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Cortelyou Early Childhood Center's Student HandbookSave Paper: Do Not Print, if you do not have too. It will always be here for your reference. Table of ContentsGeneral Introduction a) Locality b) School Goals and Educational Philosophy School Operations a) Schedule b) Attendance and Punctuality c) Student Pick up Daily Schedule a) Nursery & Toddlers b) Pre Kindergarten & Kindergarten c) Grade School d) After School Childcare Programs Offered a) Preschool & Kindergarten b) Elementary School c) After School Curriculum Extensions a) Reports & Presentations b) Testing c) Textbook policy d) Competition e) Spelling Bee Competition f) Math Competition g) The Science Fair h) The Fifth Grade Graduation & Award Ceremony Methodology a) Our Teachers b) Report Cards c) Parent/ Teacher Conferences d) Classroom Environment e) Learning Labs School Discipline a) General Notes b) Encouraging Obedience c) Corporal Punishment d) Harmful Behavior e) Academy Student’s Rules & Regulations General Information Special Programs a) Summer Day Camp b) Holiday Camps c) Birthday Party Request d) School Trips e) Thanksgiving Luncheon f) Winter Show g) Graduation Emergencies Enrollment & Payment Obligations Withdrawal, Removal, and Dismissal ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL INTRODUCTION (a) Locations Cortelyou Early Childhood Center, Inc. was established on April 3rd, 1983 in the presently East Flatbush area of Brooklyn. The school was founded by Mrs. Leonie Francis-Bryan, a mother, nurse, and educator. The school has three locations as indicated below: v Cortelyou Main building located at 1110 Cortelyou Road between Westminster and Stratford Streets). v Cortelyou Annex building located at 386 Marlborough Road (between Cortelyou and Dorchester Roads). The school is within walking distance of a library, a park, a fire station, and three public schools. v Cortelyou Academy building located at 2739 Bedford Avenue (corner of Bedford Ave and Farragut Road). Conveniently, we are also close to much of the borough’s cultural and educational attractions: Prospect Park and Prospect Park Wildlife Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, New York Aquarium, Brooklyn College’s Center for the Performing Arts and Grand Army Plaza. (b) School Goals and Educational Philosophy At Cortelyou we believe that education is essential for empowering children to function creatively and efficiently in society. Cortelyou Early Childhood Centers are specifically designed to foster the full growth and development of tomorrow’s young men and women. Students gain a sense of self-respect and internal self-reliance through a variety of learning strategies contingent on individual ability and strength. The academic curriculum enables the understanding of alphabet in relation to word definitions and reading, and the concept of numbers in relation to mathematics. In addition, children also learn through interactive process. Through interaction with materials and the environment, they will gain valuable experiences. Their experiences will improve their decision making ability. Teachers organize space and time to allow children easy access to various activities – individual and group. Children are frequently given a choice of activities and are encouraged to be independent. Our centers maintain a warm, cheerful, stimulating environment to enhance children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. We provide an atmosphere where each child feels secure, confident, and free to explore in such so that his or her unique potential will be realized. The child’s intellectual appetite will increase, and his or her aptitude for learning will be maximized. In addition to meeting the New York City health codes, we have made tremendous financial outlays to create a climate attractive to qualified, experienced, motivated, and caring teachers. Our teachers work tirelessly to facilitate the comprehensive development of your children. Ideally, parents and teachers play a cooperative role in the educational process. Consequently, a strong parent-teacher relationship is an integral part of our philosophy. We recognize how vitally important your child’s early education is and we endeavor to make this experience a mutually rewarding one. Thank you for choosing Cortelyou Early Childhood Centers; we look forward to helping your child mold his or her future and eventually give leadership and service to society. SCHOOL OPERATIONS (a) School Schedule & Hours of Operations The school year begins shortly after Labor Day each fall, and closes on the Friday closest to June 30. School hours for our educational programs areas are Monday to Friday for the entire academic year:
