Ringwood Cooperative Nursery School

Information To Parents

Dear Parents,

On this page you will find Information to Parents, the school Expusion Policy and our Philosphy of Discipline.  Please review before your childs conference.

Thank You

Information To Parents
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Our center is required by the State Child Care Center Licensing Law to be licensed by the Bureau of Licensing of the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. A copy of our current license is posted in the school

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To be licensed, our center must comply with the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (the official licensing regulations). The regulations cover such areas as: physical environment/life-safety; staff qualifications; supervision, and staff/child ratios; program activities and equipment; health; food and nutrition; rest and sleep requirements; parent/community participation; administrative and record keeping requirements; and others.

Our center must have on the premises a copy of the Manual of Requirements and make it available to interested parents for review. If you would like to review our copy, just ask any staff member.

We encourage parents to discuss with us any questions or concerns about the policies and program of the center, or the meaning, application or alleged violations of the Manual of Requirements. We will be happy to arrange a convenient opportunity for you to review and discuss these matters with us. If you suspect our center may be in violation of licensing standards, you are entitled to report them to the Bureau of Licensing. Of course, we would appreciate your bringing these concerns to our attention also.

If the Bureau determines to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the center’s license or Certificate of Life/Safety Approval, the Bureau shall notify the parents of each enrolled child. All violations and inspection results and complaints will be made available to parents upon request.

Our center must comply with the NJ Law against Discrimination and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If anyone believes the center is not in compliance with the above laws they may contact the Division of Civil Rights in the NJ Dept. of Law and Public Service at (609) 292-4605.

EXPULSION POLICY

Unfortunately, sometimes there are reasons we have to expel a child from our program either on a short term or permanent basis. We want you to know we will do everything possible to work with the family of the child(ren) in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. The following are reasons we may have to expel or suspend a child from this school:

IMMEDIATE CAUSES FOR EXPULSION

·        The child is at risk of causing serious injury to other children or himself/herself.

·        Parent threatens physical or intimidating actions toward staff members.

·        Parent exhibits verbal abuse to staff in front of enrolled children.

PARENTAL ACTIONS FOR CHILD’S EXPULSION

·        Failure to pay/habitual lateness in payments.

·        Failure to complete required forms including the child’s immunization records.

·        Habitual tardiness when picking up your child.

·        Verbal abuse to staff.

CHILD’S ACTIONS FOR EXPULSION

·        Failure of child to adjust after a reasonable amount of time.

·        Uncontrollable tantrums/ angry outbursts. Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children.

·        Excessive biting.

SCHEDULE OF EXPULSION

·        If after the remedial actions have not worked, the child’s parent/guardian will be advised verbally and in writing about the child’s or parent’s behavior warranting an expulsion.

·         An expulsion is meant to be a period of time so that the parent/ guardian may work on the child’s behavior or to come to an agreement with the school.

·        The parent/guardian will be informed regarding the length of the expulsion period.

·        The parent/guardian will be informed about the expected behavioral changes required in order for the child or parent to return to the school.

·        Failure of the child/parent to satisfy the terms of the plan may result in permanent expulsion from the center.

A CHILD WILL NOT BE EXPELLED

                   If a child’s parent(s):

·        Made a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding a center’s alleged violations of the licensing requirements.

·        Reported abuse or neglect occurring at the school.

·        Questioned the center regarding policies and procedures.

PROACTIVE ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO PREVENT EXPULSION

·        Staff will try to redirect child from negative behavior.

·         Staff will reassess classroom environment, appropriate of activities, supervision.

·        Staff will always use positive methods and language while disciplining children.

·        Staff will praise appropriate behaviors.

·        Staff will consistently apply consequences for rules.

·        Child will be given verbal warnings.

·        Child will be given time to regain control.

·        Child’s disruptive behavior will be documented and maintained in confidentiality.

·        Parent/guardian will be notified verbally.

·        Parent/guardian will be given written copies of the disruptive behaviors that might lead to expulsion.

·        The director, classroom staff and parent/guardian will have a conference(s) to discuss how to promote positive behaviors.

·        The parent will be given literature or other resources regarding methods of improving behavior.

·        Recommendation of evaluation by professional consultation

·        Recommendation of evaluation by local school district child study team.

PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE
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All children, especially pre-schoolers, present discipline problems. At best, a pre-schooler is curious, inventive, eager and independent. At worst, he is obstinate and clinging. Children are not born with the ability to reason right from wrong, acceptable/unacceptable behavior. They have very little self control. It is our job as parents and caregivers to teach through guidance and example.

Throwing a temper tantrum seems to be a two year old's favorite way of showing his displeasure. As quickly as possible we try to restore calm and order. This teaches the child how to handle frustration and anger in a more acceptable manner. Be positive when talking to him about his behavior. Tell him exactly what you want him to do, not what you don't want him to do. Support good behavior with praise. As he becomes more calm, draw his attention away from whatever caused the outburst and do not mention the incident again. Forget the unpleasant situation. As difficult as these outbursts are to cope with, they stop within a short period of time as the child matures.

