Arnstein Jewish
Community Center
Preschool
A program of the
Knoxville Jewish Alliance
PARENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
 Mission of AJCC… ........ ………………………………….4
 Licensing and Certification………………………………..4
 Children Served ........……………………………………. 4
 Philosophy .......... ………………………………………….. 4
 Mission Statement……………………………………………….5
 Curriculum………………………………………..…………………….5-8
 Class Compositions………………………………………………..8-10
 Operating Schedule……………………………………………. 10-11
 Vacation Programs………………………………………………..11-12
 Emergency Release Plan..…………………………………..12
 What to Bring to Preschool…………………….………..12-14
 Operating Policies………………………………………………….14-15
 Health Issues…………………………………… ………………….15-16
 For your Information…………………………………………..16-17
 AJCC PRESCHOOL CONTACTS………….. ......18
 POLICY FOR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR………….19
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Welcome to the Arnstein Jewish Community Center Preschool. Since 1956, the
AJCC has provided the Jewish Community as well as the Knoxville community
at large, with the opportunity to send their children to a rich learning
environment within the cozy confines of this Jewish Center.
The tradition continues as we constantly strive to improve the form and content
of our school, with the help of our preschool families, the staff and members of
the community who support this endeavor. Thanks to all who care deeply about
this school for your continued commitment.
This handbook is designed to explain the program’s structure and the
operational guidelines we use. We hope you find it helpful.
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Mission of Arnstein Jewish Community Center
In dedicating the Jewish Community Center of Knoxville, Tennessee in June of
1929, donors Lalla Block Arnstein and Max B. Arnstein wrote, “This center is
intended to serve the spiritual, social and educational life of all Jews, irrespective
of their affiliations of any Temple or Synagogue. It shall be a center where all
Jewish activities find expression and promote a feeling of mutual understanding,
and where the young and old, and the “stranger within the gates” meet and
welcome, to enjoy the benefits which the owners wish to bestow.” Since that time
the AJCC has served as a link to all Jews in Knoxville and has been a common
meeting ground for all segments of the community. The AJCC is a program of
the Knoxville Jewish Alliance.
Licensing and Certification
The Early Childhood Program (ECP) is certified by the Tennessee Department of
Human Services and meets the licensing requirements for daycare centers. Since
the inception of the "star" program, the AJCC has achieved and maintained a
THREE STAR (highest) rating.
Children Served
The ECP serves children 12 months walking through 5 years of age. Children are
placed in classes according to their birthday and maturity level. The children
remain in the same class with the same group of children throughout the entire
year. Children move to the next class according to their birthday and our
occupancy for the upcoming school year. We revisit this policy yearly to
determine what best fits the needs of our current children.
Philosophy
The Arnstein Jewish Community Center Preschool is rooted in Jewish values including
that of learning, community, friendship and acts of loving kindness. Above all, we
empower our children to be and do their best to make the world a better place.
We are committed to nurturing our children’s imagination through student centered,
play-based learning as a means of developing independence, critical thinking skills and
enthusiasm for education. Our educators and families work in partnership to foster
social and emotional development principled on compassion and respect for self and
others. Our dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces provide an unparalleled opportunity
for encouraging healthy, active bodies and minds as children experience and honor their
natural environment while exploring a variety of materials.
Our program stimulates discovery, questioning and creativity. We celebrate the
uniqueness of each child and strive to guide them towards a successful and passionate
life of learning.
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Mission Statement
AJCC is a play-based learning center for toddlers through pre-K that is guided
by Jewish values and culture. We embrace all faiths and fosters individual
learning, peer relationships, and socially responsible values in education.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed around the basic premise that children are central to
the evolution of their school experience.
Teachers value and attempt to accommodate each child’s style of learning while
providing structured and spontaneous opportunities for play and development.
We believe that play is the primary way in which your children develop
physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills.
Based on knowledge of child growth and development, the teachers plan a
curriculum designed to promote the unique expression of each child.
Our teachers teach and learn about children from a learner's perspective. Our
teachers ask questions like:
"What's happening?"
"What's going on?"
"How does this child create order out of the complexities of his/her everyday
life?"
"How does this child become a member of a community of learners?"
"How does this child lead others in problem-solving situations to arrive at
workable solutions?"
Because our teachers ask these questions, our classrooms are different. The
power of teaching from the learners' perspective is that we narrow the gap
between theory and practice. Individual children become central to the
educational process and decisions are made to support each child's level of
learning.