A late fee is charged for every 15 minutes after the end of your child’s program. Please make every effort to pick your child up within the specified hours of operation. (b) Attendance & Punctuality: All pre-school children should report to school no later than 9a.m. A grace period of 15 minutes is allowed for late arrivals. Site supervisors will not permit students to enter any pre-school building after 9:15a.m. It is very disrupting for teachers and students when children are late, and interrupts the C.E.C.C. academic curriculum. After 9:15 a.m., you may go to the Main office (Cortelyou & Marlborough Students) and request a late pass for your child to be admitted into their school program. A late pass will be granted once per semester. Grade School children must report to school by 8:30 a.m. Late arrivals will be admitted, but will not be sent to their class until the commencement of second period. For special circumstances, please notify the office by 9:00am if your child will be absent or late (i.e. Doctor’s appointment). Except for emergencies and in cases of illness, children are expected to attend school regularly to ensure proper progress and minimize disruption to their development. A doctor’s note is required for illness-related absences of three or more consecutive days. (c) Student Pick upPre School & Kindergarten Students Students should be picked up by 5:45pm everyday. There is a 15-minute grace period for unscheduled delays. There is no provision for babysitting services. In cases of emergency when parents must make a late pick-up, they must make arrangements to pick up their child from the Cortelyou Annex location. A late charged will be applied and collected at the time of pick up, or before re-admittance the following school d ay. For children picked up after the end of all school programs, parents should contact the local 70th Precinct. Grade School Students NOT enrolled in Afterschool Grade School students should report to school by 8:15am for assembly. Also, students should be picked up by 2:45pm. There is a grace period of 15 minutes for unscheduled delays. Children picked up after 3pm there account will be billed for a day of After School service. After School Students Students should be picked up by 6:30pm. There is a 15 minute grace period for unscheduled delays. All late fee charges are payable the same evening. Repeated offenders will be put on probation or their services will be suspended/ terminated. The specific year-round schedule is revised and reprinted annually. It also lists in chronological sequence special activities, holiday closings, parent-teacher conferences, etc. Parents should consult the schedule frequently and plan ahead for events. Emergency and snow closings will generally be in accordance with the Board of Education’s guidance. Any amendments to the schedule will be reported to you via an answering machine message and on the school’s website. DAILY SCHEDULE (a) Nursery & Toddlers 7:00 -8:00 am Arrival/ Free Play 8:00 -9:00am BREAKFAST 9:00-10:00am AM Circle Time/Devotion 10:00-10:05am Morning Class Activity 10:05-10:45am Music & Movement/Outdoor 10:45-11:00am Toileting 11:00-11:15am Preparation for Lunch 11:15-12:05pm LUNCH 12:05-12:20pm Clean Up 12:20-12:45pm Story Time 12:45-1:00pm Toileting 1:00-2:45pm Rest time 2:45-3:00pm Wake up/Toileting 3:00-4:00pm SNACK
4:00-4:30pm PM Circle Time (b) Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten 7:00 – 8:30am Arrival & Breakfast 8:30 – 9:00am Devotion 9:00 – 9:30am Circle Time 9:30 – 10:00am Phonics 10:00- 10:30am Center Time 10:30 – 11:00am Math 11:00 – 11:45am Gym/Active Play or Outdoor Play 11:45 – 12:00pm Prep for Lunch 12:00 – 12:45pm LUNCH 12:45 – 1:15pm Story Time & Table Top Games 1:15 – 1:30pm Prep for Rest 1:30 – 2:45pm Rest 2:45 - 3:00pm Prep for Snack 3:00 – 3:30pm Snack 3:30 – 4:00pm Reinforcement 4:00 – 5:00pm Organized Play 5:00 – 6:00pm Clean up and Dismissal (c) Grade School 7:00am School Opens 7:30-8:05am BREAKFAST 8:10-8:25am Assembly 8:30-2:45pm Class Time & LUNCH 2:45-3:00pm Early Dismissal for Non-After School Students 3:00-6:30pm After School (see below) 6:30pm School Closes (d) After School 2:30-3:30pm Pick up service 3:00-3:45pm SNACK 3:45-5:00pm Homework Assistance Period 5:00-6:00pm After School Extracurricular Activities & Clubs 6:00-6:30pm Free Play 6:30pm Departure CURRICULUM Educational Standards The curriculum follows the standards of the Department of Education, but transcends them. Teachers submit lesson plans weekly, and the Educational Director checks for age and material appropriateness. The curriculum is reviewed continuously at all levels to ensure a natural flow of the material from one class to the next. Students benefits from the content of their classes, and will also learn transferable skills such as paying attention to details, appropriate behavior, following instructions, and developing personal style. a) Preschool Curriculum Reading and Phonics (Literacy) One of the basic skills a child must acquire to continue a formal education is reading. Cortelyou boasts a literacy-based program where the children read stories and are exposed to print. Our school library, the local library, and various workshops are the designed tools used to convey the importance of literacy. Reading for information, students will explore the various aspects of emergent reading. As the phonetic approach is generally the most productive while allowing for maximum creativity, it is the basis for our reading process. Mathematics Basic Mathematical concepts are taught as early as age two. Children are given many opportunities explore sizes, shapes, colors, etc. Children are also given opportunities to count movable objects in order to develop the concept of invariable number. This constructivist approach to teaching and learning Mathematics will provide opportunities for students to explore everyday life experiences and