing to be left in school in a clear zip lock bag on the first day. All clothing must be clearly labeled with your child’s name. This includes underwear and socks as well as diapers and wipes, if applicable. In addition, please supply a small blanket or towel for rest time, and a lightweight sweater or sweatshirt. This is a general list and your child’s teacher may ask for additional items. If your child brings home a soiled article of clothing, please replace it promptly. Everything should be carefully marked with your child’s full name. You will be reminded throughout the school year to check your child’s clothing to be certain that the items you brought in September still fit and are season appropriate.

During the winter months make sure your child has a hat, gloves, and boots (all labeled) as we enjoy outdoor play whenever the weather permits.

Clothing should be simple and easy for each child to take care of themselves.

On Friday, children may wear something special for Shabbat. Floors can be slippery so please no “party shoes” with “slick” soles.

The following children must supply 2 resting towels in a labeled plastic bag: Two and Three Year Olds enrolled in Aftercare; and ALL Four Year Olds. This is a state licensing requirement.

Toys from Home A toy from home is discouraged in school but may be brought to school as a “bridge” to help a child who may be struggling with the adjustment from home to school. The toy should be clearly marked with the child’s name so that it may be returned with a minimum of difficulty. After he/she has become accustomed to school, please leave the toy at home, except on those days designated for Show and Share. For Show and Share, the item brought in must be in a ziploc bag labelled with the child’s name. We cannot be responsible for broken or lost toys. We do not permit toy weapons such as guns, knives, and swords. Lost and Found

All garments that your child wears and items used in school should be plainly and durably labeled with his/her full name. Articles of value should not be brought to school. The lost and found is located in the preschool lobby. Items lost will be placed in individual ziploc bags. Please check with the office for items that may belong to your child; in turn, the office will send out periodic emails with pictures of lost items to be claimed. At the end of the school year, all unclaimed items will be washed and donated to charity.

18

HEALTH/COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Guidelines The following guidelines are to be followed when evaluating your child’s health. Please keep your child at home when any of the following conditions occur.

Fever

Diarrhea

Fifth Disease

Cough

Nausea, vomiting and/or upset stomach

Rashes (unless confirmed by a doctor to be non-contagious)

Breathing problems

Conjunctivitis or pink eye (runny eyes)

Bronchitis

Impetigo (red pimples surrounded by a reddened area)

Severe cold with fever, sneezing, green and yellow mucus

Ear infection that is draining

Any contagious disease (a child must have a doctor’s note to return to school after a contagious disease such as chicken pox, strep throat, or head lice)

Severe pain or discomfort

Strep throat, severe coughing

Infected skin patches

An unusually tired, pale, lethargic child whose behavior is different from his/her norm

Lice If you question the condition of your child’s health, please keep him/her home. This will protect your child as well as others. Your cooperation regarding the health policy will greatly reduce the spread of infection among students and staff. The privacy of your child and/or family member will be maintained in the event of a contagious illness.

Please notify the school if your child has any contagious disease such as strep throat, scarlet fever, conjunctivitis, impetigo, chicken pox, fifth disease, e.coli, coxsackie, etc.

If a child or family member is diagnosed with COVID-19, you must inform the school immediately.

Children on antibiotic medication must remain at home for at least one calendar day after beginning medication.

If your child throws up during the night or in the morning prior to school, he/she should NOT come to school. If your child is sent home from school due to vomiting, he/she should NOT be in school the next day. Children must be symptom free for a full 24-hour period after the last episode of vomiting and should be able to tolerate food and fluids before returning to school.

Children may return to school when he/she is fever-free for at least 24 hours, without having taken medication (i.e., Tylenol). If this is not the case, the child should remain at home. Do not give Tylenol prior to school in an attempt to “get through the day.”

Children should remain at home if he/she has not had a restful sleep or appears too uncomfortable to participate. Children should also remain at home if they have a persistent or severe cough, which is not only contagious, but also disruptive to the class.

Head Lice - children may return/stay in school. Please see the Preschool Director for more details on this nuisance.

19

If a child becomes ill at school, the parent or other emergency contacts provided by the parents will be notified to pick the child up in a timely manner. The child will be cared for in the quarantine room until the child is picked up.

For the sake of the health of the staff and students alike, the teacher and director reserve the right to refuse attendance of sick children or to send sick children home early. Please trust that each staff member truly knows her children. Even the “faking” child might have needs on a particular day in which a staff member may feel the child would be more comfortable at home.

