Parent Handbook
Parent / Family
Pre-School/ Kindergarten Handbook
2014-2015
School Year
808 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-868-2322
Fax: 617-395- 8200
Email: Info@MalikAcademy.org
On the Web: www.malikacademy.org
Philosophy
Al Bustan is Arabic for “the Garden”- a place of growth!!
Malik Academy prepares students for future success by focusing on
a love for and understanding of Islam. Malik Academy stresses the
comprehensive nature of Islam by integrating it into all areas of
academic development, social interaction, personal growth, positive
values and moral behavior. Through this balanced focus, we hope
students develop a strong relationship with their Creator, healthy
connection with all parts of the community, and keen minds and
knowledge to excel in academic pursuits. We focus on multicultural acceptance and understanding so our children can proceed
forward to represent Islam honorably within American society.
Our school aims to provide a warm, secure environment that
promotes the fullest possible development of the whole child. The
program is designed to nurture the social, emotional, cognitive, and
physical development of children age 2.9 years to kindergarten age.
Children learn through socialization with their peers and through
interaction with adults. They learn from hands-on, active
involvement with their environment and, most importantly, a child
learns through play. Our staff aims to invoke the joy of learning
through play and discovery. We partner with parents and families
to help each child develop the ability to concentrate, self-discipline,
respect, dignity, self confidence, and to understand freedom of
choice by recognizing consequences of moral choices. We
encourage independence combined with a sense of responsibility to
a larger community, a love of service, an appreciation of order, a
reverence for nature, and a sense of inquiry and wonder.
Affiliations & Collaborations
The Al Bustan Pre-School is accredited by the national Association
for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the early childhood
professional organization. The preschool is also certified by the
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC and
formally known as the Office of Child Care Services (OCCS)) to
accept children between the ages of 2 years/ 9 months and seven
years old. We are an active member of the Cambridge Community
Partnerships for Children (CCPC). Teachers and the director are
members of the National Association for the Education for Young
Children (NAEYC). We are also among the founding members of
the Massachusetts chapter of the Council for American Private
Education (CAPE).
Our school is a project of the Muslim American Society-Boston
Chapter (MAS) and is a member of the Muslim American Society
Council of Islamic Schools (MASCIS), the educational branch that
is working to establish an effective network of Islamic schools in
order to exchange information and expertise. We also participate in
and share resources with the New England Muslim Educator’s
Network (NEMEN) and the Islamic Schools' League of America,
which envisions and works towards nurturing innate creativity and
children’s inquisitive natures in the pursuit of academic excellence
while anchoring their hearts and souls in a moral framework of a
God-centered life.
Curriculum
Our teachers incorporate commercial and teacher-made
instructional materials to stimulate the development of children.
We use a Creative Curriculum model to aid in the planning of
curriculum and for child assessments. In addition, our teachermade pre-school curriculum builds from the center outward.
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growth and learning by observing carefully and inspiring children
to move to higher levels as soon as the child exhibits readiness.
Creativity and imagination are highly valued and encouraged.
Because early childhood is recognized as a sensitive period for
learning languages, our pre-school/ kindergarten children receive
language instruction in both the English and Arabic languages and
enrichment in French. We value the cultural diversity that
flourishes at our school and strive to represent the languages that
children speak at home through books, songs, or show-and-tell
presentations with parents.
Assessment
Our curriculum is child-friendly, center-based, and designed to
facilitate exploration and free choice interaction with a variety of
learning materials as well as offering individualized, small group
and large group formal instruction in the following:
English Language Reading
Practical Life Activities
Arabic Language
Geography &
Cultures
Manners, Grace and
Courtesy
French Language
Math
Art & Design
Islamic Studies
Sciences
Music & Movement
Fine and Gross
Motor Activities
Computer Literacy
Dramatic Play
The curricula build upon students’ interests, family values, and
experiences. Teachers sequence activities according to level of
difficulty, so children are able to choose materials and work at the
optimal level at which they are comfortable. Teachers facilitate
Teachers use a range of formal and informal assessment
techniques that incorporate structured and unstructured
observations of cognitive, personal, and interpersonal activity.
There will be three formal assessments, each which will be
followed by parent-teacher conferences.
We believe that assessment in early childhood should be done
through individual and group observations and should be formally
logged. We use the Creative Curriculum Individual Child Profile
to assess and log the social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and
language development of each child. Teachers might offer
material and activities strategically to observe how children
interact with a particular material, such as setting out puzzles of
various levels. They may also offer stacking and sorting activities
and games where children can identify numbers and colors.
Teachers observe and assess the child’s development through
these every day activities, in ways that are sensitive to their
abilities, culture and language.