develop problem solving skills. Language Development Teachers use a range of activities tailored to various levels of children’s language skills. These include conversations with teachers, storytelling, handwriting, and word games. Science Through guided discovery activities, students will expand the various aspects of nature, objects, animals, etc. They will also experiment and investigate to find out the functions of objects. Basic, age-appropriate concepts are discussed to increase the child’s awareness of nature and enhance their ability to explore the wonders of the world around them. Social Studies The study of society begins very early with simple discussions of the child’s environment and immediate acquaintances, gradually extending outward to include those who are farther and farther from personal contact and knowledge. Socialization exercises teach children to respect themselves and others as well as appreciate the labor and functions that various people perform for communities to run smoothly. Enrichment Studies Music, art, and storytelling are an integral part of the curriculum. They help students to communicate ideas, ease tensions, express feelings, discover potential, and facilitate social adjustment with peers and adults. Homework Homework is assigned on specific days of the week. Please confer with your child’s teacher for days that home work is assigned. Parents are required to check and sign their son/daughter’s homework. This is a part of our collaborative parent-teacher working relationship. Character Development Character Development is a part of our hidden curriculum. Children are reminded to practice good manners. They must address their peers, adults, and visitors politely. Children are reminded to ask politely for their wants or needs; similarly, acknowledge others with “thank you” and “you’re welcome.” Students are also asked to consider other people’s feelings; they should not to talk negatively about other students. (a) Elementary School Language Arts Our curricular areas include English which is inclusive of language arts, reading, phonics, and spelling. Children are exposed to a literacy rich environment: thus, allowing them to cultivate meaning out of written texts. Through our shared reading experiences, students are required to read a minimum of 25 books throughout the academic year. Mathematics Our Mathematics curriculum is focused on real life math. We use Math textbooks to guide our children into the world of math. Teachers also use supplemental books and other materials to enhance their students learning. Some of the topics coved are:
Science The inquisitive world of Science is investigated through their textbooks in class and one period per week in the Science lab. We expose our students to Science in action. Some of the topics covered are: First-Second Grade
Third-Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Spanish Our school’s second language is Spanish. Students have two periods of Spanish per week. They have one period with their classroom teacher reviewing vocabulary and grammar. Another period of Spanish is with their native-speaking Spanish teacher who offers conversational Spanish lessons that coincide with the classroom teacher’s Spanish curriculum. Social and Cultural Studies Our Social and Cultural Studies curriculum is an innovative curricular strategy that we developed to expose our students to the best of both worlds. Our Social Studies curriculum follows the NYC Department of Education requirements for each grade level. Our Cultural Studies Curriculum exposes students to a wide range of people from different origins, including Africa, Asia, South America, China, Japan, the Caribbean and India. Below are examples of the First & Second Grade Cultural Studies Curriculum topics. First Grade focuses on Africa and African-Americans. Topics covered include:
Second Grade focuses on three countries in Asia (China, Japan & India), Third Grade ~ six countries in Europe (Great Britain, Spain, France, Italy, Germany & Russia), Fourth Grade ~ Central and South America and Fifth Grade ~ Caribbean. Topics covered include:
Extra Curricular Activities Fine Arts Our school’s Fine Arts curriculum includes Music Appreciation classes, The Cortelyou Academy Choir, and Art Club. Children are required to take music appreciation classes with our very skilled Music teacher. Additional outside music lessons can be provided if arranged directly with the music teacher. The music program requires a nominal fee for participation. Similarly, children are encouraged to participate in the school choir or join the art club. Physical Education Our Pre-School students have plenty of opportunities throughout the day to participate in physical activity. They get outside playground time, music & movement time and free play. An organized gym class is conducted by teachers on Fridays. Our Grade School’s Physical Education curriculum has various indoor sports such as basketball, floor hockey, and volleyball. Our school’s physical education classes are conducted at our local YMCA. Grade school students also receive recess everyday after their lunch period. Similarly, students also go on neighborhood walks during school hours as well. We also offer extracurricular classes in the area of Karate, Swimming, and Tennis depending on