This section deals with all school, student, and classroom-related information.
Click here to download a complete version of the school guidelines for printing or later reading.
At Northfield Montessori, we take all steps to maintain safety and avoid accidents. However, occasional slips and falls occur any place where children play. Appropriate first aid is always the first step in the event of an accident. All accidents involving a child will be promptly reported to their parent.
Any accident involving minor bruises or scrapes will be reported to the parent at the end of the day and recorded on an Accident/Incident report form filed in the center office.
Minor scrapes requiring bandages will be listed on a daily log. Parents will be notified that first aid measures were carried out.
If it appears that the accident may lead to future complications or in any way be serious enough to warrant medical attention, the following procedures will be used:
Written permission from the parent must be obtained before staff can administer any non-prescription medication, diapering product, sunscreen or insect repellent. These items will be administered according to the manufacturer's instructions unless there are written instructions for their use provided by a licensed physician or dentist. Non-prescription medication is to be given to the classroom teacher or put in the non-prescription medication box. It cannot be left in the child's basket or lunch box.
Before administering any prescription medication, written parent permission, along with written instructions from a licensed physician or dentist, is required. Medicine with the child's name and current prescription information constitutes instructions from the health care provider.
All medications must be kept in their original container and have a legible label. A second container of medication can be requested from the pharmacy for use at the center. Medicine will not be given after the expiration date on the label and any unused portion will be returned to the parent or destroyed.
The teacher will ensure that the administration of the medicine is recorded on a Medication Log form. The log will be maintained in the child's file and is available to the parent upon request
Northfield Montessori will be responsible for administering the least amount of medication necessary (i.e. if a child is taking a three times a day medication, Northfield Montessori will administer the mid day dose only).
ALL medicines, insect repellents, sunscreens and diaper creams will be stored according to the directions on the original container and in an area inaccessible to the children.
Northfield Montessori employees will only administer oral or topical medications. A parent or guardian must administer rectal medications.
All parents must sign a consent form for administration of Syrup of Ipecac upon admission of the child. Should accidental ingestion of harmful products occur, staff will contact the Poison Control Center. Syrup of Ipecac will only be given after calling and under the direction of the Poison Control Center.
A complete set of behavior guidance policies and procedures is located at the front desk. Below is a brief outline of Northfield Montessori's behavior plan:
Persistent unacceptable behavior is defined as, but not limited to, actions knowingly committed by a child that cause physical and/or mental harm to another child or teacher. After observing and recording said behavior(s), Northfield Montessori may initiate the following procedure, or an appropriate procedure, in response to the persistent unacceptable behavior(s):
Your child's birthday will be a special occasion. You may provide treats, but all treats must be commercially purchased. Northfield Montessori prohibits serving any homemade treats.
If a child develops any of the above symptoms while at the center, the child will be isolated and one of the parents will be contacted to pick up the child within 1 hour. Parents must make arrangements necessary to have the child picked up, this is not the responsibility of the center.
If a child is exposed to any contagious disease while at the center, an exposure notice will be posted. The Public Health Department will be used as the health consultant.
Please sign your child's Sign In/Sign Out sheet each day. Children will not be released to any one not listed on the Child Information card unless direct written communication by the parent is made to the center. In the event that only one parent has custody of the child, the parent must furnish a copy of the appropriate legal document to the center.
For the protection of your children, our doors are locked during the hours of operation. Each family will receive up to two security cards that are used to gain access to the building. A $10 fee per card will be charges to your account. The fee is refundable upon your withdrawal from Northfield Montessori AND the return of the card(s). Please notify the director if you should happen to need a replacement. An additional $10 fee will charged for each replacement card
Northfield Montessori has no liability whatsoever for incidents which may occur as a result of private day care arrangements made between a parent and a Northfield Montessori employee for non-program childcare services.
6:00 a.m. - Opening
6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - Extended Daycare hours
7:00-8:00 - Breakfast is served
9:30 - Morning snack is served
11:30-12:00 Lunch is served
3:15 - Afternoon snack is served
8:00-3:30 Montessori Program hours
3:30-6:00 Extended Daycare hours
In the event that an emergency requires evacuation of the center, the designated emergency meeting area is the Northfield American Legion.
Address: 1055 Highway 3
Northfield MN 55057
Phone: (507) 645-8541
All children enrolling in Northfield Montessori must complete an Enrollment Form and return it to the center with the one-time membership fee. The first month's tuition is due before your child starts in the program.
It is necessary to complete an Enrollment Form for both the regular program session (September through May) and the summer session (June through August).
For children under 33 months, the parents/guardians must complete a Special Enrollment Information sheet describing the child's physical and emotional development, the child's standard routine, eating and sleeping habits and toileting procedures.