Our curriculum meets all the developmental needs of young children. Early
childhood is a time quite different from any other stage of development. Young
children learn best:
Through direct interactive experiences
By touching and manipulating materials
By sharing thoughts, not just listening
When they choose an activity
Through play and imitation; and Exploration
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At the heart of the curriculum is our belief that:
Learning is tied to development
Each learning style is unique.
At the AJCC Preschool you will see lots of forms of play. Children at play are
actively involved in creating themes; exploring and establishing environments,
solving problems, and developing shared understandings.
Preschool provides children with the opportunity to use all their senses to make
discoveries. How heavy is it? Does it smell? Can I find another one that feels the
same? As they interact directly with their environment, the children at the AJCC
Preschool not only gather sensory information, they also refine their motor skills.
In our program, we try to think of good questions to ask children. You might
hear one of our staff say to a child, "Tell me about your picture", "What else can
you do with the play dough", "What do you think would happen if..."
Children reap great benefits as they think through their responses to express
what they want to say, and with their answers, we find out more about what
they think and feel and use this information to refine and revise our curriculum
activities.
The teachers work co-operatively with parents, children and each other to
determine each child’s developmental level, needs, and interests. The daily
program is flexible, with a variety of hands-on, child-centered activities which
encourage the children to discover, experiment and explore. Activities include
art and sensory play, blocks, dramatic play, fine and gross motor development,
music, concept development, cooking projects, and much more.
Judaic Enrichment
The Judaic component of our curriculum emphasizes the teaching of JudeoChristian moral and ethical concepts:
mitzvot (good deeds),
tzedakah (charity),
sharing, caring, compassion, and
helping others.
Our program is sensitive to the fact that there are many different ways to be
Jewish and to celebrate Jewish life. Our program is not affiliated with any
movement in Judaism. Our purpose is to foster the children’s positive self-image
as people, and to help them gain an understanding of the feelings and needs of
others.
Throughout the year we explore the Jewish celebrations of Shabbat, Rosh
Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim
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and Passover. Jewish melodies and Hebrew words are introduced through our
music sessions, and during our weekly Sabbath celebration.
Each Friday morning, the teachers and children gather together to say the
Sabbath blessings over the challah and wine (grape juice), sing songs, and
participate in a special Shabbat activity. Parents are welcome and encouraged to
participate in this special time.
Through bible stories and celebration of the Jewish holidays, we strive to impart
knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the Jewish heritage through creative
activities including art, crafts, songs, drama and cooking.
Communication
The director and staff of the AJCC Preschool want you to feel welcome to our
program. If we begin the home/school relationship with an open, sharing
approach, we can build trust. Then, when issues arise, even "sticky ones", we can
talk about them without hesitation. Your child's teachers are here to listen and
respond to your input. Please feel free to come to them for answers to questions
or to offer support. The director also welcomes your feedback and maintains and
"open-door" policy. So stop by or call for an appointment and meet with us as we
continue to work to make positive decisions for your children.
Visitation
Parents and grandparents
are welcome to visit at any time. We ask that you
notify the director prior to the visit. Visits should not interrupt the child's routine
care. Visitors may observe or participate; however, we ask that the child not be
removed from the group.
Guidance
One of the main objectives of the ECP is to help children develop a greater selfresponsibility and self-control over their actions while at the same time fostering
the children's self-esteem. To ensure this, we provide a positive approach to
guidance characterized by:
developmentally appropriate expectations for the children
accepting the children's feelings and encouraging emotional expression
modeling and reinforcing positive behaviors
anticipating children's behavior and gently enforcing consistent limitations
redirecting children's inappropriate behaviors to a more acceptable
alternative encouraging problem solving.
Time outs will be used inside the classroom when needed, but will not exceed
one minute per child's age in years (i.e. no longer than 4 minutes for a 4-yearold).
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Our “Policy for Disruptive Behavior” is located at the end of this handbook. This
policy was adopted by the Education Committee and will be enacted if a child’s
behavior continually disrupts the program. At no time will restriction of
physical activity be used as a behavioral consequence.
Parent Conferences
Formal conferences are scheduled twice during the school year. During these
conferences, teachers and parents have the opportunity to discuss the child's
progress, share concerns, and plan together to meet the child's developmental
needs. Parents and teachers are encouraged to schedule additional conferences
any time the need arises.
