1. Welcome to Toddler Orientation 2015-2016 School Year

2. Classroom 4 Team Teacher Guide – Ms. Maria Gamez Email: mgamez@desertgardenmontessori.orgmgamez@desertgardenmontessori.org Assistant Guides Ms. Heather Stork Ms. Veronica Nurman Late Day Staff Ms. Mica Goodman Homeroom Parent– Ms. April Gruber Email: gruberal@hotmail.comgruberal@hotmail.com

3. Classroom 5 Team Teacher Guide – Ms. Hillary Stewart Email: hstewart@desertgardenmontessori.orghstewart@desertgardenmontessori.org Assistant Guides Ms. Evelyn Mejia Ms. Erica Miller Late Day Staff Ms. Justine Forbes Homeroom Parent– Ms. Resi Pio Email: resirebel@hotmail.comresirebel@hotmail.com

4. Arrival and Attendance Drop off - from 7:00 till 8:30 Earlier drop-off allows the children to be a part of the prep and daily activities of the class. Please call if tardy or absent Curbside is offered daily and is a great way to help a child struggling with drop off. It helps them feel like they are leaving you and you not leaving them.

5. What to Bring/Supply List Crib sheet and small receiving blanket (not half-day) 2 sets of seasonally appropriate change of clothes and underwear Please provide special dietary food or milk items Diaper cream, sunscreen, chap stick as needed. Must have a completed form from the front desk. Please apply sunscreen in the morning -we will re apply in the afternoon.

6. What Not to Bring We ask all parents to help support the Montessori philosophy and please leave the following items at home. Pacifier Sippy cup Bottle Toys

7. Revolves around the child Routine and expectations ◦7:00 – 8:00 – Early arrival/Free choice of works ◦8:00 - 11:00 - Morning Work Cycle – indoor and outdoor ◦10:00 – 11:30 - Recess, circle, prep for lunch ◦Music ◦P.E. ◦11:00 – 12:00 - Lunch ◦12:00-1:00 - Clean-up/Nap set-up ◦12:00 – 2:30 - Nap ◦2:00 - 2:30 Wake-up/Naps away/Potty/Snack ◦2:30 -6:00 – Afternoon Work Cycle Daily Routine/Schedule

8. Dress for Success Getting dressed is a learned skill Comfortable clothing, seasonally appropriate. Shoes that are easy for them to get on. (If you struggle, they will struggle.) Assist instead of do for Few layers, no overalls

9. Specials in Our Environment Spanish ◦CR4 & CR5 - Spanish immersion all day Music ◦CR4 – Mondays & Fridays 10:00 am ◦CR5 – Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00 am PE ◦CR4 & CR5 - Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 am

10. Parent Partnerships We ask that parents please keep in mind that we are teaching your child skills they will have the rest of their lives and experiences they may not get on a daily basis. If there is something that we are working on or need help with or support from home, please know that is only in the best interest of your child and not that we are making it hard on you. We also encourage parents to attend or volunteer at school functions. Not only to help build the community we already have but also to create life long relationships for you and your child. We are all a great support to one another.

11. Items Unique to Our Program Diapering Potty training Biting Birthdays Soiled clothing

12. Conferences Conference 1 Goal Setting (Fall) Reflecting on the first few weeks Setting goals for the year Conference 2 (Winter) Progress Report Mid-term discussion Conference 3 (Spring) Progress Report Re-cap and look ahead

13. Communication Montessori Compass Website Emails Phone Calls Person-to-Person (limited during class time) Office Hours two Thursdays/month 3:00 -4:30 pm (please check Montessori Compass for dates)

14. Resources Located on the Classroom Page on our website: ◦Daily Schedule ◦Supply List ◦Orientation Slide Show Toddler 2015-16 Located under the Parent Resources dropdown: ◦Parent Handbook 2015-16