participating parents’ choice. Computer Instruction Our Computer instructional program includes educational software that reviews the material taught in class. Keyboarding drills are stressed in third grade and higher, because most of their homework assignments must be typewritten. Each student in fourth and fifth grades are provided with a personal email address hosted on our school’s server and is capable of accessing their email accounts and class web page from our school’s website. (www.mycecc.com) METHODOLOGY Cortelyou Early Childhood Center attempts to attract only the best employees. We strive to support our teachers’ ongoing acquisition of important childcare skills and training through staff workshops and classes. All staff members are employed on the basis of their love for children; their knowledge about how children can best learn and grow; personal experience; and professional qualifications. (b) Report Cards Report cards and progress reports will be given three times per year. We encourage you to talk with your child about assessments and provide feedback. If there are any questions or concerns, then a meeting with the teacher can be arranged to discuss your son/daughter’s progress. Interim reports may also be given in special cases where a drastic change in behavior or effort is noticed. These will act as warning signals or acknowledgements of improvement and should alert parent to greater diligence or continued supervision of children’s school assignments. (c) Parent Teacher Conferences These meetings will be held at least twice per year to discuss the program in general, give insight about your child’s development, and to voice any concerns that may have risen. If there is a need for a conference outside of those prescribed, either the parent or the teacher must contact the school’s office. These meetings can be arranged during the hours of 1:00pm to 3:00pm. (d) Classroom Environment Preschool classrooms are brightly decorated along age appropriate themes and have cubbies that store the children’s personal belongings. There are large areas for group circle time, supplies and artwork. Classrooms also feature special activity corners equipped with materials for self-directed, teacher-facilitated learning. Children are encouraged to work in small groups to foster cooperative communication skills or individually to strengthen problem-solving ability. Some examples of the chosen themes are the building block area, dramatic play corner, math, art, and the language skills corner. The Elementary classrooms are visually attractive, and are instructionally sound. (e) Cortelyou Academy Learning Labs The Learning lab has several computers with internet access. Students learn about the parts of the computers and their functions. Students learn typing skills, and they also learn how to save their documents on a disk or USB drive. Computer programs are also available for students to practice and strengthened skills learned in English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Spanish. CURRICULUM EXTENSIONS Reports & Presentations Book Reports and Oral Presentations are forms of written and oral expressions. There are extensions of classroom assignments and activities. Testing Students in 3rd-5th grade will take the New York State exams in Math, English Language Arts, Science (4th grade only) and Social Studies (5th grade only). Extensive preparation is done in class for these examinations. Students in 1st and 2nd grades take the Stanford Achievement Test in May. This exam evaluates the students’ knowledge of the material they learned in Math, Reading, Spelling, Phonics, Science and Social Studies during the course of the year. Students will be prepped in advance for this exam. The exam is done over the course of three days. Text book Policy Our school provides additional textbooks for students. If they are not returned, students will be charged for these books. It is also the responsibility of the student to keep these books in good condition. COMPETITIONS Our students are given several opportunities throughout the school year to participate in different competitions. We encourage all students to participate in the Spelling Bee and the Math competitions however, it is not mandatory. Family and friends are welcome to attend these competitions. The competition lasts two days. The first day of the competition is used to determine who will compete in the finals the following day. Winners receive their prizes at the Award Ceremony which is held in June. The prizes range from medals for second and third place winners and trophies and gift cards for first place winners. Spelling Bee Competition The spelling bee competition is held in the Fall. Students from first through fifth grade sign up to participate in the competition. Students receive a list of words ranging from about 100 to 300 plus, depending on the student’s grade. Some words are taken from the students’ textbooks and others come from other sources. The Math Competition The math competition is held in the Spring. The competition is open to all grades. This competition was designed to assist our students in learning their multiplication tables, but have evolved into a word problem-equation solving competition. The competition is designed in the format of Jeopardy. The Science Fair The Science