OOMNICHKA, LLC
Russian Educational Center
Daycare, Preschool, Camp
Before & After School Care
PARENT HANDBOOK
2014-2015
Anchorage, Alaska
MOA License
1120-1130 W 19th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 570-4481
Fax:
Email: Administration@oomnichka.com
Website: www.oomnichka.com
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Russian Educational Center “Oomnichka” is to provide a high
quality early education in Russian language in a safe and supportive environment
and to work in a partnership with parents.
Unique in its approach, our Center will provide complete immersion into Russian
language and culture from an early age by creating fun learning experiences.
REC Oomnichka believes that everything children touch can be a learning
experience. We create a setting in which children will find warmth, comfort, and
gentleness as well as an abundance of opportunities for movement, exploration,
and self-discovery. We nurture the imaginations as well as promote the physical
and intellectual development through play and lessons. We value collaboration
from everyone and lead by example. Our environmentally-friendly curriculum and
center set our children on the path of environmental and social responsibility.
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PHILOSOPHY
We believe that by providing an excellent level of comfort, quality of education
and developing emotional preparation, we will help children to prepare
themselves for the rest of their school careers.
We focus on the individual child and how she/he lives within a group, and believe
in strong connections with each child’s family. We seek to create a partnership
with you. While we seek to provide a place for children where they can explore
their interests and maximize their potential, these goals differ for each child at
different times in his/her development. We strongly believe that each day in the
child’s life is important not just for the future, but for the present time.
Oomnichka aspires to create an atmosphere where school is an extension of the
family: a school environment where teacher, parent, and student interactions
involve strong connections, enriching experiences, and responsibility on the part
of all three participants. Educating children, and working in partnership with
families, combined with highly qualified teachers, will provide children with
experiences that will help them grow and develop as individuals and prepare
them for future success in life.
It is our belief, learning in a Center that focuses on healthy living can only further
enhance and improve the lives of our children, their families, and our teachers
creating an experience that is unique and vital for a 21st century program.
Throughout our program Oomnichka will instill healthy choices and character
building experiences.
The curriculum is a dynamic, interactive experience that builds and impacts on
the interests of young children in developmentally appropriate ways. We address
the development of the whole child, addressing the physical, socio-emotional,
cognitive, language/communication and self-help skills of children.
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CURRICULUM
Developmental Interaction Approach
Our educational philosophy is the “developmental interaction” approach.
“Developmental” means we work on the assumption that children learn best
when they are ready for new experiences and that these experiences build on
earlier one. What children are learning, what they are interested in and what they
are capable of learning is intricately tied to their development. Particular
experiences are determined by an individual child’s interests and abilities.
Teachers follow the children’s lead in planning and implementing a varied
program of play-based, exploratory activities. The repetition and perfecting of
skills is important and respected. When children have done thoroughly what they
need to do as a two year old, a three year old, or four year old, they will be
prepared to move on to new experiences and learn new skills. Each stage is an
essential building block in the growth of the child.
“Interaction” refers to the idea that experiences lead to learning when they occur
in a socially, physically and emotionally responsive environment. A carefully
planned environment encourages safe, spontaneous, hands-on exploration and
supports the development of curiosity, problem-solving, language and social
growth. Preschoolers learn best when they have interaction with the people and
materials in their world. Through this kind of experience, preschoolers learn that
they have an impact on the world. We endeavor to create an atmosphere which
nurtures self-esteem through positive relationships with others along with
respect and acknowledgment of each child’s individuality and competence.
Children are makers of meaning; they construct knowledge, through their
interaction with the human world, and with materials. Therefore, the
environment is designed to support and develop the active energy, challenges
and experiences that introduce and engage them with the world. Our classrooms
provide opportunities for them to explore, inquire, experiment, question and
make hypotheses.
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Significantly, preschoolers need developmental task and opportunities that assist
them in acquiring and becoming socially competent. They need environments
that foster and encourage the kind of experiences that promote cognitive and
language development. Our program emphasizes emerging literacy and
mathematically skills, as well as the integration of science, music, social studies,
arts and physical development.