Teachers informally observe and assess children within the first
three months in a classroom. During this time teachers also begin
work on portfolios for each of the children. Works of art and
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writing and photographs of the child’s work are documented for
use in their files. Teachers present the completed and updated
portfolios at each parent-teacher conference which are held every
three months. At this meeting the teacher shares the progress
assessment of the child and invites the family to share their
information. Together they work on establishing goals for the
child.
We will post new and relevant information on school bulletin
boards, and in binders/handouts located in the school entry area
and the office. School-related materials and resources are also
available on our web-site at http://www.malikacademy.org
The assessment process allows teachers to identify children’s
current developmental levels, interests, and needs and allows them
to modify curriculum activities based. Curriculum planning can
be shaped to reflect required adaptations to teaching practices and
the to environment to facilitate learning. Upon completion of the
assessment, teachers may recommend developmental screening for
a child or refer families to diagnostic assessment if needed.
Children’s files are kept confidential, unless parents consent to
sharing the information. Parents are required to fill out a consent
form in order for Malik Academy & AlBustan Preschool to share
this information with others.
 Application form & school contract
 Medical form noting any allergies and date of last physical
 Medical referral information (doctor, insurance information)
 List of immunizations (that documents immunizations) and
 routine screening tests
 First aid emergency and medical consent release
 Medical authorization form for prescription medicines
 Emergency contact information form
 Lead screening results
 Developmental history
 Permission slip for field trips and off-site playground
 Permission slips noting who is allowed to pick up child
 Model release for photography and video
Formal Parent /Teacher Conferences
Formal Parent/ Teacher conferences will be held three times a year
by appointment. Sign-up sheets will be made available. We will
make every effort to accommodate your work schedules so that
both parents can attend. Teachers will discuss assessment
information with families at these meetings and give them any
relevant forms to discuss the progress and development of their
child in the classroom.
Informal teacher Conferences can be held any time during the year,
also by appointment. Please contact your child’s teacher directly to
make arrangements.
Bulletin Boards & Web Site
Required Enrollment Papers
All files will be handled only by authorized school personnel and
will not be shared without written parental permission.
Enrollment Options and Fees
In order to suit the various families with diverse needs, we offer an
accommodating plan of tuition fee and enrollment options covering
a range of combinations of days and times. In some circumstances
we allow flexibility, in case the family needs to change the
attendance options at any point during the school year. There is a
$250 enrollment fee. $50 is non-refundable and is needed to begin
processing the child’s paperwork. The remaining $200 will be
applied towards the last month’s tuition payment. We accept credit
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cards and personal checks. If the bank returns your check due to
nonsufficient funds, you will be charged a $10 returned check fee.
There are two optional plans for paying tuition. Parents must
commit to one in writing, at the time of enrollment.
Yearly Contract
Parents are responsible for the whole year tuition amount
Upfront- the entire amount paid at once before the beginning of
school entitles parents to a 5% tuition discount if paying for the
entire year upfront.
Installment Plan- Monthly installments. Each installment is due 1
week before the beginning of each month.
Monthly Contract
Parents will be responsible for the tuition payment for each
current month. If parents withdraw children in the middle of the
school year, they must provide at least one month’s notice.
Failure to provide sufficient notice will lead to the charging of
the full month of tuition and the forfeiture of the deposit.
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Morning ½ Day Only Session- 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon
Full Day Session- 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Extended Day Care Session- 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
The regular ten (10) month school year session begins on the first
Tuesday of September (The day after Labor Day) and ends June 25,
2010.
Tuition 2014-2015 Academic Year
Yearly contract PK/K1
Extended Day
Full Day
Half Day
(8:00 am - 5:30 pm) (8-3:00 p.m.) (8-12 p.m.)
Monthly
$1070
$780
$680
5 Days
3 Days
2 Days
Monthly
$810
$590
$500
Monthly
$650
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Monthly contract PK/K1
Extended Day
Full Day
Half Day
(8:00 am - 5:30 pm) (8-3:00 p.m.) (8-12 p.m.)
Monthly
$1177
$858
$748
5 Days
3 Days
2 Days
Monthly
$891
$649
$550
Monthly
$715
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Yearly contract KG
Extended Day
Full Day
(8:00 am - 5:30 pm) (8-3:00 p.m.)
5 Days
Monthly
$1020
Monthly
$775
Our school tuition policy is friendly towards families with multiple
children enrolled. When enrolling two siblings, each will receive a
5% discount, when enrolling three, each will receive 8% discount,
and when enrolling four, each will receive 12% discount.
Hours of Operation
Malik Academy/ Al Bustan is open from Monday through Friday
(except during school holidays). Childcare services are provided
from 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P. M. Morning Circle and the large group
classes begin promptly at 8:30 A.M. Parent conferences can be
scheduled with teachers before or after school, or during a teacher’s
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planning time three times per year and additionally as needed.
