Philosophy

   Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel’s Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education offers a unique program of early childhood education.  As an individualized program, it focuses on each child's developmental needs and promotes a positive, secure, and accepting environment, enabling each child to grow with a sense of joy and wonderment. 
   Individuality, creativity and communication are the keys to our educational endeavor.  Children are encouraged to grow at their own pace in a stress-free, stimulating environment.  Classrooms are designed with a variety of learning centers, each with a hierarchy of materials.  These areas include fine motor and sensorial, language, math, and imaginative play as well as a quiet corner and an art area. 
   The Iris Family Center promotes in our children a positive self-image and self-confidence.  Children learn to be responsible for their actions and for themselves as well as learning the social skills that foster care and consideration for their peers. 
   Shabbat and the beauty of the Jewish experience are presented in an atmosphere conducive to curiosity and wonder.  Holiday music and rituals are introduced to the appropriate level of understanding.  The program is designed to provide a solid foundation for future learning. 
   The Iris Family Center is an extension of the family experience that is unique to Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.  An active lay board maintains the relationship between the Iris Family Center and the Temple.  The Board also works with the Director to create a foundation for a school that supports the growth of each child within a Jewish setting.  Ours is a Jewish-focused Iris Family Center program open to all members of the community. 
   Placement of all children is based on teacher recommendation when applicable and/or the Director's assessment.  Parental requests for a specific teacher cannot be guaranteed.  All placements are made with the child’s best interest in mind.    

Professional Resources

Our school has many resources available to the educational staff to help design programs to meet the needs of our children including:

The professional staff of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel

• Rabbi Dan Cohen

• Rabbi Ellie Miller

• Cantor Ted Aronson

Tuition Payment Policy 

Tuition is based on a 9-month academic year.  When you enroll your child for the academic year program and make your registration deposit, your child is automatically enrolled for the entire year and you are obligated to pay the full year's tuition.  Once the academic year has begun, the tuition shall not be subject to reduction, pro-ration or refund regardless of whether your child completes the academic year. 

Since timely payments are essential for the Iris Family Center to meet its financial obligations, our tuition policy is as follows: 

• · The deposit made at the time of registration is deducted from the total tuition.  (Please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-applicable to any other Temple balance, even if the child is removed from the program before school begins.)  The remaining balance is divided into two equal payments. 
  

• · Before your child may begin school in September, a signed Iris Family Center tuition agreement must be returned with the first half tuition payment. 
  

• · The first half of the tuition balance must be paid with your August statement.  If payment is not received in the Iris Family Center office at this time, your child will no longer be enrolled at the Iris Family Center.  Any children on waiting lists will then be eligible to fill this vacancy. 
  

• · The remaining tuition balance is due with your January statement.  If payment is not received in the Iris Family Center office by this date, your child will not be permitted to return to school after winter vacation until payment is made.  Also, if applicable, your child's upcoming registration form will not be processed until payment is made.  (Please note that this may result in your child being closed out of a class.) 
  

• · A tuition bill will be sent 30 days before payment is due. Bills are sent directly from the TSTI billing office. Please return your tuition and refer any questions directly to the billing office.

• · To avoid any confusion, all parents are asked to read and sign a tuition agreement form before school begins.

The Iris Family Center does not offer monthly payment plans for tuition.  If there is a problem regarding payment, contact the Iris Family Center office at 763-4600. 

Shabbat 

   As Shabbat is central to the Jewish experience, so our Iris Family Center strives to instill in our children an appreciation for the prayers and rituals of candle-lighting, blessings over the wine and bread, and music of Shabbat.    You will be advised early on in the school year as to your participation as Shabbat Mom and/or Shabbat Dad.  The children enjoy having their parents share with them in special projects, read a story, help with the kindling of the Shabbat candles, recite the Kiddush, and make a 'motzi.  All of the prayers are available printed in Hebrew and the English transcription. 
   Parents are expected to bring "snack" for the day, including two healthy choices and any special treat their child would like to include.  White grape juice is our "wine".  Challahs are available through the Iris Family Center, and you will be invited to purchase them through the school, if you wish. 
   Many families have opted to participate in our Challah Program.  Families can pre-pay at the beginning of the year to have a Challah sent home with their child every Friday.  It is an easy and delicious way to continue the learning process, and bring Shabbat into the home.  The Challahs are ordered through a fine local bakery and part of the proceeds is donated to the Iris Family Center.  Please check with your child's teacher for details. 

Secular Holidays

      The Iris Family Iris Family Center does not celebrate the secular holidays of Halloween or Valentine’s Day. Please respect the school’s policy by not sending your child to school in a Halloween costume and by not sending Valentine’s Day cards through the school.   

