Parent Handbook
8 Weeks – Pre-K
Early Childhood
Programs For Children 8 weeks Through Pre-K
Monday through Friday 7:30 am-5:15 pm 5:15-6 pm late day option for additional fee
We welcome you and your child to the Mandel Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood program. To ensure that your child will realize the maximum benefits of our program, please familiarize yourself with our goals, procedures, policies and educational philosophy.
Please read your Parent Handbook carefully and keep it handy for reference during the school year. Your acknowledgment at end is a binding agreement.
We look forward to a wonderful year with your child.
216-831-7799 www.mandeljcc.org
Vision Statement
The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center is committed to excellence in Early Care and Education. Our program is inspired by Jewish traditions and values, strengthened by active parent involvement and guided by a dedicated team of early childhood professionals. Teachers build trusting relationships that support each child’s individuality, creativity and potential to learn. Classroom environments provide sacred spaces for children to explore and discover on their own and within a group. Children, teachers and parents represent a diverse community with a school program that is committed to enriching everyday living and learning.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is built on our image of the child as a competent and capable individual with the potential to construct his or her own knowledge about the world in which we live. We are guided by developmentally appropriate practices and believe that it is through the passionate pursuit of play that children focus on their interests and make meaning of the world. We utilize the Creative Curriculum.
Constructivism and emergent curriculum, together with Jewish values, provide the core principles of our approach to early childhood education. Constructivism asserts that children create knowledge and internalize values as a result of interacting with their physical and social world.
Emergent curriculum builds on the interests of the children and is guided by the teacher’s deep knowledge of child development. Literacy, science and mathematical concepts are woven into the natural work of the classroom.
Jewish values include concepts of respect, honoring others and taking care of our community and environment. We reflect Jewish culture by integrating values, traditions and customs into the curriculum through music, language, literature, expressive arts, cooking and play.
Conscious Discipline Philosophy
Conscious Discipline is a social and emotional philosophy that provides the insights to increase a teacher’s skill set for self-management and classroom leadership. Conscious Discipline provides a relationshipbased model of classroom management with the “school family” being at the core of the program. In turn, this creates the school culture upon which all subsequent learning is built.
Conscious Discipline is built on the following three premises:
• Adult self-awareness and adult emotional intelligence has a profound impact on others.
• Conflict is an opportunity to teach.
• Connectedness governs behavior.
Program Descriptions
Early Childhood Classes
Infant and Toddler Care
Warm and nurturing environments provide quality full time care for infants and toddlers. Teacher/child ratios are low to support individualized care.
Classes for Three’s and Pre-K
Classroom experiences help children forge independence, develop friendships, and enhance skill development. They are structured to meet the needs of the individual as well as the group at large. Literacy-rich environments encourage children to develop language skills at their own pace. Art and music are integrated into the daily routines. Children are introduced to Jewish customs and traditions through songs, stories and other hands-on learning. A thoughtful rich school experience helps children acquire valuable skills that will assist them now and in the years to follow, and help them to develop a natural love of learning.
Additional Spaces and Specials
In addition to their classrooms, all children have the opportunity to spend time in The J’s various outdoor spaces and in the Studio. Children in our Toddler and Preschool programs visit the gym often for gross motor activities. During their time in our program, all children will spend time interacting with a movement specialist. Children in the Threes and Pre-K classes will also participate in weekly instructional swim lessons.
Operations
The Mandel JCC provides care and education for children year-round.
Academic Program
The academic program reflects the formality of traditional school. The following approaches to learning comprise the academic curriculum:
• Child-centered learning
• Teacher-directed experiences
• Emergent learning
• Project learning
• Enrichment experiences in the following areas:
– Gardening
– Music
– Art and Materials Exploration
– Swimming
– Movement/Dance
– Community Shabbat
Licensing
The facility is licensed to operate legally by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) as well as being a Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) Gold which is the highest quality rating awarded to programs that exceed licensing health and safety regulations.
The administrator and each employee of the facility is required, under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, ORC, to report their suspicions of child abuse or child neglect to the local public children’s services agency.
Any parent, custodian or guardian of a child enrolled in the facility shall be permitted access to the facility during all hours of operation for the purpose of contacting their children, evaluating the care provided by the facility or evaluating the premises. Upon entering the premises, the parent or guardian shall notify the Administrator of his/her presence.
Rosters of the names, telephone numbers and addresses of the parents or guardians of children attending the facility are available upon request. The parent roster will not include the name, telephone number or address of any parent who requests that his/her name or telephone number not be included.
The licensing inspection reports and complaint investigation reports, for the current licensing period, are posted on the bulletin board in the EC Office.