Early Drop-Off and Late Pick-Up
The regular school day begins at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 3:00 P.M. If
offered, extended day care ends at 5:30 P.M. If an emergency
occurs, and you will not be able to pick up your child on time, as a
courtesy, please call and notify the school. A fee of $1.00 will be
charged per each additional five minutes PER child, if children are
picked up later than 3:00 P.M. $2.00 later than 5:30 P. M.
Repeated late pick-ups will result in a parent conference and
possible dismissal from the school.
Extended Day/ Afternoon Program
The after school-hours Extended Day Care program is a
convenience for our working parents and provides additional
development opportunities for the children involved. Enrichment
activities and additional outdoor time will be offered daily, as well
as individualized attention. Any child who is enrolled in Al Bustan
may participate in the Extended Day care afternoon program on an
occasional “drop in” basis, for a fee of $7.00 per hour. Parents
must make arrangements with staff at least one day in advance to
ensure that there is space available that day.
What Your Child Needs To Bring
 Extra change of clothes, full set, including socks and
underwear to leave at school, with names marked, in a bag
 In cold weather- coat, hat, gloves or mittens, boots
 Lunchbox or lunch container marked with child’s name
 Blanket and pillow, with name marked
 A small stuffed animal or favorite soft doll for nap times
 One photograph of the child
Orientation, Transition Period &Observations
Parents may accompany a new child in their classroom for a
reasonable period during their first week of school. Once school is
in session, parents, college students, or other visitors must make
arrangements with the director schedule school visits and classroom
observations. All prospective parents/families are asked to spend a
minimum of one hour observing a classroom, before making a
decision to enroll their child. The child should not attend this first
observational visit. A meeting will then be set up with the parents,
child, and at least one member of the teaching staff in order to assist
in the transition.
Observations can be scheduled any time during the year. We
expect to have additional observers such as university education
majors and teachers from other early childhood programs; so all
visits must be scheduled in advance. Visitors must provide
information on a Visitor Information Card. Visitors will receive
observation instructions and are requested to watch quietly and not
interact with the children, unless a child comes up to you.
Any new child enrolling is given the option of coming to school for
half-days as a transition during their first week of enrollment. This
option eases some shy children into the new environment, allowing
them to get used to the unfamiliar situation gradually.
Morning Drop-Off Procedures
The actual class day and formal lessons begin at circle time, which
start promptly at 9:00 A.M. daily. It is important for cohesion of
the group that your children come to school on time. Parents are
asked to complete the sign-in log near the entrance of the classroom
and taking their child to the bathroom to wash their hands according
to posted procedures before accompanying the child to the
classroom.
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Absenteeism Policy
Parents are requested to notify the school before 8:30 A.M. in the
case of an unanticipated illness. Please let us know as far in
advance as possible for any anticipated absences, family out-oftown vacation trips or an extended absence. There is no tuition
reimbursement for sick days or make-up days for part-time
students. For a long break in services due to personal family
matters that require attention, parents may present their case to the
Board of Directors in order to determine on an individualized basis
if there will be a reduction in tuition. Additional factors may
include the enrollment demands of the child’s class. Please keep
the lines of communication open with the staff so we can assist in
working out any problems regarding absences.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule is a subject to change depending on children’s
needs. Please check your child’s parent information board for your
updated daily schedule.
Snow Days
Weather related cancellations will follow the Cambridge Public
School closures. Based on the discretion of the Director and Board,
there may be other weather-related cancellations based on the
schedules of other public and private schools in the Cambridge
area. In addition to radio, television, and internet postings related to
weather cancellations, you may call the office to confirm our
schedule and a message will be left on the school’s answering
system by 6:30 A.M. on the day of a snow emergency.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Malik Academy and Al Bustan Preschool do not discriminate in
student admissions or staff employment. We will never refuse to
enroll a child on the basis of religion, parents’ religion, gender,
national origin, ancestry, primary language, race, or disability.
Admissions are on a first-come, first served basis for available
openings.
Parent Volunteer Commitment
As part of an ongoing commitment to build the school community,
families are requested to donate 50 volunteer hours over the course
of the school year to assist the school and its programs. Some of
the areas where volunteer energy will be welcomed include:
 Providing a guest appearance in your child’s class to share a
skill or artifact, read a book, speak about their culture or country,
or to help generally
 Accompany children on or organize field trips
 Help prepare snacks
 Substitute for teachers on sick days (if qualified)
 Assist in planning special events (graduation, Eid party)
 Materials-making (i.e. cutting, laminating)
 Administration assistance
 Assist with maintaining or improving the physical plant
 Care and maintenance of classroom plants
 Computer related support
 Photography and video at school events
 Library book maintenance and repair
 Fundraising projects
 Helping to write grants
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It is your own choice how much and in what ways you wish to be
involved. Parents who wish to volunteer in the classroom with the
children or accompany children on field trips will need to get
criminal (CORI) background checks. This is required by state
licensing for anyone who is exposed to other people’s children. All
volunteer hours will be logged and recorded.
