FAMILY - HANDBOOK - EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER AT TEMPLE BEIT HAYAM - COVID-19 UPDATES IN RED
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Early Childhood Learning Center
At Temple Beit HaYam
951 SE Monterey Commons Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 286-4374
Family
Handbook
COVID-19 Updates in Red
2020/2021
A Developmentally Appropriate
Early Childhood Program
Rev 07/30/2020WELCOME
Welcome to Temple Beit HaYam’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). This Family Handbook
outlines important expectations, policies and procedures used at the ECLC.
PHILOSOPHY
It is our goal to create a safe haven in which children will feel free to explore the world around them
through positive hands-on experiences. The daily environment for young children will provide them
with all of the components necessary for their emotional, social, physical, cognitive and spiritual well-
being.
Temple Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center’s unique trademark is the cohesive incorporation of
early childhood education’s best practices in a developmentally appropriate environment. The ECLC is
an arm of a Reform Jewish Congregation and, as such, supports the platform of the Union for Reform
Judaism. A child does not need to be Jewish to attend the ECLC. We welcome all families!
ECLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The ECLC Board of Directors is made up of members of Temple Beit HaYam’s congregation. The Board
reviews policies and procedures to ensure that the goals and philosophy of Temple Beit HaYam Early
Childhood Learning Center are being met. The ECLC Board serves as a liaison to the Temple Board of
Directors.
THE ABC’s OF THE ECLC:
Absenteeism:
If your child will not be attending school for any reason on a day they are scheduled to attend, please
contact the preschool office. If your child will be absent from school for an extended period (vacation,
illness), please let us know. We do not give refunds due to absenteeism. In the event of a school closure
due to COVID-19, refunds will be offered if funding allows.
Accident/Incident:
When a child is hurt, a report of the incident is written up by the teacher who witnessed the incident.
Parents/Guardians must sign the report and the original is kept in the child’s file. A copy is made for the
parents/guardians. Student confidentiality is especially important. We do not include any name but your
child’s on the report. Nor will any staff member disclose any other student involved in the incident.
2Admittance/Disenrollment:
Temple Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center is an inclusive environment that supports full
access to our program to all children in the community. However, there may be times when our
resources are insufficient to meet the needs of an individual student. TBH ECLC reserves the right to
deny admission to, or disenroll any student, at any time and for any reason, at the sole discretion of TBH
ECLC.
Arrival and Dismissal:
Walk-ins: You are welcome to walk your child in and out of school. We will check your child in and out
using Brightwheel, our family/school communication app. No-one other than staff, children and
approved vendors will be allowed into the ECLC during the Covid-19 pandemic.
When picking up and dropping off, please do not park in the Car Line. You are welcome to use any
available spaces except for the reserved spaces.
Car Line: A car line is available for your convenience for drop-off between 8:50 and 9:00 am and pick up
between 12:30 – 12:40 pm. If, for any reason, car line is cancelled a sign will be displayed.
If you choose to use the car line, please follow the following procedures:
• Enter the parking lot, make a right turn, and turn left into the drop-off lane.
• Continue to the front of the Early Childhood Learning Center’s carline, which is the second set of
doors.
• A teacher will greet your child at drop off – no need to get out of your car.
• You are responsible for buckling your child in and securing all safety belts at pick-up.
All children will be dropped off and picked up in car line during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents/Caregivers are required to wear masks when in cars as well as when waiting at the ECLC
entrance. While waiting, please practice social distancing.
Attire:
Send your child to school in play clothes! Children will get messy. We do furnish smocks but often their
creativity carries them away. Please send in an extra set of clothes with your child in the beginning of
the year. Please label all garments; underwear, shorts/shirts, sweater, dresses etc. These items should
be sent in a plastic bag and will be kept in your child’s cubby in case of an accident. Soiled clothing will
be put in a plastic bag and sent home. All backpacks and lunch bags should be labeled as well. It is the
responsibility of each infant/toddler parent to supply diapers and wipes. Your child’s teacher will send a
list of necessary items home at the beginning of the year and whenever fresh supplies are needed.
