Mountain Montessori School Policies & Procedures Agreement

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5 - Policies & Procedures Agreement

Care Providers/Guardians must read this page and submit their acknowledgment, name, signature, and date below.

Once this form is submitted, a PDF is auto-generated with your signature and provided to the school for your child's records.

Policies and Procedures

In an authentic Montessori environment, we use an educational method that supports and responds to the child's nature. The child's heart is not a theoretical construct; it is based on Maria Montessori's detailed, lengthy observations of the child.

Maria Montessori believed that all children are born intelligent; they simply learn in different ways and progress at their own pace. The Montessori approach to education is intentionally designed to recognize and accommodate diverse learning styles.

Our Mission
We are committed to nurturing each child’s full potential—socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically—through fully implemented Montessori pedagogy. Guided by developmentally appropriate, educationally sound principles, we aim to serve children and families with compassion and integrity. Through our dedication to peace and meaningful learning, we strive to create a more humane and harmonious world.

Our Vision
To cultivate a joyful, connected community where children thrive through a whole-child Montessori approach, families are engaged partners, and lasting relationships are fostered well beyond graduation.

The Prepared Environment, Freedom, and Responsibility in Montessori Classrooms

At Mountain Montessori, freedom and responsibility are inseparable. Maria Montessori observed that children develop self-discipline, concentration, and a deep love of learning when they are given genuine freedom within a thoughtfully prepared environment. Our program is designed to actively preserve these aspects of freedom for every child, every day.

The Prepared Environment

Each Mountain Montessori classroom is carefully prepared to support the developmental needs of children ages two-and-a-half through six. Materials are displayed at the child's height on open, accessible shelves and arranged in a logical sequence from simple to complex and concrete to abstract. The environment is beautiful, orderly, and uncluttered, with natural light, real materials, child-sized furniture, and living plants. Materials are complete, well-maintained, and in their proper place so that each child can locate, use, and return them independently. Adults (the lead teacher, the assistants, and the Director) prepare and maintain the environment as one of their primary professional responsibilities. The environment itself, more than any adult-imposed rule, communicates what is possible and expected within the classroom community.

Aspects of Freedom

We actively preserve seven aspects of freedom for the children in our care:

Freedom of movement. Children move purposefully throughout the classroom and outdoor environment. They are not required to remain seated, line up, or stay with a group except during specific community activities (line time, lunch, dismissal). Movement is recognized as essential to learning, concentration, and self-construction.
Freedom of choice. Children choose their own work from any material in the environment for which they have received a presentation. They choose where to work — at a table, on a rug on the floor, indoors or outdoors when weather and supervision permit — and whether to work alone or with a partner.
Freedom of time. We protect a long, uninterrupted morning work cycle (approximately three hours) during which children are free to stay with a chosen activity for as long as it engages them. We do not interrupt a concentrated child to redirect them to a different lesson, transition, or adult-driven schedule.
Freedom of repetition. A child may repeat the same work as many times as they need to satisfy an internal developmental drive. Repetition is welcomed, not redirected, and is recognized as the natural path to mastery.
Freedom of communication and social interaction. Children are free to converse quietly with peers and adults, to work alongside or with a chosen partner, and to engage in the social fabric of the classroom community. Grace and courtesy lessons explicitly teach the language and rituals of respectful interaction.
Freedom from danger and unwarranted interference. Adults and peers do not interrupt a child engaged in concentrated work. The environment is physically safe and emotionally protected, and adults shield the working child from unnecessary intrusion.
Freedom within limits. Freedom at Mountain Montessori is never permissive or boundaryless. Each freedom is bounded by responsibility to oneself, to others, and to the environment — the three foundational respects that anchor our community. A child is free to choose any material they have been shown, but they are responsible for using it carefully and returning it. A child is free to move, but not in a way that disturbs another's work. A child is free to speak, but with grace and courtesy. The limits are consistent, taught explicitly, and upheld by the prepared environment and the community of children and adults.

Responsibility as the Other Side of Freedom

The freedoms above are matched, in equal measure, by responsibilities. Children at Mountain Montessori learn, through direct lessons, adult modeling, and the design of the environment, that they are responsible for caring for the materials, the classroom and outdoor space, one another, and themselves. Practical Life work is the daily training ground for this responsibility: children pour their own water, prepare their own snacks, wash dishes, sweep, fold cloths, water plants, and care for one another and visitors. Through these activities, freedom is not granted as a privilege but earned and exercised as competence grows.

The Adult's Role

The adults at Mountain Montessori prepare and maintain the environment, observe each child carefully, present new material at the moment of readiness, and protect the conditions in which freedom and responsibility can flourish. The adult does not direct the child's work moment by moment; the adult prepares the conditions under which the child's own developmental work can unfold.