Parent Committees and Parent Support
Organization (PSO)
According to the Al-Bustan / Malik Academy by-laws, parents have
organized to form a support organization. Parents may become
engaged in school and classroom-specific issues through the regular
meetings and communication of the PSO and the committees that
work with the school staff and board.
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Recruitment/Marketing Committee
Fundraising Committee
Physical Plant Committee
Special Events committee
Sharing or “Show & Tell “Time
In order to facilitate communication skills and to make the
connection between family, home, and school, children are
encouraged to bring in items for “Show and Tell.” Teachers will let
parents know which days they will include sharing during circle.
The types of items appropriate for sharing include: cultural items
from different countries, science items (animals, shells, stones,
leaves, shark’s teeth, etc.), things from trips and places visited with
the family, photographs, etc. Small, plastic, commercial type toys
will not be allowed and will be confiscated and sent home. No
guns, swords or violent toys should be brought to school.
Behavior Management and Discipline Plan
The role of Malik Academy and AlBustan Preschool is to
encourage each child's developmental growth in a positive way. We
believe each child should be treated with honesty and respect in a
caring manner. Children deserve the opportunity to learn from their
experiences. Our role, as teachers, is to nurture their learning using
a variety of techniques, methods or strategies.
At no time will a child be subject to physically or verbally
demeaning punishment nor will withholding of food be used as a
form of discipline in compliance with the Massachusetts
Department of Early Education and Care. Guidance and discipline
will be achieved through varying forms, such as:
Age appropriate and safe environments
Modeling appropriate behaviors
Stating developmentally appropriate expectations
Reinforcing positive behaviors
Helping children to problem solve
Using classroom rules
Natural consequences
Motivational techniques
Redirection for misbehavior
In case of persistent disruptive behavior the child will be removed
from the immediate area to calm down. The teacher should remain
close by and should discuss the situation with the child, setting a
positive tone for re-entry. If a child's behavior becomes detrimental
to the child, other children, or the classroom environment, the
situation will be discussed with the child's parent or guardian. A
behavioral plan will be developed to address the behavior. Progress
will be monitored and reviewed by the staff and parents or
guardians of the child. If needed, outside sources may be utilized
with parental permission. After all attempts at resolving the
behavior have been tried and it is determined that the child's needs
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cannot be met by this program; alternative settings will be
considered, including transferring to another program or
termination from this program.
Lunch and Snacks
Eating is a big part of every child’s day. By age two years, nine
months, children are usually able to manage finger foods and
drinking from a cup, and they can understand basic table manners.
Please feed your child a substantial breakfast before they come to
school, and/or provide food for them to eat upon arrival. Food
preparation is a part of our pre-school curriculum under the topic of
Practical Life Activities, which involves care of the Self and the
Environment. Children learn about nutritious, healthy foods and
they may have cooking activities in class. During snack and lunch
times teachers will sit and eat with the children and engage them in
conversation about nutrition and about their day.
To comply with quality standards regarding food, the school can
not refrigerate or warm food; please use ice packs and thermoses
and label your child’s lunchbox. If your child does not bring a
lunchbox, please label all containers individually. Due to choking
hazards, there are a number of kinds of food that can not be given to
children younger than four years old such as raw carrots. Staff can
not offer children younger than four years hot dogs, whole or sliced
into rounds; whole grapes; nuts; popcorn; raw peas; hard pretzels;
spoonfuls of peanut butter; chunks of raw carrots or meat larger
than can be swallowed whole.
A variety of finger foods cut into child-size portions are best. Fresh
and dried fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain breads, meats and high
protein foods, dairy products and other healthy foods are suggested.
Please do not pack foods that are high in sugar such as cookies and
donuts. Water is recommended given that juice is high in sugar
content.
Children will be encouraged to eat what is in their lunch box. No
food sharing is allowed. Any remaining lunch will go back into the
lunch box, so parents can be aware of the amount and types of
foods their child actually ate.
Teachers will inform parents if there are food allergy restrictions in
the classroom.
National School Lunch and Breakfast
Program
Malik Academy and Al Bustan Preschool participate in the National
School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. All food will be
provided by a halal food vendor.
Meal choices:
Breakfast $1.50
Lunch $3.00
After-school Snack $1.00
Menu will be available at the beginning of each months. Parents can
pay for their child’s meal in a one-time payment for the entire
school year. Enrollment in this plan is available throughout the
school year. Refunds are not available. If the school year has
already started, the price of the plan will be based on the remaining
number of school days. Parents may also pay on a daily basis.
Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are
eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Those
eligible for reduced price meals pay 30 cents for breakfast and 40
cents for lunch.
How to apply
To apply for free or reduced-price meals, families should complete,
sign and return the paper application. Please request one at the
school office. To apply using the paper application, parents should
complete all sections of the application. Once completed,
applications must be returned to the school’s office.