Class Compositions
Toddlers 12-24 months, Young Aleph Class
The teacher-child ratio in this classroom is 1:4 with a maximum of 8. Children at
this age are just beginning to explore their environment. We provide the children
with sensory-based activities that stimulate all areas of development.
The teachers spend the majority of their time meeting the physical needs of our
children in the Toddler classroom. Nurturing is a big part of daily life where
developing a sense of support and trust is paramount. With this foundation,
creativity flourishes!
Repetition is very important to children at this age. We start the day with
familiar songs and finger-plays and assist the children in making the home-toschool transition less traumatic. Class schedules and routines remain constant so
that children develop a sense of security.
Younger Two-Year olds, Aleph Class
The teacher-child ratio in this classroom is 1:5. As children begin to play and
interact with one another, a wonderful new world of opportunity arises - they
begin to learn from their friends' actions. As the children in this classroom begin
to recognize and respond to patterns of behavior of their surroundings, we begin
to structure their daily experiences.
These two-year olds are continually nurtured and praised for developing selfhelp skills like putting on clothes and shoes. In addition, while we encourage
areas of development such as toilet training, we are sensitive and aware that
children develop at their own pace.
Language arts and discovery materials are used to enhance growing
vocabularies. Toddlers are curious and work hard to find out all the answers to
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their questions - in the Two Year Old Classroom, we thrive on that discovery!
Older Two-Year Olds – Bet Class
The teacher-child ratio in this classroom is 1:5. As children begin to play and
interact with one another, a wonderful new world of opportunity arises - they
begin to learn from their friends' actions. As the children in this classroom begin
to recognize and respond to patterns of behavior of their surroundings, we begin
to structure their daily experiences.
In this classroom we focus on potty-training and continue to encourage self-help
skills and learn to grow more into independence.
Gimel Class -Three-Year Olds
The teacher-child ratio in this classroom is 1:8. The classroom is a large space,
which provides room for a variety of learning centers. Children are provided
with choices of materials and given the opportunity to direct the use of these
materials. Based on the interests of the children, weekly activities and themes
evolve within the curriculum framework.
Children in this classroom are exposed to letters, numbers, shapes and colors
through a repetitive, but creative approach. Each concepts is additive and
reviewed monthly so the children absorb the concepts through both play and
activities.
All children must be potty-trained before enrolling in the Gimel class.
Dalet Class- Four-Five Year olds
The teacher-child ratio in this classroom is 1:13. The classroom environment is
both educationally stimulating and genuinely supportive. It is a time to fine tune
skills and knowledge while having fun! We want them to come away from their
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preschool years with fond memories of learning and growing.
Children at this age have generally mastered recognition and use of simple
concepts. The curriculum builds upon previous learning experiences and
provides further opportunity to master concepts through more structured
language, science and mathematical experiences.
Operating Schedule
Core Program
The core program hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You
may drop your child off at 8:30 a.m., and pick up at 3:30 p.m. This 30-minute
"grace period" is not to be exceeded. If your child is dropped off prior to 8:30
a.m., or picked up after 3:30 p.m., you will be charged for extended care at an
hourly rate.
Extended Care Program
Times
Before
Care:
After
Care:
Monday Friday
7:30 a.m. - 8:30
a.m.
Monday Friday
3:30 p.m. - 6:00
p.m.
Extended Care Fees
Extended care can be purchased as a package or can be used on a drop in basis
with prior authorization from the Director. If using Extended Care on an asneeded basis you must give the Director 24-hours advance notice so that we are
staffed adequately. You will be billed in hour increments at the rate of $8 per
hour
Late Pick-up
A $5 per minute late fee will be charged for pick-up after 6:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
Early Registration
Registration for returning families opens two weeks prior to registration for new
families. All siblings may register at the same time even if they are new to the
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program.
Extra Days
If you wish to bring your child for an extra day (a day your child is not normally
scheduled to attend), we will attempt to accommodate you when
teacher/student ratios permit. You must clear this with the director, preferable a
week in advance, and complete the appropriate form. You will be charged at the
drop-in rate which varies per year.
Substituting days is very difficult for our teachers and our bookkeeping staff.
The Director will allow substituting days only on a case by case basis and will
not be done regularly. When the center is closed you are not charged for those
days- please do not feel you are “losing” your days. You are assigned specific
days not 3 days that fluctuate. If your family is experiencing a hardship we will
do everything we can to accommodate you.