The licensing record including compliance report forms, complaint investigation reports, and evaluation forms from the building and fire departments are available for review upon request from DCY.
It is unlawful for the facility to discriminate in the enrollment of children upon the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin or disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 104 Stat. 32, 42 U.S.C.12101 et seq.
Admissions & Registration
Admission Procedure
Fees and Billing Information
The Mandel JCC is a nonprofit social service agency. Our fees and annual increases cover the costs to operate an excellent and safe program for young children. The fees take into consideration absences, building closures, holidays, vacations and snow days, etc. There are no fee adjustments for these closings or for family vacations.
Membership Rate
Early Childhood families qualify for a special discounted Frequent Family membership. This special rate requires an annual membership commitment and families must have a current membership throughout the year. For information about Frequent Family membership, please contact the Membership Desk at 216-831-0700, ext 0.
Annual Agreement - Payment Plans
The Mandel JCC offers families payment plans to cover the cost of tuition. A family must remain current with their payment plan to maintain a child in the program. Delinquent accounts may result in a child’s dismissal.
Health and Medical Forms
Each child must have the following signed forms in his/her file by the time of entry and annually thereafter:
A medical exam form signed by a physician or nurse practitioner within 30 days of the child’s date of admission.
An Enrollment Form must be in the child’s records for the first day of attendance.
An administration of medication form and health care plan signed and dated by a physician for children who need medicine, vitamins or adhere to a special diet. If a child requires medication that is formally documented, the medication must be available at the center by the time the child begins school.
Chapter 5104 of the Ohio Revised Code and Rule 5101:2-12-36 of the Ohio Administrative Code: “No medication, vitamin or special diet can be administered unless instructions to administer such items are written, signed and dated by a licensed physician and are prescribed for a specific child.”
Immunization Policy
The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center, as required by the OAC 5101:2-12-15 and in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, requires that all children enrolled in our program are immunized.
The immunization record must be documented on the Child Medical Statement for Child Care form (DCY 01305). This form must be completed annually and all immunizations must be kept current.
Policies & Procedures
Toilet Mastery
Children must have achieved toilet mastery to be admitted to the 3’s and Pre-K program. Pull-ups are permitted for nap times. Toilet mastery is not required for the Toddler care program.
Arrival/Departure
A child WILL NOT be released to anyone other than a parent without permission from the parent. A picture I.D. is required. Parents are expected to adhere to the regular program end time of 5:15 PM. For an additional charge, extended care is available for families until 6pm.
Families will be charged $5 per minute for late pick up – regardless of the reason. This late fee will be charged to your credit card on file.
Absences
Attendance is taken daily to verify your child’s presence. Please use the Kaymbu app to notify your teacher in case your child will not be in school.
Meals and Snacks
For children that arrive prior to 8:15am, we offer breakfast in the oldest infant, toddler and preschool rooms. Families must provide a packed lunch each day for their children. The lunch does not need to be kosher but must be nut-free. Snacks and milk are provided by the school. All food provided by the school is kosher and from a nut free plant. For infants, breastmilk or formula are provided by the families.
Kosher is the popular name for the Kashruth dietary laws, a discipline of the Jewish faith set forth in the Torah (old Testament). Any food provided by the Mandel JCC is kosher. The laws of Kashruth have enriched Jewish life and helped to preserve Jewish identify for thousands of years. Jewish dietary laws divide all food into three classifications:
• Those that are inherently kosher and may be eaten in their natural state: grains, fruit, vegetables, tea, coffee, etc.
• Those that require some form of processing to be kosher, such as meat or poultry.
• Those that are inherently not kosher: pork products, the meat from carnivorous animals and birds, shellfish and meat from fish without scales or fins.
Allergies
If your child suffers from any type of food allergy or food sensitivity, please inform the office and your child’s teachers. Additionally, a health care plan must be kept on file. Parents are responsible for providing any additional food substitutions necessary to complete child’s diet. There is no sharing of food that is brought from home.
We are a nut-aware facility. Please do not send any peanuts, nut butter or foods containing nuts to school. We will not do any classroom projects using peanuts or tree nuts. If your child eats peanut butter for breakfast, please make sure that his/her hands are washed with soap and water before leaving for school.
Birthdays
At school we honor and acknowledge children on their birthday. Each class expresses this differently. Your child’s teachers will share their class traditions with you. Check with a teacher prior to planning to bring something in. You will be guided on best practice for the specific room. We ask you to consult with your child’s teachers and come up with a mutually agreed upon plan.