Clothing 

   A complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks, must be kept at Iris Family Center.  Each article of clothing must be labeled, including socks.  If your child is in diapers, add three (3) diapers and a supply of wipes.  Please place these items in a small paper shopping bag with handles, labeled with your child's name.  Also, please include a sweater for outdoor play on suddenly cool days.  You will be asked to replenish this supply of clothes and/or diapers as needed. 
   Remember to name-label everything your child wears to school, using name tapes or permanent markers, including outerwear like jackets, coats, mittens, and ponchos; as well as, footwear like boots, shoes, and sneakers. 
   Have your child wear comfortable, easy clothes to school.  His/her day often includes art and playground activities where clothing might become soiled. 

Backpacks 

   A backpack or book bag is a must for our Iris Family Centerers, to help with the incoming and outgoing flow of art projects, lunch, Show & Tell, memos, Challahs, et cetera.  Label boldly with your child's name. 

Toileting 

   If your child is not completely toilet-trained, a handwritten note about what's going on at home can be helpful to our Iris Family Center staff.  Encourage your child to use the toilet before coming to school. It is the policy of the Iris Family Center that staff are not allowed to “wipe” children who are being potty trained or already out of diapers. The children are asked to do the best that they can. This is for the protection of your child as well as for the teachers. Help us work together with you by letting the staff know what to expect from your child.  It is helpful to everyone if your child is dressed in elastic waisted clothes for ease during the toileting process.  If your child is still in diapers, make sure he/she comes to school in a dry diaper.  Good hygiene is emphasized in school; please follow through at home.   

Parent/Teacher Conferences 

   The Parent/Teacher Conference is scheduled twice during the year; this is the time for you to fully discuss your child's progress in school.  Any questions or concerns you have should be presented to the teacher at this time.  However, you can always feel free to call the Director during school hours anytime the need arises.  Staff is not to be called at home. 
   Please respect our teachers and make every effort to keep your scheduled appointment. 

Summer Program 

   Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel Iris Family Center offers a summer camp program for children 2 to 5 years of age.  Camp begins the last week of June and runs seven (7) consecutive weeks.  Parents may choose one of three options: 

• 1. Any weekly session

• 2. Lunch option (12:00-1:00)for those children 3 and older

• 3 day or 5 day option

 
   Camp is held from 9:00 AM -to- 12:00 PM. A snack will be provided daily.  
   Camp activities include sprinkler time, playground, arts and crafts, music,cooperative games, story time and cooking; all are related to a weekly theme.    

Illness 

   TSTI Iris Family Center is committed to upholding good health practices.  It is inevitable that children will get sick.  Making a decision that a child is too sick to come to school is often difficult.  In the interest of all our children’s health, we must offer a reasonable framework that determines when a child may not attend school.  If there is a difference of opinion between the parent, the personal physician and the school, the judgement of the school must prevail.  Please know that we are entrusted with the health and safety of all and must make every effort to protect the entire group.  We rely on your cooperation and thank you for abiding by this policy.  We want the time your child spends at school to be safe and pleasurable. 
   Parents are asked to keep their child home when the following conditions exist:

• · Fever – 100 degrees or above

• Diarrhea – multiple runny stools

• · Vomiting

• · Persistent cough

• A green or thick white nasal discharge

• · Sore throat &/or Strep throat

• · Flu-like aches and pains, weakness or general lethargy

• · Unexplained rashes

• · Chicken Pox

• · Head Lice

• Lethargy

Children MUST be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Children MUST be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school.  
   Should your child become ill in school, you will be contacted and expected to bring your child home within one half hour after the call has been made. If you are not available, your emergency contacts will be called.  (It is required that all emergency contacts be within a reasonable distance from the school.)  The Iris Family Center does not provide sick care for children.

   Contagious Diseases 

   Over the course of a year, incidences of contagious diseases, i.e.:  Chicken Pox, head lice, conjunctivitis, strep, Coxsackie, etc., might occur.  To help protect all children, we require that any highly contagious diseases be reported to the Iris Family Center office.  The child’s class will then receive a note informing them of the illness.  Confidentiality will be maintained. In the case of head lice, a doctor’s note stating the absence of lice is required for the child to be re-admitted to school.

Emergencies at School 

   Parents sign a medical release form allowing the Iris Family Center to seek emergency medical care for any enrolled child.  In the event of an emergency, Iris Family Center will contact you or your authorized contact. 
   If your pediatrician cannot be reached, prompt medical attention will be secured for your child at St. Barnabas Hospital.  In the interest of your child, make sure your school emergency phone numbers list is current and includes someone local who can be contacted quickly.   