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Ages

Mountain Montessori is licensed for 40 children per day, ages 2.5 years to 6 years. The license allows for 20 children per classroom per day.

Applying to the Program

Each family interested in applying to Mountain Montessori must fill out an application and pay a $25 application fee. You can do this on our website at www.mntmontessori.org. A completed application is the only way to be considered for future openings. We do not offer a waitlist per se. As openings arise, we review our applications on file. We offer parents the opportunity to visit the classroom and talk to the staff during Open Houses provided twice a year in November and February.

We have a rolling admissions policy, but most of our openings are for September. If we feel your family is a good fit with our program and we have a spot, we will contact you to see if you are still interested in your child attending.

Attendance and Hours

Regular attendance is essential to success within our Montessori program. We offer a 5-day program, and we ask that you recognize the benefits of your child being in the classroom during their scheduled school days. Regular school hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Extended Hours allow for 3:30 - 4:30 pm each day. Holidays are listed in the Mountain Montessori Enrollment Agreement and our School Calendar.

Absence: If your child is absent, we request notification by text or email by 9 am that day.
Tardiness: School begins at 8:30 am. A teacher will be present in the parking lot from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to escort the children from their cars to the school. After that time, you will need to park and text the classroom iPad. A teacher will come out to the parking lot and escort your child into the school classroom. This disrupts your child’s routine and the children already involved in their academic day. If tardiness becomes a noticeable pattern for your family, we will ask you to consider a program that better suits your family’s needs.
We ask parents to sign up for consistent drop-off times in 10-minute windows at 8:00, 8:10, and 8:20. We expect all children to be present by 8:30 am.
Second Programs: We believe it is not in the best interest of any child to be enrolled in more than one care situation at a time. We kindly ask that you commit to Mountain Montessori or another program for all care, as a child may become confused if they are in two different settings. Our goal is consistency, and if a child is with another provider when they are not at Mountain Montessori, they may experience two sets of rules, two sets of friends, and two sets of expectations. This can cause developmental issues within the Montessori curriculum.

Birthdays

At Mountain Montessori, we acknowledge a child’s birthday with a Celebration of Life. On or near the child’s birthday, we ask parents to schedule this event with the Director. Please send one photo for each year your child has been alive (e.g., newborn, 1, 2, 3, etc.). At 11:15 am, we light a candle, and the child walks around the line with their photo. Parents are welcome to attend line time via Zoom or in person and will be asked by the teacher questions about each year, “Was he walking at 1?” Our goal is to keep the focus on the child’s life. You are welcome to send in a special snack for that day, which we will serve after lunch. It cannot be homemade, as State regulations prevent us from serving items not prepared in an FDA-approved kitchen.

Clothing

Children should come to school in comfortable play clothes that let them move quickly at all times. We use smocks during messy activities, but we still recommend practical play clothes. Each child must bring a complete set of extra seasonal clothes in a zip-lock bag. The bag and clothing must both have the child’s name in a permanent marker or sticker. We keep these at school or return them to parents if used. If we use them during the day, please replace the extra set of clothes the next day.
Each child must have a pair of slippers at school. These remain at school. Please purchase slippers with a hard surface and minimal decoration (Acorn Slippers and Foam Treads are some examples). Practice having your child put on and take off slippers before the first day of school. For the playground, we strongly encourage sneakers or soft-soled shoes that are easy for the child to put on and take off. Velcro makes your child’s day a lot easier.
Weather changes quickly in Colorado; we go outside EVERY DAY! Please make sure your child has waterproof boots, mittens, hats, snowsuits, and possibly an extra sweater. All of these should be labeled. If the weather becomes extremely cold or excessively hot, staff will keep children inside for safety.

Mountain Montessori goes outside every day and believes outdoor time is an essential part of the Montessori experience. However, our children's safety and well-being always come first. The Director, in consultation with teaching staff, will make the final decision to keep children indoors based on the following guidelines: Cold weather: Children will remain indoors when the temperature or wind chill falls below 15°F. Hot weather: Children will remain indoors when the temperature or heat index exceeds 95°F.

Staff will use professional judgment to keep children inside during lightning, high winds, air quality alerts, or other hazardous conditions, regardless of temperature. When an indoor day is declared, parents will be notified via Transparent Classroom. We will replace outdoor time with enriched indoor Montessori work and movement activities.

Communication

Our program thrives on excellent communication and collaboration. Please call the director for emergencies, text for time-sensitive items, and email for less urgent concerns/questions. You are also welcome to schedule an appointment with the Director for a face-to-face conversation if desired. Your child’s teacher’s first responsibility is the care and safety of all children. Since we are a small school, we ask that talks be scheduled when the teachers are not actively teaching or “on duty.” Even a “quick” question in the parking lot can distract a teacher enough to endanger the children in their care. Therefore, curbside and entryway conferences are discouraged. These times don't allow enough time to give your concerns the undivided attention your family deserves.