If a parent answers “yes” for any daily COVID-19 screening questions for their child, that child will not be permitted to attend school. If a child or family member is diagnosed with COVID-19, the Livingston Department of Health will be notified. They will then advise the school on the scope and length of quarantine as well as notification of parents and staff

Temple Beth Shalom Preschool reserves the right to request a doctor’s note to certify a child’s re-entry to school after an illness.

We are all concerned with the general well being of each child in our school. It is imperative, especially, given the COVID-19 pandemic, that you use good judgement when a child’s health is in question. Please give your child adequate time to recuperate at home. We require that a child be fever free (without medication) for a full 24 hours and/or on antibiotics for a full 24 hours before returning to school. Allergy Awareness Please read important information regarding this health concern under the Food section. Medication Policy

The school will administer medication to a child for emergency purposes and only if the parent or guardian gives the office the medicine in its ORIGINAL packaging and has on file a Medicine Authorization/Permission Form stating the type of medicine, reasons for administering it, the time it is to be given, and the amount to be given. See below for more information on prescription medications. Each child MUST have a current Medical form and an Emergency Information form on file in the preschool office before the first day of school. Prescription Medication: A fully completed and signed Medication Authorization/Permission Form with your doctor’s signature must be on file in the Preschool office before the staff can dispense any prescription medicine, including asthma inhalers and epinephrine pens. Please bring all medicine to the office and notify the office staff if it needs to be refrigerated. All medication must be in the original container. Over the Counter (OTC) Medication: A fully completed and signed Medication Authorization/Permission Form must be on file in the Preschool office before the staff can dispense any OTC medicine. Please bring all medicine to the office. All medication must be in the original container. External ointments such as diaper rash cream and sunscreen are considered OTC medication and require a signed form.

20

JEWISH HOLIDAYS

As a Jewish Preschool, we only observe Jewish, Israeli, and American holidays. The holidays of Halloween and Valentine’s Day are not celebrated. As such, no candy or cards can be sent in or distributed at school for either of those or any other non-Jewish holiday.

Shabbat Every Friday, we celebrate the coming of Shabbat (Sabbath). A member of the Temple clergy will join each 3s and 4s class virtually. Family members of 3s and 4s will be assigned dates throughout the year to join us virtually as we sing songs to welcome Shabbat and to read a book to the class. As part of this observance, the children are asked to bring in some change for tzedakah (charity). In this way, the children learn about helping those less fortunate than themselves. All TBS preschool families are invited to attend Virtual or In-person (when permitted) Havdallah, Family Shabbat and/or Tot Shabbat Services throughout the year. Please visit the TBS website at www.tbsnj.org for scheduling.

MISCELLANEOUS Lynn Sayre Preschool Fund

The Lynn Sayre Preschool Fund is an ongoing donation opportunity that benefits our school with new equipment, books and toys for our classrooms. See the Preschool or Main office for more information. Please consider honoring your children for birthdays or other milestones with an ear-marked donation for this fund. Security

Temple Beth Shalom Preschool is a locked facility with an armed security guard located outside the entrance or in the vestibule, a doorbell intercom speaker and a keypad entry. Visitors shall not be permitted to enter the Preschool wing during school hours, with the exception of emergency or law enforcement personnel in their official capacity, and Department of Children and Families personnel for child protection or child care licensing purposes. Any of these visitors who enter will receive COVID-19 screening questions and a temperature check prior to entry. Special Situations We are committed to understanding and adjusting, if possible, to the individual needs of each student. If there has been a special circumstance (birth, death, divorce, illness, loss of a pet, extensive travel, etc.) in your family, please notify the Preschool Director and your child's teachers so that we may be aware of your child's individual needs. Staff Gifts

There are occasions throughout the school year where parents consider giving gifts to the Temple Beth Shalom preschool staff, particularly at holidays and end-of-year times. Many times class parents organize a class gift with a standard contribution from each family. We realize that

21

this decision is very personal. Parents are encouraged to give in any manner they feel most comfortable. Therapists and Specialists

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, there will be no outside therapists at TBS Preschool. Specialists may be employed virtually. If a teacher identifies a special concern regarding speech, fine and gross motor skills, or behavior, a screening will be recommended to the parent. The director can provide a list of area therapists that the parent can investigate. TBS Preschool does not recommend or work exclusively with particular therapists. Walking Trips Walking trips on the Temple grounds are considered part of our daily program. Parents must complete the Walking Trip Permission Form found in our on-line forms packet in order for a child to participate in a walk. Given our COVID-19 guidelines with a lot of our learning happening outdoors, it is important that parents complete this form as per our DCF regulations.