Babysitting:
We understand that you may want our qualified teachers to babysit. Our teachers form strong
relationships with the children in their care and make wonderful caregivers outside of the ECLC. If you
employ a teacher as a babysitter, please fill out a Babysitting Form which you can obtain from the ECLC
office.
3Birthdays:
Birthdays are important to the children. Please consult with your child’s teacher as to a date and time.
If you choose to bring in a snack as part of your child’s celebration, we encourage you to choose a
healthy snack (mini muffins, small cookies, mini cupcakes, fruit bowl, granola bars). We are happy to
place birthday invitations into the children’s backpacks as long as every child in the class has been
invited.
Biting:
Biting is actually quite common among young children. One out of every ten toddlers bite. Children bite
for many different reasons and under different circumstances. Children bite as a part of exploration, due
to teething, cause and effect, attention, independence, frustration, and imitation. In the case of a biting
incident, an incident/accident form will be completed by the teacher and signed by all families involved.
If the bite is severe, the parent will be notified immediately, as with any severe injury.
Brightwheel
The ECLC uses an application called Brightwheel for check in/out, family school communication, student
daily reports, the sharing of photos and videos, incident reports, reminders, all-school emergency
texting, and billing. This is an all-in-one system that makes our lives as educators and busy parents a
little easier. You are responsible for downloading Brightwheel on any device you choose. It is a
parent/caregiver’s responsibility to keep all information up to date including addresses, phone numbers,
emergency contacts, child’s medical information, and billing. You will receive an invitation from the ECLC
to join your child’s account.
Communication:
As teachers, we learn to observe our children and to actively listen to what they are telling us. Temple
Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center can only enhance those skills by ensuring that
parents/guardians and staff work together as a team to communicate effectively as well.
Parents/guardians should address their child’s teacher(s) as soon as an issue arises. If, after discussing
the issue, you still feel that the problem remains unsolved, go to the Director. If, after talking to the
Director, you are still not satisfied, the Early Childhood Learning Center Board may be contacted in
writing. All letters should be addressed as follows: Temple Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center
Board, c/o Temple Beit HaYam 951 SE Monterey Commons Blvd, Stuart, Florida 34996.
If a situation arises at home that you feel will affect your child’s attitude at school, please talk to your
child’s teacher immediately. If you feel that your situation is very delicate, please schedule a meeting
with the Director as soon as possible. Keeping the lines of communication open will benefit your child.
We communicate with our families in the following ways:
• Brightwheel
• E-Mail: Families will receive a Weekly Email filled with upcoming events for the week. This e-
mail list is for the sole use of TBH ECLC.
4• Classroom communication from teachers which may include lessons plans, newsletters and
email.
• Bulletin Boards and Whiteboards
COVID-19 Precautions as of 7/30/2020:
• Teachers will wear masks when unable to social distance (at least 6 feet). This includes pick-up,
delivery of children, and when in communal areas.
• Children will remain in the same classroom throughout the day as much as possible.
• We will take temperature checks throughout the day. Any child or staff with a temperature of
100.4 degrees or higher will be sent home. Child or staff member is to remain home for three
days.
• Health checks will be recorded on Brightwheel.
• Children and staff will wash hands throughout the day including upon every entrance to the
classroom (start of day, after recess, etc.).
• No parents, staff, or volunteers other than ECLC staff will be allowed into the school wing with
the exception of approved vendors such as cleaning, AC repair, pest control, etc. All vendors will
be asked to wear masks if staff and children are present.
• At this time, children are not required to wear masks. Teachers are required to wear masks
when not able to social distance.
• All classes have been supplied with hospital grade disinfectant.
• All high touchpoints such as doorknobs, light switches, pens, etc. will be disinfected throughout
the day.
• Parents/Guardians will be required to wear masks in carline during pick-up and drop-off and
when waiting at the front door. Parents/Guardians are expected to remain six feet apart during
these times.
• All staff and families of the ECLC agree to act responsibility outside of the ECLC. This includes
maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask when in public spaces. The ECLC reserves the
right to terminate a staff member or family for any irresponsible action that puts the health and
safety of our community at risk.