A program of integrated activities meets the developmental needs of each age
group. Because young children learn through rich, varied play, an important time
of the day is activity/free-play time, when each child chooses from areas such as
blocks, dramatic play, art, books, manipulative toys, water or sand table play and
group activities such as cooking or planting. Each group has an active play period
on the playground as well as several group times for story, snack, music and
movement, play, lessons and discussion. Special Teachers join us for music, art
and creative movement.
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ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ!
WELCOME!
Welcome to OOMNICHKA Russian Educational Center. This handbook contains all
the policies and procedures of our Preschool. It is very important that you read
this handbook and refer to it while your child is enrolled in our program.
OUR PROGRAMS
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Infant Program “YAGODKI” (6 weeks – 19 months)
Toddlers “ZVEZDOCHKI” (19 months – 3 years)
Preschoolers “NEZABOODKI” (3 years – 4 years; 4 – 5 years)
Before/After School Care “BEREZKI” (5 years – 12 years)
Camp “SEMEIKA” (5 years – 12 years)
HOURS OF OPERATION
Infant, Toddlers
& Preschool
M-F Year Round
Before/After
In-service
Camp
School
M-F during ASD During specified ASD M-F during ASD’s
In-service Days only
Spring, Summer &
school days only
Winter Breaks
7:30*am – 5:45pm
7:30*am-8:30am
3:00pm – 5:45pm
8:30am – 5:45pm
8:30am – 5:45pm
*If your child needs care before 8:30 am, please confirm availability and fee of
that time with an Administrator prior to enrollment.
Center closures include all these Federal Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Our Center closes at 5:45 pm. Please, refer to the “Late Pick Up Policy” for more
information.
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DAILY SCHEDULE
 INFANT PROGRAM “YAGODKI”
The schedule for the infant room is structured around the children’s
individual needs. Because children of this age eat and nap frequently, a
“schedule” is not dedicated for this room. Instead, the children will be able
to eat, nap, play with developmentally appropriate toys, be read to and
enjoy being held by their caregivers as their needs dictate. Bottles, snacks
and meals will be prepared as needed.
 TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS “ZVEZDOCHKI” & “NEZABOODKI”
7:30-8:30
Early Arrival (please register)
8:30-8:45
Arrival, Greetings, Free play
8:45-9:00
Kids Yoga, Exercise
9:00-9:30
Second Breakfast/Snack
9:30-11:15
Work Period (Lessons)
11:15-11:50 Gross Motor (indoor/outdoor)
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:40-12:55 Story Time
1:00-3:00
Nap/Rest Time
3:30-4:00
Snack
4:00-4:45
Gross Motor (indoor/outdoor)
4:45-5:30
Art Class
5:45-6:00
Pick up time
 BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE “BEREZKI”
7:30 am – 8:30 am – Free Play/ Individual lessons
4:00 pm – 4:20 pm – Snack
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm – Homework Period
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm – Free Play/ Individual lessons
5:45 pm – 6 pm – Pick Up Time
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TUITION SCHEDULE 2014-2015
MONTHLY PAYMENT TUITION SCHEDULE
AGE GROUP
FULL DAY
MONTHLY RATE 3 DAYS*
6 weeks - 12 months
$1,250
$795
old
12 - 19 months old
$1,200
$760
1 1/2 - 3 y.o.
$1,200
$760
3 - 5 y.o.
$1,100
$725
Before school care
$125
N/A
After school care
$450
$320
Before & After
$500
$350
school care
Camp
$50 a day
2 DAYS*
$570
$550
$550
$490
N/A
$220
$240
TEACHER TO CHILD RATIOS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Infant Program “YAGODKI” (6 weeks – 19 months) 1:5 or less
Toddlers “ZVEZDOCHKI” (19 months – 3 years) 1:6 or less
Preschoolers “NEZABOODKI” (3 years – 4 years) 1:10 or less at all
times
Preschoolers “NEZABOODKI” (4 years – 5 years) 1:10 or less at all
times
Before/After school Care “BEREZKI” (5 years – 12 years) 1:10
Camp “SEMEIKA” (5 years – 12 years) 1:10 or less at all times
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ЗАПИСЬ В ДЕТСКИЙ САД
ENROLLMENT
All families interested in becoming a part of the Russian Educational Center
“Oomnichka” will need to complete the following steps to achieve enrollment for
their child(ren).