We also send a daily email on school days through Transparent Classroom. Please accept your Transparent Classroom invitation and download the app on your phone for accessible communication. If you don't get your email, please let us know. Urgent and emergency notices are sent as Transparent Classroom announcements. Announcements are emailed to every parent immediately, regardless of individual notification settings, and also appear on the Home page of the Transparent Classroom website and app. We also encourage parents to email us as a means of communication.

Keeping Contact Information Current: Families are responsible for keeping their contact information up to date, including email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses, and emergency contacts. Please notify the Director in writing as soon as any information changes so that school communications, including emergency announcements, continue to reach you. Mountain Montessori sends all communications to the contact information on file.

Families in Two Households: When a child’s parents live in separate households, both parents receive school communications directly, including daily emails, announcements, conference scheduling, and school records, unless a court order on file states otherwise. Each parent is responsible for accepting their own Transparent Classroom invitation and keeping their own contact information current. Please provide the school with a copy of any court order that affects custody, pick-up, or access to school information.

Family Feedback: Each spring, Mountain Montessori asks families to complete an annual parent survey about their experience with our program, including how well we communicate. Families are also welcome to share feedback with the Director at any time. The Director reviews survey results and family feedback and incorporates them into the annual policy review.

Staff Communication: Staff meet frequently to share observations, coordinate classroom plans, and discuss individual children’s and families’ needs. The Director also communicates with staff by email and text for time-sensitive information. Information about children and families is shared only with staff who need it and is kept confidential.

Accessible Communication: Mountain Montessori is committed to making communication accessible to every family.

Spanish-language support is available from a bilingual member of our staff for families who prefer to communicate in Spanish, including help with written materials and interpretation at conferences and meetings.
Families without reliable internet or smartphone access may request printed copies of school communications, policies, and forms, and may arrange to receive urgent notices by phone and to hold conferences by phone.
Our facility is accessible, with a ramp and wide doorways, and families who need disability-related accommodations, such as accessible meeting arrangements or alternative formats, may request them from the Director.

Social-Emotional Culture and Teaching Strategies

Mountain Montessori is committed to fostering the social and emotional well-being of every child as a foundational part of our Montessori practice. We maintain a program-wide culture of respect, safety, and belonging, guided by the principle of respect for myself, others, and the environment.

To support children's social and emotional development, our staff:

Implement Positive Discipline (Dr. Jane Nelson) as the program-wide framework for understanding and responding to children's behavior.
Use a peace curriculum that teaches children to identify their feelings, communicate their needs, and resolve conflicts with peers using respectful language, with a teacher serving as a calm facilitator.
Model and explicitly teach prosocial skills, including empathy, turn-taking, problem-solving, and self-regulation, throughout the daily routine and within the Montessori work cycle.
Intentionally arrange the environment to minimize conflict, support independence, and promote positive peer interaction.
Build warm, consistent relationships with each child and family, recognizing that secure attachment is the foundation of social-emotional growth.
Communicate regularly with families about their child's social and emotional development through daily Transparent Classroom updates, conferences, and as-needed conversations

Conferences

Guardian conferences are held in the fall to address the child's social and emotional adjustment. A second conference will be held in late spring to address academic growth and your child's social and emotional growth. These conferences are listed on the school calendar; no classroom hours are scheduled on these days, and they cannot be rescheduled to other days. Conferences are scheduled utilizing Transparent Classroom. The conference can be in person or virtual.

Discipline

Our school's philosophy encourages “respect for myself, respect for others, and respect for the environment.” Staff utilize Positive Discipline by Dr. Jane Nelson, which can be found at www.positivediscipline.com. We also follow a peace curriculum that helps children resolve conflicts with their peers, with the teacher as a facilitator. The teacher may also need to address one child’s behavior, specifically when the child is given a “time-in” or asked to stay by the teacher. The teacher then addresses the behavior with the child. Physical punishment is never an option.

Recurring discipline issues or serious "acting out" that harms another child or disrupts the class environment will require an immediate conference with parents, the teacher, and the Director. The school promotes teamwork with parents on matters of discipline. Families are expected to partner with school staff in developing strategies for managing behavior in the classroom and at home. If the problem persists, Mountain Montessori will refer the family to community resources such as an early childhood consultant or an early childhood mental health consultant for additional support. In the Vail Valley, we can access support systems through Early Childhood Partners and private specialists who may be needed to support our efforts.