• Anyone (students, staff, and visitors) who is sick (any fever, respiratory, or gastrointestinal
symptoms) or believe they might have COVID-19 should stay home and separate themselves
from other people in the home as much as possible. They will be excluded from school until they
can answer YES to all the following questions:
o Has it been at least 10 days since you first had symptoms?
o Have you been without fever for 24 hours without taking any medicine for fever?
o Has it been 24 hours since your symptoms have improved?
• All rules are subject to change in light of new information.
COVID-19 Warning
The ECLC has taken enhanced health and safety measures for our families, our students, and staff. You
must follow all posted, written and verbal instructions when visiting the ECLC. An inherent risk of
exposure to COVID-19 exists in any social place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely
5contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease
Control, those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By enrolling your child in
Temple Beit HaYam ECLC, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree to
hold Temple Beit HaYam harmless for any accident, injury, or death caused by or related to participation
the ECLC Program.
Curriculum:
We use Creative Curriculum, Baby Doll Circle Time, Kaplan Learn Every Day and Beyond Centers and
Circle Time. Based on the latest research of how children learn best, each of the thematic units are
aligned to Head Start Outcomes, School Readiness Goals, and State Early Childhood Standards. This
curriculum helps our teachers offer content-rich, developmentally appropriate programs that support
active learning and promote children’s progress in all developmental areas.
Custodial/Non-Custodial Parents:
In situations where a child has a custodial and a non-custodial parent, the school will deliver the child
only to the custodial parent. The school will not deliver a student to a non-custodial parent for
visitation. Exchange of the child for visitation must be made in a place other than the school. True
copies of all court orders or judgments affecting custody of a child must be provided to the Director
upon entering the program. If the court orders or judgments are ruled upon after the child has entered
the program, then copies of said documents must be provided as soon as they are issued.
Daily Schedule:
Although our classroom schedules are flexible, the following activities will be part of your child’s day.
• Arrival: Officially, class begins at 9:00 a.m. and it is important to be on time. If your child is
going to be late please contact the preschool office and they will notify your child’s teacher.
• Morning Gathering (Circle Time): This is an extremely important part of the morning. It is the
introduction to the day. The children come together as a group. This period of time is very
carefully planned. The teachers encourage the children to express their ideas, and to discuss
“life events”. This is the time of the day when the theme or unit is discussed. The children learn
about new concepts and further develop their vocabulary. The teachers use various techniques,
such as stories, songs, finger play and various games to help the children grasp the concepts.
• Activity Time: Children need the choice and independence gained from free play. Children will
be able to choose from a variety of materials including blocks, manipulatives, art, science, loose
parts, and puzzles. This is a time for more individual attention with teachers observing and
interacting with children as needed. Children are able to develop and perfect their socialization
skills. Children learn about respect and responsibility. They also have the opportunity to work
on their clean-up skills.
• Snack Time: Children strengthen their self-help skills during this period of time. They learn how
to set a table and how to clean up after they are finished eating. They also work on hand
washing technique. This is also a wonderful time for the children to work on their socialization
skills. The children will also utilize this time to perfect the blessings.
6• Recess: Children enjoy indoor/outdoor play equipment. They may participate in organized
activities such as parachute or ball. The children will also have the time to develop endurance,
agility and coordination by climbing on the age-appropriate equipment.
• Lunch Time: This is a period of the day in which the children are able to work on their social skills
and self-help skills. They are able to set the table, wash their hands and open their own lunch.
They spend their lunchtime conversing with their peers.
• Nap Time: Children who stay past 12:30 pm are welcome to nap at school. Nappers are
required to bring a sheet (crib sheets work well) and a blanket or a toddler size sleeping bag.
Children are also allowed to bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal to sleep with. Label all of
your child’s belongings and send them in a reusable bag. At the end of every week, please take
home your child’s nap things to wash them. If a child cannot nap, we will offer a quiet activity.