 TOUR – schedule a visit to tour our school.
 APPLICATION – turn in your application with applicable fees. If immediate
placement is not available, you may join our waiting list.
 OBSERVATION & INTERVIEW – parents attend and observe a classroom
without their child present. This is followed by a brief interview that
reviews the family’s goals with the Administrator and a Teacher.
 CHILD VISIT – a Teacher or Administrator will meet the child and witness
them first hand in the environment.
 ACCEPTANCE – offered of placement followed by payment of the necessary
deposits/tuition to secure enrollment. Registration documents and health
requirements must be met prior to attendance.
We maintain our waiting list and encourage families to apply well in advance of
the desired enrollment date. Parents are encouraged to ask about enrollment
possibilities, to reaffirm their interest, and to update their application and contact
information periodically. In many cases, we cannot predict with certainty when
an opening will occur, and when an opening becomes available, we request a
prompt decision. Upon offer of the placement, a family has 48 hours to respond.
The Administrator determine class placement.
ENROLLMENT POLICY – STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Children with special needs are admitted on an individual basis provided Russian
Educational Center Oomnichka can meet the needs of a child. An IEP must be
supplied and discussed in detail with the Administrator and a classroom Teacher
before the child interviews with a member of our teaching staff.
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The staff and Administrator are unable to diagnose a child or guarantee their
success. A child who is diagnosed with special needs may be admitted based on
our ability to serve them at a developmentally appropriate level in a balanced
classroom community.
Should it be determined that we are not able to serve the child based on the
requirements presented in the IEP and on observations of the child in the teacher
interview, it is in the child’s best interest and is our responsibility to recommend
the family seek a different program that can provide for the child more
effectively.
NON-DESCRIMINATION POLICY
Russian Educational Center Oomnichka prohibits discrimination based on race,
color, religion, national origin, sex, physical handicap, marital status, parenthood,
pregnancy, or age.
REGISTRATION
Prior to your child’s first day in the classroom, the following must be completed
and received by the office:
 An Application for Admission and payment of $50 application fee (nonrefundable)
 A signed Deposit Agreement and payment of $150 refundable Tuition
Deposit.
 A signed Tuition Payment Schedule and first payment (Tuition and Annual
Registration Fee).
 A completed Child Information Form.
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 A physical exam report completed in the past 12 months and a record of
required immunizations or signed Exemption Form. Immunizations are
required by the State of Alaska, and must be current.
 A completed Emergency Child Record card. (This card must be updated by a
parent/legal guardian throughout the school year).
 A signed Parental Agreement.
No child is admitted without the physical exam and current shot record listing
dates of all immunizations. Both will be kept in the child’s file at the school.
Immunization exemptions are allowed for medical or religious reasons. Exemption
forms can be obtained from the State Public Health Office. A physician must sign
medical exemptions; religious exemptions are signed by the parent or guardian
and must be notarized. Personal or philosophical exemptions are not accepted.
The current immunization requirements as required by the State of Alaska can be
found at the State of Alaska Department of Epidemiology website:
http://www.epi.alaska.gov/id/immune.stm or by calling the Alaska Immunization
Program office at (907) 269-8000 or 1-888-430-4321
TUITION PAYMENT & FEES
The Russian Educational Center Oomnichka academic year starts September 1 of
the current year and runs through the end of August in the following year. The
Full Day Toddler classes are 12-month programs; tuition is billed September
through August. The Full Day Preschool classes, Before/After school care
programs are nine-month programs scheduled similar to the ASD; tuition is billed
for attendance September through May. Monthly tuition is due by the 25th of the
month preceding attendance (September’s tuition is due August 25th; October’s
tuition is due September 25th, etc.) The first month’s tuition and fees are paid at
the time of enrollment. Payment of tuition is required when the student is ill or
on vacation, and there is no pro-rated tuition for holidays, in-service days, or
winter and spring breaks.
REC Oomnichka accepts payments in cash (in person only), check, or electronically
via an authorization to withdraw funds from your bank account (see front desk for
Enrollment Form). Please be sure to obtain a receipt from the front desk at the
time of payment.
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LATE TUITION POLICY
 If your tuition in not received by the 1st of the month, a non-refundable late
fee of $50 will be added to your bill.
