Welcome to Joliet Montessori School.  We are honored you have entrusted your children to our care. We look forward to developing relationships with you as members of our community. Please continue to ask questions and to look to your children’s directors to help guide you in understanding the richness of the Montessori education.  
 
As partners with you in your children’s development, we will do all that we can to ensure that they are thriving in a safe and engaging environment.
 
In light of this continuing partnership, we ask that you read this handbook with care.  Allow us to respond to any questions or concerns you may have at any time during the year.  
 
With our shared dedication to your children, we are certain that your experience at Joliet Montessori School will provide a positive influence well into the future.

Absences

If your child will be absent, please contact 815-741-4180, extension 10. Should your child contract a contagious disease, please notify the school immediately so that we may alert the faculty and other parents. Contact your family physician for time frames for children returning to school. Children who are ill should recuperate at home. We ask you to be considerate not only of your own child's health but also that of the other children and the staff. Your child may be removed from the classroom, at the discretion of the guide, to help prevent the spread of illness and contagious diseases. Please ensure all contact information is updated on an annual basis.

Arrival and Dismissal

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. All children should be in their classrooms and engaged in their morning work cycle by 9:00 a.m. Parents are expected to escort their children to the office following the close of carpool at 9:00 a.m. A staff member will see your child to the classroom.

Dismissal for Half Day children begins at 12:00 p.m. and typically concludes at approximately 12:15 p.m. Please be on time to pick up your children. Parents of Half Day children who are not picked up in a timely manner will invoke late fees.

Dismissal for Full Day children begins at 3:00 p.m. and typically concludes by 3:30 p.m. Children who have not been picked up by the close of dismissal will be released to Extended Care, and parents will be invoiced accordingly.

Turning directly into the driveway will cut off those families who are following the route. Please be considerate of all our families and follow the carpool protocols.

Before and Afterschool Care

Before and Afterschool Care is provided as a service for our working families. Before Care opens at 7:30 a.m. and remains open until the children move to their classrooms at 8:30 a.m. Afterschool Care begins at 3:00 p.m. and is open until 6:00 p.m. All children remaining on campus at the close of 3:00 p.m. dismissal will be immediately released to Afterschool Care and invoiced at the Drop-In rate. See our Payment Policy for additional details.

Birthdays

Montessori classrooms celebrate each child's birthday in a wonderful ceremony. You can support this by adhering to the following protocols. If your child is celebrating his/her birthday at school, you may send in a healthy snack for all to share, in accordance with our nut-aware policy. Some suggestions are bagel, fruit or vegetable trays. Your guide may have additional ideas. Any sweetened treats must be individually wrapped so that they can be sent home with the children at the end of the day.

Please do not deliver birthday party invitations at school. The parent directory is provided to facilitate these types of communications outside of school. If you would like to present a gift to Joliet Montessori School or your child's classroom in honor of your child's birthday, we are always grateful for such support. Please contact the office for suggestions.

Communication

JMS is committed to providing timely and effective communication to the members of our community. Valuable information is conveyed via the Parent Handbook, parent education evenings, our website, newsletters and news briefs, notes sent by classroom directors and letters mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.

We ask our families to assist us in this effort by familiarizing themselves with the policies and procedures necessary to operate the school, to stay informed by reading all written communication provided by JMS and to address any concerns immediately using the appropriate channels.

Weekly newsletters are communicated via e-mail on Thursdays. As this is our primary form of communication with our families, we ask you to please keep the office informed of your current email contact information and contact us if you experience any difficulties with email delivery.

Conflict Resolution

It is our intention to work collaboratively with our families to resolve issues and find solutions.

Parental concerns relating to curriculum or classroom management issues should be addressed with your child's guide. Administrative and communication issues are handled by the Director of Parent Relations. Parental concerns requiring additional assistance will be directed to the Head of School.

Once all appropriate channels have been exhausted, any unresolved issues should then be submitted, in writing, to the Head Support and Evaluation Committee, with a courtesy copy provided to the Head of School. The Committee and the Head will then work together to address the concern and resolve the issue.

It is our goal to model for our community both the value of healthy discussions aimed at finding mutually satisfactory solutions and the peaceful resolution of differences. Negative gossiping and thinking are very detrimental to our school's culture. Please refrain from participating in gossip either as a messenger or as a listener.

Custody/Access Policy

Parents and legal guardians will be allowed access for orientation, parent education evenings, drop-off, pick-up, observations, parent conferences and all other parent/school interactions unless there is legal documentation on file limiting or otherwise restricting said access. JMS will not limit access solely at the request of one of the child's parents or other legal guardians.

Decision Making Process

Circumstances sometimes dictate that changes be implemented in the operation of JMS. These suggestions may come from faculty, staff, parents or external agencies such as AMI or ISM. The following process is in place for adopting procedural changes:

1. All changes are evaluated in reference to Montessori Pedagogy.

2. Classroom issues are referred to our faculty.

3. Administrative issues are decided by the Head of School.

4. Issues requiring parental input and implementation may result in the formation of an ad hoc committee reporting to the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.