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Applications will be privately scanned to retain confidentiality. If
eligible for FARMs (Free and Reduced Meals) program, the
family will be notified in writing.
Direct certification (automatically eligible for FARMs)
Every two months a list of recipients for social service benefits
(ages 3-21) is received by the Food and Nutrition Service
Office. The students on this direct certification list are automatically
eligible to receive free meals without submitting FARMs
application. The school will notify the families that their children
have been approved. FARMs students are treated the same
as prepaid students.
Toilet Training
Our minimum enrollment age (by state law for group day care) is
two years and nine months old. It is not required for children to be
able to use the bathroom independently before starting school. If a
child meets the minimum age requirement, the staff will work with
the families to assist in potty-training the child.
Extra Clothes
In preparation for the inevitable potty “accidents” or wet clothes
from water play or inclement weather, we ask each parent to
provide a full set of clothes (including underwear and socks) which
will remain in a labeled box at school. A teaching assistant will
change the child and send clothes home to be washed in a plastic
bag. If a second “accident” occurs during the same day, we will
have extra clothes available in which to send a child home. Please
wash these at your earliest convenience and return them to the
school.
Nap Policy
After lunch every day, there will be an hour of “Quiet Time.” Not
all children will nap every day, but all can use the rest. Children
will be allowed to look at books and have a personal stuffed animal
on their cot at naptime. Kindergarten children (ages five and older)
will participate in quiet pre-writing, math and reading activities
while the smaller children are resting. If you want your child to be
allowed to sleep beyond the hour allotted for “Quiet Time,” please
let us know. Parents are asked to provide a cover for the mat that
needs to be washed every week as well as pillow cases and blankets
(labeled with child’s name and stored in a nylon bag).
Birthdays
In Islam, we celebrate achievements, not people. Therefore,
birthdays will be marked by asking families to share the child’s
achievements during the past year as well as goals for the upcoming
year. Parents may wish to make a special snack for your child’s
classroom; this is optional.
Photography and Video
We expect to be documenting the school and your children’s
growth in a yearbook, and on an Internet web site. We request your
written permission to take photographs and videos. These images
are predominantly used to document your child’s engagement and
learning. They may also be used as recruiting tools in future years,
and to document the history of the school. If parents have any
objections, please let the school know the nature of the concern and
accommodations will be made.
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Special Needs Policy
Our pre-school classrooms and bathrooms are handicapped
accessible for a wheelchair. Malik Academy and Al Bustan
Preschool will make all reasonable accommodations to serve
children with special needs, including adaptations and using
assistive technologies, where feasible. We will work with local
referral agencies and providers to attempt to give the child the extra
help they need to fully include them in the class, give them full
access to the curriculum, and to provide parents and the children
referrals for services that we may not provide directly.
Outdoor Play
Children play outside as part of their daily activities. Please
provide appropriate clothing for the weather such as sweaters, hats,
and mittens during the cold winter months and light t-shirts, pants,
and shorts when it is warm. If a child has forgotten appropriate
clothing, teachers will provide them for the day.
When in the sun, children will wear sun-protective clothing, applied
skin protection, or both. Please send either sunscreen or sun block
with UVB and UVA protection of SPF 15 or higher labeled with
your child’s name. We will ask parents/guardians for written
permission to apply it. In case public health authorities recommend
the use of insect repellents due to a high risk of insect-borne
disease, only repellents containing DEET will be used. Staff will
apply repellent no more than once a day and parental permission
will be required. In the event of rain or extreme temperatures
(higher than 80º F, less than 20º F, or less than 20º F windchill
factor) children will play indoors. We will check
www.weather.com to monitor current temperatures and air quality.
Air Pollution
The program staff protects children and adults from exposure to
high levels of air pollution from smog or heavy traffic by limiting
outdoor and physical activity as a precaution during smog or other
air pollution alerts.
Areas used by children who have allergies to dust mites or to
components of furnishings or supplies are maintained by the
program according to recommendations of health professionals.
Safety and Security
Security is a high priority concern of our staff and Board of
Directors. All efforts will be made to create a secure and
comfortable environment, free of danger. All toxic substances,
medications, sharp objects, and other hazardous objects are kept in
a secured place and out of reach of children. All electrical outlets
are covered with a special covers. We are following all government
regulations regarding fire safety, disposal of hazardous waste, and
related topics. Two or more adults will always accompany children
who leave school for the playground or on field trips. All adults
who work with the children have criminal background checks. The
area beyond the waiting reception room will be completely secure
and locked during hours of operation.
Parents can visit the facility at any time but are requested to make
an appointment or let us know ahead of time of their visit so that
class is not disrupted in any way. All other visitors must make
appointments. Visitors will be screened and must fill out a “Visitor
Information Form.” No one will be allowed to enter the classrooms
without being guided in by a staff member. No smoking, controlled
substances, or weapons allowed in or near the school premises. If a
child or adult is found with a weapon on premises, we will
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confiscate the weapon immediately and take further steps at the
discretion of the director if necessary.
