ADDITIONAL FORMS for special circumstances. Also due before the first day of attendance:
Mequon Jewish Preschool Parent Handbook
“Every person a world, every moment a lifetime.”
Welcome to Mequon Jewish Preschool!
Your child’s first years are the most important years of his/her life. During these years the child establishes his/her sense of self. As teachers and parents, we are a team; we in school and you at home plant the seeds of their wellbeing and their core identity as Jews. At MJP we believe in joy as a value for life, encouraging all children to observe and experience the world around them and fostering expression in a variety of ways.
At MJP, your child develops a strong and confident Jewish identity through our daily life in the school. We approach every theme, Judaic or secular, with a wide range of experiences including art, movement, drama, cooking, building, and storytelling. Our goal is to provide an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, and confidence. We aim to nurture your child to be a lifelong learner and a researcher for life.
Our curriculum is an integration of structured themes and more emergent, spontaneous topics that could be brought by a child, a teacher, or a parent. Each theme has been designed to meet the changing developmental needs of each child in a caring and positive atmosphere. Activities emphasize the process rather than the product, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride. Based on the theory that children learn best through play, we encourage active involvement, discovery, and meaningful experimentation.
Parents are the most important figures in a child’s life and we welcome your involvement at MJP. We appreciate your support of, and involvement in MJP’s preschool program. Working together, we will create a foundation for learning, development, and curiosity that will benefit your child throughout his or her entire life.
We welcome ideas from you; we offer opportunities to participate in our different learning processes, and it is important for us that children will bring their home to school, and will take school to their home.
ABOUT MEQUON JEWISH PRESCHOOL
Located on the property of the Peltz Center for Jewish Life at 11112 N. Crown Court, MJP cares for children ages infant through five years. We can be reached by phone at (262) 242-KIDS (5437) or online at www.mequonjewishpreschool.org, and you can find us on Facebook.
Our Infant through K-4 program operates Monday through Friday from 7:30-5:00 PM. We offer a flexible schedule, providing several different programs to suit your specific needs. The basic preschool program has a half day option and a full day option. Half day is from 9:00 AM till 12:30 PM and full day is until 3:30 PM. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are part of our program and served daily. For those desiring additional care we also provide an early morning program from 7:30 AM until 9:00 AM, and an afternoon program from 3:30 PM until 5:00 PM. In the winter months we close early on Fridays. A Friday closing schedule can be obtained in the office.
In addition to our preschool program we have special child and family programs, including a weekly Shabbat Gathering each Friday that all children and families are invited to attend.
MJP features classrooms intentionally designed and arranged to exceed all state guidelines for preschool safety and to provide provocations for children to explore and learn. We are very proud of our beautiful facility and encourage families to visit often.
Weather permitting, the children enjoy the natural outdoors of our private grounds.
MJP is a non-profit organization with an administrator – director and a board of directors.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
~Dr. Naama Zoran, Educational Consultant
“Imagine you could open your eyes to see only the good
in every person, the positive in every circumstance,
and the opportunity in every challenge.”
~Rabbi M.M. Schneersohn
At MJP the above message is not just imagined but is lived every day, in every learning moment we have with children.
We believe that the most important role of school is to see children as active learners, and so, we see the curriculum as a place where teachers and children explore themes, concepts, ideas and experiences in all developmental domains.
The relationships between curriculum and learners are based on an ongoing dialogue and rapport between children’s natural interests, curiosity, and actions, and teachers’ curricular intentions. As we perceive children and teachers as researchers and deep thinkers, our curriculum enhances their mutual motivation to discover and construct knowledge in different ways. We perceive that any given moment in life contains the seed for a lifelong learning opportunity; whether it is the changing season, providing fertile opportunity for rich learning experiences, or Jewish heritage and culture that sets the ground for our teaching and learning of the values and the Torah messages.
Part of our vision about children and learning is connected to the concept of creativity. According to the Reggio Emilia approach, every person is creative and the creative potential is innate. We are creative when we CONNECT and CONSTRUCT knowledge.
This understanding influences our curriculum at MJP; in the way that we organize our learning environment, in the different materials and contents we offer, and especially in the varied ways we use to meet the individual learning styles. We believe that children are open to embrace, explore and capture all the academic disciplines from the first month of life, and our curriculum encompasses literacy, math, science, writing and pre-reading in natural seamless ways that nurture the potential of our children from birth.
Each year we plan and define our intentions for the year. Those intentions are actualized by wide range of themes that are being learned and taught, with all the skills that are connected to them and are organized around the following core areas:
Mequon Jewish Preschool Curriculum Overview
Jewish Culture and Heritage with Connection to Israel:
REST PERIODS
All children who participate in afternoon activities shall have a nap or rest period. The rest period is for 30 minutes. For children whose rest period is longer than 30 minutes, they will continue their rest based on the child’s individual needs and teacher and parent communication.
The preschool will provide each child with a crib, cot, or mat.
Families must provide a blanket, sheet, pillow, etc.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
ARRIVAL: We look forward to greeting children at the time they are registered to begin. If you arrive before this time, children are welcome to wait with you in the front lobby until it is time for them to start school.
If your child will be out, please let us know by 9:00AM, by filling out the absence form on the MJP website mequonjewishpreschool.org
If we have not heard from you and your child has not arrived by 10:00 A.M., the school will call your home.