5. Issues resulting in changes to the by-laws or budget must be voted on by the Board.

6. Decisions will be communicated to parents in a timely fashion.

Early Release/Late Arrival of Students 

One of the foundations of Montessori education is the uninterrupted three hour work cycle. In order for your child to receive the full benefit of his/her Montessori experience; he/she must attend regularly. Late arrivals are not only detrimental to your own child's education; they are also disruptive for children who are already working.

Please schedule appointments after the 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. dismissals. If you must pick your child up early, please send a written note to your child's guide in order to minimize classroom disruption.

Emergencies 

It is imperative that we be able to notify you if your child becomes ill or injured at school. All families are required to submit a competed Emergency Information Sheet. Your child will not be allowed to attend class unless this form is on file. If we cannot reach you directly, we will call your designated emergency contact person. Please contact the office immediately if you, or your designated representatives, have any address or telephone changes.

Emergency or Inclement Weather Closing

Please listen to WJOL, AM 1340 for school closing information. We are also registered with the Emergency Closing Center (www.EmergencyClosings.com). Each parent should exercise his/her own judgment when driving in severe weather. The school will be open when we feel a majority of parents can safely bring their children to school.

Emergency Response Drills

Various drills to include fire, tornado and indoor and playground safety, are held regularly throughout the school year, in accordance with state regulations. Children are instructed as to the proper procedures, when to leave and when to stay, exits to be used, safety procedures and the danger of fire and smoke in a public building. Parents should discuss the safety practices to be followed at school as well as develop a plan to use at home.

Family Directory

The family directory is an internal document provided to our current families to facilitate communication outside of school. Please utilize this in order to coordinate school related functions, birthday parties, play dates, etc. Contact the office if you prefer not to be included. Please do not use the family directory for any business or commercial solicitations, or personal solicitations not affiliated with JMS business.

Field Trips

Full-day Primary children are scheduled for one field trip per academic year. Permission slips must be submitted for children to be transported off campus. Chaperone opportunities are available, but limited. Not all parents who volunteer will be able to participate. We appreciate your understanding.

Going Outs

The Going Out is a meaningful, productive component of 'Cosmic Education' as implemented in a Montessori classroom.

As children develop through the second plane, they realize that not all their answers can be found in the classroom environment. Going Outs are not field trips, nor are they play dates. They are small group visits to local areas of interest, specifically coordinated, planned and implemented by the children themselves, in direct conjunction with the research happening in the classroom.

The classroom requirements for eligibility are very clearly communicated to the children by their directress. Children must meet the Going Out criteria of the classroom in order to be eligible for Going Out participation. Going Outs are a privilege which must be earned.

• Dr. Montessori believed that Going Outs spoke for the Montessori Method, because the children serve as ambassadors when they Go Out into society and conduct themselves accordingly. Consequently, children must have demonstrated consistent appropriate behavior and the grace and courtesy necessary to be successful ambassadors.

• They must have completed the preliminary research to prepare for a successful Going Out. These requirements may vary, depending on the age of the child and the level of the research required for the project.

• They must also fully complete the process of preparing for the trip – researching the itinerary for the trip, coordinating the chaperone, and arranging required transportation.

• Going Outs are the work of the children. Failure to accomplish any one of these steps may result in the child not participating in the Going Out process. If this is the case, the directress will clearly communicate the expectations, address the necessary corrective action, and provide the opportunity for redress.

• Some children may choose not to participate in the Going Out process at all during any given year. This choice will be respected.

The freedom and responsibility given at the elementary level is intentionally provided to help the children prepare for life. This freedom and responsibility are necessary components in developing the independence each child will need in order to take his or her place in the society of the classroom and in the larger world.

Guidelines for our Going Out adult chaperones will be provided as part of the preparation for the Going Out. Adults interested in serving as chaperones must join the Going Out Chaperone Pool and complete a background check and have all required documentation on file prior to the Going Out.

Health Records

The Health Records Program at JMS is under the direction of the Will County Public Health Department. For students attending school programs where grades are not assigned, health examinations are required to be completed prior to the date of entry to the school, for the year the child turns 5 (usually Primary, Year Three) and when the child turns 11 (Elementary, Year Six). Dental exams are required by law for children entering Primary, Year Three and Elementary, Year Two and Year Six. Eye exams are required for children entering Kindergarten and Illinois schools for the first time.

Preschool and Vision and Hearing screenings are done periodically at the school. When screening tests indicate concerns, parents will be notified so that the family may follow up with the family doctor.

State and County Guidelines for health records are as follows:

1) All public and private schools are required to maintain up to date health examinations for currently enrolled children.

2) All exams must document immunization history or be accompanied by immunization records.

3) All exams must be completed by a licensed dentist/physician. Medical History must be completed and signed by the parent. Physician is required to sign and date physicals upon completion.