Your assigned days are not flexible and must stay constant. Students and
teachers whose classes regularly change after winter break will be given the
chance to change if there are openings. If your family situation changes, we will
try to accommodate you, but you must talk directly to the Director prior to any
changes in your child’s schedule.
Sibling Discount
The AJCC Preschool offers a 5% discount off the standard fee for families with
more than one child attending the program. This discount is given to 2nd, 3rd, etc
siblings.
Payment Schedule
Tuition payments can be made yearly. A 5% discount is granted to families who
elect to pay the annual tuition by the first day of school. Tuition may be paid by
semester, in August and January, or in nine equal installments- twelve equal
installments if you are choosing summer camp as well. The fee schedule and
payment plan information must be completed with your registration form. All
families electing to pay in 9 month or 12 month increments must fill out the
billing information – no exceptions.
Vacation Programs
The Preschool offers Camp K’Tonton summer program for 10 one-week sessions
during the summer months.
The ECP does not operate a program during the week between camp and
preschool, as this week is utilized to clean and prepare classrooms for the
upcoming school year.
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Emergency Release Plan
As per DHS requirements, the following is a plan for releasing a child to anyone
whose behavior may place a child in immediate risk:
Teacher will ask the parent for permission to call the other parent, guardian or
the first person listed on the child’s emergency card, as an alternate way for the
child to get home. Teacher will offer free extended care to child, while waiting
for alternative person to arrive.
If permission is not granted for step 1, teacher will ask the parent wait until
he/she is feeling better, and will encourage the parent to go for coffee or a meal
(whichever is appropriate based on the situation), and return later for the child.
If both above steps are refused, teacher will offer to arrange transportation.
If all else fails, and teacher is unable to obtain compliance from parent, teacher
will attempt to get the license number of the vehicle the parent is traveling in,
and call 911 to report the situation.
By law, we cannot prevent a parent from taking his/her child from our premises.
What to Bring to Preschool
Clothing
“Dress for Mess”! Clothing should be comfortable, washable, and suitable for a
daily routine which includes both messy and active projects. Toilet accidents and
spills occasionally occur during your child’s day, so we ask that your child bring
a complete change of clothing (suitable to the season) to keep at school. Please
label all clothing that is left at school, and any outer garments that your child
brings.
Outdoor activities are an integral part of the children’s daily routine. Unless it is
raining, the children will spend time outside each day. Parents are asked to dress
their children appropriately for the seasonal weather. Appropriate dress includes
cool, light clothing during our warmer months, and jackets, mittens, hats and leg
coverings during our colder months. Open-toed shoes, crocs and sandals are
prohibited.
Parents of toddlers must supply diapers and baby wipes.
Cloth Diaper Policy
We realize many parents are now choosing to use cloth diapers. We support that
decision but ask parents to follow our policy in order to keep the toddler rooms
running smooth and meet sanitary standards. We accept only pocket diapers, all
in ones or Gdiapers. Each family must also provide a wet bag for the
transportation of dirty diapers. Diaper liners will be used with all diapers. We
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are unable to use cloth wipes at this time. We ask you to provide us with
disposable wipes.
Bedding
DHS requires that your child nap on a 2” thick mat. This may be purchased at :
The Schoolbox: located @the Center at Deane Hill
The Department of Human Services also requires that children have a cover and
coverlet for use during rest time. You may bring a combination of sheets,
blankets or beach towels. A crib sheet works particularly well as the bottom
cover. These items are to be brought on the first day of the week and taken home
on the last day to be washed and returned. Please label everything clearly.
Lunch
A daily Kosher-style lunch program, prepared on-site by our staff, will be served
to all children. Children with special dietary needs should inform us so that a
proper lunch may be provided for your child. Milk, juice and healthy snacks are
provided each day. Lunches must follow DHS guidelines for nutritional content.
Lunches are a time to enjoy the company of teachers and friends. We encourage
children to try new foods and will introduce them often in our lunches. Teachers
will sit with all children as they eat to encourage a positive and safe eating
environment. We will not insist on children “cleaning their plate” but rather try
to keep them focused on their bodies’ cues to when they are full. We will also not
use food as a punishment or reward. We feel this encourages bad associations
with food. It is our goal for children to eat when they are hungry and stop when
they are full.