Discipline:
We try to anticipate and minimize situations that may result in discipline problems. Positive age-
appropriate discipline methods are incorporated into our program. Children need boundaries set for
them so that they can feel protected. Their socialization skills are sharpened as they learn that certain
types of behavior are not acceptable. We use positive language, reinforce appropriate behaviors by role
modeling, and state expected behavior. Children are redirected when the need arises. Children are
given alternatives and choices. Natural consequences are used when the situation enables a teacher to
do so. It is the job of every individual on the staff to ensure a clean and safe environment. A child will
not be allowed to hurt himself, others, or the school property. Parents/Guardians will be contacted, and
a meeting scheduled if expected behaviors do not occur on a consistent basis. At no time do we use
corporal/physical punishment. Discipline shall not be associated with food, rest, or toileting nor will it
be severe, humiliating, or frightening. Our primary model of discipline is Conscious Discipline.
Distracted Adult:
In order to maintain compliance with HB1079 amended s. 402.305(9) requiring operators of centers to
provide parents/guardians with information pertaining to the dangers of leaving a child in a vehicle, we
share the following tips for prevention:
Getting In: Check Behind the Car – Before getting in the car and starting the engine, walk around the car
and check for kids, toys, and pets. Make sure there is nothing under or behind your car that could
attract a young child. Pick up toys, bikes, chalk, or any type of equipment around the driveway so that
these items don’t entice kids to play. Getting Out: In just 10 minutes, a car’s temperature can increase
by 19°. Before getting out of your car, check the back seat...don’t forget your child. Never leave your
child alone in a car and call 911 if you see any child locked in a car. Place something in the backseat that
you will need at work, school, or home (your laptop; your lunch).
Emergency and Severe Weather:
In anticipation of a severe storm or hurricane, if the public school system is open, we will be open. If the
public schools are closed, we are closed. Please tune into your local radio or television stations to keep
up with the bulletins. If an emergency occurs during school hours, and an early pick up will be necessary,
phone calls will be made using your child’s emergency/pick up contact information.
If a thunderstorm, consisting of extreme lightning and thunder, happens during drop-off or pick-up time,
the car line may be canceled.
7Expectations:
When you come into a Temple Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center classroom, you should
expect to see:
• Manipulative materials
• Freedom of movement
• Children participating in individual, small group, and whole group learning experiences
• Some children actively engaged, others observing
• Children engaged in hands-on activities
• Creative and open-ended activities
• The same concepts presented many times in many ways
• Children talking and expressing emotions - sometimes all at once
• Children being given clear consistent messages from adults
• Positive feedback being used to promote desired behavior
• Children being encouraged to enhance their self-help skills by doing things for themselves with
appropriate guidance
No-one other than staff, children and approved vendors will be allowed into the ECLC during the Covid-
19 pandemic.
Illness (Sick Policy):
Please call when your child will be absent from school. When you call, please clearly state the reason for
which your child will be absent and how long you expect your child to be out. Communicable illness
must be reported to other parents/guardians and, in some instances, to Martin County Health
Department.
When a child becomes ill at school, the child will rest comfortably in the preschool office under staff
supervision. Parents/Guardians will be notified immediately so they can make arrangements to have the
child picked up.
A child sent home with a fever (101°+) must remain home for at least 24 hours. A child may not return
the following day. A child MUST be fever-free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours before
returning to school. A child cannot attend school if they display signs of diarrhea, vomiting, green runny
nose, unidentified rash or sores, fever or persistent cough, any form of discharge from the eyes or ears,
and apparent signs of severe fatigue or discomfort.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, children with a fever of 100.4°+ will be sent home. Children who exhibit
signs or symptoms of Covid-19 will be sent home. Please also see COVID-19 Precautions on Page 5.
Inclusion:
Temple Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center supports the right of all children, regardless of their
diverse abilities, to participate in our early childhood program. The professional staff believes in and
supports full and successful access to health, social service education and other supports and services
for the children and their families. One of the primary goals of this school is to meet the needs of all
families within this community.
8We also support flexible procedures in support of inclusion. We believe in strong communication
between the school and the family and working together to create the best possible outcome for all of
our children.
Influenza Virus:
During the 2009 legislative session, a law was passed that requires childcare facilities to provide parents
with information detailing the causes, symptoms, and transmission of the flu virus. Influenza (the flu) is
caused by a virus which infects the nose, throat, and lungs. According to the US Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Unlike the
common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.