Mountain Montessori is committed to keeping children in care and working collaboratively with families before considering suspension, expulsion, or requested withdrawal due to behavioral concerns. The following steps will be taken and documented:

Step 1 — Observation and Understanding: Staff observe and document the child's behavior, including frequency, triggers, and context, in order to understand the function of the behavior rather than simply its form.

Step 2 — Family Conference: The Director and lead teacher meet with the family to share observations, hear the family's perspective, and begin developing a shared plan. This conference is documented in the child's file.

Step 3 — Team-Based Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP) If concerns continue, the Director will convene a team that may include the lead teacher, co-director, family members, and any relevant specialists. Together, the team will develop a written, individualized Positive Behavior Support Plan. The plan will describe the specific behaviors of concern and any identified triggers or environmental factors. It will outline proactive strategies to prevent challenging behavior and teach replacement skills. It will also include a plan for consistent implementation across home and school, along with a timeline for review and follow-up.

Step 4 — Specialist Consultation: Mountain Montessori will consult with an early childhood mental health consultant or other appropriate specialist through Early Childhood Partners or other community resources. Families will be supported in accessing these services. If a family is unwilling to participate in the referral process, the child may be dismissed from the program.

Step 5 — Review and Decision: The team will review the PBSP at the agreed-upon interval. If the plan is insufficient and the program cannot meet the child's needs safely, the Director will work with the family to identify an alternative program that better fits the child's needs, providing as much transition time as possible.

Suspension is not used as a behavioral intervention. Expulsion or requested withdrawal due to behavioral concerns is always a last resort, used only after the steps above have been exhausted and documented. All steps taken, communications with families, and specialist consultations will be recorded and maintained in the child's confidential file.

If families are unwilling to participate in the referral process, the child may be dismissed from the program. NOTE: When a child becomes aggressive toward other children or staff members to the point of physical contact injury, parents will be notified for immediate child pickup. Mountain Montessori staff reserve the right to physically separate (carry or pick up) a child from a dangerous situation until pickup has occurred.

Emergencies (other than illness)

Mountain Montessori maintains a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan to ensure the safety and well-being of all children and staff in the event of emergencies. This plan is reviewed and updated annually and as circumstances change. All staff are trained on these

procedures before caring for children and retrained immediately when updates are made. Documentation of all drills and trainings is maintained in accordance with state licensing requirements. Drills include Shelter-in-Place, Lockdown Procedures, Active Shooter on Premises, and Hazard Preparedness.

Our classroom is designed so we can always see where children are. We also take attendance at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Staff are instructed to count continually during transitions and on the playground to ensure each student's whereabouts. However, even with these precautions, some incidents may still fall outside our control. The following procedures have been established:

Lost Child: The Director is notified immediately, and staff will conduct an immediate and thorough campus search. The Director will alert the parent or emergency contact. Notify police if the parents or emergency contacts cannot be located.
Blizzard: In the event of a blizzard, teachers will stay with the students, and the Director will maintain a safe environment and provide food if needed.
Fire: The classroom has a fire evacuation plan in place when the alarm sounds. One teacher leads the children to the meeting place outside, while the Director surveys the classroom and checks attendance before and after the notice. If we cannot return to the facility, we will notify parents through a Transparent Classroom announcement to pick up their child at Avon Self Storage, 850 Nottingham Road, Avon, CO (970) 373-4580.
Tornado: In the event of a tornado warning, all children and staff will immediately move to the interior hallway or the lowest interior room away from windows. Staff will bring attendance records and emergency contact information. Staff will keep children calm and supervised until the all-clear is issued. Parents will be notified through a Transparent Classroom announcement. If severe damage prevents return to the facility, families will be directed to Avon Self Storage, 850 Nottingham Road, Avon, CO (970) 373-4580.
Building Evacuation: If asked to vacate the building, we will escort the children to Avon Self Storage, 850 Nottingham Road, Avon, CO, (970) 373-4580.
The co-director is designated to care for children with physical disabilities and assist these students safely. We will notify parents of our location through a Transparent Classroom announcement.
Each scenario includes steps for evacuation, communication, supervision, and family reunification.

Staff will maintain continuity of care until all children are reunited with their families. All children's records (emergency contact information, medical authorizations, enrollment documentation) are stored on the Director's password-protected laptop, with regular cloud-based backups and a secure off-site external hard drive backup. In the event of an emergency, the Director (or designee) will retrieve the device or access cloud-based backups. If internet access is unavailable, the information is stored electronically on classroom password-protected iPads. Staff records (qualifications, training, health forms) are similarly stored digitally on the Director’s device and backed up regularly.

Our Montessori curriculum includes restaurant-quality glassware and real-life materials, such as child-sized knives, which may pose a risk of lacerations to your child. We provide safety training, and all staff are certified in CPR/First Aid. Below is a list of our procedures when we have a clean-up of broken materials:

The closest staff member immediately approaches the area and reassures the child.
Move all children out of the area to a safe, generous radius. CHILDREN MAY NOT CLEAN UP GLASS.
One adult is solely responsible for thoroughly cleaning the materials and environment.
Remove all breakable hazards immediately and place them in the dumpster in the parking lot outside.