Lunches must follow DHS guidelines for nutritional content. Proper portion
sizes will be adhered to when serving meals.
Lunches must also adhere to the KJA Kashrut policy which prohibits non-Kosher
meat products of any kind (no beef, pork, chicken, etc.). Fish is allowed.
If you choose to send a lunch with your child, it must be a vegetarian lunch.
DHS requires that lunches be nutritious. To help you comply with the Jewish
dietary Laws and DHS, the following are some examples of permissible food
items. Each day lunches should include food from the 4 following groups:
Meat Alternatives: Eggs: hard cooked, deviled, egg salad sandwiches
Fish: tuna, salmon,
Cheese: cheese sandwiches, cubed, strings, etc. Peanut butter
(3tablespoons),
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Cooked dried beans or peas: in salad, or soup, Veggie burgers. Peanut
butter (3 tablespoons),
Bread and other Grains (enriched or whole grain)
Bread: loaf bread, rolls, biscuit, buns, etc.,
Grains: cooked cereal, pasta or noodle products.
Vegetables and Fruits Soup: any kind of vegetables
Any cooked vegetable: cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli,
Any raw vegetable: lettuce on sandwich, tomato, cucumber, green pepper,
Fruits: fresh fruits in season, apple or applesauce, cantaloupe, orange, grapes,
dried fruit, etc.
Dairy
As part of DHS requirements, we provide organic milk at lunch. If you do not
wish your child to have milk, please notify your teacher in writing & provide an
alternative.
We discourage sending any salty potato chips or high-fat, high-salt items, candy,
sweets, cakes, pies, cookies.
Snack
Nutritional snacks consisting of milk or juice, with crackers, toast, cereal, fruit,
vegetable, or other healthy items, are served during mid-morning. An additional
snack is served during after-care.
Operating Policies
Inclement Weather Policies
AJCC Preschool will make a decision case by case. Please sign up for our
emergency alert system Remind.com so you can get the latest information on
closings, delayed openings and early dismissals.
Closings and delayed openings will be announced on the television channel
WATE-TV6 and www.wate.com and WBIR. If conditions become hazardous
during the school day, the ECP Director will contact you to pick up your child
immediately. No discounts will be given for Acts of G-D.
Holidays
The AJCC Preschool generally follows the Knox County school system for
winter, spring and summer holiday breaks. Vacation programs for preschoolers
are sometimes offered during these breaks. These programs have their own
registration and fees. If you are enrolled in our Annual program, there will be no
additional fees, but you will be asked to fill out a registration for these programs.
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If numbers do not permit having the vacation programs available we will cancel
them and notify all participants that have registered. Some national holidays
and all major Jewish Holidays are observed. Please be advised to check the
calendar closely when preparing for the fall. Often the Jewish holidays will
bring about several school closings in a short period of time and they vary from
year to year.
Pick up and Drop off
Every day we require you to sign the attendance roster for your child. Each
classroom will have a sheet with the names of all children attending school. It is
your responsibility to sign your child in and out with a signature and a time.
This is also how the finance department tracks billing.
We also ask that you and anyone you designate to pick up your child carry an
ID. We will ask for the ID when any new staff member is present or when a new
face comes to pick up your child. Anyone that will be picking your child up
should also be placed on the child’s Emergency Card. This is kept with the child
at all times and is also placed in the Director’s office. Please make sure your
friends and family who are authorized are prepared. We will not let your child
go without proper identification and authorization.
Child Abuse Reporting Policy
State law requires all persons coming in direct contact with children to report
any suspected child abuse or neglect. The Child Abuse Reporting Hotline
number is 1-877-237-0004 or 1-800-542-2873. As we come to know and care for
your children we are responsible legally and morally to do what is in the best
interest of the child.
DHS Complaint Hotline
We are licensed under the Department of Human Services and our facility is
inspected regularly. The complaint Hotline for DHS is 1-800-462-8261. Our
program evaluator is Tammy Judd 594-6060 x1217.
Health Issues
Illness
Children will be sent home immediately if symptoms of fever, contagious
diseases or illness are present. If symptoms occur while at school, the parent will
be contacted and must come get their child immediately. There is no staff to care
for a sick child. The parents or designated adult are to pick the child up within a
one-hour period of being notified. The guidelines used to determine if a child
needs to be sent home are as follows:
a. Fever — if a child has, or has had within the past 24 hours a temperature of
100°,
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b. Vomiting and/or diarrhea,
c. Eyes — red, glazed, or discharging,
d. Ears — red, sore, discharging,
e. Contagious disease — any “fresh” red spots merit immediate isolation,
f.