 Unfortunately, non-payment for over 45 (forty five) days may result in disenrollment from REC Oomnichka and referral of your account to a
collection agency.
If you receive Child Care Assistance in any form from any agency, you are
responsible for obtaining your authorization before your child’s first day of
attendance. If your authorization is revoked for any reason, you will be
responsible for the full tuition immediately.
The REC Oomnichka reserves the right to withdraw a student from the program
for non-payment. If you receive tuition assistance (Child Care Assistance, TANE,
etc.), you are responsible for the full cost of tuition minus whatever assistance is
actually paid by the appropriate agency.
REGISTRATION FEE
Each student is required to pay an annual $50 Registration Fee at the time of
enrollment/ re-enrollment. This fee is non-refundable.
REFUNDABLE TUITION DEPOSIT
Each newly enrolled student pays a one-time deposit of $150. This ensures your
child’s placement at REC Oomnichka. The deposit is refundable under the
following conditions:
1. Your child graduates from REC Oomnichka.
2. Your child is withdrawn from REC Oomnichka according to the REC
Oomnichka Withdrawal policy with 30 days written notice prior to
withdrawal.
3. All financial obligations have been met.
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DISCOUNTS
REC Oomnichka offers a sibling discount on tuition for families with multiple
children enrolled in childcare. The discount(s) is applied to the lowest tuition rate
and is as follows: No discount for the first student, 5% discount for the second
student, 10% discount for the third student, 15% discount for the fourth student
and beyond.
We also offer a 5% discount to the active duty military families (copy of the
proper ID required).
These discounts cannot be combined with any other offers.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Students are enrolled for the duration of the academic year; therefore, tuition is
billed from the date of the enrollment to the end of the academic year.
If for any reason you wish to withdraw your child from REC Oomnichka, we
require a written notice 30 days prior to withdrawal from school. The Withdrawal
Form serves this purpose and is available at the front desk. This form must be
completed, signed, and turned into the office 30 days in advance of the child’s
last attendance day to be in compliance with the REC Oomnichka Withdrawal
Policy.
The school year starts September 1 of the given year and runs through the end
of August in the following year.
Russian Educational Center Oomnichka reserves the right to dis-enroll a student
for:
 Delinquency in tuition and fees.
 The inability of child or parent to adjust to the school’s program.
 Breach of the discipline policies of the school.
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The Administrator has the right to require any parent to withdraw their child
from the school if he/she feels it would be in the best interest of the school. If a
student is removed at the discretion of the Administrator, the tuition deposit is
refundable providing all other financial obligations have been met.
OUR POLICIES
CHECK IN/ OUT POLICY
Classes open at 8:30 am. We do not want your child to miss anything exiting. Your
child’s Teacher can discuss the classroom schedule with you, so that you know
what happens at what time. Your observance and cooperation will ensure a
peaceful classroom environment for all of the children – including your own.
LATE PICK-UP POLICY
It is very important to pick up your child on time as it instills confidence and
security in the child. Timely pick-up allows the staff to have the clean-up and
planning time necessary to provide a quality education. Should the time at pick up
be disputed, a call will be placed to “time and temperature” (phone – 844) to
settle the dispute. We have the following fees for late pick-up:
$20.00 for the first five minutes past pick up time,
$2.00 per minute thereafter (per child)
Your child’s Teacher will have a form for you to sign indicating the time of pick up
and amount due. This amount will be billed to your account.
The building closes at 6:00. If you would like to talk with a staff member, please
choose a time other than pick-up.
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WEATHER CLOSURE
In the event of heavy snowfall or other unexpected meteorological event, Russian
Preschool OOMNICHKA will follow the closure guidelines used by the ASD. If ASD
calls for late arrival we WILL be open. Parents will receive a non-critical
information call announcing closure.
LIABILITY
Our Center carries insurance against property damage, bodily injury and liability
to extent required by the Municipality of Anchorage.
LICENSING
Russian Educational Center OOMNICHKA is licensed by the Municipality of
Anchorage to care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age, in compliance
with Anchorage Municipal Cod of Ordinances Title 16, Chapter 16.55 (License
Number:
).