DISMISSAL: Children should be picked up by the time they are registered to leave. If you are delayed, please call us and we will accommodate them in our PM Club until you arrive at our posted rates, which are available in the office.
At the end of your child’s daily stay, s/he will be dismissed only to a parent or previously designated adult.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
PERMANENT SCHEDULE CHANGES: We understand that as your child grows, their preschool schedule may need to change. To apply for a permanent change to your child's schedule during the year, we invite you to talk with us in the office or to fill out our online form at http://www.mequonjewishpreschool.org/add-on-days.html
ADD-ON DAYS: In our interest to accommodate the unexpected, you are welcome to apply for add-on days as needed throughout the year. Fill out the online form at http://www.mequonjewishpreschool.org/add-on-days.html at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will still be charged.
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER: For families enrolled less than 5 days per week during September and October: as a courtesy, when there is no school for a Jewish Holiday on a day your child is normally enrolled, you may apply for a day switch within the same week. Please let us know in writing, before school starts, if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity and which days you would like to attend.
Please note: There are no refunds or credits for non-attendance for any reason including for vacations or illness.
We will do our best to accommodate your requested schedule changes based on enrollment and the director’s discretion.
We can be reached at (262)242- KIDS (5437) during school hours. We have two emergency contact people available within 5 minutes. Their numbers are posted in the office.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
MJP will be closed for the Jewish Holidays of: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Pesach, and Shavuot, when they fall out on a weekday.
We will be closed on Thanksgiving, Presidents Day and Memorial Day weekends. All closings will be posted in the school calendar.
We will be closed for a day of teacher training as marked on the school calendar.
We have a break in the winter and spring. We provide a school calendar at the beginning of the year with all the dates when school is closed.
We follow the Mequon-Thiensville School District for closings due to weather conditions. We will send an email to notify all parents. In addition, we will post it on Channels 4, 6, and 12 school closing sites.
FIELD TRIP POLICIES
Whenever children are transported by vehicle on field trips:
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
We have a plan posted in the classroom, which explains actions to be taken and the staff responsibilities in the case of fire emergency and weather alerts. Diagrams showing evacuation plans and routes are posted and visible.
In the event of severe weather children will be kept in a safe part of the facility. In the case of a tornado, children will be evacuated with their teacher to the tornado shelters that are designated for each classroom and blankets and a weather radio will be available.
When there is bad weather and children are in preschool, parents should please wait for us to notify them about the situation with their children. We will email or call parents as soon as things are safe and children are protected.
In case of fire, G-d forbid, a fire alarm will be sounded and children will be led by a teacher out of the building through the primary exit. If it is blocked they will leave through the secondary exit. Fire drills will be held monthly to ensure that the children and staff are familiar with evacuation procedures. A record of fire drills is available at the center.
In case of a loss of building services, parents will be notified to pick up their children and our center will close.
If we need to evacuate the building for any reason, we will walk the children to a safe place. If we are able to exit through the front entrance, we will go to the Rabbi’s home (2323 W Mequon Road) If we must exit through the rear, we will walk to Crown Court Properties (2233 W Mequon Road). For students unable to walk, we have strollers and many staff who could carry the children if needed. Parents will be informed of when and where to pick up their children via email.
In case of a need to shelter-in-place or a lockdown, G-d forbid, the children will be evacuated with their teacher to the tornado shelters that are designated for each classroom. Faculty will be notified via the faculty WhatsApp chat if this need arises.
If a child is lost or missing, the authorities will be notified immediately and the parents will be called.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Our school is equipped with a first aid kit to be used in the event of a minor accident. Parents will be informed of even the most minor accident. Scrapes and cuts are washed with soap and water. Ice is applied to bumps.
We will have a medical log book containing entries of any injuries and/or medication/creams that may have been used. The program director will enter the information in the book, according to state guidelines. We also fill out a “Hurts and Hugs” form for parents to take home. This will have the details of the event of the injury.
In the event of a medical emergency or accident we reserve the right to call 911 and we will make every reasonable attempt to follow the parental directions on the enrollment form. If a hospital is needed we will take children to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Every attempt will be made to inform parents immediately.
In the event that a child needs emergency transportation, an ambulance will be called.
In accordance with state laws, a staff member will immediately notify local public children services when the staff member suspects that the child has been abused or neglected. The information will be entered in the medical log book.
Children enrolled in MJP are covered by the center’s liability insurance while they are in the program.
The inside temperature is set for 70 degrees and will be adjusted according to the comfort of the children.
We do not have provisions to take children swimming.
Cleanliness is of utmost importance to us, therefore the facility will be cleaned continuously as needed. After completing activities, children are encouraged to help clean up and put things in their proper places. The toys that are used in the facility will be sanitized every week. Mouthed toys are sanitized.
We take all precautions to make sure that everything is done in the most sanitary manner. We follow universal precautions regarding bodily fluids. Should a staff member handle bodily fluids (including diarrhea), they will do it with disposable gloves which will be sealed in a separate bag, then disposed of in a sealed garbage can. If an area of the facility is soiled, it will immediately be cleaned with a safe, non-toxic cleaner that will disinfect the area.