Fee Schedule

The one-time Application Fee due with the initial application is $25. The annual registration fee is $225 for new families and $125 for returning families. Tuition is determined in the spring before each academic year. None of these fees is refundable. The monthly fees from September to May are as follows:

Five days per week: $1,757
We participate in Colorado's UPK program for Year 2 when the child is 4 years old.

Statements will be sent each month electronically. Please provide the school with a valid email. Tuition is due on the first of every month. If tuition is not received by the fifteenth of the month, a 5% late fee will be assessed. Auto-draft payments are made on the 5th of each month and are the preferred payment method.

Field Trips

Mountain Montessori does not conduct off-campus field trips or transport children in private vehicles for school activities. In the event that a group of children is temporarily away from the main classroom space for an on-site activity (such as outdoor play, a nature walk on campus, or use of a shared facility space), a staff member will remain at or return to the main entrance to receive any child who arrives late. The late-arriving child will be escorted directly to the group.

Filing a Complaint

Mountain Montessori values open, respectful communication with families and is committed to resolving concerns promptly and fairly. If you have a concern or complaint, please follow the steps below. All communication related to a concern or complaint can expect a response within 24 hours.

Step 1 — Lead Teacher: Email your child’s lead teacher and describe your concern. The lead teacher will respond within 24 hours and, if needed, schedule a meeting with you, in person or virtually, at a time when the teacher is not actively teaching.

Step 2 — Director: If your concern is not resolved with the lead teacher, or if your concern involves the lead teacher, email the Director. The Director will respond within 24 hours and, if needed, schedule a meeting with you to discuss the concern and work toward a resolution.

Colorado Department of Early Childhood: If you would like to file a complaint about childcare with the state, you may contact the Colorado Department of Early Childhood at any time at (303) 866-5958. The address is 710 S. Ash Street, Denver, CO 80246.

Group Guardian Meetings - FAMILY NETWORK

Guardian meetings are held four to six evenings a year. These meetings familiarize parents with the Montessori philosophy and environment and build a sense of community. They can also be used to discuss parenting issues. These meetings are essential for getting to know each other and supporting one another as we raise our children. We'll meet at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards.

Illness

Young children frequently become mildly ill. Preschoolers experience a yearly average of six respiratory infections and can expect one to two gastrointestinal diseases each year. Deciding whether to keep your child home can be difficult. If your child is not 100%, sending them to school can often mean they are more vulnerable to severe illness. Their immune system is lowered, and they become sicker. Rest is the best way for a child to recover. IMMUNIZATIONS are also vital in keeping the entire community well. Annual flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations are essential for maintaining overall health. Please refer to the chart below for guidelines and recommendations from the State of Colorado Health and Human Services:

Symptom/Disease	Exclusion from school is necessary.
Diarrhea (stools are watery, and frequency is twice what is usual)	Yes. Until 24 hours symptom-free.
Chicken Pox	Yes-children with uncomplicated chicken pox may return on the sixth day after the rash start or until blisters are crusted.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)	Yes – until 24 hrs. after treatment. If your health provider decides not to treat your child, a note is needed to be re-admitted.
Coxsackie Virus (Hand, Foot, Mouth disease)	Yes - this is highly contagious.
Fifth’s Disease	No – a child is no longer contagious once the rash appears. If you are knowingly exposed, please keep the child home until the rash appears.
Strep Throat	Yes – until 24 hours after treatment, the child must be fever free for 24 hours.
Head lice	Yes – until 24 hours after treatment.

If your child has a runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat, diarrhea, stomachache, or headache, please keep them home. If someone in your household is ill, we kindly request that you consider keeping your child home.

If your child becomes ill or injured at school, we will first contact the parents and, if unsuccessful, the emergency contacts. A staff member will stay with an unwell child in the office until you arrive. Please respond immediately so staff members can return to their duties. Help us keep our environment healthy by keeping children home for 24 hours if they have a fever, vomiting, or discomfort. Your child must be well enough to resume a regular Montessori day, including outdoor play. Our staff reserves the right to call parents and ask them to pick up their child if, in our opinion, the child arrives at school sick or becomes sick through the course of the day.

All health problems must be noted on the child’s information sheet. The school is required by Colorado law to keep an updated State of Colorado Immunization Certificate on every student. The link is on our registration page if you need a blank Immunization Certificate. This must be in the child’s file before the child may start school. It must also be kept current. We may withhold a child from school until their health records are complete. For this reason, there is no “break” on tuition when the child cannot attend. We require at least one annual immunization update.