Fair is held in the Spring. All students are expected to participate. Students are given six to eight weeks to prepare their projects for the fair. Students receive a package with all the necessary information pertaining to the fair. They can choose their own topic or they can choose to use one that was suggested in their package. Parents can attend the fair, but they are not allowed in the room while the judging is going on. Students must be able to explain and answer questions about their projects to the judges. The grade school teachers are not the judges of this competition. The competition is judged by high school science teachers, elementary and middle school teachers. Fifth Grade Graduation & Award Ceremony The Graduation and Awards Ceremony is an evening affair. It is held at PS 139. This evening highlights the accomplishments of the graduation class, our competition winners, and our high achievers throughout the school year. Principal’s awards, honor roll, and perfect attendance are just a few of the awards that are given out on this night. AFTERSCHOOL The purpose of the Cortelyou After School Program is to: *Assist in homework completion *Provide a safe and relaxing environment *Aid in molding a responsible and productive citizen *Provide a nutritious snack We are dedicated to providing an enriched educational environment to stimulate and encourage your child’s academic achievements. With the knowledge that a child’s development is incomplete without social interaction, the After School Program has instituted various clubs and activities to maintain a much needed equilibrium in each child. The following programs are offered: Creative daily assignments, assistance in the development of sound study habits, help with homework completion, library programs, educational games, and computer tutorials are offered. The program typically runs from 3:00pm – 6:30pm; however, service is also available on special days during the school year and when public schools have half days, observed holidays, and have staff development workshops. If you have any questions about this program contact the main office (see special programs). SCHOOL DISCIPLINE (a) General We encourage you to discuss the importance of proper behavior with your child before he/ she starts school. Respect should be shown for the centers’ property and those of other children. Damages caused by your child will be billed to you. Parents are also responsible for any medical expenses incurred to others if they are injured by your child. (b) Encouraging Obedience A variety of disciplinary strategies are available to our staff members in order to address inappropriate behavior. We encourage the children to make up classroom rules. By working in collaboration with the children at an early age, they can be reminded of their agreement later on. A stern voice is typically the first measure used to encourage obedience. If the child persists in disrupting the class, he or she will be spoken to on a one-to-one basis. After that, the teacher may withhold a certain privilege or give the offender a time out to reflect on his or her behavior. If a child continuously behaves in a way that is not conducive to the smooth operation of the class, then an interview with his or her parent will be scheduled. Expulsion is only reserved for extreme cases, when every other avenue has been exhausted; if you are willing to work with us, then we are willing to work with you and your child. (c) Corporal Punishment Under no circumstances will corporal punishment be implemented as a means of discipline in the classroom. We believe that hitting a child is not the solution to behavioral issues. Therefore we choose to use less harmful and more effective strategies. (d) Harmful Behavior Every staff member is concerned about the safety and well being of each student. In extreme cases where a child is endangering his or her life or the life of another student, appropriate steps will be taken, including physical force if necessary, to protect life. RULES & REGULATIONS: CORTELYOU ACADEMY Rule 1: Students should not use obscene or abusive language when addressing fellow classmates or teachers. Rule 2: Students should not destroy, misuse, or vandalize other classmates’ or school’s property. Rule 3: Students should not fight or engage in any activities that may cause physical injury to fellow classmates or staff members. Rule 4: Children must Adhere to the School’s Uniform Policy.
Rule 5: Student should behave in a manner that does not disrupt the educational process (e.g. excessive outburst during instructional periods). Rule 6: NO student should be in the hallway without a hall pass from his/her class. Rule 7: Students must be courteous and respectful to fellow classmates, teachers and other staff members at all times. Rule 8: NO RUNNING throughout the school building, or horseplay while in the halls or staircases. Such behavior warrants disciplinary action. UNIFORMS & GROOMING OF CHILDREN Grooming of Children Parents it is imperative that all students come well-groomed to school each day. This includes hair combed; fingernails clean and cut, and clean pressed uniforms. Also, please note that girls should not have beads in their hair. It is not allowed at school and children with beads will not be permitted to enter the school building.