Staff and children must wash their hands before and after eating, after playtime or activities, and after wiping noses. Staff members will use plastic gloves while changing diapers, and diapers will be disposed of in a foot activated, covered container. Diaper changing cleanup will include a two-step process. After diaper changing or using the bathroom, staff and children must wash hands with soap and water.
MISCELLANEOUS
PETS
As of now, Mequon Jewish Preschool does not have any pets. If we should decide to have a pet, parents will be notified.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Birthday parties are an important part of our life in MJP. We celebrate as a community and base our celebrations on values like a sense of togetherness, otherness and uniqueness. All the preparations are done with the children and it is a representation of special friendship.
In addition, at Mequon Jewish Preschool, we are happy to hand out invitations for children’s birthday parties that take place out of school if only kosher food is served and they do not take place on Shabbat or Jewish holidays. It would be our honor and pleasure to assist you with obtaining Kosher food.
MEALS AND SNACKS
We take pride in providing our children with nutritious, kosher snacks and meals.
We serve breakfast at approximately 9:30, which consists of a whole grain rich cereal, milk and fruit. Our lunches, served at 11:30, consist of at least one food from each food component: grain, meat,vegetable and fruit. On days lunch is not prepared in the meat kitchen, 1-year-olds will receive whole milk and other students will receive 1% or skim milk. . An afternoon snack is served when the children wake up from naptime with two different meal components .
We joined the CACFP, Child and Adult Care Food Program, a program that provides healthy meals and snacks to children with the common goal of providing nutritious meals and snacks to participants.
The U.S Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
All food is prepared at our facility, and the cook will follow the proper guidelines in food preparation. The cook will receive 4 hours of annual training in kitchen food preparation and sanitation.
Please let us know of any food allergies or food restrictions your child may have so that we can prepare the appropriate snacks and lunches. Children and adults are asked not to bring any food or drinks from home or stores into our facility unless it is preplanned with a staff person.
For specific meal information, please see our menu posted in the school and on our website.
At MJP, we see meal time as another important learning experience. Children will be guided in manners and eating habits. Before eating, children will participate in preparation for lunch. Children will help with bringing things to the table, and later will be part of bringing things back to their proper place. Blessings related to food are part of the meals, and the teachers and children sit together and interact with each other during the meal.
Communication and Social Skills
At MJP we know that the early years are the time when and where children acquire the social-emotional codes of behaviors and ethics. We invest our energy in seeing children’s behaviors as their way to understand the world they live in, and we use those behaviors as opportunities for learning about what is appropriate and what is not, what would be alternative ways of communication, and how could I (the child) explain myself to my friends. We see it as a coherent part of our curriculum.
We set developmentally appropriate goals for children and meet every child where he or she is at.
We believe in reciprocal dialogue when we see positive choices or less appropriate choices. We instill dialogue skills and make them an important part of our curriculum.
We set boundaries that are clear and connected to the social context, and we always talk with the child or children about the alternative after the boundary was set.
When needed, a teacher might take the child to a quiet place to sit together in order to understand what has happened, why and how it could be resolved.
We do not isolate a child, or leave him or her alone. We never use attractive things as a threat or bribery, as we believe in children and seeing them as our partners to the quality of our life in the class and the school.
POLICIES REGARDING ILLNESS
The following rules were established after consulting with a pediatrician to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the children attending MJP.
When to Keep Your Children Home
The MJP Staff looks forward to welcoming your child/ren each morning. However it is important to send children to school when they are healthy and feeling well.
If your child has an illness that prevents him or her from participating comfortably in our program activities, or an illness that results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children, please be considerate and keep your child home.
Each child is unique and has individual needs, here are some guidelines that may help you decide if your child is too ill to attend preschool:
1. Temperature
Temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Child can return after 24 hours with no fever without acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
2. Headache
Persistent or severe enough to limit activity. If prolonged and persistent, medical evaluation is recommended.
In the case of persistent headaches, unrelieved by over-the-counter or prescription medication, limiting activity, child should stay home and may require medical follow-up.
3. Vomiting
Child should be kept home until he/she has been 24 hours without vomiting and is tolerating solids and fluids.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is usually very contagious. A child should be kept home until having had a normal bowel movement.
5. Colds and Coughs
These are the most frequent problems and are contagious. A child should be kept home if a steady cough and/or heavy or colored nasal congestion is present.
6. Sore Throats
Seek medical evaluation if sore throat persists.
Not all sore throats are strep. If streptococcal infection is suspected, then a medical evaluation and throat culture to determine proper treatment is needed. Because strep infections are so contagious, it is required that the child stay home for 24 hours after antibiotic treatment is started.
7. Mouth Sores
If a child has mouth sores associated with drooling, the child should stay home unless the child’s physician has determined in writing that the child is noninfectious.
8. Rash
If a child has a rash with fever or behavioral change, the child should stay home until a physician has determined the illness is not communicable.
The child must stay home for the following common and contagious skin rashes and lesions: Impetigo, Ringworm, Chicken Pox, Fifth Disease, Measles, and Scarlet Fever.
9. Pain
If your child is having activity-limiting pain, they need to stay home.
10. Pink eye – Conjunctivitis
Pink or red eyes with white or yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep and eye pain, or redness of eyelids or skin surrounding the eye. Children should remain at home until examined by a physician and approved for readmission, with treatment.