Mountain Montessori is required to report all communicable illnesses to the Eagle County Department of Health, in accordance with the State Department of Public Health and Environment regulations.

As a private school, Mountain Montessori requires all students to be fully immunized against certain diseases. This policy is in place to protect the health and safety of all members of our school community, including those who are medically vulnerable. We do not accept non-medical exemptions. Submit documentation of up-to-date immunizations before enrollment and keep it current throughout the school year.

The CDEC licensing rules allow private childcare programs the option not to enroll children whose families choose to exempt their child from one or more school-required vaccines for nonmedical reasons. In Colorado, a nonmedical exemption means an exemption based upon a religious belief whose teachings are opposed to immunizations or a personal belief that is opposed to immunizations.

MEDICATION - Staff shall dispense medication only with a completed medication form, signed by a parent and a physician, including the physician’s phone number. Staff can provide these forms. Medication must be in the original container bearing the original pharmacy label, which includes the RX number, name of the drug, date filled, physician’s name, child’s name, and dosage instructions. NEVER send the medication in the child’s lunchbox or backpack. Hand the medication directly to the staff. All medicines are kept in the office and dispensed by personnel trained in first aid and medication administration.

Mountain Montessori is committed to administering medication to children safely, in accordance with state law, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) rules, and the Colorado Nurse and Nurse Aide Practice Act (CRS 12-255). All staff administering medication complete the state-approved medication training and annual reviews with the Colorado Health Care Consultant (CHCC). All incidents or errors in medication administration are documented and reported to the director and the CHCC. The event is reviewed to determine whether corrective action and retraining are necessary.

Lunch and Snacks

Children bring their lunches and individual snacks from home each day. Lunches remain in cubbies until lunchtime; if refrigeration is required, include a cold pack, as we cannot refrigerate 40 lunches. We cannot heat lunches. Lunch should provide approximately one-third of the child's daily nutritional needs. Please do not send candy or soda. Individual snacks should be placed in a separate bag labeled with an "S."

Food allergies and special diets: The safety of children with food allergies or special dietary needs is a priority. Families must disclose all known food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions on the child's enrollment forms and update the school immediately if any change. This information is shared with all staff who supervise children during meals and snack times.

For children with severe or life-threatening allergies, families must provide a completed Allergy Action Plan signed by the child's physician, along with any required emergency medication (such as an epinephrine auto-injector), prior to the child's first day. Staff trained in first aid and medication administration will follow the Action Plan in the event of an allergic reaction.

Because children bring food from home, Mountain Montessori does not post a standardized weekly menu. Families of children with allergies are encouraged to regularly communicate with the Director about snack days, birthday celebrations, or any school-provided food items to arrange safe alternatives.

Media and Internet Usage Policy

Mountain Montessori does not use television, videos, computers, tablets, or any screen-based media as part of our classroom program. This reflects our Montessori philosophy, which prioritizes hands-on, real-world, self-directed learning.

Children do not have access to screens or the internet during the school day.

Online safety education for children ages 5 and older: Although we do not use screens in our classroom, Mountain Montessori recognizes that children age five and older regularly encounter media and the internet outside of school. In keeping with our whole-child approach, staff integrate age-appropriate online safety conversations into group time and daily interactions throughout the year. These conversations may include:

Keeping personal information (name, address, school) private
Telling a trusted adult if something seen or experienced online feels unsafe or uncomfortable
Understanding that not everything online is true or kind
Recognizing the difference between screen time and real-world experience

Parents are considered our primary partners in this area. We encourage families to have ongoing conversations about media use and online safety at home. Resources are available from the Director upon request.

Non-Discrimination

Mountain Montessori does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, socio-economic level, family structure, disability or physical ability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, learning style, or any other status protected by law. This applies to admissions and enrollment, access to and participation in our educational programs and activities, employment, and all other school-administered programs.

This policy applies to all aspects of school life. Mountain Montessori complies with all applicable federal and state laws, including Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA).

Mountain Montessori is committed to anti-bias and anti-racist practices. We recognize the importance of creating an environment in which all children, families, and staff members feel seen, respected, and valued. We:

Acknowledge systemic inequities and strive to disrupt them within our school culture.
Commit to an inclusive curriculum, respectful dialogue, and equitable practices.
Engage in ongoing professional development to better understand and support diverse identities and experiences.
Hold ourselves accountable for cultivating a just, equitable, and inclusive Montessori community.

Anti-Bullying Statement

Disagreements and conflicts between young children are a normal part of learning to live in community and are not bullying. Bullying is intentional, repeated behavior meant to hurt, frighten, or exclude another person, and it is not accepted at Mountain Montessori. Through our peace curriculum, children progress from teacher-guided problem-solving to resolving conflicts on their own. We contact families when a child’s behavior needs support from home. Families with concerns may use our Filing a Complaint procedure.