SUBSTITUTES
When a staff member is absent, another staff member or someone from our
substitute list will cover their position for that time. Substitutes must have the
same employment paperwork on file as regular employees. All parents are
welcome to become substitutes. Applications are available at the front desk.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building or on Center’s property.
CONFIDENTIALITY
We ensure strict confidentiality of records and information pertaining to each
individual child and his or her parents. The only persons with access to records
are staff working directly with the child and his or her family (Teacher,
Administrator) and the licensing representative carrying out the license study and
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monitoring activities. Information will not be released unless a Release of
Information Form (RIF) is signed by the parents granting permission.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING
State of Alaska Statues and Child Care Center Codes require that all licensed child
care providers report all incidents of suspected or actual abuse and/or neglect of
children regardless of whether they occur in or are related to the facility. This
facility is therefore obligated by law to report such incidents within 24 hours to
the Office of Children’s Services Child Protection Office: 269-4000.
Centers are required to notify the Municipal Child/Adult Care Licensing Office of
incidents which allege a child was abused or neglected, when the Center is
responsible for child. The number for the Municipal Child/Adult Care Licensing
Office is 343-4758.
ABSENCES
When a child will be absent due to an illness or other reason, please notify the
school as early as possible. This will allow us to keep track of which illnesses are
affecting the children and signs to look for or warn others about. If more than two
days will be missed due to vacation, please notify your Teacher, so we don’t
worry. There are no make-up days or refunds for missed days at the Russian
Educational Center OOMNICHKA.
ILLNESS POLICY
If a child has any of the following symptoms, he or she must be kept at home
until all symptoms are gone for 24 hours without medication.
Staff members do a well-child check on each student every day. Parents will be
asked to take sick children home.
Parents will be contacted to pick up their child IMMEDIATELY if he or she exhibits
ANY of the following symptoms at school:
 Children with green mucus running from their noses are considered ill.
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Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Severe coughing
Difficult or rapid breathing
Yellowish skin or eyes
Red, discharging eyes
Rash or infected skin patches
 Sore throat or difficulty
swallowing
 Heavy nasal discharge
 Unusually dark urine and/or
gray or white stool
 Stiff neck, headache or ear
ache
Please promptly call the school if your child has any communicable diseases (lice,
chicken pox, strep throat, etc.) which they may have contracted and/or exposed
other children to. A notice will be posted if children are exposed to any serious
communicable disease. If your child has a communicable disease, we require that
a physician (or Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant, etc.) provide a note
indicating that the child is non-contagious and that she may return to school.
A staff member with communicable disease will not work with children until
she/he is non-contagious. All communicable disease and illness policies of our
Center are in compliance with MOA regulation.
Note: EACH CHILD MUST HAVE ON FILE A COMPLETE HEALTH FORM SIGNED BY A
LICENSED PHYSICIAN, PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT OR REGISTERED NURCE
PRACTITIONER AS WELL AS TWO (2) LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACTS IN ADDITION
TO PARENTS, THAT ARE AVAILABLE WHEN PARENTS CANNOT BE REACHED.
MEDICATIONS
Prescription: a designated staff member will administer medications to full day
students provided the following Anchorage Municipal childcare regulations are
followed:
 Our school is prohibited from giving any medicine to a child unless the
parent provides those medicines.
 Our school must have parent’s written permission for each individual dose
of prescription medication given to a child.
 Prescription medicine must have a current pharmacy prescription label with
the doctor’s name, child’s name, specific period of time that the drug is to
be administered, and dosage.
Authorizations Forms are available at the office. Medications will be securely
stored in the refrigerator if necessary, or in a cabinet in a covered container. An
individual daily log is kept of medications given to each child at the school.
Over the counter medications: over the counter medications may be
administered by REC Oomnichka with written permission from the parent as long
as they do not to exceed four connective days. If administration is required for
longer than four days, a physician’s note is necessary. Authorization Forms are
available in the office.
Preventative: the Department of Health and Human Services interprets the
following items as preventatives rather than medications: Sunscreens, Insect
Repellents, Diaper Ointments, Hydrogen Peroxide, Neosporin, Calamine Lotion,
Baking Soda, and Meat tenderizer.