When caregivers are calm, the children usually follow through with reasonable/responsible actions. Children are aware of and sensitive to the caregiver's feelings and reactions. Calmly give the command or request. Be specific and brief, stress immediacy, and give the reason. If the child does not respond, explain slowly exactly what you wish him to do. Be positive rather than negative. If he still insists on being contrary, he might be ready for some "time out. All children love to say "NO"! Again, remember this is just a stage they are going through. Explain that this is necessary that they do whatever you've asked them to do. An important point to remember is that children need consistency. If you ask them to do something and they refuse, follow through. If it's not really important that the child respond to a particular task, we might start out by asking "Would you please help me..." or "How would you like to ....‘.

Since you did not give the child specific directions, it is not necessary to follow through. Of course, all children like to receive rewards, so a good way to get toys picked up, clothes put away, etc., is "How about picking up these toys right now so we can go for a walk".

We encourage good behavior in group play by complimenting sharing, taking turns, helping etc. The pre-schooler must learn that the world does not revolve around his wants/desires. If the child isn't getting along in a group situation and is being aggressive, give the command to "stop hitting" (or whatever), and then give the choice of continuing to play or leaving the group. Give a reason for stopping whatever wrong he is doing, i.e. hitting hurts. Sharing is a very difficult thing for a pre-schooler to handle. At home, everything ‘is possessive, aggressive - MINE. Away from home, although the child may be more passive, they may soon associate certain favored objects as "mine". Sharing is something that cannot really be rushed but should certainly be encouraged. Children go through a "grabby" period about the same time as the "Mine". They claim ownership of any toy they have played with, are playing with, or will be playing with In the future,

When parents drop the child off at nursery school in the morning, the child will have less trouble with the separation if the parent has a positive attitude. Assure the child that. We are very happy to have him with us, point out toys that might be of interest to him, and assure him that his parent will be picking him up after school. A hesitant, nervous parent will encourage a clinging child. Leaving a child with a caregiver is very difficult for many parents, especially new, first-time parents. They feel guilty, sad, and lonely and worry about the quality of care that will be given to their child. All parents are to be encouraged to visit our school, schedule a conference, or telephone as often as necessary, to be assured that their child is receiving the best care. Until the parent feels comfortable with leaving their child with us and is assured of his well-being.

In order to foster a Childs sense of identity and individuality, we encourage proficiency in all play areas to develop both gentle and positive assertive behavior. Hopefully this will help a child to grow into a caring and nurturing parent and a successful professional in the work place.

At nursery school, a child usually develops/matures more quickly than he would at home. This is not because of neglect, unloving parents; nor is it because the parents do not devote their time and energies to the child's well being. At home, many things provided are automatically given to the child before he has had a chance to ask for it. With minimum effort on the part of the child, through pointing and grunting, his needs or wants are met. The parent does not always have the time or the patience to encourage language. Household duties, other children, and other chores leave little time to effectively communicate. On the other hand, many parents feel the need to push their child beyond his capabilities. Each child moves at his own pace, and pushing him can be more damaging than doing nothing at all. Children learn so easily; everything is new and exciting to them. Watching their delight and amazement over ordinary things can be a wonderful experience to all adults.

Nursery school teachers, more than actually teaching in the conventional sense, teach by providing example. We do not "teach as much as encourage, play, respond, and enjoy. Nursery school is geared for the young child's particular ability, unlike the later school setting to which the child must adapt to the system.

We allow as much freedom as the child is capable of handling. If rules are broken, the child knows he must pay the consequences - leave the room or group, sit on the time-out' chair, have the toy put away, etc.

Pre-school years should be a time to play, a time for learning about the world more than learning from books-a time for growing, mentally and physically - and just enjoying. Every child needs understanding, appreciation, encouragement, Support and help. Try to understand each child's inborn individuality. However a child "turns out" depends on that happens to him in life, the way he is treated, and the way he interacts with his environment.

We spend our time with your child, not just around your child. Our time is spent being with him, talking, laughing, playing, and listening. We move from one project to the next at his pace as the child gets older and his attention span is greater, we become more involved with the academic teaching, readying the child for entrance to kindergarten. By the time the child is ready to begin his formal education, we, parents and caregivers have hopefully instilled in him the love, wonder, compassion and strength necessary to go forward.

In accordance with The manual of Standards for Child Care Centers,

p.  115, section 10: 122-6.8, the following shall be adhered to:

DISCIPLINE

The methods of guidance and discipline used shall be positive, consistent with the developmental needs of the Children and applied with the knowledge and under standing of. The parent (s).

There shall be no use or hitting, corporal punishment, Abusive language. Ridicule, or harsh, humiliating or frightening treatment, or any other kind of child abuse/Neglect/exploitation.

Discipline shall not be associated with the behavior of Children,regard to rest, toilet training or food.

Children shall not be Isolated without supervision.

Disciplines shall not be associated with the, withholding of emotional responses or stimulation and shall not require the child to remain silent for long periods of time.

RCNS

PO BOX 185, Ringwood,NJ 07456
Phone 973-835-4477
Fax 973-248-6195
Nicole Langenmayr, Director

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