Dress Code All students are required to wear their uniform throughout the academic year (September – June). Preschool children must also have an extra set of labeled clothing as required by the NYC Health Code. The center is not responsible for stolen articles or improperly marked clothing. Boys: Yellow shirt, green pants, green cardigan & #83 plaid tie. Girls: Yellow blouse, #83 plaid v-neck or bib-front jumper, green cardigan, and #83 plaid tie. Academy Girls (3rd grade and higher): yellow blouse, #83 plaid skirts, green cardigan, and #83 plaid tie. JEWELRY AND PERSONAL TOYS We strongly suggest that all jewelry and personal toys be left at home. We do not accept any responsibility for lost or stolen valuables. NAP SHEETS: PRE-SCHOOL Please bring a clean, labeled sheet on Monday mornings for naptime. The sheets should be picked up on Fridays, please wash and return them the following week. SCHOOL MEALSOur meals are prepared by our school’s kitchen staff at the Bedford Site. We believe that in order to foster healthy minds, we must first help build healthy bodies. As such, all meals are well balanced and nutritious. We also provide soy products and vegetarian meals upon request. No pork or beef products are served at any of our schools. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies. CONTACTING YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER To reduce interruptions during class instruction, phone calls to your child’s teacher or inquiring about how your child is doing on a particular day should only be made between the hours of 1:30pm and 2:30pm for Pre School and Kindergarten, and after 3:00pm for Grade School Students. Except in cases of an emergency, a message will be taken for all phone calls received outside of the allocated period. You may also contact your child’s teacher via email. All Cortelyou teachers have email addresses. You can find all staff email addresses under the What’s New tab on our website. If parents have any questions, concerns, or suggestions in regards to their child’s class, please feel free to talk directly with his/her teacher. However, any concerns about general service should be discussed with office personnel. VACATIONS Students are allowed to have one week vacation during the summer. Please note that absences/ vacations scheduled during the academic year do not relieve you from your financial requirements to the school. Fees must be paid in full regardless of absenteeism. SCHOOL FUNDRAISING Pre-School: Highly Recommended Parents have a suggested contribution to fundraise annually or to participate in school-related activities such as candy sales and other school fundraisers. Grade School: Mandatory Parents have an obligation to fundraise annually or to participate in the following school-related activities. (1) An obligatory amount is set each school year for each academy parent in fundraising efforts through candy sales, donations, etc, or (2) 22 hours of time in activities in support of the school, or (3) a combination of participation and payment. If Parents do not contribute 22 hours in support of school activities, each hour under 22 hours shall be paid at the rate of $15.00 per hour. (Example: for 15 hours of participation, a balance of five hours will be charged to the parent, a fee of $75 (5 hours @ $15 per hour). TRANSPORTATION For Cortelyou Grade School students, yellow bus service is available for drop off service in the mornings. Students must be dropped off at the bus pick up site at an assigned time each morning. If a student misses his or her bus, the parent is responsible for getting him or her to school. This is a free service provided by the Board of Education. Cortelyou provides van service to our Marlborough location in the evenings for a small fee. Bus passes are also available for students who take the bus to and from school. For parents who would rather door to door service, we have several private van services that are available. (Private van service prices are determined by the van driver). If you require any of these services, please contact any school office. SPECIAL PROGRAMS (a) Summer Day Camp (For kids 3-15 years) Cortelyou Day Camp offers the thrill and excitement of the outdoors, which promotes growth and development of the mind, body and soul. Both recreational and educational experiences are incorporated into such activities as arts and crafts; drama; home economics; instructional swimming; cultural excursions; academic tutelage, out of town day trips; outdoor sports; dance; indoor games; and much, much more. The camp is run annually in the months of July and August and fees are calculated each year after the schedule of events has been planned and confirmed. (b) Holiday/ Mid Year Camps During the public school system’s extended breaks such as spring recess, winter recess, and mid-winter recess periods, Cortelyou Early Childhood Centers offer short-term camps to further enrich your child’s academic growth. As these periods draw near, please feel free to inquire about various holiday camp details. There is an additional charge to your regular monthly rate. If an after school student needs service for an entire day, there is an additional fee. These special provisions are to be paid for in advance of the scheduled break, or the child will not be admitted to the center. (c) Birthday Party Requests If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday with his/her class mates, you may have permission to do so provided we are notified at least one week in advance of the day you’d like to celebrate. Lunchtime or the afternoon snack period are the only times of the day when this activity will be allowed. The hosting parent may bring in party favors, grab bags, and/or provide a festive, nutritious meal that meets the Department of Health standards. In the past, class parties have been a welcomed treat for the students. We would be happy to give suggestions or assist in any such planning. Parents hosting birthday parties must refrain from including peanuts or anything containing peanuts in party favors, grab bags, or food. Some children are extremely allergic to peanuts and peanut products, and will have an allergic reaction should they eat, or come in contact with these products. Also, do not include toy guns/ weapons in party favors or grab bags. We do not promote violence. (d) School Trips For safety purposes, children must be 3 years old to attend. Children who are two years old must be accompanied by an adult and proper Cortelyou uniforms must be worn. This will be strictly enforced. (e) Thanksgiving Luncheon During the week of thanksgiving, parents are given a menu, and are asked to volunteer to bring in specific items, and or food. Parents are invited to our Thanksgiving Luncheon where they have lunch with their children and class mates. (f) Winter Show Each year Cortelyou hosts a Winter Show at a local Public School. Students perform song and dances in costumes around a particular theme. (g) Graduation Each year in June, we host our graduation ceremony for the Kindergarten class (generally 6-year-olds) and for the Fifth grade class (generally 10-years-old). Parents will be asked to pay a small fee to help defray the cost of caps and gowns, auditorium rental, invitations, programs, diplomas, etc. The graduating class usually has a senior class trip, a graduation party, and a yearbook to commemorate this special time in the children’s academic careers. But parental involvement and cooperative planning are key ingredients in bringing it all together. To be eligible for graduation, all outstanding balances must be paid up in full by June 5th. EMERGENCIES In the case of emergency, every parent is required to have at least two (2) reliable people on file that can be notified of the child’s status if the parent is unavailable. A written incident report will be provided if an accident/injury occurs involving your child. In extreme cases, the child will be taken to the nearest emergency room where a parent or guardian is expected to meet the accompanying staff member. SCHOOL’S CONTINGENCY PLAN We are recommending that parents have a designated person to pick up their child as soon as possible. Your designated person should be capable of reaching our childcare center within 1-2 hours of an unknown threatening event. This person should not rely upon public transportation to reach our childcare facility. Similarly, a buddy system can be put in place for parents who may know other parents at Cortelyou who can pick up their child. For Terrorist Attacks, Black Outs & the Unknown As you all are aware there are five threat conditions defined by the Homeland Security that describes the level of terrorist threat activity in America. The threat conditions are defined by the colors listed below from lowest to highest: Low=Green; Guarded=Blue; Elevated=Yellow; High=Orange; Severe = Red. If Homeland Security raises our color of threat condition to RED (during the day)/If there is a blackout, etc. : All Pre-School and Grade School students must be picked up as soon as possible. Unfortunately, all children remaining after the close of our school buildings, they will be in the care of the childcare centers directors OR will be taken to our local police precinct #70. All After School students if this threat level occurs before 2:45 p.m., your children will remain in the care of their primary school program. If it occurs, while they are at our centers, please pick up your child as soon as possible. Continue to check our school’s answering machine (718-282-6077) and website (www.mycecc.com) for updated information regarding school opening and closing for the next day. If Homeland Security raises our color of threat condition to RED (in the night)/If there is a blackout, etc.: Please check our school’s MAIN answering machine (718-282-6077), and website (www.mycecc.com) for updated information regarding school opening or closing status for the next school day. GENERAL MEDICAL & SAFETY INFO. (a) Medical Requirements The NYC health code requires each child to have a thorough medical examination (including lead and tuberculosis screening) before admission and an annual physical thereafter. Parents must also submit proof of the following immunizations: DPT 4 doses HEP B 3 doses Oral Polio Vaccine 3 doses Measles, Mumps, Rubella 1 dose each Varicella 1 dose H.I.B. 4 does (b) Personal Health Each morning, a check is done for any signs of illness. If someone is not feeling well or an injury occurs, a qualified professional (nurse, teacher) will render the minimum care necessary. We are not allowed to administer medication to students. Any steps taken will be in collaboration with parents or another pre-authorized adult. Please register the names and contact information of surrogate individuals with us. A doctor’s note must be presented before readmission of a child who has been sick with a communicable disease. When a child has a fever, a mandatory 24-hour recovery period must past before the student comes back to school. (c) Child Abuse/Maltreatment By law, we are mandated to report any suspected cases of child abuse or maltreatment to the New York State Central Registry – ACS Agency for Children Services. ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES 1. The school accepts children from 2 years to 13 years regardless of color, creed, or religion. 2. Inquiring parents will be taken on a tour of the facilities, introduced to pertinent staff members, and given a general overview of the program and curriculum. 3. A short interview on the same day is also required, the child must be present. We have walk-in hours daily from 9:30am to 11:30am to schedule tour and interview appointments. 4. After parents are well informed of our policies and procedures, they will be given an application form. To hold a place for their child, parents must complete the form and return it with the registration fee. 5. Registration is not complete until a recent medical report is submitted and the insurance fee is paid. These two requirements must be taken care of before the child enters the building for his or her first day of class. 6. Re-Registration fee must be paid if your child has been out for over a month. 7. Payments are due by the 5th of the month, if you decide to make bi-weekly payments a finance charge will be added to the total amount due. 8. You are responsible for all the information covered in this handbook and must sign the last page to acknowledge your agreement with our policies and procedures. (a) Enrollment Request Enrollment at our school is based on submitting an application to our offices each academic year. Parents/guardians must register each year to secure their child’s slot at our school. (b) Financial Requirements It is essential for the smooth operation of the program that parents pay their fees on time. All fees are due before 6:00pm on the fifth business day of each month. Payments are expected regardless of absences (for any reason) and should be made ONLY by cash, certified check, credit card, or money order (payable to Cortelyou Early Childhood Center, Inc). An itemized overview of the estimated cost for the year can be obtained from the main office on Cortelyou Road. A late fee applies to and must be paid with any payment received after the fifth (5th) business day of the month. For accounts past due for more than 30 days, the School reserves the right to suspend or dismiss the student. If the 5th of the month is a Saturday or Sunday, then there is a grace period to the next business day. (c) Required Forms All medical forms, emergency forms, other registration forms and/or releases required by Cortelyou Early Childhood Center shall be properly completed and filed in the School office on or before the first day of the school attendance. Failure to provide the required forms may result in Cortelyou Early Childhood Center suspending childcare services until these forms are submitted to the school office. (d) The School’s Right The School reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student for any violation of school rules. Policies, or behavior guidelines, required of parent, guardian, and student, or for the non-payment of tuition, fees, or charges.
WITHDRAWAL, REMOVAL, AND DISMISSAL NOTICE: This section contains very important provisions addressing parent/guardian payment obligations in the event the child is withdrawn from the school after executing the Enrollment Contract. Please read it carefully. We reserve the right to terminate a parent’s service after giving five(10) business days notice to find alternative care. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and Cortelyou Early Childhood Center acknowledge that their child’s enrollment at our school is an obligation for payments for the entire school year. There will be no refunds for time missed, holidays, vacations or illness. Parents understand that once a child is enrolled, Cortelyou Early Childhood Center can no longer offer another family that child’s place. The parties agree that a student’s failure to attend, once the child has been enrolled, places a heavy burden (including the difficulty of filling places on short notice, the disruption in planning, staffing, and budgeting, and additional related problems) on Cortelyou Early Childhood Center to locate another child to fill the place, and that there is no assurance that another child can be enrolled in place of the child. The parent/guardian may withdraw the student from Cortelyou Early Childhood Center and avoid the obligation to pay further tuition provided that written notice of such withdrawal is received no later than fourteen calendar days following execution of this Contract. All payments previously made to Cortelyou Early Childhood Center for the school year are retained by the School. All payments due prior to the School receiving written notice of withdrawal of student remain the obligation of parent(s)/guardian(s). We welcome you to the Cortelyou Early Childhood Center family. Thank you for entrusting your child’s preschool years in our hands, and we look forward to serving you.
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