Children under five who have the flu commonly need medical care. Severe flu complications are most
common in children younger than two years old. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as
late as May.
Most people with the flu feel tired and have fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, and sore muscles. Some people, especially children, may also have stomach problems and
diarrhea. Because the flu and colds have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference
between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold and
symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense.
People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious
health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
If your child gets sick, consult your doctor and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks a lot of
fluids. Never give aspirin or medicine that has aspirin in it to children or teenagers who may have the flu.
Call or take your child to a doctor right away if your child:
• Has a high fever or fever that lasts a long time
• Has trouble breathing or breathes fast
• Has skin that looks blue
• Is not drinking enough
• Seems confused, will not wake up, does not want to be held, or has seizures (uncontrolled shaking)
• Gets better but then worse again
• Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes) that gets worse
A flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. Because the flu virus changes year to year, annual
vaccination against the flu is recommended. The CDC recommends that all children from the ages of 6
months to their 19th birthday receive a flu vaccine every fall or winter (children receiving a vaccine for
the first time require two doses). You can also protect your child by receiving a flu vaccine yourself.
The main way that the flu spreads is in respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. This can
happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and
infect someone nearby. Though much less frequent, the flu may also spread through indirect contact
with contaminated hands and articles soiled with nose and throat secretions. To prevent the spread of
germs:
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
9• Cover mouth/nose during coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your
upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Limit contact with people who show signs of illness.
• Keep hands away from the face. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
A person may be contagious and able to spread the virus from 1 day before showing symptoms to up to
5 days after getting sick. The time frame could be longer in children and in people who don’t fight
disease well (people with weakened immune systems). When sick, your child should stay home to rest
and to avoid giving the flu to other children, and should not return to school until his or her temperature
has been normal and has been sign and symptom free for a period of 24 hours.
For additional information about the dangers of the flu and how to protect your child visit:
www.cdc.gov/flu or www.immunizeflorida.org.
Know Your Child Care Facility
As a licensed childcare facility with the State of Florida, we are required to give you the following
information:
This facility is licensed according to the minimum licensure standards included in section 402.305,
Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Chapter 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
Quality childcare offers healthy, social, and educational experiences under qualified supervision in a
safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Children in these settings participate in daily, age-
appropriate activities that help develop essential skills, build independence and instill self-respect.
When evaluating the quality of a childcare setting, the following indicators should be considered:
Quality Activities:
• Are children initiated and teacher facilitated
• Include social interchanges with all children
• Are expressive including play, painting, drawing, storytelling, music, dancing, and other varied
activities
• Include exercise and coordination development
• Include free play and organized activities
• Include opportunities for all children to read, be creative, explore, and problem-solve
Quality Caregivers:
• Are friendly and eager to care for children
• Accept family cultural and ethnic differences
• Are warm, understanding, encouraging, and responsive to each child’s individual needs
• Use a pleasant tone of voice and frequently hold, cuddle, and talk to the children
• Help children manage their behavior in a positive, constructive, and non-threatening manner
• Allow children to play alone or in small groups
• Are attentive to and interact with the children
• Provide stimulating, interesting, and educational activities
• Demonstrate knowledge of social and emotional needs and developmental tasks for all children
• Communicate with parents
10Quality Environments:
• Are clean, safe, inviting, comfortable, child-friendly
• Provide easy access to age-appropriate toys
• Display children’s activities and creations
• Provide a safe and secure environment that fosters the growing independence of all children
A parent’s role in quality childcare is vital:
• Inquire about the qualifications and experience of staff, as well as staff turnover
• Know the facility’s policies and procedures
• Communicate directly with caregivers
• Visit and observe the facility
• Participate in special activities, meetings and conferences
• Talk to your child about their daily experiences in childcare
• Arrange alternate care for your child when they are sick