Medications 

   No medications will be administered at school.  A list of your child's allergies to medications or other substances or foods should be kept strictly up-to-date in school files, to protect your child. 

Discipline Policy 

   The state of New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services requires that we provide a brief explanation of our philosophy of discipline: 
   TSTI’s approach to discipline is one in which each child is respected at all times.  When negative behavior is displayed, it is our obligation to turn it into a positive experience of teaching, so that the child will learn and grow.  The aim of discipline is always self-discipline. 
   We also try to criticize behavior rather than the child.  We say, “I don’t like what you’re doing,” as distinguished from “I don’t like you.”  We try to provide constructive criticism that does not damage a child’s sense of self-esteem.
   If a child hurts someone else, he may be temporarily removed from a problem situation.  After a short while, he will be returned to the activity.
If excessive physically aggressive behavior such as biting, hitting, or punching occurs within a short period of time, the child may be placed on suspension for a period of time deemed by the Director, until such behavior is corrected.
   As always, parents are free to visit the school at anytime. 

School Trips 

   Field trips have become a fun and exciting part of our Iris Family Center curriculum.  To make the trip a positive experience for your child, please follow these important guidelines: 
· No child will be allowed to accompany his/her class without a signed permission slip.  Parents must sign and return permission slips to school by the deadline date. 
· A parent driver must submit a signed automobile insurance form provided by the Iris Family Center before the trip date.  The form must be completed with a valid policy number and the amount of liability coverage. 
· New Jersey State Law 39:3-76.2A requires that any child under the age of five (5) riding in the back seat must wear a safety lap belt. 
· Parents requesting that their child ride in a car seat for a class trip must either be a driver or make arrangements with a driver to have a car-seat properly placed in that car before arriving at school on the day of the trip.  The Iris Family Center is not responsible for properly installing a car seat in a driver's car.  Parents must take responsibility for their child's car seat placement. 

Late Policy

   As per State Policy 10:122-6.5 Policy on the release of children, if the authorized individual(s) fails to pick up a child at the time of the school’s closing and staff members have attempted to contact those individuals authorized by the parents and an hour has passed, the Iris Family Center will call the Division’s  24-hour Child Abuse Hotline to seek assistance in caring for the child until the parent or person authorized by the child’s parent is able to pick-up the child. 
Important Note: Should a staff member determine that a parent (or authorized person) appears to be physically and/or emotionally impaired to the extent that, in the judgement of the director and/or staff member, the child would be placed at risk of harm if released to such an individual, the same procedure as above would apply. 

Birthday Celebrations 

   A timely reminder to your child's teacher will guarantee a special moment in class for your birthday child. If you wish, you may send in cupcakes or another treat.  No party favors, please.  We ask that you do not distribute invitations through the school. 
   We encourage parents to donate a book in honor of their child's birthday, to our Iris Family Center Library.  A special bookplate will be made up with your child's name on it.  If you wish to consult with our director about recommendations, this can be a meaningful way to celebrate. 

Toys in School 

   As a rule, children are discouraged from bringing personal playthings to class due to possible loss, damage, or class disruption. 
   The youngest child who feels strongly about a particular toy may solve this problem by saying "so long" to the toy in the car, and looking forward to seeing it afterwards.  The extremely attached may want to stash their "lovey", if it is small enough, in their backpack for safekeeping during class. 

Show & Tell 

   Show & Tell is a wonderful opportunity for your child to bring a beloved toy or an interesting "find" in to school to share with others.  Please, no sharp or otherwise dangerous objects, no glass or china objects.  Cuts or other injuries spoil the experience.  Your child's teacher will advise you of your child's weekly Show & Tell day, and if he/she is to bring a specific Show & Tell item. 

• • Drop Off / Pick Up

   Each class will be assigned one of two drop-off and pick-up areas.  (See diagrams at right). For semi-circle drop-off and pick-up, cars must pull all the way around the circle upon arrival. Teachers will take the first three cars and all others must wait until they are finished before moving up. This procedure must be followed so that cars do not become backed up onto Scotland Rd. During dismissal time at the Sanctuary doors, you are not permitted to park your car in the parking lot and walk to the door to pick-up your child. Please follow this procedure to insure the safety of all the children.   General drop-off procedure is as follows: 

• ·    Arrive between 9:00 and 9:20 AM for drop-off.  Cars line up one behind the other next to the curb.  When a staff person indicates, turn your car engine off, put your emergency brake on, remove your child from the car and wait with him/her until a staff member comes to escort your child in.  Wait until the car in front of you leaves before you pull away.  This is for the safety of all our children.  (If you arrive after 9:20 AM, park in the upper lot and escort your child to her class.)