JMS has adopted a first day exclusionary policy. All required Health Examinations must be turned in prior to the child's first day of school. Failure to provide required documentation will result in the child's being held out of class until such time as the paperwork is submitted.

In accordance with Public Act 84-130, families must provide a certified copy of the birth certificate for newly enrolling children. In addition, an updated Emergency Information Sheet must be on file for each child enrolled, indicating any allergies or other health issues.

Information on physical and immunization clinics can be obtained by calling the Will County Community Health Center at (815) 727-8670.

Lunch

Involve your child in packing his or her lunch. It allows them the freedom and responsibility of choice and direct input, and it contributes to the development of their independence.

Please send your children to school with a healthy, nutritious, nut-aware lunch. We suggest a simple lunch which includes a sandwich, cut fresh fruit and/or vegetable and a 100% juice, milk or water beverage. Do not allow your children to choose soda, candy or excessively sweet foods. Classroom guides may have their own lunch requirements, which will be communicated to parents as appropriate.

Please do not drop off "fast food" lunches for your children.

Medication

We recognize that occasionally a medication must be administered during school hours. All medications should be given to the office in its original container. A completed and signed authorization form must accompany all medications. Prescription medicine will not be administered without this form. This includes Epi-pens and inhalers.

New Student Referral Program

New student placement referrals will result in a $250 thank you gift, payable directly to the referring current family, subsequent to new family enrollment. Word of mouth is one of our most powerful marketing tools and this program is intended to express our appreciation to those families who are sharing their positive experience at JMS with their friends and family.

Program guidelines are as follows:

• Referral thank you gifts are applicable only for families brand new to JMS. Siblings and families returning after a lapse in attendance will not be eligible.

• Applicants may identify only one referring family and must identify their referring family on their application for admission.

• New students must remain actively enrolled at JMS for a minimum of 60 school days (approximately three calendar months.)

• There will be no limit to the number of thank you gifts referring families may receive.

• Thank you gifts will be disbursed in December and June, at the close of the semester in which the new child(ren) begin attendance.

Employees of JMS are not eligible for referral thank you gifts.

Nut-Aware Policy

JMS strives to be a safe school for all our students, including our students who have a life-threatening food allergy. Towards this goal, we have adopted a nut-aware environment. We will work with our students and their parents to understand that nuts should not be brought to school for lunch, snacks, or other celebrations. This includes items that contain ingredients made with nut oils or butters. We request that all parents support our students by keeping all nut products at home. Guides will work with students to establish good hand washing and classroom maintenance standards. School Administration has further defined the school's efforts toward this goal by adopting a school-wide action plan.

Parent/Guide Conferences

Conferences are an essential component of communication between parents and classroom guides. These meetings are valuable tools in our continuing efforts to create and maintain productive working relationships that benefit our families and our children. Watch your newsletter for suggestions for making the most of these meetings. Conferences are scheduled very tightly, please be on time.

Guides are also available throughout the school year to address concerns that require immediate attention. Individual classroom contact information will be provided.

Parent Education

Several parent education evenings are scheduled during the school year. Parent participation is vital in understanding the full scope of the Montessori Method and how parents and directors can work together in helping children reach their full potential. New families are asked to attend at least 3 parent education evenings, returning families, 2. Child care is provided as a courtesy.

Partnership Agreement

Parents are expected to abide by the terms of the Parent Handbook and the Partnership Agreement.

You are an important member of the Joliet Montessori School community. You have the power to be a positive or a negative influence. With the former, our school will thrive; with the latter, our school will struggle. When in doubt, take the high road that seeks a path to understanding.

If the expectations of a mutually respectful partnership are not met, a conference will be scheduled prior to future registration. When space becomes limited and/or when deemed appropriate by the Head of School, registration placement preference will be given to families who have demonstrated a commitment to the JMS Mission, to our Parent Handbook and to the Partnership Agreement.

Step-Up Policy

It is our belief that the majority of children are prepared for the rigors of the full day experience by the age of five. The vast majority of JMS primary children will be invited to step-up no later than their 5th birthday. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing a child from stepping up by their 5th birthday, the guide will discuss the situation in detail with the parents/legal guardians. Appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that each child's needs are being met in order for the child to succeed as an 'afternooner.' Each child will be invited to step-up when the guide is assured of his or her greatest readiness for success in the afternoon environment.

Supplies

All classroom supplies are provided by JMS. Due to limited space, it is advised that the children do not bring backpacks. Primary guides request that 3 and 4 year old children bring a change of clothes to keep in the classroom.

Toys, Cell Phones and Miscellaneous Articles

Please refrain from sending your children to school with items such as toys, cell phones, games, candy, money, etc. They will not be allowed to use them while at school. If your child has something interesting/educational to show the class, your classroom guide will have specific plans for how these may be shared. Please contact your guide if you have any questions.

Video Taping and Photography

Occasionally, JMS will utilize marketing techniques or receive newspaper coverage which includes videotape, interviews and/or pictures. Photographs of children taken in school or at school events will not be published or otherwise used without a signed release on file.