If your child has special needs, please discuss them with the director during the enrollment process.
A number of field trips will be planned throughout the year. Parents are required to sign a permission slip for each occasion and/or a generic slip for regular, planned trips. These permission slips will be supplied by the director. Children must be four years of age and potty trained to accompany their class on a field trip. First aid kits, emergency information for the children and permission slips are taken on all field trips. All children are encouraged to wear their yellow Northfield Montessori shirt on class field trips. Parents are encouraged to attend when space permits.
Any parent or volunteer who has a grievance may bring it to the director's attention verbally. The person may discuss the grievance with the director in an attempt to reach a satisfactory resolution. The director will investigate the grievance.
To initiate a formal grievance, the grievance must be put in writing along with the facts upon which it is based, and submitted to the director. The director will investigate the grievance and will respond, either verbally and/or in writing, within ten days of receiving the formal grievance.
If no satisfactory resolution has been achieved, the individual may appeal the grievance to the Board of Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors will be final.
Minnesota state law requires that proof of immunizations be furnished at the time of enrollment. The immunization form should be signed by a parent or guardian. The following is the recommended immunization schedule for children:
| Hep B |
PCV7 | Varicella | DTaP | Hib | IPV | HBV | MMR | |
| Birth - 2 weeks | X | |||||||
| 2 Months |
X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 4 Months | X | X | X | X | ||||
| 6 Months |
X | X | X | X | ||||
| 12-15 Months |
X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| 15-18 Months |
X | |||||||
| 4-6 Years |
X | X |
A Health Care Summary form and a Child Care Immunization Record are required for all children attending Northfield Montessori. An updated Health Care Summary is required whenever a child moves to a new level.
The Immunization Record is due the first day the child attends school and the Health Care Summary is due 30 days after the child begins. It is the parents' responsibility to inform the center of their child's special medical conditions, needs and/or allergies. The staff is notified of all conditions as well as it being posted in the kitchen and classroom areas.
General liability insurance is carried through Heartman Insurance Agency in Northfield.
For the protection of all children and in accordance with Minnesota Statute 9503.0080, parents must keep children at home, or a child will be sent home, if any of the following exist:
Parents must notify the school within 24 hours of the onset of a contagious disease.
Our program is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. If you have any questions regarding our license or any other licensing questions or concerns, you may contact the Department at (651) 296-3971.
Northfield Montessori is licensed for:
| Room | Ages | Capacity |
| Infants | 6 weeks to 16 months | 24 |
| Toddlers | 16 months to 33 months | 42 |
| Discovery (Preschool) | 33 months to Kindergarten | 60 |
| Montessori (Preschool) | 33 months to Kindergarten | 60 |
Two snacks will be provided during the program day. Milk and juice are provided by the center; it is served with the meal or snack. Breakfast and hot lunches are included in tuition, or you may provide a bag lunch for your child.
These cards must be returned to the center as soon as possible after enrollment. This allows the staff to seek medical attention for your child in case of an emergency. If the parent has a specific medical center at which they prefer the child be treated in case of an emergency, a letter specifying the facility needs to be written to the center.
Please remember to update Northfield Montessori regarding any changes in home, work or medical phone numbers.
Full-time preschool children are offered an opportunity to nap. However, there are children who do not wish to nap, or who do not appear to need a nap. Please sign the Nap Preference permission slip after discussing your child's needs and preferences with the teacher. Preschool nap time is from 12:30-2:30.
Toddler nap time is from 12:00-2:30. Infants will be allowed to nap on their own schedule as discussed and agreed between parents and the teacher.
All naps and rest periods will be provided in a quiet area which is physically separated from children who are engaged in activity which would disrupt a napping or resting child. During naps and rest periods, children generally rest on cots. However, a child who has completed a nap or rested quietly for 30 minutes will not be required to remain on the cot.
Children who are involved in the rest period may have a blanket or cover brought from home. These supplies will be kept at the center and sent home weekly (or as needed) for washing. Be sure your child's name is on the blanket.
Northfield Montessori is committed to providing a safe environment for children, their families, and staff. To the maximum extent allowed by law, Northfield Montessori prohibits the possession of all firearms on Northfield Montessori property.
Northfield Montessori is a licensed child care center, which is a "school property" under Minnesota law. Therefore:
Employees of Northfield Montessori are absolutely prohibited from carrying or possessing firearms while acting in the course and scope of their employment. Any employee found to have violated this policy shall be terminated immediately, without recourse.