Clothing
Please dress your child in appropriate school clothes. Clothes get dirty and occasionally torn at play. Comfortable clothes are usually the best choice. To promote independence, the clothes should fit freely and have easy fasteners.
Tennis shoes or rubber-soled shoes help a child feel secure in the gym or on the playground. A complete change of clothes should be kept at school. Please make sure each piece of clothing is clearly labeled with your child’s name. Extra shoes are helpful as well. Please label all items.
The Mandel JCC is not responsible for lost or misplaced toys, clothing, or personal property brought in or worn by your child. Should your child return home in JCC clothing (it will be labeled) please do your best to wash it and return it to the school asap.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play will be included in our program daily. We will limit the amount of time outside when the temperatures are very warm or very cold. Children will not be taken outside when the temperature (wind chill and heat index factored in) drop below 25 degrees or rise above 90 degrees. If the situation requires, we will also adjust outdoor time due to rain, threatening weather, ozone warnings, etc. On days that outdoor play is not provided due to these conditions, we will include a time for indoor gross motor activities. Please send
your children with the proper clothing so they may be comfortable and safe whenever we are outside. This includes the following:
Wintertime: Children should bring snow pants, boots, mittens and warm outer jackets to school every day.
Warmer Months: Lightweight jackets may be necessary. Sandals are unsafe for playing and outdoor climbing.
Diapering
Diapers for infants and toddlers are changed when wet or soiled OR every 2 hours. Families provide all diapers, wipes and diaper cream for their children.
Nap/Rest Time
In compliance with DCY licensing requirements, all children are provided with a quiet space for napping or resting in accordance with the developmental need of each child. They may nap for approximately 1-2.5 hours. If a child does not sleep, they are expected to rest and stay on their cot for the time frame their peers are napping, they may bring quiet activities or books to use during this nap time.
Accident and Emergency Procedures
The Mandel JCC has devised several procedures to follow if an emergency occurs while a child is in the center’s care. In the event of a fire or tornado, staff would follow the written instructions posted in each classroom describing emergency evacuation routes. In order to prepare children for the unlikely need to evacuate, the Mandel JCC conducts monthly fire drills and periodic tornado drills.
Should we need to evacuate due to fire or weather conditions, or the loss of power, heat or water to the center, the children will evacuate to a predetermined location. Parents will be notified as soon as safe to pick up their child.
In the unlikely event of other emergencies, our staff will secure the children in the safest possible location, coordinate with proper authorities and contact the parents.
In any event, an incident/injury report is provided to the parents on the day when an accident or injury occurs.
Swimming and Water Safety
Our Pre-K students swim weekly from the start of the school year, our 3’s begin swim weekly in January.
A permission slip must be signed by the parent/guardian in order for children to participate in activities in bodies of water two feet or more in depth. Children are supervised by Early Childhood staff along with Red Cross certified lifeguards and water safety instructors.
Reporting Abuse and Neglect
Our staff is trained to recognize child abuse and neglect. Under Section 2151.421 of the Ohio Revised Code, employees and administrators are required to report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect.
Screening and Assessments
The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center completes both screenings and assessments, and data is reported to DCY.
Data obtained from screenings and assessments may be used for other purposes such as supporting families in linking a child to additional resources such as for mental/behavioral health or to obtain an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Rosters
Rosters that include names, telephone numbers and addresses of parents of enrolled children are available upon request. Parents must notify the office by August 1 to opt out.
Custody of Children
If there is any type of custody agreement regarding a child in the school, it is the requirement of the parent to notify the school and provide the legal documentation.
School Closings
The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center strives to remain open despite inclement weather. We understand that the childcare services provided by our program are a necessity for many of our working families.
Extreme Cold
It is unusual for our program to close due to extreme cold since children are transported to and from school by a designated adult, not by school buses. A child’s attendance at school, especially in extreme weather conditions, is always at the parent’s discretion.
Weather Related Closings
If school is closed or there is a delayed start due to the weather, the information will be communicated to parents via text, Kaymbu, e-mail or by phone. Our school is also listed as “Mandel JCC – Beachwood” on WKYC, Channel 3 for any school closings.
Other Closings
The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center is closed for major Jewish and national holidays. A calendar is sent to all parents before the beginning of the school year and is subject to change. The Early Childhood program is also closed for Winter Break and Passover Break. The school calendar is subject to change.
Child Guidance and Management
The discipline approach at the Mandel JCC focuses on teaching children self-regulation through positive redirection and calm communication. Teachers provide safe alternatives and consistent support during challenges, while carefully managing transitions to help children navigate their day successfully.
