Policies and Procedures

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KID GARDEN MONTESSORI

I. Policies and Procedures

A. Mission Statement:

We at Kid Garden Montessori, in partnership with family, dedicate ourselves to:

• Respect, protect, and celebrate each child

• Nurture and facilitate the child’s personal growth, self-esteem,

success, and joy

• Teach through the child’s own sense of wonder and curiosity

• Support the child's healthy drive for independence,

• Honor the child's natural desire to learn, be helpful, and

contribute

• Nourish the child's spirit, imagination, creativity and intellect

• Guide a joyful mixed age classroom-as-community where the

child's personality naturally blossoms and unfolds

• Build on the child’s own ability to flourish and bloom

• Not compare children or use shame

B. The ages of children accepted:

Children ages 3 through 8 will be considered for Kid Garden School.

C. Services offered for special needs children in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act:

No discrimination is made on the basis of race, religion, sex, social class, or handicap. Individual services are available for special needs children.

Children are admitted following completion of various mandated records and agreements. Immunization and health records must be submitted in accordance with Colorado regulations and are subject to review by our Health Consultant. All records will be kept on file at the center.

D. The hours the center is open, specific hours during which special programs are offered, holidays when the center is closed:

School: Academic Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday

The school is opened year round except for Holiday Closures

(same holidays as Buena Vista School District R-31) and

- Early Summer Break

- July 4th Holiday

- Late Summer Break

E. The policy regarding inclement and excessively hot weather:

Snow/Emergency Days: We follow public school closures. Call Avery Parsons @ 395-7020. During extremely inclement and excessively hot weather, children will be kept indoors.

F. The procedure concerning admission and registration of children:

Children between the ages of 3 and 9 will be considered for Kid Garden Montessori School. Children must be enrolled by making application in order to attend Kid Garden Montessori. This is to ensure that we have all their information on file and to ensure space availability so that teacher/student ratios will be observed. No discrimination is made on the basis of race, religion, sex, social class, or handicap. Individual services are available for special needs children.

A $100 non-refundable deposit is required from each family at the time of application or registration, that is applicable to tuition.

G. Itemized fee schedule:

· School Tuition: Full Time

o $488 per month for nine month school year (due on the 1st of the month, delinquent by the 5th of the month, and charged a $25 fee per day for each day late).

· School Tuition: Part-time AM or PM (3.5 hours, as per available openings)

o $260 per month for nine month school year (due on the 1st of the month, delinquent by the 5th of the month, and charged a $25 fee per day for each day late).

Tuition may increase each year or for the summer session.

· Families are required to volunteer 12 hours per semester (24 hours per school year) or donate a total of $300 worth of equipment or direct funds. Volunteer hours are credited at the rate of $12.50 per hour. Monies spent to support the school are credited dollar for dollar. Parents are responsible for tracking their own time and monies spent and will be billed for any outstanding services in May. For a list of volunteer opportunities and school needs, please see the Director.

· A $100 non-refundable deposit is required for each family at the time of application or registration. It is applied to the first tuition.

· Special Event Days: Open House, holiday party days, musical programs, play days, etc. are considered days of attendance and are included in tuition. All children and families are invited to attend these special events. Please be on time to these events.

· Snow/Emergency Days: We follow the public school closures.

· Returned Checks: There will be a $50 fee for service and bookkeeping on returned checks.

· Delinquent Accounts: During the school year, if paying monthly, payment is due on the 1st of the month or session and is delinquent by the 5th of the month or 5th day of the session, and charged a $25 fee per day for each day late.

· Notification of this failure to pay will be sent. If there is no payment made after a subsequent 7 days grace period, your child's privilege to participate in our program will be suspended and your child's space may be offered to a child on our waiting list.

· $1.00 per minute will be charged after 3:00 PM.

· The absence of a student does not materially decrease the expenses of the school. Therefore, parents and guardians are responsible for full payment of fees regardless of the days of absence, vacations, school holidays, or conference days. There is no credit for absences.

We consider each child enrolled for the entire school year. Please give us 4 weeks prior notice if it is necessary for you to withdraw your child from school.

We reserve the right to dismiss a student or family from the school if problems cannot be resolved.