Ringworm or impetigo — indication of such merits immediate isolation until
treatment is received,
g. Head lice,
h. Overall appearance — listlessness, extreme drowsiness, irritability or other
behaviors/symptoms that make it difficult for a child to function normally
and safely.
The Staff is required to follow the same guidelines for illness.
Medications
Any medications to be administered while at school must be in the original
container with clear instructions on the label. If your child has a condition where
intermittent medication may be necessary (i.e., asthma), it is suggested that you
provide a supply to be kept in the classroom lock box. Parents must also sign and
return a Request for the administration of Medication before any medications
can be given to a child.
Allergies
For every child with allergies we create an “Allergy Action Plan”. These
individualized plans are created with the help of you and your doctor. Please
see the Director if your child has an allergy.
Immunizations
Each year in the fall we will ask you to bring in an updated immunization form.
These forms are available through your doctor or the Health department. This is
a mandatory form that must be current each year.
Each child must be immunized for measles, rubella, diphtheria, whooping
cough, tetanus, mumps, polio, and Hib. Children under 32 months of age must
also have a physical examination, in addition to their immunizations, three
months prior to entering the preschool. Children born after September 1997 are
required to have the Hepatitis B vaccine. Children starting Kindergarten after
1999 are also required to have the hepatitis B vaccine (the Health Department
recommends it for all children). Children born after June 29, 2001 are required to
have Prevnar, which is the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Differently Abled Children
We are often lucky enough to have children with different abilities attend our
preschool. While it is often rewarding to make sure each child is accepted in our
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school for their unique talents, not everyone can be accommodated. If your child
has any special needs please make an appointment with the Director to see if our
preschool can help your child reach their full potential.
Accidents and Emergencies
Careful supervision is given to the children at all times, but despite our best
efforts, accidents will occasionally occur. All Preschool staff members are
required to be trained in basic CPR and First Aid procedures. If an injury is
minor (i.e., bites, scratches and scrapes, bumps, bruises, etc.), a staff member will
administer appropriate first aid and calm the child before taking them back to
the classroom or playground. The child’s teacher will complete an “Accident
Report Form”, a copy of which will be sent home with the child. If the injury is
major (i.e., laceration requiring stitches, loss of consciousness, broken limb, etc.),
the parent will be contacted immediately. When the parent is unavailable,
alternate names on the child’s health form are contacted. If no one can be
reached, the child’s physician will be called to determine what actions should be
taken. If the emergency requires immediate medical attention, 911 will be called
to arrange transportation for the child to an emergency room. A “Major Accident
Report” will be completed within 24 hours.
Fire Drills
Our facility practices fire and other safety drills throughout the year. Once a
month (twice during the first month of school) we will set off our fire alarm and
practice evacuating the building. These exercises are timed and recorded for the
Fire Marshall’s inspection. Tornado and lock-down drills are also practiced
during the school year.
Smoking
The entire AJCC campus is a non-smoking campus.
For Your Information
Information to be sent home can be found in your child’s daily folder. The
director prepares a weekly newsletter with pertinent information about
activities, notices and changes in schedule. We try to inform you via email as
much as possible for general information but please read the information in the
folder as well.
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays are an important part of each child’s life, and the celebration is a
wonderful experience for the development of a child’s self-esteem. The AJCC has
a birthday program that parents are invited to utilize. For the cost of $25, the
school will provide an ice cream sundae party for your child’s class, and your
child will be presented with a balloon bouquet, and a gift; your child’s picture
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will be taken and placed in a frame. Parents and guests are encouraged to
participate. Birthday celebrations must be prepaid in order to secure the date.
Parties are celebrated in the afternoon, after naptime, or after lunch. Please
discuss the exact time with your child’s teacher.
Parent Involvement
Parents are an important part of the ECP. We recognize that parent involvement
is crucial to the success of our program and that establishing open
communication between parents and staff ensures a positive school experience
for your children. We encourage parent involvement in a variety of ways. You
may participate by: observing and/or visiting your child’s classroom; your
special talents (e.g., cooking, reading a story, playing guitar, etc) are always a
welcome part of the program; attending parent activities and workshops
sponsored by the ECP committee; participating in parent/teacher conferences;
building and repairing classroom equipment and materials; participating in
Parent Work Day; donating reusable materials (e.g., material scraps, paper towel
roll tubes, yarn) for art projects; providing feedback to help make the Preschool
the best environment for you and your child.