The center will hold one fire drill per month to ensure that children
are prepared to evacuate in case of an emergency. Children will be
lined up in an orderly fashion and led outside to designated areas
away from the building. In the event of an actual emergency
children and staff will evacuate the school as practiced during fire
drills and they will walk to Morse School on 40 Granite Street, the
closest public school in the area.
Release of Children
Children will only be released to persons that are approved and
designated by the parents on the registration form. Please provide
the school with the full names of all designated persons and their
current phone numbers. No child will be released without a valid
proof of identification
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Sick Policy
Children with potentially infectious diseases (vomiting, diarrhea
etc.) or a fever must be kept home until symptoms are resolved for
24 hours. If a child does not have fever but can not participate in
regular school activities due to illness, she must be kept home as
well. If a child becomes seriously ill while at school, the school
will keep the child isolated from the other students and inform the
parent to pick up their child immediately. We do not allow ill
children as well as staff members to remain in the program. The
child will be made comfortable in the office. Office manager will
be responsible for the supervision of the child that was excluded
from the classroom because of illness while waiting for the pickup.
The Preschool also reserves the right to call 911, if deemed
appropriate. The ill child will be isolated from the other children,
until the parent arrives. In cases of possible exposure to highly
contagious illness, parents will receive a written notice from the
school outlining the risk and suggested precautions. If you wish a
copy of our entire sick policy and procedures document, please
request it from the office.
Each child must have an annual physical exam including up to date
immunizations and lead screening.
Allergies and Medication
Please inform the office if your child has specific food or other
types of allergies. We will then notify the rest of the parents
regarding the lunch and snack items to avoid sending to school.
Parents must complete a Medicine Authorization Form every day
there is prescription medicine to be administered, in order to ensure
their child’s medicine is properly dispensed. The instructions on
how to dispense the medication from the health care provider are
required. A staff person will administer medicine to the children at
the appropriate times. Medicine will be secured in a locked box
and refrigeration provided, if necessary. All medicine must be in its
original container, and labeled with the child’s full name, name of
the clinician, expiration date and manufacturer’s instructions.
Prescription and non-prescription medication (Tylenol, Motrin etc.)
need written authorization from the child’s physician.
Nonprescription medications, like sunscreen or ointments may be
administered to a child only with a written parental authorization.
Accidents
Our staff has current First Aid and Pediatric CPR training and will
be the first responders in the case of an accident. Teachers will
carry cellular phones and a first aid kit with them when they go to
the park or on field trips. If needed, we will call parents and the
appropriate emergency medical personnel. Should a child be
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injured at school or on a field trip, we will fill out an Accident/
Injury Report describing the injury and first aid procedures
administered. These will be kept in the child’s file, and forwarded
to any physicians or appropriate government agencies.
Holiday Schedule
Upon approval, parents will receive an academic calendar that
includes the following major holidays:
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Labor Day
Columbus Day
Thanksgiving
Eid-ul Fitr
Christmas/Winter Break
New Year’s Day
Eid-ul Adha
Martin Luther King Day
Winter and Spring Breaks
Memorial Day
For working parents who may not be able to take off certain
holidays, the school will help facilitate communication between
parents to arrange for alternate care.
Field Trips
Field trips are a significant part of the pre-school and kindergarten
curriculum. They give a child a sense of community, professional
opportunities, and expand their interests. Most of our field trips
will be walking within a few blocks in Cambridge. If we do plan
field trips, we will utilize vehicles with appropriate seat belts and
parents will be asked to volunteer to accompany us and sign an
additional consent form. The field trip fee will be charged. The fee
will range between $7 and $15 per child depending on the
admission cost and transportation arrangements.
Parent Library
The school will maintain a lending library of books, videotapes and
computer software for parents. All items must be officially checked
out and returned by their due date. Please feel free to suggest (or
donate) good books or booklets on parenting, child rearing, Islamic
education, early childhood education, peace education, conflict
resolution, and books about various countries and cultures. We will
also include pamphlets from local resources, arts organizations and
referral agencies.
Teacher Qualifications
All pre-school and kindergarten classroom Lead Teachers and
Teachers who work with your children are EEC certified and have
college courses and previous supervised work experience in early
childhood education and child development. Our staff development
policy is very supportive towards empowerment and advancing
employees’ academic qualifications and professionalism.
In
addition to professional support provided to staff within the school,
teachers are encouraged to participate in professional development
organizations and activities.
Student-Teacher Ratio
As per licensing requirements, we are required to maintain a
minimum of a 1:10 adult to child ratio at all times.