H. The procedure for identifying where children are at all times:

Children who are present have names noted on the class attendance list, with the total number of present circled on the whiteboard. The students are counted frequently during the school day and checked against the total. The total is changed as children are checked in and out of the center.

I. The policy on discipline:

Kid Garden philosophy is the Montessori discipline philosophy of redirection Children are encouraged to love their own learning, calm concentration, and work time, while respecting others’ work time. Montessori discipline techniques include modeling, guiding, high expectations, positive reinforcement, redirection, teacher proximity/student refocusing, and exclusion (time-outs and sitting outs), if necessary.

We learn and practice communication awareness, based in the Non-Violent Communication principles of Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg, www.cnvc.org. We will study and practice the ability to know our feelings and needs, communicate them, listen to others' words, feelings, and needs, respond to them appropriately, and practice the skill of mediation between others. A quiet place and adult help will be provided for children who need to discern their feelings, needs, communication, and understanding of others. Parents are encouraged to learn and practice these communication techniques at home as well.

J. The procedure, including notification of parents or guardians, for handling children illnesses, accidents, and injuries:

If your child receives a minor scrape, scratch, bruise, etc. while at school, we will provide cleansing, ice packs, band-aids, etc. but we will not write a report. If you are in the least bit concerned about the circumstances surrounding any injury or incident, a verbal report is available. If we believe that an injury or illness might need subsequent doctor's attention or monitoring at home, you will receive a full, written report.

Staff members have been trained in First Aid and CPR. In case of minor injury, we will administer first aid. If any serious injury or illness does occur, parent, guardians, designated emergency contacts, or personal physicians will be contacted (as indicated in the child's records) after calling 911 has insured the child’s safety.

K. The procedures for responding to emergencies such as lost children, tornadoes, and fires:

In the event of a fire or natural disaster, an emergency evacuation plan will immediately go into effect. Children will practice this procedure at intervals throughout the year. Emergency evacuation plans will be posted near the exits of the building. Teacher and students exiting out the back door will go stand across the street. Teacher and students exiting out the front door will do and stand across the street.

In the unlikely event of a tornado warning, we will seek shelter and go to the center of the building.

If after a head count, a child is found to be missing, 911 will be called immediately.

L. The procedure for transporting children, if applicable, including transportation arrangements and parental permission for excursions and related activities:

Under typical circumstances, we do not provide daily transportation. Parents are asked to approve local, walking field trips by completing an authorization form. Out-of-area field trips require separate parent approval and transportation.

M. The written policy and procedure governing field trips, television and video viewing, and special activities, including the staff's responsibility for the supervision of children:

We do not view TV, but may occasionally view thematic and age appropriate educational movies. Children may view them but they are not required to do so. Out-of-area field trips require separate parent approval and transportation. Staff will coordinate and supervise all children and parents using the buddy system while counting all persons frequently.

N. The policy on children safety related to riding in a vehicle, seating, supervision, and emergency procedures on the road:

Under typical circumstances, we do not provide daily transportation. In rare circumstances, children may be transported only in a seat with a seat belt.

O. The procedure for releasing children from the center only to persons for whom the center has written authorization:

Since we only release children to caretakers authorized in the children's records, it is up to parents to keep us informed, by note or phone, of other individuals who may be bringing or picking up their children. Children will not be released to unauthorized persons and we will not hesitate to notify law enforcement should an unauthorized person pressure staff for the release of a child. To avoid problems, parents should please follow these procedures. The center must release the child only to the adult(s) for whom written authorization has been given and is maintained in the child's record. In an emergency, the child may also be released to an adult for whom the child's parent or guardian has given verbal authorization. If we do not know the adult, identification will be required to assure that the adult is authorized to pick up the child.

P. The procedures followed when a child is picked up from the center after the center is closed or not picked up at all, and to ensure that all children are picked up before the staff leave for the day:

If your child is not picked up at school after 3 PM, we will do our best to locate a parent or emergency contact. In the event that no responsible party is contacted, local law enforcement personnel will be asked to assist in reaching the parent or guardian. $1.00 per minute will be charged after 3 PM.