Parents control the use of preventatives because of personal preference and
possible allergic reactions. If you wish the staff to use any of the above
preventatives, the items must be provided from home and labeled with the child’s
name. You must sign a medication form indicating “As needed” under the section
related to dosage.
NUTRITION
The MOA Department of Health and Human Services requires that meals and
snacks be healthy and well balanced. In support of this requirement, high sugar
items such as candy, cake, cookies and other foods where corn syrup is one of the
first three ingredients should be excluded from meals and snacks served by REC
Oomnichka and/or provided by parents. In addition, we encourage the exclusion
of food additives, high sodium and even sugar free items containing aspartame
and/or saccharine. We encourage you to seek out low sodium, fresh, organic and
whole grain items where possible. It is also recommended that you start your
child’s day with some type of protein. If your child observes a vegetarian or
Kosher diet, please advise us so that accommodations can be made for snack
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items offered to your child. If you have a question about the suitability of an item,
please talk with your child’s teacher or the Administrator.
PLEASE REMEMBER: WE ARE A PEANUT FREE FACILITY.
Lunches & Snacks requirements:
In our Full day programs, Oomnichka offers organic nutrition Authentic Russian
Food for no extra cost to your family. The menu is available in each classroom.
If parents wish to provide their own nutritious lunch for their child each day
(after school programs do not require a lunch), please make sure it meets all the
requirements of the MOA Department of Health and Human Services.
REC Oomnichka will provide a nutritious snack in the morning and in the
afternoon as well as lunch. Please make sure we are aware of any and all food
allergies.
Our Requirements for lunch:
 Simple lunch boxes that the children can open and close are necessary for
the children to have a successful lunch experience.
 All lunch items must be labeled with the child’s name.
 To help reduce the amount of waste produced at lunch, we strongly
encourage parents to provide food portions in reusable plastic containers.
Pre-packaged food is discouraged. A microwave is available to heat up food
if necessary.
 Drinking glasses are provided for fluids. REC Oomnichka supplies milk, and
water is always available. We encourage parents to send fluids in a thermos
to help reduce lunchtime waste.
 All food THAT IS PROVIDED BY PARENTS and not eaten at lunch will be sent
home so the parent has an accurate account of how much the child has
eaten.
Many parents like to bring items to share with their child’s class. In order for us
to maintain compliance with regulations, do not bring the following:
 Any kind of eggs or anything containing mayonnaise.
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Milk products which spoil easily (pudding, cream, whipped cream toppings)
Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish
Foods on which children could easily choke (nuts, popcorn)
Home grown vegetables or home-canned foods
Beverages labeled “Fruit drinks”, always choose 100% juice
Grocery store muffins (their first ingredient is sugar), or
Fruit roll-ups, cookies, candy pastries and other items which contain added
sugar.
FOOD COMPONENTS
AGES 1-2
AGES 3-5
AGES 6-12
Milk (Fluid milk)
½ cup
¾ cup
1 cup
Fruits/vegetables
¼ cup
½ cup
¾ cup
Grains/bread
Bread or
½ slice
½ slice
1 slice
Cornbread or biscuit or roll/muffin or ½ serving
½ serving
1 serving
Cold dry cereal or
¼ cup
1/3 cup
¾ cup
Hot cooked cereal or
¼ cup
¼ cup
½ cup
Pasta or noodles or grains
¼ cup
¼ cup
½ cup
Meat/meat alternative
Meat or poultry or fish or
1 ounce
1 ½ ounce
2 ounces
Alternate protein product or
1 ounce
1 ½ ounce
2 ounces
Cheese or
1 ounce
1 ½ ounce
2 ounces
Egg or
½ egg
¾ egg
1 egg
Cooked dry beans or peas or
¼ cup
3/8 cup
½ cup
yogurt
Children maybe served larger portions based on their greater food needs. They
may not be served less than the minimum quantities listed in this column.
Yogurt maybe plain or flavored, unsweetened or sweetened.
Municipal licensing states that NO HOT DRINKS be in any areas where care is
provided to children under the age of 6. This includes entryways, hallways,
classrooms, and common areas. Please leave all hot drinks in your vehicle.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Children who attend the Russian Educational Center Oomnichka must be
immunized. If your child is not yet immunized, you must provide a schedule for
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immunization signed be your health care provider. The Administrator must review
any such schedule before enrollment.
