| Children come to school to engage in active, busy work, to play explore the environment indoors and out and to experiment and learn from materials of many kinds. Comfortable, sturdy, washable clothing that is easy for your child to work in permits him/her the necessary freedom to participate in all activities without undue concern for spills, spots, rips and tears. All children under six must have a complete change of clothes to be stored at school in a clear plastic shoe box. All children should be able to perform bathroom duties by themselves. The teachers are not expected to assist in this area unless an accident occurs. Naps All extended day children under five years of age must nap. Full day children under five are not required by state regulations to nap unless they show a need to rest. Mats provided by the school will be used for napping. Children may bring 1 small, lightweight receiving blanket and 1 crib sheet for naptime. It is very important, however, that parents do NOT send quilts, sleeping bags, afghans or larger, heavyweight blankets. This is both because of the lack of suitable storage space for such bulky items and because of the importance of reducing the risk of communicable diseases wherever and whenever possible. Toys The school does not allow toys to be brought from home. A favorite stuffed animal or a blanket that is special may be brought to school but it will be put up in the child's box during school hours. This is to help with the transition and also slowly wean the child from his/her dependency. Sharing Times All items brought to share must be educational in some respect. The child may share individually or with a small group during the morning work session. Each child may have an assigned day each week to bring his/her sharing items - depending on the teacher. Morning Snacks The school will provide juice or milk at every snack in the morning for primary children. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we will provide a fruit juice and on Tuesdays and Thursdays we will provide milk. Parents are encouraged to sign up to bring snack for their class 2-3 weeks per year. Menus will be sent home with your billing when it is your week to bring snack for that month. If you would like to change any item on the menu, please feel free to do so but notify your child's teacher about the change. Occasionally, the teacher would like to give the children a chance to help in the preparation of snack. If the menu calls for unpeeled or whole carrots, (etc.) then it is for that purpose. Don't hesitate to ask the teacher how she would like the snack brought in. All snacks should be of some nutritional value and meet the DCCEL requirements. Lunches All lunches come from home, with the exception of our hot lunch program that is offered every Friday. Please send a drink and easy-to-eat fruits, etc. Parents are encouraged to pack small, nutritious lunches and avoid the "prepared lunches" that are easy but do not aid the child's learning process in the afternoon. Please refer to the handout on preferred foods. Late Afternoon Snacks With every afternoon snack the school will provide a fruit juice or milk. Late afternoon snacks are for those children staying later than 3:00 pm. Afternoon snacks should consist of a graham cracker or something simple and nutritious and should be wrapped in foil (separate from the lunch food) and packed in the child's lunch. DCCEL Snack Requirements Parents are asked to bring in snack from the following sources: a licensed caterer, a food service company or a grocery store. Foods must be prepackaged or prepared in an APPROVED kitchen or facility. Your family home does not qualify as an approved facility. Food that you CANNOT bring: ~ leftover food ~ home canned, frozen or prepared food ~ donated food from restaurants or caterers that was previously served ~ already sliced fruits or vegetables that you yourself sliced ~ homemade cupcakes, cookies, muffins, etc. Food that you CAN bring: ~ packaged crackers, peanut butter or any store bought food in a package or container ~ fresh fruits or vegetables UN-SLICED ~ baked goods from a grocery store or approved bakery/kitchen Please be aware that some children have food allergies. Your child's teacher will inform you of those children so that you can help us avoid that child's exposure to that particular food. |
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Camas Montessori School
Parent Handbook - Section III