Q. The procedure for caring for children who arrive late to the center and their class/group is away from the center on a field trip or excursion:

Parents must sign-in their child upon arrival at school and make sure the teacher is aware of the child's presence. The teacher will take attendance and compare it to the sign-in sheet. If it is not a scheduled arrival time, the child should be brought directly to the teacher. Children who are present have names noted on the class attendance list, with the total number of present circled. The students are counted frequently during the school day and checked against the total. The total is changed as children are checked in and out of the center.

In a rare instance, a student may arrive at an unscheduled time to discover the class away from the school. Parents will find a note outside the door that indicates where the class is and time of return. It is the parent's responsibility to deliver the child to the teacher at the field trip site or to keep the child until the class returns to school. The parent cannot leave the child unattended at the school.

R. The procedure for storing and administering children's medicines and delegation of medication administration in compliance with Section 12-38-132, C.R.S., of the "Nurse Practice Act":

If you child must take any prescription or non-prescription drugs during school, our Health Consultant will contact you and establish a treatment plan that meets your child's needs. Children are not allowed to self-medicate with cough drops, Tylenol, etc. Such items will be confiscated.

S. The procedure concerning children personal belongings and money:

Each child's belongings should be name-labeled including backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, and lunch bags. A backpack is recommended to keep all items centrally located and to take schoolwork home. A lost and found will be located near the front door. We will do our best in the recovery of lost items. Unclaimed items may be donated to a non-profit organization at the end of the school year. To reduce both the incidence of lost items and conflicts over "sharing" personal items, please leave such things at home, especially money.

T. The policy concerning meals and snacks:

A snack is included in the cost of tuition. It is your responsibility to note any dietary restrictions your child may have on the Intake Form and keep this information up-to-date.

Lunches are not provided and will need to be brought with student. Lunches will be refrigerated until they are eaten. Please provide a lunch bag or box with your child's name on it. Lunches will be eaten at school as a group and may be warmed-up in a microwave.

U. The policy on diapering and toilet training:

In the course of daily activities, a child may spill, be spilled on, have a toileting accident or receive a minor injury that requires an adult to change a child's underwear or remove a child's underwear to treat an injury. In such situations, we will have the child remain in his or her clothing until a parent or emergency contact (as listed in the child's records) can come to school to handle the situation. We will escort the child to the bathroom, provide a change of clothing, but not assist in changing or toileting needs. In special circumstances or by special request, parents may ask that this policy be amended to better fit their child's needs.

V. The policy regarding visitors to the center:

All visitors or volunteers must sign-in on an Adult Register with name, address, phone number, date, time in and out, and purpose of visit. For child safety, unknown individuals will be asked for photo identification.

Parents of enrolled children are encouraged to visit anytime, as are parents who have made an appointment that are considering Kid Garden for their children.

W. The policy on parent and staff conferences to inform the parents or guardians of the child's behavior, progress, and social and physical needs:

Formal conferences are scheduled twice each school year, in the fall and spring. Additional conferences may be scheduled at parent or staff request.

We are always happy to consult with parents, either by phone or in person for any reason. Impromptu conferences cannot be held at arrival and departure times since these moments are very busy, require 100% attention, and are not conducive to making considered judgments.

X. The procedure for filing a complaint about child care (see 7.701.5, General Rules for Child Care Facilities):

We welcome your input. Parents are encouraged to voice concerns, complaints, and suggestions. Either a verbal or written response will be made within two weeks. Licensing violations that occur at this or any other program should be reported to the Colorado DHS, Division of Child Care, 1575 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203 (303-866-5958).

Y. The policy regarding the reporting of child abuse (see 7.701.5, General Rules for Child Care Facilities):

By Colorado Law, we must report all suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the local Department of Human Services (DHS). If parents observe any instances of abuse or neglect at this or any other licensed facility, please report these to DHS at 539-6627.

Z. The policy regarding notification when childcare service is withdrawn and when parents or guardians withdraw their children from the center:

If you are relocating or wish to withdraw your child from Kid Garden School, please let us know as far in advance as possible, a minimum of two weeks. We hope you will feel comfortable talking with us about schedule changes, curriculum, finances, or other concerns.

AA. Procedure for Unauthorized Pick-up Attempt 7.702.42 H:

The center must have a procedure for dealing with individuals not authorized by the parent or guardian of a child who attempts to have the child released to them.