If your child should develop any of the above signs and symptoms during school time, or if they are unable to participate comfortably in our program activities, the parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up.
All children’s health histories will be reviewed by the staff members that are responsible for the child during the day.
Children are required to stay out if they are sick unless you bring a note from your Doctor stating your child is not contagious.
At MJP, we will administer most medications with a signed consent form.
Staff members are required to come to school in good health. All staff members must complete a health form prior to starting work.
The enrollment/emergency authorization forms must be completed before children begin their first day. Medical forms to be filled out by a licensed physician must be on file no later than 30 days after the date of admission. Immunization history must also be on file no later than 30 days after the date of admission.
INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Prior to admission for infants and toddlers, MJP will conduct an interview with each family to set up an individualized program of care. The interview will include discussions about meals and feeding, timetable for new foods, toileting and diapering procedures, sleep and nap scheduling, child’s method of communication and comfort, and the child’s developmental and health history. Based on the information gathered in this interview, we will provide a developmentally appropriate program for your infant/toddler.
Admission information will be on file and known to child care providers. Child care providers will document changes in a child’s development and routines and communicate these to the parent.
Infants and toddlers will be fed on their own feeding schedule. Formula brought from home must be labeled with the child’s name and the date and will be refrigerated if required.
For nap time, children under the age of 2 will be put on their back to sleep. All staff will be trained in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) prior to starting work.
TUITION AND ENROLLMENT POLICIESWe are a full time facility, and children can enroll for up to five days a week. All children are welcome, including children with special needs. Tuition will be charged for the amount of days the child is enrolled.
Payment options will be listed on your "Tuition Statement and Agreement Form", which you receive after enrollment. This signed form, along with payment based on your tuition payment option is due on the date listed on the agreement form.. Any forms needed for your children will also be listed with dates due.
Tuition fees are available in the office. There is a non-refundable $125.00 registration fee to be sent in with the registration form for school year enrollment. No refund will be made to a parent that chooses to remove their child from the program.
Should a mutual decision between parents and school for a child to withdraw for reasons of behavior or illness, there will be a meeting with the parent and director to discuss how to best meet the needs of the child, and the unused portion of tuition will be refunded. Parents can discuss individual issues with the director and if necessary with the board of directors.
If a child poses an immediate threat to the health and welfare of the other children we reserve the right to discharge the child immediately.
SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING
For your child’s comfort, we ask that all families provide the following items to be kept at school:
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
We always welcome family members to volunteer. Examples of volunteer possibilities include doing a special project in the classroom, reading a story to a class, or sharing a unique talent or skill with the children. It is especially beneficial for your child when you are involved.
Parents and grandparents are welcome and encouraged to visit and participate in the preschool program at any time. Please notify us of your arrival and sign in at the front desk. Parents are also permitted access to all parts of the center during the pre-admission interview.
At the end of each day children will be released only to their parents or previously authorized adult. All requests for children to go with other adults or older siblings must be in writing. We require a photo ID from any non-parent who will pick up your child.
You will receive an annual school calendar and weekly newsletters to keep you posted on what is happening at MJP.
We feel that open communication between staff and parents is of utmost importance. You should feel free to contact the staff with any questions or concerns.
OUR LICENSE
MJP is a licensed Preschool. Our license, which was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, is posted in the lobby. The laws and rules governing child day care are available in our office for parental review at any time.
Our licensing record is available upon request from the Department of Health and Family Services. We do not discriminate in our enrollment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
We have a roster of names and phone numbers of parents or guardians of children attending our preschool, and it is available upon request. Parents have the option of omitting their names and numbers from this list.
Parental information is posted in the office and notices will be sent home with children. All private information of children is confidential and only accessible to the teacher and director.
We are licensed to serve a maximum of 50 children, ages 6 weeks through 12 years and our staff/ child ratio meets and exceeds the state guidelines. We are licensed to operate 12 months a year from 7:30 AM to 5 PM.
Your child’s first years are the most important years of his/her life. During these years the child establishes his/her sense of self. As teachers and parents, we are a team; we in school and you at home plant the seeds of their wellbeing and their core identity as Jews. At MJP we believe in joy as a value for life, encouraging all children to observe and experience the world around them and fostering expression in a variety of ways.
At MJP, your child develops a strong and confident Jewish identity through our daily life in the school. We approach every theme, Judaic or secular, with a wide range of experiences including art, movement, drama, cooking, building, and storytelling. Our goal is to provide an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, and confidence. We aim to nurture your child to be a lifelong learner and a researcher for life.
Our curriculum is an integration of structured themes and more emergent, spontaneous topics that could be brought by a child, a teacher, or a parent. Each theme has been designed to meet the changing developmental needs of each child in a caring and positive atmosphere. Activities emphasize the process rather than the product, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride. Based on the theory that children learn best through play, we encourage active involvement, discovery, and meaningful experimentation.
Parents are the most important figures in a child’s life and we welcome your involvement at MJP. We appreciate your support of, and involvement in MJP’s preschool program. Working together, we will create a foundation for learning, development, and curiosity that will benefit your child throughout his or her entire life.
We welcome ideas from you; we offer opportunities to participate in our different learning processes, and it is important for us that children will bring their home to school, and will take school to their home.