Personal Belongings and Sharing on the line time

Children must leave jewelry, money, candy, soda, costumes, and toys at home. Items are often lost and can also distract us during classroom time. We have four letters posted on the calendar each month. Children may bring items that start with those four letters all month. We will then share them online. Only during that time are children allowed to bring items from home.

Pick-up at the end of the day

Children are to be picked up at the west side of the school between 3:00 and 3:30 pm each school day if they are not enrolled in the after-school extended hour program. We'd like to ask you to be patient as we escort your child to your car. Please remain in your vehicle as the teacher safely walks your child to your automobile. We believe this is the safest way to protect the children in the parking lot. Cell Phones are restricted from being used at this time of day on campus! If your child is not enrolled in the extended hour program from 3:30-4:30 pm, picking up after 3:30 pm will add a substantial late fee to your tuition bill the following month. The fee is $15 after 3:30 pm, plus $15 for each additional 5 minutes. We will text you at 3:30 pm if you are expected and have not arrived. There is no maximum fee per occurrence. The Director will remain with that child until a parent or emergency contact arrives. If tardiness becomes a noticeable pattern for your family, we will ask you to consider a program that better suits your family’s needs.
If your child is enrolled in the extended hours program, your child will be picked up at the west side of the school between 4:00 and 4:30 pm each school day. We also ask that you be patient as we escort your child to your car. Please remain in your vehicle as the teacher safely walks your child to your automobile. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CELL PHONE USE at this time. Pick-up after 4:30 pm will result in a substantial late fee on your tuition bill the following month. The cost is $15 after 4:30 pm, plus $15 for each additional 5 minutes. There is no maximum fee per occurrence. We will text you at 4:30 pm if you are expected and have not arrived. The Director will remain with that child until a parent or emergency contact arrives. If tardiness becomes a noticeable pattern for your family, we will ask you to consider a program that better suits your family’s needs.
Mountain Montessori will not release a child to anyone without written authorization from the child’s legal guardian. Staff will also require identification from the person picking up your child if we do not recognize that person. Parents will submit a registration form to the school identifying those authorized to pick up their children. Staff will still require identification and the family code word from that person if they are not easily recognized. The pickup person must be 18 years old.
If your child is not picked up at the scheduled time and we cannot reach you or your emergency contacts, then the Director will remain with your child until 5 pm. After 5 pm, if we have not heard from you or an authorized representative, we will contact Eagle County Child Protective Services at 970-328-8840. Child Services will then take over care of the child.
If there is a reasonable belief that the authorized individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, leaves with the child, and is operating a motor vehicle, then the program must immediately report such to the police or social services. The school must still call law enforcement or social services if the individual leaves with the child and is not using a motor vehicle.

Privacy of Student Records

Mountain Montessori protects the privacy of student and family information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Parents have the right to inspect their child’s education records within 45 days of a written request and to request corrections to records they believe are inaccurate. The school will not share personally identifiable information from student records without written parental consent, except as permitted by law, such as in health and safety emergencies or to comply with a court order. Parents may opt out of directory information disclosure and of their child’s participation in school photo or video publications by submitting a written request to the Director.

Protection from Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke

Mountain Montessori maintains a completely tobacco-free and smoke-free environment. Smoking, vaping, and the use of any tobacco or nicotine products are strictly prohibited on school premises, in any vehicle used for school purposes, and within the immediate vicinity of the school entrance. This policy applies to all staff, families, volunteers, and visitors at all times. Mountain Montessori does not currently enroll infants; however, this policy applies to all children in our care regardless of age.

Recalled Toys, Equipment, Furnishings, and Food

Mountain Montessori is committed to ensuring that all materials, equipment, furnishings, and food items used in our program are safe and free from active recalls. The Director or designee will:

Monitor recalls on a routine basis by checking the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at cpsc.gov and the USDA/FDA recall databases at least monthly.
Immediately remove any item identified as subject to a recall from use and place it out of children's reach pending proper disposal or return to the manufacturer.
Notify staff of any recalled item and the steps taken to remove it.
Document all recall checks and any items removed, including the date, item description, recall notice reference, and action taken.
Staff are encouraged to report any item they believe may be subject to a recall to the Director immediately. This review is conducted as part of the program's annual policy review and on an ongoing monthly basis throughout the year.

Safe Sleep Environments

Mountain Montessori does not currently enroll infants or toddlers who require sleep supervision in accordance with infant safe sleep guidelines. Accordingly, a formal infant safe sleep policy is not applicable to our current program. If the program's licensed age range expands to include infants or younger toddlers, we will develop, implement, and communicate a comprehensive safe sleep policy, consistent with Colorado Department of Early Childhood rules and the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines, to families before enrolling any such children.