Since we only release children to caretakers authorized in the children's records, it is up to parents to keep us informed, by note or phone, of other individuals who may be bringing or picking up their children. Children will not be released to unauthorized persons and we will not hesitate to notify law enforcement should an unauthorized person pressure staff for the release of a child. To avoid problems, please follow these procedures. The center must release the child only to the adult(s) for whom written authorization has been given and is maintained in the child's record. In an emergency, the child may also be released to an adult for whom the child's parent or guardian has given verbal authorization. If we do not know the adult, photo identification must be required to assure that the adult is authorized to pick up the child.

BB. Emergency Procedure Policy 7.702.42 I

The center must have a written emergency procedure that explains, at a minimum, how the center will be evacuated in case of fire or other disaster requiring evacuation, how to function during a tornado alert, and the reporting of reportable communicable illnesses to the local health department pursuant to regulations of the State Department of Public Health and Environment.

In the unlikely event of a tornado warning, we will seek shelter and go to the center of the building.

Should it be evident that a child or staff member has a communicable disease, we will report it to the Department of Health. The center must report to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or its local unit any communicable illness, including but not limited to measles, mumps, diphtheria, rubella, tuberculosis, shingella, hepatitis, meningitis, salmonella, or giardia, contracted by a staff member or a child at the center. Those affected must obtain a physician or Health Department clearance before returning to school.

CC. Procedure for Closing the Center at the End of the Day 7.702.4

The center must have a written procedure for closing the center at the end of the day to ensure that all children are picked up.

In rare instances, a child may not be picked up at school after a session has concluded. Of course, we will do our best to locate a parent or emergency contact. However, in the event that no responsible party can be found, local law enforcement personnel will be asked to assist us in reaching the parent.

DD. Duties and Responsibilities of Each Staff Position and the Lines of Authority and Responsibility within the Center 7.702.43

The duties and responsibilities of each staff position and the lines of authority and responsibility within the center must be in writing.

The Director is in charge of the center with all responsibility for decisions made within the center.

Since parents are required to volunteer for 4 hours per month per child, volunteer times will be pre-arranged on the Volunteer Calendar. Volunteers will sign-up for the next month before the last day of the month. Volunteers will be instructed in best educational practices in order to be more effective. All volunteers' information must be on file with the center, including name, address, phone number, and birth date. If an individual volunteers more than 14 times in a year, fingerprint clearance will be required. A designated proxy may be sent in.

With permission, parents may hold fundraisers for tuition and are encouraged with all participating to equitably divide the tuition money raised.

EE. Staff Development Plan 7.702.43 E

The center must have a staff development plan that includes a minimum of fifteen (15) clock hours of training each year for all staff. The training must relate to one or more of the following areas--child growth and development, healthy and safe environment, developmentally appropriate practices, guidance, family relationships, cultural and individual diversity, and professionalism.

FF. Planned Written Program 7.702.68 A

· Activity Schedules

The center must carry out a planned program suitable to the needs of the children. This program must be described in writing and be available for review when requested by the department or by parents or guardians of children in care.

· Our daily schedule is:

8:00 Arrival/Opening
8:15 Spontaneous

10:00 Independent Work & Reading Lessons

11:30 Lunch

12:00 Outdoor Recess

12:30 Rest Time

1:00 Independent Work & Math

2:00 Snack

2:45 Closing

3:00 Pick-up

· The program includes outdoor play each day except when the severity of weather, including temperature extremes, makes it a health hazard or when a child must remain indoors due to health reasons.

· There will be an outdoor recess approximately every three hours during the day except when the severity of weather, including temperature extremes, makes it a health hazard or when a child must remain indoors due to health reasons.

· If the center takes children on routine short excursions, such activities and locations must be posted at the center.

· When the center takes children on routine short excursions, such activities and locations will be posted at the center. In a rare instance, a student may arrive at an unscheduled time to discover the class away from the school. Parents will find a note outside the door that indicates where the class is and time of return. It is the parent's responsibility to deliver the child to the teacher at the field trip site or to keep the child until the class returns to school. The parent cannot leave the child unattended at the school.

· If a child participates in activities away from the facility, the center must obtain the parent or guardian's written permission for the child to participate in the activity at a specific location and day. Staff ratios found at Section 7.702.55 must be maintained.