ABOUT MEQUON JEWISH PRESCHOOL
Located on the property of the Peltz Center for Jewish Life at 11112 N. Crown Court, MJP cares for children ages infant through five years. We can be reached by phone at (262) 242-KIDS (5437) or online at www.mequonjewishpreschool.org, and you can find us on Facebook.
Our Infant through K-4 program operates Monday through Friday from 7:30-5:00 PM. We offer a flexible schedule, providing several different programs to suit your specific needs. The basic preschool program has a half day option and a full day option. Half day is from 9:00 AM till 12:30 PM and full day is until 3:30 PM. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are part of our program and served daily. For those desiring additional care we also provide an early morning program from 7:30 AM until 9:00 AM, and an afternoon program from 3:30 PM until 5:00 PM. In the winter months we close early on Fridays. A Friday closing schedule can be obtained in the office.
In addition to our preschool program we have special child and family programs, including a weekly Shabbat Gathering each Friday that all children and families are invited to attend.
MJP features classrooms intentionally designed and arranged to exceed all state guidelines for preschool safety and to provide provocations for children to explore and learn. We are very proud of our beautiful facility and encourage families to visit often.
Weather permitting, the children enjoy the natural outdoors of our private grounds.
MJP is a non-profit organization with an administrator – director and a board of directors.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
~Dr. Naama Zoran, Educational Consultant
“Imagine you could open your eyes to see only the good
in every person, the positive in every circumstance,
and the opportunity in every challenge.”
~Rabbi M.M. Schneersohn
At MJP the above message is not just imagined but is lived every day, in every learning moment we have with children.
We believe that the most important role of school is to see children as active learners, and so, we see the curriculum as a place where teachers and children explore themes, concepts, ideas and experiences in all developmental domains.
The relationships between curriculum and learners are based on an ongoing dialogue and rapport between children’s natural interests, curiosity, and actions, and teachers’ curricular intentions. As we perceive children and teachers as researchers and deep thinkers, our curriculum enhances their mutual motivation to discover and construct knowledge in different ways. We perceive that any given moment in life contains the seed for a lifelong learning opportunity; whether it is the changing season, providing fertile opportunity for rich learning experiences, or Jewish heritage and culture that sets the ground for our teaching and learning of the values and the Torah messages.
Part of our vision about children and learning is connected to the concept of creativity. According to the Reggio Emilia approach, every person is creative and the creative potential is innate. We are creative when we CONNECT and CONSTRUCT knowledge.
This understanding influences our curriculum at MJP; in the way that we organize our learning environment, in the different materials and contents we offer, and especially in the varied ways we use to meet the individual learning styles. We believe that children are open to embrace, explore and capture all the academic disciplines from the first month of life, and our curriculum encompasses literacy, math, science, writing and pre-reading in natural seamless ways that nurture the potential of our children from birth.
Each year we plan and define our intentions for the year. Those intentions are actualized by wide range of themes that are being learned and taught, with all the skills that are connected to them and are organized around the following core areas:
Mequon Jewish Preschool Curriculum Overview
Jewish Culture and Heritage with Connection to Israel:
- A connection to and love of Torah
- Prayer
- Jewish Holidays and Mitzvot as part of our conduct
- A connection to and love of Israel
- Hebrew Language
- Getting to know myself
- The awareness of being unique, intertwined with being with others
- The uniqueness of my family
- The connections between us and the world around us
- Social Skills
- Relationships with others
- Celebrating the uniqueness of others
- Academics
- Recognizing the potential for emergent and integrated literacy, science, math skills and social studies in everyday learning experiences.
- Using books as a resource for enrichment, and expanding the views on the world around us.
- Learning how to ask meaningful questions, how to research for deeper understandings and broader knowledge, and how to use many opportunities as resources.
- Responsibility
- Towards our environment
- Taking an active role in our personal and communal life and experiences
- Taking responsibility for the things one does.
- Expressive venues to explorative learning: Art, Music, Drama
- Music /Movement– Exposure to musical instruments, experimentation with rhythm and song and dance
- Creative Art- Freedom to experiment with a variety of art materials with an emphasis on the natural and recycled mediums
- Drama- Supporting children in their processes to better understand different situations in their life and how to process and solve them effectively.
REST PERIODS
All children who participate in afternoon activities shall have a nap or rest period. The rest period is for 30 minutes. For children whose rest period is longer than 30 minutes, they will continue their rest based on the child’s individual needs and teacher and parent communication.
The preschool will provide each child with a crib, cot, or mat.
Families must provide a blanket, sheet, pillow, etc.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES
ARRIVAL: We look forward to greeting children at the time they are registered to begin. If you arrive before this time, children are welcome to wait with you in the front lobby until it is time for them to start school.
If your child will be out, please let us know by 9:00AM, by filling out the absence form on the MJP website mequonjewishpreschool.org
If we have not heard from you and your child has not arrived by 10:00 A.M., the school will call your home.
DISMISSAL: Children should be picked up by the time they are registered to leave. If you are delayed, please call us and we will accommodate them in our PM Club until you arrive at our posted rates, which are available in the office.
