Montessori Ivy League Parent’s Handbook
Montessori Ivy League is a progressive school that is the legacy of a long and proud tradition of thoughtful school practice of Maria Montessori stretching back since 1907. We offer a variety of programs and summer school. Montessori Ivy League is a non-denominational school that has classes for children from 12 months- 6 years of age.
Our school offers children progressive Montessori method of education, in beautifully prepared interior spaces, with inviting outdoor space, while seeking academic excellence naturally. We strive not only for academic excellence but also to create a sense of wonder as well for a lifelong love of learning, at the children’s own pace, in an authentic Montessori environment.
Montessori Ivy League School is based on the Proven Authentic Montessori Method, guided by a pre-planned written curriculum designed to be developmentally appropriate, in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Our curriculum is design to create balances between joyful scholarship, independent thinking and research, curiosity, creativity, and imagination. Please note that it is the parent’s responsibility to regularly check the handbook for updates.
Montessori Philosophy
The Montessori method arises from Dr. Montessori’s discovery of what she referred to as “the child’s true normal nature”. According to the Montessori method, when we give freedom to children in an environment prepared with materials designed for their self-directed learning activity, it sustains and supports their true natural way of being. It is an approach to educating children based on scientific research and experiences.
The teacher’s role is very different than a traditional school; in this method, the teacher observes the children occupied in activities that follow their own natural interests. This indirect teaching controls the environment, not the child. The teacher’s role includes experimental interactions with children, referred to as “lessons”. This method is mainly practical with young children, between the ages of 18 months to 6 years.
Angeline Stoll Lillard scientifically displayed in her book “Montessori: The Science behind the Genius” how modern science now has just caught up with Maria Montessori’s insight. She revealed that all children have innate inner directives from nature that guides their true normal development. And as the Montessori method respects individual choices of children to select their own activity, this allows children to follow their inner direction for self-directed learning.
Throughout her writings, Dr. Montessori placed a great emphasis on the three ideas: the Absorbent Mind, the Sensitive Periods of Development, and the Prepared Environments, in which children live, learn and work.
Shoes
Each child must wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Your child will not be allowed in school wearing flip-flops, clogs , or open-toed sandals, as many accidents may results in the playground.
Change of clothes
Please send a separate plastic baggie with a change of uniform for your child. Please be sure to put your child’s name on EACH piece of clothing and item. For your convenience, we will keep it ere. NOTE: we have limited cubby space, so please send small bags.
Lunch
A nutritious lunch can be purchased from us, or you may send a healthy lunch daily with your Child, in a clearly marked (with your child’s name) lunch box. Please note that we cannot heat the lunch.
Snacks
Two healthy snacks will be provided during the day.
Allergies
Please inform the office of ANY allergies your child may have and if they require special attention.
For children with significant allergies, it’s best to select a school that has a nurse on staff. As we currently don’t have a nurse on site, we believe our school may not be the most suitable option.
Medications
Medications can only be admnistrated by the parent or a designated person.
First Aid
For minor incidents (bumps, bruises, scratches), we have a First Aid Kit. Parents will be notified ither through a phone call and/or an accident report as to the incident. If an incident requiring Medical attention occurs, the child’s physician as well as a parent will be called.
Sick Policy
Children must remain at home and/or will be sent home for the following reasons:
- Runny noses and/or noses with yellow mucous
- Fever
- Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as uncontrolled coughing, inexplicable or persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing or other unusual signs for the child
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sores unless doctor’s note determines that child is not contagious
- Unexplained rashes
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) cannot return to school unless doctor’s note states child is no longer contagious
- Head Lice – child must remain at home until treated and nit free
Emergency Medical Attention
Montessori Ivy League, its staff and its representatives act as my/our agent in securing and providing any emergency medical and dental attention that may be necessary in the discretion of the School for the above named student during a period when the undersigned cannot be contacted by telephone. It is understood and accepted that in the course of normal activities, certain minor incidents might occur, such as, but not limited to biting, pushing, etc.
Toys
Please do not send toys from home. We will have specific show and tell days where your child can bring something of interest from home to share with the class.
Invitations
As a philosophy of all inclusiveness, we do not allow for parents to “hand-pick” classmates to be invited. We will try our best to accommodate our parents to send birthday invitations; however, the full class must be invited. Of course, you may invite selected students using your own resources from home.
Security
Some security features are as follows:
- Biometric security for all
- Array of security cameras
- Controlled egress for all our exit points, including all doors
- Fully wired security system and alarm
- FBI Background, fingerprint checks, and health screening for all our employees
- Due to safety concerns, flip flops, backless shoes, and jewelry are not allowed.
Important Messages
All important messages must be delivered to the Director in writing.
Fire Drills and Evacuation
Fire Drills will be held unannounced once a month. Children will learn the correct evacuation procedures should there ever be a need to evacuate the building.
Hurricane Procedures
We will close when a storm warning or watch are in effect for our area and an announcement has been made that all Broward county public schools are closed. If a storm warning or watch are announced during the school day, please pick up your child as soon as possible. The school will remain open until every child is picked up.
Routine & Schedule
The facility is open from 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Monday – Friday. The official start of the school day is 8:30 AM. We highly encourage our parents to instill good habits in children by being on time. However, we understand all children are individuals with different needs and strengths, so we provide flexibility to bring the child in a bit later. Below detailed is an average school day,however; slight changes will occur during various times of the year.
Our program offers our young children in their sensitive period a unique year of self-development in a tender, loving atmosphere of special understanding, respect, and support. Since this is an age of very strong imitations, all our teachers regularly model appropriate social skills, consideration for others, and good manners.
The recess outdoor time will vary slightly for the younger toddlers.