• · For pick-up of young 2's - arrive between 11:25 and 11:35 AM

•    For pick-up of older 2’s, 3’s and 4's-arrive between 11:55 and 12:05 AM on regular days and between 12:55 and 1:05 PM on extended days. 

• · If you are late to drop-off your child, park in the upper lot and walk into the building.

• · If you are unexpectedly detained, please call the Iris Family Center office at 763-4600 or 763-4116 and leave a message for your child's teacher.  (Please refer to “Late Policy” for more information.) Promptness is important. Our staff leaves shortly after the children.

Carpool Notes 

   Carpools are an integral part of Iris Family Center for many families.  A note, written, dated, and signed by a parent, detailing your child's carpool schedule, is required for any time your child will not be picked up by a parent, even if the driver is a relative.  Once a carpool has been established, you will be requested to submit your regular carpool schedule.  A signed and dated note must accompany any variations, or your child will not be released!  Please cooperate with us.  This policy is for your child's protection.

Snow Days and School Closings 

   Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel Iris Family Center follows the Maplewood-South Orange School System closings on snow days, and for all regular school vacations and holidays. In addition, Iris Family Center will close for Jewish holidays, as noted on our calendar, and for staff enrichment days during the year.  School will also be closed at the discretion of the director and parent board co-chairs, should there be concern about weather or road conditions.  Each school year has approximately four snow days built into it.  Should more be required, the school will try to add more days, when and if possible.  There will be no refunds for days missed due to weather. Remember to always check the Iris Family Center Calendar, and when in doubt call the Iris Family Center Office. 

Lunch 

   Children attending school for a regular or optional extended-day are required to bring their lunch.  Lunch boxes or paper bags are acceptable.  Please use recyclable and reusable containers whenever possible. 
   Please label lunch boxes or bags clearly.  Lunches are not refrigerated, so avoid foods that spoil easily.  Juice or milk boxes and thermoses work well.  It is helpful to send a straw rather than have your child pour from a container. 
   Lunchtime goes more smoothly for your child if you remember to:

• Food allergies may exist in your classroom. Teachers will advise you accordingly.

• · Pack food he/she enjoys;

• · Be realistic about appetites;

• · Remember - dessert usually gets eaten first, so try to make it healthy: yogurt or dried fruit are nutritious options.

• · NO CANDY in the lunch box, please. 

Parent Participation 

   The success of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel Iris Family Center can be attributed not only to our highly qualified and dedicated staff, but also to our many parent volunteers.  During the school year, numerous opportunities arise where parents are needed to assist inside or outside of the classroom.  Some examples are: serving as class parents, assisting teachers in cooking or art projects, fall bulb planting, fundraising activities, et cetera. 
   In addition, we welcome any ideas from parents for ways in which they would like to become involved in their child's Iris Family Center experience.  The time you can give to volunteer is not only greatly appreciated by the Iris Family Center staff and the Board, but can also be an exciting and rewarding experience for you and your child. 

Iris Family Center Board 

   An active lay board, composed of the Iris Family Center Director, Non-parent Temple members, and Iris Family Center parents supports Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel Iris Family Center.  The Board's responsibilities include: 

• · acting as a liaison between the Iris Family Center and Temple

• · recommending and approving new Iris Family Center programs and policies

• · fund raising. 
  

If your child has been evaluated and/or diagnosed by a Child Study Team,
Learning Disabilities Specialist, Speech/Language Therapist, or Pediatric Neurologist, a copy of the IEP/IFSP must be sent to the Iris Family Center office in order for our staff to best plan for your child’s individual needs. We may recommend an assessment period of 4-6 weeks to determine our ability to create a successful learning environment for your child. All information will be kept in strictest confidence.
If your child has never been evaluated by any of the educational specialists mentioned above, but:

• demonstrates needs suggestive of additional supports needed to help your child succeed in a classroom setting, or
• demonstrates behaviors that are harmful to himself or others, or
• demontrates behaviors that are disruptive to the classroom environment and management

The Pearl and Sam Green Iris Family Center Fund 

      Pearl and Sam Green have long been supporters of TSTI’s Iris Family Center and have enabled the school to grow through their generous contributions.  The Pearl and Sam Green Iris Family Center Fund supports Iris Family Center scholarships, educational programs, workshops, and materials that would enhance the quality of the school.  Contributions to this fund can be made by calling the Temple office at 763-4116.