• Familiarize yourself with the childcare standards used to license a childcare facility
Every licensed childcare facility must meet the minimum state licensing requires which includes, but are
not limited to the following:
• Valid license posted for parents to see
• All staff appropriately screened
• Maintain appropriate transportation vehicles (if transportation is provided)
• Provide parents with written disciplinary practices used by the facility
• Provide access to facility during normal hours of operation
• Maintain minimum staff to child ratios: (note: ECLC ratios are lower than state ratios)
o Infant 4:1
o 1-year-old 6:1
o 2-year-old 11:1
o 3-year-old 15:1
o 4-year-old 20:1
o 5-year-old 25:1
• Emergency procedures that include:
o Posting Florida Abuse Hotline Number, as well as other emergency numbers
o Staff trained in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid on the premises at all times
o Fully stocked first aid kit
o Working fire extinguisher and documented monthly fire drills with children and staff
• Medication and hazardous materials are inaccessible and out of children’s reach
• 40-hour introductory child training
• 10-hour in-service training annually
• 0.5 CEU of approved training or 5 clock hours of training in early literacy and language
development
• Director Credential for all facility directors
• Post a meal and snack menu that provides daily nutritional needs of the children (if meals are
provided)
• Maintain accurate records that include
o Children’s health exam/immunization record
o Medication records
o Enrollment information
o Personnel records
11o Daily attendance
o Accidents and Incidents
o Parental permission for field trips and administration of medicines
• Maintain sufficient usable indoor floor space for playing, working, and napping
• Provide space that is clean and free of litter and other hazards
• Maintain sufficient lighting and inside temperatures
• Equipped with age and developmentally appropriate toys
• Provide appropriate bathroom facilities and other furnishings
• Provide isolation area for children who become ill
• Practice proper hand washing, toileting, and diapering activities
More information and free resources can be found at www.myfloridafamilies.com/childcare.
To report suspected or actual cases of child abuse or neglect, please call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-
800-962-2873.
Late Pick-Up:
We staff our classrooms based on DCF requirements of how many children we have enrolled for our
different programs. When a child is picked up late it affects our staff ratios. Therefore, there will be a
late charge of $1.00 per minute per child for any parent who picks their child up after their scheduled
pick up time. If you know you will be late, we ask that you call the office to inform us; however, you are
still required to pay the late fee. This policy also applies to children enrolled in our half day program.
Parents/Guardians can arrange to have their child stay late for a drop-in fee.
Medication:
We realize that there are certain physical/medical conditions, which require daily and periodic
medication. In order for our staff to work with our families with respect to medications, please follow
these guidelines:
• Parents/Guardians should discuss their childcare situation with their child’s physician so that the
administering of medication can be done at home when possible.
• A detailed log will be kept for all medication dispensed at school.
• Medication will be administered by the Director or an appropriate proxy.
• The staff is only allowed to cleanse a wound with soap, use ice and/or bandage until help
arrives. Staff must wear plastic gloves when cleansing a wound.
• Prescription medicine brought into the school must be in its original container with the name of
the physician, name of the child and medication directions clearly written on the label.
• Written authorization signed by parents or legal guardian must accompany any type of
medication stating the time, dosage, and name of medication. Ask the office for a copy of this
form when needed.
• A parent must sign the short-term prescription medication form.
• A parent and the physician must sign the long-term medication form.
• All medications will be kept in a locked cabinet and will be dispensed by the Director or designee
with one adult to observe.
12• Never send medicine to school with your child or in your child’s lunchbox or backpack. All
medicine and signed authorization forms must be personally handed in to the office by a parent
or legal guardian.
Open Door Policy:
We have an open-door policy and parents/guardians are always welcome in our program as
appropriate.
No-one other than staff, children and approved vendors will be allowed into the ECLC during the Covid-
19 pandemic.
Opening and Closing:
The official hours of Temple Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center are 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
No child will be accepted before 7:00 a.m., nor are they to remain after 6:00 p.m. There is a $1.00 per
minute per child late pick-up fee for child/ren picked up past their scheduled time.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, our adjusted hours are 8 am to 5 pm.
Parent Involvement
We encourage parents to volunteer at the ECLC. Check with your child’s teacher to find out specific
volunteer opportunities they may have available. We also have an involved PTO.
Parent (and Guardian)/Teacher Conferences:
If a conference is needed, you will be contacted by your child’s teacher. If you wish to schedule a
conference, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher.