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Financial Support
We are committed to promoting the economic diversity of the
school. Every effort is made to make tuition affordable while
maintaining quality service. Parents may seek a range of financial
support options. Because of our license, Malik Academy accepts
vouchers for payments. Please contact the office or your local
subsidized childcare agency to see if you may be eligible. Malik
Academy also provides limited scholarship funds for incomeeligible families; please contact the school or the office to learn
what documents you must provide. Finally, families who cannot
afford tuition may be referred to agencies with which they can
explore subsidies for which they may qualify. If there is a thirdparty payment from an employment or government agency, a
special schedule of payments can be arranged.
Pets
Part of the care of the environment involves care of animals (and
plants). If teachers wish, they will adopt classroom pets such as a
rabbit or a fish aquarium and the children will share responsibility
for their care. We require a note from the veterinarian stating that
the pet is safe around children, in good health and fully immunized.
Household pets are also appropriate for “sharing” or show-and-tell,
but the parent must remain at school and take the pet home right
after the child has presented it at circle time. Please, only bring
gentle, housebroken pets that are used to young children. Reptiles
are not allowed because of the risk for the salmonella infection. If a
child is allergic to a type of animal, he/ she will not be exposed to
that animal.
Communication
Malik Academy believes in proactive, frequent communication with
families using a variety of methods. We will be sending home
notes, providing parent newsletters, posting notices on bulletin
boards, calling parents, as well as sending electronic versions
school notices. Individual teachers provide classroom newsletters,
and the school provides a general school-wide newsletter. The
school newsletter will be distributed monthly to parents and other
interested community members. We want families to feel that the
staff is accessible and welcome two-way communication. Due to
traffic and safety issues, morning drop-off time and afternoon pickup times are not ideal times to have conversations. Please make an
appointment or email info@malikacademy.org about any of your
concerns.
It is our duty to provide a comfortable and safe environment to
children, their families and staff at school and the school has a zero
tolerance towards verbal or physical abuse. Malik Academy
reserves the right to take appropriate action leading to the expulsion
of your child and/or reporting to authorities in the case of a parent/
guardian failure to follow the school regulations in such a way that
the school will become unsafe for staff and children.
Special needs & Referrals to other Agencies
A student who needs or is believed to need special education or
related services may be referred to a specialist or an agency by a
teacher or parent. Teachers will contact parents if they feel their
child may benefit from additional support in the following areas:
speech and language, cognitive development, motor coordination,
vision and hearing, etc. Parents should likewise contact their
child’s teacher or the school director if they have similar concerns.
After parents have agreed to a referral, the evaluation process will
begin with the support of the school. Children with special needs
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are identified through teacher observations and assessments, early
intervention and the special education department. If the team of
educators feel further testing is needed, parents will be asked to sign
a waiver for more formal testing. After testing is completed,
parents, educators, and specialists will meet to determine a course
of action for your child.
Question: Are there going to be tuition refunds if the child leaves
school mid-year?
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Expelling a Student
We make it our policy to work with families so children are happy
and comfortable at our school. There are three reasons a student
may be asked to leave. One is non-payment of tuition fees on a
timely basis (within 10 days of due date). The second condition for
expulsion would be if a student presents such a discipline problem,
that with counseling and family collaboration on a behavior
modification program, we still feel that this child presents a danger
of harm to him/herself or to other children in the school. Repeated
late pick-ups beyond the allotted fifteen-minute grace period can
also result in a child’s discharge from school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rights and Responsibilities
The Student's Rights:
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Question: I am not a Muslim. Will my child be comfortable in this
school or will they be preached to in an attempt to convert them?
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Answer: We intend to maintain a quality, supportive multicultural school environment where every child can thrive
and grow and be comfortable. A quality education, moral
values and good behavior are the desire of all parents. The
primary issue for some parents may be the Muslim holidays
that we celebrate and the focus on Islamic studies. The
Islamic studies highlight qualities such as respect and
honesty. We also acknowledge that other religions and
cultures have other holidays and cultural practices.
Answer: Enrollment constitutes a contract between the
families and the school. Families who signed the yearly
contract will continue to be responsible for paying the fees
until the end of the school year. If you are not sure that your
child will be attending the school for the whole academic
year, you have the option to sign the monthly contract. In
this case you are responsible only for the tuition for the
current month. Please make sure to notify us 1 month in
advance that your child is leaving.
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The child has the right to be treated with dignity and respect
at all times.
The child has the right to be spoken to and spoken about
with respect at all times.
The child has the right to learn at his/her own rate.
The child has the right to confidentiality of records.
The child has the right to the opportunity to engage in any
activity that does not interfere with the safety and rights of
others. This activity should be observed and channeled so
that it meets the child's interests and needs.
All children have the right to participate in all aspects of the
curriculum provided by the school.
The right to be safe
The responsibility to help, comfort and protect people
The right to work
The responsibility to cooperate and to use good manners
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The right to use materials in good condition
The responsibility to choose work you know how to do
The right to listen in a group.