Separated from the group

If a child becomes separated from their assigned group or staff member at any time, whether indoors, on the playground, or during any on-site activity, the following steps will be taken immediately:

The staff member who notices the separation alerts the Director without leaving the remaining children unsupervised.
The Director initiates an immediate and thorough search of the campus.
If the child is not located within a brief, reasonable search, parents or emergency contacts are notified immediately.
If the child cannot be located, local authorities (Eagle County Sheriff's Office) are contacted without delay.
All staff maintain their supervisory responsibilities for the other children throughout the search process.

Staff will document the incident in writing, including the timeline, actions taken, and outcome, and maintain it in the child's file. Staff will be retrained on transition and supervision procedures following any such incident.

Sign In/Sign Out

Our program utilizes Transparent Classroom to document carpool pick-up and drop-off. For security purposes, you must sign each child in each morning and sign them out when you pick them up via the Transparent Classroom app on your phone. The director or staff must use that list to ensure each child is present and has been picked up. The classroom and playground receive a security sweep at the end of the day to ensure every child has been accounted for.

Special Needs Children

We welcome the opportunity to work with children with different needs, provided it is in the child's best interest. Children with disabilities are educated alongside their peers to the greatest extent appropriate. Specialists are welcome to provide services within the classroom (push-in), and children are removed from the classroom for services only when necessary and individually appropriate. Accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be made.

Suspected Child Abuse

Colorado law requires all staff to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the county Department of Social Services or local law enforcement. Staff do not need to be certain abuse occurred; reasonable suspicion is sufficient.

Reports should be made to:

Eagle County Department of Human Services — Child Welfare: (970) 328-8840
Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: (844) 264-5437
Local law enforcement (non-emergency): Eagle County Sheriff's Office, (970) 328-8500

The Director will be notified of any report made. All staff are trained on mandatory reporting requirements and procedures annually. Documentation of any report and related observations will be maintained confidentially in accordance with state law.

If parents wish to report suspected child abuse, they may contact the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (844) 264-5437.

Toilet Learning

All children enrolled at Mountain Montessori must be able to use the bathroom independently. Exceptions will be made as a reasonable accommodation for children whose disability affects toileting. We also understand that all children experience accidents, and we will provide safe and dignified assistance to each child who needs help. However, children who consistently have accidents and are not fully toilet-trained will not be able to continue attending Mountain Montessori. Please do not send pull-ups with your child, as we will not use them, even for naptime.

DAYTIME CONTROL

Independent Use of Toilet: The child can independently recognize the need to use the toilet, communicate this need, and make it to the bathroom without accidents.
Clothing Management: The child can independently manage their clothing, such as pulling pants up and down and properly securing fasteners (e.g., buttons, zippers).
Hygiene: The child can wipe themselves effectively after using the toilet, flush the toilet, and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.

ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT

Minimal Accidents: The child has minimal to no daytime accidents, and if accidents occur, they are rare and typically happen under unusual circumstances.
Self-Care During Accidents: The child can recognize and communicate the occurrence of an accident and either manage the clean-up process independently or seek appropriate assistance from an adult.

Visitors

Visitors must check in with a staff member and sign a posted sheet indicating the date of their visit, the purpose of their visit, and the type of identification they used. All spontaneous visits are discouraged, but observation by appointment is encouraged.

Video Viewing

Mountain Montessori does not use television or videos within the classroom.

Withdrawal/Termination from the Program

Mountain Montessori requires written notification from parents or guardians at least three months before a child departs from the program.

If Mountain Montessori must withdraw care for any reason, parents will receive a 3-month advance notice. If the school determines the child has social, emotional, or behavioral issues, we will work with the family and a team of specialists to support the child's growth. If the school determines this program isn't a good match for the family and their child, we'll help them find an alternative program that meets their needs.

Reasons for dismissal from the program include, but are not limited to:

Failure to provide health/immunization and other records within 30 days of enrollment or on an annual basis, or
Failure to pay tuition or other charges (with no payment plan established), or
Failure of the program to meet the needs of the child, or
Your child constitutes a safety or legal hazard to themselves, other children, or staff (see “Discipline Policy”).

Annual Policy Review

Mountain Montessori's policies and procedures are reviewed and updated annually, typically each summer prior to the start of the new school year. The Director is responsible for conducting this review and incorporating any updates to Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing rules, changes in program practices, and feedback from staff and families.

Any material changes to policies and procedures will be communicated in writing to all enrolled families via Transparent Classroom prior to the effective date of the change. Families will be asked to acknowledge receipt of updated policies. The school maintains updated policies on file and makes them available to families upon request.