Potty training:
Potty training is part of any preschool program. Families and staff must use good communication skills
so that the process is similar both at home and school. Once you are ready to start potty training please
let your child’s teacher know and send in plenty of extra clothes and plastic bags to place the soiled
items in.
Program and Schedule Changes:
If you wish to change your child’s hours or days, please submit all requests in writing to the Director.
Requests for changes are granted based on availability.
13School Forms:
• Registration Form
• Medical & Immunization Forms - You can obtain these forms from your child’s medical provider.
There are two forms required by the Florida Department of Health: Student Health Examination,
and Immunization Record. We only accept Medical Exemption for Immunizations – not Religious
Exemption.
• Tuition Agreement Form if Required
Snacks and Lunch:
A morning, afternoon and late afternoon snack are provided by the ECLC. Some of the snacks that the
children will be given are pretzels, cheese crackers, cheerios, vegetables, and fruit. On Friday, the
children will be provided with Challah (bread) as snack.
All children are required to bring a nutritious lunch from home. Lunches should be packed in a lunch
bag with an ice cooler. Temple Beit HaYam Early Childhood Learning Center is part of Temple Beit
HaYam, Inc., a reform synagogue and therefore lunches must be kosher style, which means no pork or
shellfish. On Friday, the children will be provided with a pizza lunch.
We also ask that each class participate in our Snack Sack program to supplement our school snack.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pizza Fridays and Snack Sack may be on hold. You will be notified of any
changes or reinstatement via email.
Shabbat:
Our Rabbi and Cantor join us in the Sanctuary every Friday at 10:30 am for songs, stories, and candle
lighting.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Shabbat will take place in the self-contained classrooms.
Security:
Our doors to the school are kept closed and locked at all times. Please be patient with the office if you
are asked to show your I.D. There are security cameras located by the doors, throughout our school,
and on the playground. The cameras are monitored by the office. The greatest security measure we
have is the proactive actions taken by our families and staff.
Sun Safety:
Please apply sunscreen to your child in the morning before bringing them to school. Weather
permitting, every class goes outside every day.
14Tuition:
The ECLC is an organization that operates primarily on tuition fees from each child. Therefore, it is
essential that fees be paid promptly and regularly. All fees must be paid for the days and hours your
child is registered to attend. Fees are still due in full even when your child is absent. We cannot refund
or credit tuition and there are no make-up days.
An annual, non-refundable registration fee of $250 per child is payable at the time of your child’s
enrollment.
Tuition is an annual fee broken down into ten payments. The first payment is due on August 1st. All
remaining payments are due on the first business day of each month.
VPK Attendance Policy
The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (540 hours) school year program will be in operation from Monday thru
Friday, except for non-school days.
All enrolled families will receive a calendar showing the scheduled days off (non-VPK days) on the first
day of school. Regular attendance during instructional days is of utmost importance for your child’s
kindergarten readiness. Please make every effort to have your child attend every day of VPK.
ABSENCE:
As part of your agreement for the VPK program, your child must attend at least 80% of the instructional
days each month. Our VPK program policy stipulates that student absences cannot exceed more than
20% of the total time the child is enrolled and receiving VPK services. This equates to a cumulative total
of 36 absent days for the entire VPK school year program. A maximum of 3 absences per month;
excessive absences are not permitted and may result in dismissal from the VPK program.
ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION:
Parents enrolling children in the VPK program must comply with the attendance policy to remain in our
VPK program. In addition, parents will also be required to verify their child’s attendance at the end of
each month by signing the appropriate form as prescribed by the Office of Early Learning. Failure to
comply with this policy may result in the dismissal of your child from the school-year VPK Program at our
center.
Withdrawal:
If a need arises to withdraw your child from our program, please submit the reason in writing to the
Director. This written notice must be submitted 30 days prior to withdrawal. You are responsible for
tuition during such 30-day period following your delivery of written notice. If you do not provide written
notice, you are responsible for tuition for the remainder of the school year. In the unlikely event that the
ECLC is unable to meet the needs of your child or family, we reserve the right to disenroll, keeping the
best interests of the child and family in mind.
Thank you for being a part of our ECLC Family.
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