BOTTLES & PACIFIERS
For our infant room, parents are to supply bottles (either disposable or the ones
that we can send home), pacifiers, breast milk, formula or milk for their children.
If a student uses a pacifier, parents are to supply pacifiers. All items are to be
clearly labeled with the child’s name. Bottles and pacifiers are only given to
children when they are not mobile (for safety reasons).
DIAPERS & DIAPERING SUPPLIES
For children who wear diapers or pull-ups, parents are to provide and label
diapers or pull-ups, wipes and any diaper cream that is needed (topical forms
must be filled and signed). The school will notify parents when replenishment is
needed.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips and neighborhood walks are held periodically during the year. Parents
must sign the permission slip in order for your child to participate. The cost of
most field trips is usually included in your child’s tuition. If you wish for your child
to opt out of any field trip, please advise your child’s teacher in advance.
The staff member must take a walkie-talkie and a cell phone on the walking field
trip. The staff member will also have a first aid backpack, including a stocked first
aid kit, individual emergency medication, and emergency contact information. A
note will be posted on a classroom door informing parents of the whereabouts of
the class and anticipated time of return.
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL BELONINGS
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Children’s clothing should not be an obstacle to their enjoyment at school. Their
clothes should allow them to run, climb, and play freely without risk of injury or
concern for spills. The children need to be able to handle their clothes
independently, particularly in the bathroom. During the toddler and preschool
years, please avoid overalls, pants with heavy snaps, and belts that the child
cannot manage alone.
All toddlers and preschoolers must have two (2) complete changes of clothing
(shirt, pants, socks, underwear, pajamas) at school at all times. Items should be in
a zip-lock bag labeled with your child’s name.
According to MOA regulations for safety reasons, children must wear shoes or
slippers at all times. The best school shoes are sturdy sandals, tennis shoes,
leather oxfords, or non-skid slippers. Flip flops, cowboy boots, clogs, jellies, and
bulky slippers are dangerous and do not allow the children to move with
coordination and confidence. Excessively long shoelaces and double knots are
added obstacles for the child. Year round the child should have a pair of slippers
or shoes that stay at school (labeled with child’s name).
All the children at Russian Educational Center Oomnichka will change into their
Pajamas for a nap/rest time.
All clothing (sweaters, coats, hats, shoes, boots, etc.) must be labeled with the
child’s name. Clothing marked clearly is more likely to be returned to you if it is
misplaced.
GUIDANCE POLICY
Your child will be treated with love and respect. If children are treated with
respect, they learn to respect family members, teachers, friends and themselves.
Our expectations will be kept within the child’s capabilities and the child will be
made aware of these expectations.
Positive reinforcement (commenting on children doing the “right” thing) and
positive redirection (removing the child and giving them an appropriate activity)
will be used. A child may be asked to sit for a short period of time to give the child
a chance to regain control if they are having a difficult time.
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Time outs will be age-appropriate in length and done within the classroom. Staff
will not impose punishments for failure to eat or for wetting or soiling their
clothes.
At no time will physical or verbal aggression be acceptable as a form of
punishment.
Our teachers will guide the children to resolve conflict and model appropriate
behavior through gentle intervention in the following ways:
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Teacher anticipates and eliminates potential classroom conflicts.
Teacher draws the child’s attention to other activities – redirection.
Teacher encourages appropriate class behavior – positive reinforcement.
Teacher engages in quiet activity and dialogue – one on one with child
separating the child from the group.
 Allow the child to sit quiet for a few moments to gain control of themselves
if they are having a difficult time.
Our schools discipline policy is in compliance with the State of Alaska and applies
to all staff and parents while they are at the preschool.
Note: If a situation arises where a child consistently endangering himself, peers or
staff, it may become necessary to dis-enroll the child. Every attempt will be made
to work together with the parents and the child to correct the behavior. However,
the safety of the children is always our primary concern. The Administrator would
be in communication with the parents prior to dis-enrollment.