The responsibility to raise your hand in a group to talk
The right to talk
The responsibility to use a quiet speaking voice
The right to walk around
The responsibility to walk slowly and carefully
The right to concentrate
The responsibility to let people work and play undisturbed
The right to a clean environment
The responsibility to help clean and maintain the environment
The Parents’ Rights:
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Parents have the right to work with teachers and staff to
determine any special services their child may need.
Parents have the right to access their child’s records.
Parents have the right to have important documentation kept
private. All records will be kept strictly confidential at all
times and will be shared with you upon request.
Parents have the right to speak directly with their child’s
teachers for questions or concerns about their child or the
school. Please check with teachers regarding the best time
for them to meet with you and schedule an appointment.
Furthermore, please contact the director if you would like to
speak with her. We value the involvement of parents and
believe that parent-teacher collaboration is critical and
imperative to the growth and development of your child.
Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
As caretakers, we are entrusted with ensuring the care and wellbeing of the children we serve. To ensure that we do not violate
such a trust and to protect the welfare of each child in our care,
Malik Academy has adopted a Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
consistent with the provisions laid out in Mass General Laws and
the Department of Social Services. All staff, paid and non-paid, are
mandated reporters and therefore suspected non-institutional child
abuse and neglect shall be reported. Similarly, if you ever have
questions or concerns about the care of your child, please speak
directly with your child’s teacher or with the director of the school.
The safety of your child is Malik Academy’s utmost priority and
the staff and administration will work their hardest to ensure their
wellbeing.
It is our duty to provide a comfortable and safe environment to
children, their families and staff at school and the school has zero
tolerance towards verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. Malik
Academy reserves the right to take appropriate action leading to
expulsion of your child and/or reporting to authorities in the case of
a parent/guardian failure to follow the school regulations in such a
way that the school will become unsafe for staff and children.
Additional Resources
The following is a list of additional resource offices in Cambridge
and the greater Boston area. Parents and guardians should feel free
to contact them as they need.
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Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
for compliance history
(617) 472-2881
1250 Hancock Street, Suite 120-S
Quincy, MA 02169
Employment, Office of Workforce Development
(617) 349-6166
Special Education, Cambridge Public Schools
Office of Special Education
(617) 349-6500
Cambridge Pediatrics
(617) 665-1264
Massachusetts Energy Assistance
(617) 349-6252
Resource & Referral Childcare Resource Center (CCRC)
(617) 547-1063
Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Health Care Cambridge Public Health
(617) 498-1000
Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Programs (WIC)
1-800-WIC-1007
Cambridge Hospital
(617) 665-1000
Cambridge-Somerville Early Intervention
(617) 629-3919
Department of Human Service Programs
(617) 349-6200
Community Learning Center (for Adult Education)
(617) 349-6363
Cambridge Multi-Service Center (Housing info and assistance)
(617) 349-6340
United Way’s First Call for Help
1-800-231-4377
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee/Cambridge Food
Pantry Network
(617) 868-2900
Department of Transitional Assistance
(617) 348-8500
Children’s Clothing Exchange
(617) 576-0039
Dept. of Social Services (DSS) Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
(617) 1-800-792-5200
Cambridge Commission for Individuals with Special Needs
(617) 349-6200
Cambridge Family Health
(617) 665-1264
Center for Families
(617) 349-6385
Mental Health Services, The Cambridge Guidance Center
(617) 354-2275
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Contacting the School
Malik Academy/ Al Bustan Preschool
808 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
The school phone has voicemail. Leave a message and someone
will return your call as soon as possible.Fax: 617-395-8200
Email: info@malikAcademy.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Philosophy
Affiliations and Collaborations
Curriculum
Assessment
Parent/ Teacher Conferences
Bulletin Board
Required Enrollment Paper
Enrollment Options and Fees
Tuition
Hours of Operation
Early Drop off and Pick up
Extended day Program
What your child needs to bring
Orientation
Morning Drop off Procedures
Absenteeism policy
Daily Schedule
Snow Days
Non-Discrimination Policy
Parent Volunteer Commitment
PSO
Sharing
Behavior Management Plan
Lunch and Snack/ National SL
Toilet Training
Extra Clothes
Nap Policy
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4
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5
5
6
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7
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9
10
10
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Birthdays
Photography and Video
Special Needs Policy
Outdoor Play
Air Pollution
Safety and Security
Release of Children
Sick Policy
Allergies and Medication
Accidents
Holiday Schedule
Field Trips
Parent Library
Teacher Qualifications
Student-Teacher Ratio
Financial Support
Pets
Communication
Referral to other Agencies
Expelling a Student
Frequently asked Questions
Rights and Responsibilities
The Child Abuse and Neglect
Policy
Additional Resources
Contacting the School
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