· Parents are asked to approve local, walking field trips by completing an authorization form. Out-of-area field trips require separate parent approval. Staff ratios will be maintained.

· Television viewing, including videos, should not be permitted without the approval of a child's parents, who must be advised of the center's policy regarding television and video viewing.

· We do not view TV, but may occasionally view thematic and age appropriate educational media. Children may view them but they are not required to do so. Parents will need to sign a media permission approval.

GG. SUNSCREEN

Outside activities will be for 30 minutes duration depending on weather. We avoid the highest intensity sun time of the day during the summer. There is a shaded area provided for children uncomfortable in the sun. If your child's skin is particularly sensitive, we recommend you apply sunscreen before school.

HH. TRAFFIC SAFETY

During pick-up times, children can leave the building only when an adult accompanies them. Parents who wish to remain at school to talk should NOT send their children out to wait in the car. Children should remain inside the fenced school grounds where parents must supervise their child. At no time should the children be allowed to play in the parking lot while parents make plans or exchange greetings.

II. GENERAL POLICIES (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

A. ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENT

Children between the ages of 3 and 9 will be considered for Kid Garden. A child must be three years old by the first day of school and toilet trained.

Children must be enrolled by completion of various mandated records and agreements, making application, in order to attend Kid Garden. This includes Intake, Releases, Emergency, Health and Immunizations. This is to ensure that we have all the information on file. Please notify us immediately of any changes. These must be submitted in accordance with Colorado regulations and are subject to review by our Health Consultant. All records will be kept on file at the school. An annual registration fee may be collected at the time of application.

No discrimination is made on the basis of race, religion, sex, social class, or handicap. Individual services are available for special needs children.

B. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

We greatly value safety. A parent sign-in clipboard is provided on the table in the big room. Parents or their designees must record and sign the arrival and departure time of the child in their care. Unless special arrangements have been made, please do your best to conform with the agreed upon arrival and departure times. For safety and security purposes, it is required that an adult designated on the Intake Form brings the child into the facility, signs-in, and brings the child to the teacher. This procedure is very important when a child comes to or leaves school off schedule.

Since we only release children to caretakers authorized in the children's records, it is up to parents to keep us informed, by note or phone, of other individuals who may be bringing or picking up their children. Children will not be released to unauthorized persons and we will not hesitate to notify law enforcement should an unauthorized person pressure staff for the release of a child. To avoid problems, please follow these procedures. The center must release the child only to the adult(s) for whom written authorization has been given and is maintained in the child's record. In an emergency, the child may also be released to an adult for whom the child's parent or guardian has given verbal authorization. If we do not know the adult, identification must be required to assure that the adult is authorized to pick up the child.

$1.00 per minute will be charged after 3:00 PM.

C. ART

Your child's art and other work are on display on the walls and sent home. Creativity family homework will be assigned, designed to draw families closer together and stretch your creative boundaries.

D. CLASS SIZE

The State of Colorado says, a ”small child care center provides care for 5 through 15 children between the ages of 3 and 16 years”, ”staff to student ratio for mixed age group is 1:8.”

E. COMPLAINTS

We welcome your input. Parents are encouraged to voice concerns, complaints, and suggestions. Either a verbal or written response will be made within two weeks.

F. DISCIPLINE

G. DOCUMENTING ILLNESS OR INJURY

H. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

All staff members have been trained in First Aid and CPR. In case of minor injury, we will administer first aid. If any serious injury or illness occurs, a parent, guardian, designated emergency contact, or personal physician will be contacted (as indicated in the child's records) after calling 911 has insured the child’s safety.

If your child is not picked up at school after 3 PM, we will do our best to locate you or your emergency contact. In the event that no responsible party is contacted, local law enforcement personnel will be asked to assist in reaching the parent or guardian. $1.00 per minute will be charged after 3:00 PM.

I. EVALUATIONS AND PARENT CONFERENCES

Formal conferences are scheduled twice each school year, in the fall and spring. You will receive a written Individualized Education Program with your child's educational goals to review and approve. Additional conferences may be scheduled at parent or staff request. We are always happy to consult with parents, either by phone or in person. Impromptu conferences cannot be held at arrival and departure times since these moments are very busy, require 100% attention, and are not conducive to making considered judgments.