If a child demonstrates behavior that requires frequent “extra attention” from a teacher or staff member, the following steps will be taken:
• Team teachers consult to identify and discuss the observed behaviors. Teachers will evaluate if the behaviors appear to be provoked by a person, place or situation.
• Teachers will communicate behavioral observations to parents through e-mails, telephone conferencing or face-to-face conference.
• Teachers and parents will collaborate on a plan of action including any individualized strategies or support.
• Teachers will document incidents of disruptive/defiant behavior and keep parents informed of a child’s progress.
Grounds for Potential Suspension
If behavioral improvement is not noted, the parents will conference with the school Director; the Director may encourage the family to seek outside professional assistance and ask that the child does not return to school until that assistance has been arranged.
Grounds for Potential Expulsion
Every attempt will be made to work collaboratively with the parents and children. However, when a child’s behavior becomes so disruptive that a staff member’s focused attention becomes consistently monopolized the child may be asked to leave the program. The safety and well-being of all our children is always our primary concern.
Parent Participation
Parents are encouraged to participate in school whenever possible.
Opportunities include:
• Parent education programs and social events
• Class socials
• School-wide programs and events
• Classroom helper/volunteer opportunities
Parent Conferences
Telephone conferences are held in the Fall. Annual in-person parent conferences are held in the winter. Parents are encouraged to raise concerns when they occur. We want to encourage and support a strong partnership between home and school. Your child’s teachers and the Director are available to discuss a child’s progress or needs at any time. Due to staff responsibilities and schedules, parents may be asked to make appointments with staff.
Safety and Illness
Communicable Disease Policy
The administrator will periodically review with all staff members the signs and symptoms of illness and proper handwashing and disinfecting procedures. This review will be given to each new employee and discussed at staff meetings.
No staff member will come to work if they exhibit signs of communicable disease or illness.
Parents of other children who have been exposed to a child who is ill will be notified by the office in writing.
Medication for any child will be administered only when a parent has filled out the Administration of Medication form and staff have been effectively trained on administering the medication.
Children who require vitamins or a special diet will need specific instructions, written, signed and dated by a physician.
Children will be isolated and a parent or legal guardian will be contacted for pick up for the following reasons: Diarrhea, severe coughing (such as whooping cough), yellow skin or eyes, conjunctivitis (redness of eye, discharge, matted eyelashes, burning, itching), 100.4 degree temperature, cough, new onset of a severe headache, new loss of smell and taste, signs of respiratory distress, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, infected skin patches, stiff neck, dark urine
or grey or white stool, sore throat, vomiting, nits, lice or scabies, or unusual rashes and rapid or difficulty breathing. Parents will be called for any of these symptoms and decisions regarding discharging a child will be determined by the administrator and coordinated with the parent.
Children will be re-admitted to the program when they have been fever-free (fever is 100.4º or higher) for 24 hours without the assistance of medication, not exhibiting signs of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours or have a note signed by their physician stating that they are no longer contagious.
The Communicable Disease Chart is in the office.
Mildly ill children will be observed within the group, and observed for worsening conditions. These symptoms may include muscle aches and pain, sore throat, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nasal congestion or a runny nose.
Jewish Content
The Mandel JCC offers a program that enhances a child’s view of Jewish identity. We do this through a variety of “hands- on” experiences, including weekly Shabbat celebrations and Jewish holiday explorations.
Children who are not Jewish are acknowledged for their beliefs, and can use their Mandel JCC experience to learn about other religions. Mutual respect and understanding are cornerstones for a successful future.
Our children enjoy regular class specials with our Jewish Life early childhood specialist to help them experience the holidays in an age appropriate manner.
The Jewish Holidays
Jewish holidays are based upon the lunar calendar. The year is 354 days and the months are Hebrew. This explains why the Jewish holidays do not fall in the same secular dates each year. Holidays begin at sunset prior to the first full day of the holiday and end at sunset.
Rosh Hashanah
(New Year)
The Jewish New year usually occurs in September or October. Unlike the secular New Year, this is a very holy time for the Jewish people. It is the beginning of a time of soul searching and self-evaluation when we are being judged by God. We wish each other a happy, healthy and sweet New Year and hope they will be written into the Book of Life. Symbolic foods are apples and honey for a sweet New Year and round challah to signify a crown like the kingship of God.
Jews go to the synagogue. Most Reform Jews celebrate for one day, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox Jews celebrate for two days.
Yom Kippur
(Day of Atonement)
The holiest day of the Jewish New Year is the Day of Judgment. This is a solemn day when we ask God for forgiveness for any wrong deeds that we may have done in the past year. Jews go to the synagogue and fast for the entire day to be able to focus on prayer and repentance.