At the end of your child’s daily stay, s/he will be dismissed only to a parent or previously designated adult.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
PERMANENT SCHEDULE CHANGES: We understand that as your child grows, their preschool schedule may need to change. To apply for a permanent change to your child's schedule during the year, we invite you to talk with us in the office or to fill out our online form at http://www.mequonjewishpreschool.org/add-on-days.html
ADD-ON DAYS: In our interest to accommodate the unexpected, you are welcome to apply for add-on days as needed throughout the year. Fill out the online form at http://www.mequonjewishpreschool.org/add-on-days.html at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will still be charged.
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER: For families enrolled less than 5 days per week during September and October: as a courtesy, when there is no school for a Jewish Holiday on a day your child is normally enrolled, you may apply for a day switch within the same week. Please let us know in writing, before school starts, if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity and which days you would like to attend.
Please note: There are no refunds or credits for non-attendance for any reason including for vacations or illness.
We will do our best to accommodate your requested schedule changes based on enrollment and the director’s discretion.
We can be reached at (262)242- KIDS (5437) during school hours. We have two emergency contact people available within 5 minutes. Their numbers are posted in the office.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
MJP will be closed for the Jewish Holidays of: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Pesach, and Shavuot, when they fall out on a weekday.
We will be closed on Thanksgiving, Presidents Day and Memorial Day weekends. All closings will be posted in the school calendar.
We will be closed for a day of teacher training as marked on the school calendar.
We have a break in the winter and spring. We provide a school calendar at the beginning of the year with all the dates when school is closed.
We follow the Mequon-Thiensville School District for closings due to weather conditions. We will send an email to notify all parents. In addition, we will post it on Channels 4, 6, and 12 school closing sites.
FIELD TRIP POLICIES
Whenever children are transported by vehicle on field trips:
- There will always be a first aid kit, and a person trained in first aid.
- Each child will have identification attached to him /herself containing the child’s name and MJP’s name, address, and telephone number.
- Written permission is needed from parents prior to each and every field trip including the child’s name, destination, signature, date parent signed, and date of the field trip.
- Emergency transportation authorization and health records are taken on all field trips.
- Should any accident or injury occur we will complete an incident report and notify the parents if it is serious or it is a head injury. One copy will be kept on file and another given to the parent that day.
- One adult will help children out of the car and give them to the designated teacher or parent volunteer with the class roster on a clipboard. When all children have exited the vehicle, one adult will walk through to make sure everyone has exited. This procedure will also be followed when returning to the center.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
We have a plan posted in the classroom, which explains actions to be taken and the staff responsibilities in the case of fire emergency and weather alerts. Diagrams showing evacuation plans and routes are posted and visible.
In the event of severe weather children will be kept in a safe part of the facility. In the case of a tornado, children will be evacuated with their teacher to the tornado shelters that are designated for each classroom and blankets and a weather radio will be available.
When there is bad weather and children are in preschool, parents should please wait for us to notify them about the situation with their children. We will email or call parents as soon as things are safe and children are protected.
In case of fire, G-d forbid, a fire alarm will be sounded and children will be led by a teacher out of the building through the primary exit. If it is blocked they will leave through the secondary exit. Fire drills will be held monthly to ensure that the children and staff are familiar with evacuation procedures. A record of fire drills is available at the center.
In case of a loss of building services, parents will be notified to pick up their children and our center will close.
If we need to evacuate the building for any reason, we will walk the children to a safe place. If we are able to exit through the front entrance, we will go to the Rabbi’s home (2323 W Mequon Road) If we must exit through the rear, we will walk to Crown Court Properties (2233 W Mequon Road). For students unable to walk, we have strollers and many staff who could carry the children if needed. Parents will be informed of when and where to pick up their children via email.
In case of a need to shelter-in-place or a lockdown, G-d forbid, the children will be evacuated with their teacher to the tornado shelters that are designated for each classroom. Faculty will be notified via the faculty WhatsApp chat if this need arises.
If a child is lost or missing, the authorities will be notified immediately and the parents will be called.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Our school is equipped with a first aid kit to be used in the event of a minor accident. Parents will be informed of even the most minor accident. Scrapes and cuts are washed with soap and water. Ice is applied to bumps.
We will have a medical log book containing entries of any injuries and/or medication/creams that may have been used. The program director will enter the information in the book, according to state guidelines. We also fill out a “Hurts and Hugs” form for parents to take home. This will have the details of the event of the injury.
In the event of a medical emergency or accident we reserve the right to call 911 and we will make every reasonable attempt to follow the parental directions on the enrollment form. If a hospital is needed we will take children to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Every attempt will be made to inform parents immediately.
In the event that a child needs emergency transportation, an ambulance will be called.
In accordance with state laws, a staff member will immediately notify local public children services when the staff member suspects that the child has been abused or neglected. The information will be entered in the medical log book.
Children enrolled in MJP are covered by the center’s liability insurance while they are in the program.
The inside temperature is set for 70 degrees and will be adjusted according to the comfort of the children.
We do not have provisions to take children swimming.
Cleanliness is of utmost importance to us, therefore the facility will be cleaned continuously as needed. After completing activities, children are encouraged to help clean up and put things in their proper places. The toys that are used in the facility will be sanitized every week. Mouthed toys are sanitized.