At the beginning of each year we will also ask for each family to sign up for
specific activities and programs that they are willing to help with. Each family is
asked to spend at least four volunteer hours on these programs. We have a
variety of options and feel everyone can find something that suits there interest
and talents.
The Parent Organization holds monthly meetings to discuss and plan upcoming
events. This organization is also a place where any parent can join to discuss
concerns with the program. Participation is encouraged and the meetings are
also attended by the Preschool Director and the Executive Director of the KJA.
Childcare and dinner is always available during the meetings.
Educational Advisory Committee
The Educational Advisory Committee is a committee of the Knoxville Jewish
Alliance Board. It is made up of professionals from the community who support
the AJCC Preschool staff and meet periodically with the Head of School to advise
on all educational matters.
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AJCC PRESCHOOL IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS
MAIN OFFICE- 865-690-6343
EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR
Kristen Cannon 690-6343 Ext. 22 kcannon@jewishknoxville.org
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Amber Perrin 690-6343 x22
After/Before Care #- 690-6343 When you hear the automated voice mail, dial one
of the following Classrooms:
Dalet- Ext. 26
Gimel- Ext. 25
Bet- Ext. 23
Young Aleph- Ext. 27
Aleph- Ext. 24
IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET A MESSAGE
TO YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM AT ANY
TIME, AND DO NOT GET A RESPONSE
PLEASE CALL-690-6343, AND ASK THE RECEPTIONIST TO ASSIST YOU.
POLICY FOR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
At the Arnstein Jewish Community Center Early Childhood Program, we try to provide the
best environment for the young child. However, we are not equipped to meet the needs of
children who consistently exhibit aggressive/disruptive behavior that requires more than their
fair share of the teacher’s time and attention.
Although we realize it is “normal” for children to exhibit certain antisocial behavior (especially
during critical times such as the birth of a sibling, moving, etc.) and we intend to do
everything possible to be supportive in these situations, children who consistently exhibit
aggressive/disruptive behavior and who do not seem to be responding to our normal
disciplinary procedures will not be maintained at our school.
The determination as to the dismissal of a student will not be taken lightly. It will be made by
the Preschool Director in consultation with the Executive Director and the Educational
Advisory Committee based on the student’s classroom behavior, his/her response to
timeouts and/or behavioral modification techniques, parental conferences and cooperation,
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and the opinion of the classroom teacher. We may use our own resources available to help
with determining a resolution.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
1.
TIME-OUT IN THE CLASSROOM
We use time-out as a way to interrupt negative behavior and retrain a child to the positive
way of participation in classroom activities. We designate a “time-out” area in which the
child has time to “think” about appropriate behavior. Time-outs should not exceed one
minute per child’s age in years.
2.
TIME-OUT IN THE OFFICE
If the child needs to be disciplined and time-out in the room is not working, the child will
be taken to the Early Childhood Director’s office for a supervised time-out.
3.
PARENT CONFERENCE
A conference will be called between the parents, teacher, and director to brainstorm for
ideas and insights as to why the child may be having difficulty and to devise a course of
action. An action plan will be documented and signed by all involved parties.
Improvement in the classroom will need to be seen within a reasonable amount of time.
4.
PROFESSIONAL EVALUATION
If the child is still having difficulty, a professional evaluation (Child Psychologist, Licensed
Social Worker, Play Therapist) at the parents’ expense will need to be provided for the
school.
Once all these steps have been completed by a reasonable amount of time, the director
in consultation with the Executive Director and the Educational Advisory Committee will
determine whether the problems presented can be resolved.
At no time will a child be spanked, pushed, shaken, or verbally abused. Any teacher or
assistant who spanks, pushes, shakes, or verbally abuses a child will be dismissed.
Reviewed and adopted by the Educational Advisory Committee on 10/9/07.
ARNSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
A DIVISION OF
KNOXVILLE JEWISH ALLIANCE INC.
Kristen Cannon -Preschool Director
Manny Hertz -President KJA
Rosalie Nagler- Vice-President of
Children & Youth
Jeff Gubitz-Executive Director
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