Sukkot
(Feast of Booths)
This eight day festival has an agricultural and historical significance. Historically, it commemorates the wandering of the Jews in the desert after their Exodus from Egypt. They lived in temporary shelters – “Sukkah.” Agriculturally, it celebrates the last harvest of the year. Some people correlate it with Thanksgiving. Some families build a Sukkah at their home and eat meals in it. The Sukkah has an open roof so the stars can be seen.
Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret
During each Sabbath we read another section of the five books of Moses or the Torah. This holiday marks the completion of reading the Torah with the book of
Deuteronomy and the starting over with the beginning of Genesis.
Chanukah
The Hebrew word “Chanukah” means “dedication” to represent the rededication of the Holy Temple that was destroyed by the Greeks. The small army of Jews led by Judah Maccabee was victorious over the Greek armies and won the right to religious freedom. When the Temple was cleansed, oil was found and thought to be enough for only one day but a miracle happened and it lasted for eight days. Jews light the Chanukah menorah or “Chanukiyah,” the eight branched candelabra with a ninth candle called the shamash. Children play dreidel, which is a four-sided top, and the traditional food is potato latkes or pancakes and jelly donuts.
Tu B’Shevat
The Jewish Arbor Day. It is celebrated in the winter because in Israel spring is beginning.
Purim
Purim commemorates the bravery of Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai to save the Jewish people from destruction by the wicked Prime Minister Haman. This is a day of fun and merriment. There are carnivals and people dress in costumes. There is a custom of giving gifts called “mishloach manot.” We eat three cornered filled cookies called hamantaschen.
Pesach (Passover)
Passover marks the beginning of spring and commemorates the exodus of the Jews from the slavery of Egypt. It lasts eight days. The central celebration is the Seder, which means “order.” This is done at home around the dinner table and re-tells the exodus story in its entirety, which is written in the Haggadah. There are many symbolic foods of the events that occurred including matzah – unleavened bread. There are separate laws regarding Kashrut – the dietary laws for Passover.
Israel Independence Day
(Yom Ha’atzmaut)
Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Israel is the Jewish homeland where any Jew is welcome.
Shavuot
Shavuot celebrates the time when Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. We eat dairy foods and decorate the synagogue with flowers and greenery.
Shabbat
Shabbat is the weekly Jewish Sabbath that goes from sundown Friday until nightfall on Saturday. Shabbat commemorates that in the story of creation, God works for six days and on the seventh day He rested. On Shabbat we light candles, drink grape juice, and eat challah bread. We also enjoy festive meals with loved ones, and many go to synagogue for prayer services.
Early Childhood Policies
By signing below, you are obligated to an annual commitment with your individualized payment plan. We look forward to having your family with us for the full school year. However, we understand that circumstances can change. This Agreement may be terminated by either the Family or the Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center under the following terms:
NOTICE PERIOD: To help us manage our staffing and classroom stability, we require a minimum of three (3) months’ written notice if you choose to withdraw your child for any reason, including relocation. Note: Notice must be submitted by the 1st of the month to be effective for that months’ notice cycle of 90 days.
TUITION RESPONSIBILITY: While we offer monthly installments as a courtesy, enrollment is an annual commitment. Therefore, the family remains responsible for all tuition fees throughout the entire threemonth notice period, even if the child does not attend during that time.
DEPOSITS AND ADVANCED PAYMENTS: To secure your child’s placement, all enrollment deposits and advanced payments are non-refundable upon termination of this agreement.
OUR MUTUAL AGREEMENT: By signing this Agreement, you confirm that you have read and understood these terms. Specifically, you acknowledge that this is an annual commitment and that early withdrawal is only permitted under the notice and tuition guidelines outlined above.
MEMBERSHIP: To obtain Mandel JCC member rates, members must have an annual Frequent Family membership at the time enrollment begins and must extend through the 2026-27 school year.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES:
1. Participant’s account must be in good standing in order for this registration to be processed.
2. School fees are non-transferable.
3. A completed and signed medical form must be received prior to the student’s first day.
4. There is a $25 fee for insufficient funds using check or credit card.
5. In the event of an emergency, I authorize Mandel JCC staff to act for me according to their best judgment. I understand that payment for medical services is solely the family’s responsibility.
6. Your child’s name, address and phone may be released to other students as part of a school roster.
7. Student’s photo may be used for publicity purposes and learning documentation. To opt out you must notify our registrar at earlychildhood@mandeljcc.org
8. The Mandel JCC is not responsible for loss or damage to student’s property during the school year. Children are not to bring valuables to school.
9. You will be charged $5 a minute if you are late picking up your child.