J. FIRE DRILLS AND EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS

In the event of a fire or natural disaster, an emergency evacuation plan will immediately go into effect. Children will practice this procedure at intervals throughout the year. Emergency evacuation plans will be posted near the exits of the building. Teacher and students exiting out the front door will go and stand at the tennis courts across the street. Teacher and students exiting out the back door will go and stand at the skate park.

K. ILLNESS AND PREVENTION

It is imperative that children remain at home when ill, both for their own comfort and the well being of others. If a child becomes ill at school, he or she may rest in our rest area, which is under our observation and care, but separated from the other children, until parents or emergency contacts can be reached. Please help us minimize the spread of colds or flu by keeping your child home. Please phone in to school to report the symptoms. Other children will be observed and sent home if necessary. Other parents will be told of the possibility of the illness. This should help slow the spread of illness and reduce its frequency. Thank you for your cooperation.

L. IMMUNIZATIONS

We support the immunization of all children. Parents should know that Colorado law provides for personal and religious exemptions from immunization. We do admit children whose parents have elected to sign such exemptions. At the discretion of Colorado Department of Health, a non-immunized child may be suspended.

M. KEEPING TRACK OF CHILDREN

Children who are present have names noted on the class attendance list, with the total number present circled on the whiteboard. The students are counted frequently during the school day and checked against the total. The total is changed as children are checked in and out of the center.

In a rare instance, a student may arrive at an unscheduled time to discover the class away from the school. Parents will find a note inside at the sign-in sheet that indicates where the class is and time of return. It is the parent's responsibility to deliver the child to the teacher at the field trip site or to keep the child until the class returns to school. The parent cannot leave the child unattended at the school.

N. MEALS

Snacks are included in the cost of tuition. It is your responsibility to note any dietary restrictions your child may have on the Intake Form and keep this information up-to-date.

Lunches are not provided and will need to be brought from home. Lunches will be refrigerated until they are eaten. Please provide a lunch bag or box with your child's name on it. Lunches will be eaten at school as a group and may be warmed-up in a microwave.

O. MEDICATIONS

P. OUTDOOR PLAY

We will have outdoor play recess each day, weather permitting. Unless there is a medical problem, all children will go outside. Please be sure to send your child in clothes and shoes that are appropriate for outdoor activities such as running and climbing. Please avoid footwear that falls off easily.

During extremely inclement and excessively hot weather, children will be kept indoors.

Q. PARENT CLASSES AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Kid Garden has a goal of maximized parent involvement.

R. PERSONAL BELONGINGS

All children belongings should be name-labeled including backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, and lunch bags. A backpack is recommended to keep all items centrally located and to take schoolwork home. A lost and found will be located near the front door. We will do our best in the recovery of lost items. Unclaimed items may be donated to a non-profit organization at the end of the school year. To reduce the incidence of lost items and conflicts over ”sharing” personal items, please leave such things at home, especially money.

S. PRIVACY CONCERNS AND BATHROOM HYGIENE

In the course of daily activities, a child may spill, be spilled on, have a toileting accident, or receive a minor injury that requires an adult to change a child's underwear or remove a child's underwear to treat an injury. In such situations, we will have the child remain in his or her clothing until a parent or emergency contact (as listed in the child's records) can come to school to handle the situation. We will escort the child to the bathroom, provide a change of clothing, but not assist in changing or toileting needs. In special circumstances or by special request, parents may ask that this policy be amended to better fit their child's needs.

T. VISITORS

All visitors or volunteers must sign-in on an Adult Register with name, address, date, time in and out, and purpose of visit. Parents of enrolled children are encouraged to visit anytime, as are parents considering Kid Garden for their children. For child safety, unknown individuals will be asked for identification.

U. VOLUNTEERS

Parents are invited to volunteer. All volunteers' information must be on file with the center, including name, address, phone number, and birth date. If an individual volunteers more than 14 times in a year, fingerprint clearance will be required.

V. WITHDRAWAL

We consider each child enrolled for the entire school year. Please give us 4 weeks prior notice if it is necessary for you to withdraw your child from school.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING KID GARDEN MONTESSORI!