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CLASSROOM PETS
The following pet animals may be in the classroom for all or part of the year: fish,
gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, frogs, salamanders, lizards, land turtles, snakes (nonpoisonous), canaries, finches, tadpoles, caterpillars, hermit crabs, ant farm,
worms, and insects (non-harmful). Children will participate in the care and
occasional handling of these pets. Proper hand washing procedures will be
followed after any handling of animals. If a child has a known allergy to any pet,
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the classroom teacher should be notified in writing. Families who have pets that
they could bring to school for a day or longer are encouraged to discuss an
arrangement with their child’s teacher. The following animals are not allowed:
parakeets, parrots, pigeons, turkeys, domestic fowl, water turtles, monkeys,
skunks, and wild rodents.
THINGS TO BRING TO SCHOOL; THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME:
 Your child’s teacher can make suggestion for small items needed in the
room, as some children like to bring items which will remain in the
classroom.
 Please leave all toys, books, money, food, gum, hand held electronic games,
trading cards, electronic devices, etc., in the car or at home. Toy “weapons”
(swords, guns, etc.) will be confiscated and held in the office.
 Please do not bring party invitations or presents to school for distribution
as this may hurt the feelings of someone left out. If your child would like to
give out special holiday or birthday treat, please check with the teacher at
least one day in advance. There should be enough for every child – no
candy or sugary items please.
 Our facility welcomes special blankets, small pillows or stuffed animals for
quiet time and/or nap time.
TV AND VIDEO/DVD VIEWING and PHOTO
Television, video, and DVD viewing is not a regular part of the School curriculum.
Children may occasionally view a short film relevant to a current unit of study.
We will be videotaping and photographing various activities throughout the year.
You have the option of allowing, choosing how and where your child’s image is
used or not allowing your child to be videotaped or photographed at all (see
video/photo release).
PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES
For safety reasons, these procedures are used by our staff for supervision on the
playground:
 Opening the gates is adult work, do not ask or allow a child to open a gate.
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Children shall be accompanied by an adult at all times while outside.
Children will stay inside the fenced area unless accompanied by an adult.
Climbing on fences or railing is not permitted.
Slides must be kept clean of dirt, gravel, etc.
Children must sit down on the slides at all times – no climbing up the slide
Swings are for sitting on – no standing or twisting.
Throwing stones, gravel, and snowballs is not permitted.
Wrestling, pushing, hitting, kicking, verbal threats, and taunting are not
permitted. Games which promote “weapon” play are discouraged as they
can lead to aggressive behavior, accident & injury.
Our playground will be closed on a daily basis at 6:00 pm and closed all day on
the weekends.
RELEASE OF A CHILD
The staff will release children only to the parents or to an adult person listed
on the Release Form provided by the parents or legal guardian. Staff will check
IDs of anyone they do not recognize. Our staff will not release a child to
anyone, including parents, who appear to be under the influence of drugs or
alcohol. Emergency contacts will be called to transport the child home. Police
will be notified if necessary.
VISITING THE CLASSROOM
Feel free to stop in at any time to visit with your child, read a story to the class,
observe our activities, play with us or share a song or two. We have an opendoor policy, but ask that you check in and be aware of rest and quiet times.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
BUIDING EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN PROCEDURE
In case of a general emergency where there is a threat to the safety of the
children the REC “Oomnichka” will evacuate the child to a safe alternate
location.
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Reasons for Evacuation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Fire/storm damage
Bomb threat
Power, water or heat outage
Gas leak
Natural disaster
Environmental emergency
Parents will be called from the holding location (on or off site). If off-site,
pickup procedure continues there (sign out, etc.). Staff is to remain until the
last child is picked up.
First Choice
Second Choice
TRANSPORTATION
The REC Oomnichka does not provide transportation. Parents may organize their
own carpools using the list of enrolled children.
Parents of all the students are responsible for bringing their child to the
classroom door at the scheduled arrival time and for picking up the child at the
classroom door, playground, or other designated location for scheduled events at
the dismissal time. If someone else is picking up your child, please notify the
school in writing. We will not release a child to any person without your written
authorization.
ARRIVAL, DEPARTURE AND DRIVING ETIQUETTE
 Please use the first available parking spot to maintain a smooth traffic flow.
 The special needs parking is intended for expectant mothers or families
that carpool and arrive at school with several children.
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