We take all precautions to make sure that everything is done in the most sanitary manner. We follow universal precautions regarding bodily fluids. Should a staff member handle bodily fluids (including diarrhea), they will do it with disposable gloves which will be sealed in a separate bag, then disposed of in a sealed garbage can. If an area of the facility is soiled, it will immediately be cleaned with a safe, non-toxic cleaner that will disinfect the area.
Staff and children must wash their hands before and after eating, after playtime or activities, and after wiping noses. Staff members will use plastic gloves while changing diapers, and diapers will be disposed of in a foot activated, covered container. Diaper changing cleanup will include a two-step process. After diaper changing or using the bathroom, staff and children must wash hands with soap and water.
MISCELLANEOUS
PETS
As of now, Mequon Jewish Preschool does not have any pets. If we should decide to have a pet, parents will be notified.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Birthday parties are an important part of our life in MJP. We celebrate as a community and base our celebrations on values like a sense of togetherness, otherness and uniqueness. All the preparations are done with the children and it is a representation of special friendship.
In addition, at Mequon Jewish Preschool, we are happy to hand out invitations for children’s birthday parties that take place out of school if only kosher food is served and they do not take place on Shabbat or Jewish holidays. It would be our honor and pleasure to assist you with obtaining Kosher food.
MEALS AND SNACKS
We take pride in providing our children with nutritious, kosher snacks and meals.
We serve breakfast at approximately 9:30, which consists of a whole grain rich cereal, milk and fruit. Our lunches, served at 11:30, consist of at least one food from each food component: grain, meat,vegetable and fruit. On days lunch is not prepared in the meat kitchen, 1-year-olds will receive whole milk and other students will receive 1% or skim milk. . An afternoon snack is served when the children wake up from naptime with two different meal components .
We joined the CACFP, Child and Adult Care Food Program, a program that provides healthy meals and snacks to children with the common goal of providing nutritious meals and snacks to participants.
The U.S Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
All food is prepared at our facility, and the cook will follow the proper guidelines in food preparation. The cook will receive 4 hours of annual training in kitchen food preparation and sanitation.
Please let us know of any food allergies or food restrictions your child may have so that we can prepare the appropriate snacks and lunches. Children and adults are asked not to bring any food or drinks from home or stores into our facility unless it is preplanned with a staff person.
For specific meal information, please see our menu posted in the school and on our website.
At MJP, we see meal time as another important learning experience. Children will be guided in manners and eating habits. Before eating, children will participate in preparation for lunch. Children will help with bringing things to the table, and later will be part of bringing things back to their proper place. Blessings related to food are part of the meals, and the teachers and children sit together and interact with each other during the meal.
Communication and Social Skills
At MJP we know that the early years are the time when and where children acquire the social-emotional codes of behaviors and ethics. We invest our energy in seeing children’s behaviors as their way to understand the world they live in, and we use those behaviors as opportunities for learning about what is appropriate and what is not, what would be alternative ways of communication, and how could I (the child) explain myself to my friends. We see it as a coherent part of our curriculum.
We set developmentally appropriate goals for children and meet every child where he or she is at.
We believe in reciprocal dialogue when we see positive choices or less appropriate choices. We instill dialogue skills and make them an important part of our curriculum.
We set boundaries that are clear and connected to the social context, and we always talk with the child or children about the alternative after the boundary was set.
When needed, a teacher might take the child to a quiet place to sit together in order to understand what has happened, why and how it could be resolved.
We do not isolate a child, or leave him or her alone. We never use attractive things as a threat or bribery, as we believe in children and seeing them as our partners to the quality of our life in the class and the school.
POLICIES REGARDING ILLNESS
The following rules were established after consulting with a pediatrician to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the children attending MJP.
When to Keep Your Children Home
The MJP Staff looks forward to welcoming your child/ren each morning. However it is important to send children to school when they are healthy and feeling well.
If your child has an illness that prevents him or her from participating comfortably in our program activities, or an illness that results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children, please be considerate and keep your child home.
Each child is unique and has individual needs, here are some guidelines that may help you decide if your child is too ill to attend preschool:
1. Temperature
Temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Child can return after 24 hours with no fever without acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
2. Headache
Persistent or severe enough to limit activity. If prolonged and persistent, medical evaluation is recommended.
In the case of persistent headaches, unrelieved by over-the-counter or prescription medication, limiting activity, child should stay home and may require medical follow-up.
3. Vomiting
Child should be kept home until he/she has been 24 hours without vomiting and is tolerating solids and fluids.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is usually very contagious. A child should be kept home until having had a normal bowel movement.
5. Colds and Coughs
These are the most frequent problems and are contagious. A child should be kept home if a steady cough and/or heavy or colored nasal congestion is present.
6. Sore Throats
Seek medical evaluation if sore throat persists.
Not all sore throats are strep. If streptococcal infection is suspected, then a medical evaluation and throat culture to determine proper treatment is needed. Because strep infections are so contagious, it is required that the child stay home for 24 hours after antibiotic treatment is started.
7. Mouth Sores
If a child has mouth sores associated with drooling, the child should stay home unless the child’s physician has determined in writing that the child is noninfectious.
8. Rash
If a child has a rash with fever or behavioral change, the child should stay home until a physician has determined the illness is not communicable.
The child must stay home for the following common and contagious skin rashes and lesions: Impetigo, Ringworm, Chicken Pox, Fifth Disease, Measles, and Scarlet Fever.
9. Pain
If your child is having activity-limiting pain, they need to stay home.
10. Pink eye – Conjunctivitis
Pink or red eyes with white or yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep and eye pain, or redness of eyelids or skin surrounding the eye. Children should remain at home until examined by a physician and approved for readmission, with treatment.
If your child should develop any of the above signs and symptoms during school time, or if they are unable to participate comfortably in our program activities, the parent/guardian will be contacted to pick them up.
All children’s health histories will be reviewed by the staff members that are responsible for the child during the day.
Children are required to stay out if they are sick unless you bring a note from your Doctor stating your child is not contagious.
At MJP, we will administer most medications with a signed consent form.
Staff members are required to come to school in good health. All staff members must complete a health form prior to starting work.
The enrollment/emergency authorization forms must be completed before children begin their first day. Medical forms to be filled out by a licensed physician must be on file no later than 30 days after the date of admission. Immunization history must also be on file no later than 30 days after the date of admission.
INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Prior to admission for infants and toddlers, MJP will conduct an interview with each family to set up an individualized program of care. The interview will include discussions about meals and feeding, timetable for new foods, toileting and diapering procedures, sleep and nap scheduling, child’s method of communication and comfort, and the child’s developmental and health history. Based on the information gathered in this interview, we will provide a developmentally appropriate program for your infant/toddler.
Admission information will be on file and known to child care providers. Child care providers will document changes in a child’s development and routines and communicate these to the parent.
Infants and toddlers will be fed on their own feeding schedule. Formula brought from home must be labeled with the child’s name and the date and will be refrigerated if required.
For nap time, children under the age of 2 will be put on their back to sleep. All staff will be trained in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) prior to starting work.
TUITION AND ENROLLMENT POLICIESWe are a full time facility, and children can enroll for up to five days a week. All children are welcome, including children with special needs. Tuition will be charged for the amount of days the child is enrolled.
Payment options will be listed on your "Tuition Statement and Agreement Form", which you receive after enrollment. This signed form, along with payment based on your tuition payment option is due on the date listed on the agreement form.. Any forms needed for your children will also be listed with dates due.
Tuition fees are available in the office. There is a non-refundable $125.00 registration fee to be sent in with the registration form for school year enrollment. No refund will be made to a parent that chooses to remove their child from the program.
Should a mutual decision between parents and school for a child to withdraw for reasons of behavior or illness, there will be a meeting with the parent and director to discuss how to best meet the needs of the child, and the unused portion of tuition will be refunded. Parents can discuss individual issues with the director and if necessary with the board of directors.
If a child poses an immediate threat to the health and welfare of the other children we reserve the right to discharge the child immediately.
SUPPLIES AND CLOTHING
For your child’s comfort, we ask that all families provide the following items to be kept at school:
- An extra set of clothing including a top, bottoms, undergarments, and socks. If your child needs a clothing item and does not have his or her own available, the school will supply that item for the child. Please return all borrowed clothing laundered within 48 hours.
- During the winter months we request that all children have full winter apparel available at school every day. This includes a coat, snow pants/snowsuit, mittens, hat, scarf, and boots. Children will play outside each day that the temperature is above 0 degree (windchill) for ages 2 and older, and above 20 degrees (windchill) for students in the infant and toddler classes.
- If your child is not potty trained, please provide plenty of diapers and wipes to keep on hand. Teachers will inform parents as to when children have been diapered during the school day.
- Children staying for afternoon care will need a pillow, blanket, and sheet for rest and relaxation time. Children are also invited to bring a lovey - a favorite cuddly toy, stuffed animal, etc.
- Additional for infants:
- Crib Size sheets to fit snuggly
- Burp cloth
- Sleep sack
- Formula or breast milk (labeled with name and date)
- Baby food if needed
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
We always welcome family members to volunteer. Examples of volunteer possibilities include doing a special project in the classroom, reading a story to a class, or sharing a unique talent or skill with the children. It is especially beneficial for your child when you are involved.
Parents and grandparents are welcome and encouraged to visit and participate in the preschool program at any time. Please notify us of your arrival and sign in at the front desk. Parents are also permitted access to all parts of the center during the pre-admission interview.
At the end of each day children will be released only to their parents or previously authorized adult. All requests for children to go with other adults or older siblings must be in writing. We require a photo ID from any non-parent who will pick up your child.
You will receive an annual school calendar and weekly newsletters to keep you posted on what is happening at MJP.
We feel that open communication between staff and parents is of utmost importance. You should feel free to contact the staff with any questions or concerns.
OUR LICENSE
MJP is a licensed Preschool. Our license, which was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, is posted in the lobby. The laws and rules governing child day care are available in our office for parental review at any time.
Our licensing record is available upon request from the Department of Health and Family Services. We do not discriminate in our enrollment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
We have a roster of names and phone numbers of parents or guardians of children attending our preschool, and it is available upon request. Parents have the option of omitting their names and numbers from this list.
Parental information is posted in the office and notices will be sent home with children. All private information of children is confidential and only accessible to the teacher and director.
We are licensed to serve a maximum of 50 children, ages 6 weeks through 12 years and our staff/ child ratio meets and exceeds the state guidelines. We are licensed to operate 12 months a year from 7:30 AM to 5 PM.