Northfield Montessori acknowledges that with a valid permit to carry, an employee may legally carry a firearm in a motor vehicle, or outside a motor vehicle if in the process of placing it in or retrieving it from the trunk or rear area of the vehicle. Nevertheless, for the safety of the children, employees are asked not carry any firearms on Northfield Montessori property, even as may be allowed by law in and about a motor vehicle.
Any employee who does lawfully carry or possess a firearm in or about a motor vehicle on the Northfield Montessori property is obligated to keep such firearm out of the reach of any child or other person who is not lawfully permitted to carry the firearm, and the employee shall bear all responsibility and liability for any mishap which may occur involving such firearm.
Please help us to enforce this policy by keeping all firearms off Northfield Montessori property, even as may be allowed by law. In the event of a violation of any part of this policy, which is also a violation of state or federal law, by a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at Northfield Montessori, such violation will be cause for immediate dismissal of the child from the program.
Parents are always welcome to visit the center at any time
during our hours of operation.
The key person in a child's relationship with the center is the teacher. Please feel free to speak with the teacher in person or by phone if the need arises. Any comments about a child's educational or social participation in the classroom should not be made in the presence of the child, other children or other parents. Obviously, Northfield Montessori is interested in remaining positive and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Conferences will be scheduled on a regular basis at least twice a year to inform parents of their child's intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. Parents may request a conference whenever they feel there is a need. A record of these conferences will be maintained in the child's file. Parents are welcome to visit the center anytime during the hours of operation.
Periodically there are small animals present in the science areas. It is Northfield Montessori's policy to purchase these animals from reputable pet dealers who ensure their animals have been properly cared for and inoculated. These pet dealers have been licensed in accordance with the local health rules and regulations. In addition, it is our practice to follow all health and safety regulations regarding care and maintenance of the pet while in our care.
The center offers a summer session in addition to the regular program term to provide a 12 month program for your child. This session begins the week after the end of the regular term, so there is no interruption in the program. The program continues until the Thursday before the regular session begins in the fall.
The summer program offers many additional opportunities for recreation field trips, crafts, exploration and special activities.
Each classroom has a program plan on display in a prominent place for each parent to see. It is available at all times. The center will have a file with the program plans available for those parents who wish to see them collectively.
An employer of any mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the mandated reporter for reports made in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is made. The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act contains specific provisions regarding civil actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has occurred.
A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe a child is or has been neglected or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, a mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be serious or recurring maltreatment may be disqualified from employment in positions allowing direct contact with persons receiving services from programs licensed by the Department of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, and unlicensed Personal Care Provider Organizations.
The reporting policies and procedures must be provided to parents of all children at the time of enrollment in the child care program and must be made available upon request. The Division of Licensing recommends that parents with children currently enrolled in your child care program are informed of the development of the reporting policies and procedures, and provide them with an opportunity to request the information.
Written permission will be obtained from the parent before a child is involved in educational research or public relation activities while the child is at the center.
In the event of snow or inclement weather Northfield Montessori has the following policies.
These rules were devloped in order to guarantee the safety of the children and the staff, and have been approved by the Northfield Montessori Board of Directors. School closings can be heard on KYMN Radio (AM 1080) and KARE 11. KARE 11 also has an e-mail notification system; see kare11.com. In addition, Northfield Montessori is developing an e-mail notification system and postings on this web page. This electronic service is under development, and we will inform you when it is operational. We will place phone calls to parents and others on the emergency information card. Every effort will be made to locate one of the adults on the card.
We realize that these closings can be a major inconvenience for parents, especially those working out of the area. Fortunately, the Northfield Public School system is quite hesitant to close the schools. However, this is Minnesota, and bad weather will happen. If the schools and Northfield Montessori close then conditions are almost certainly extreme, and we will feel better when all children and staff are safe at home.
Please remember that if Northfield Montessori closes early, late fees will apply for any time after the schedule closing time. Late fees are billed at $20 for each 15 minute increment, or part increment after the scheduled closing time.
Thank you for your understanding.
Fire drills are held monthly and logged. Tornado drills will be held from April through October and will also be logged. Procedures are posted in each classroom.
Your child should not bring toys, money, or other items to the center. All necessary supplies and equipment are provided by the center. An exception would be cuddly toys for nap periods or materials brought on days designated as "Show and Tell" days by the teacher. Sharing is an important concept to foster in the young children. During "Show and Tell," we encourage children to bring things that can be shared by the whole group, like books or music. Be sure the child's name is clearly marked on any items brought from home.
There is a one-time non-refundable membership/enrollment fee per family due upon the completion of the first registration form.
Tuition is paid monthly in advance. Invoices are posted on the child's cubby around the 20th of the month.
Tuition needs to be paid in full by the due date on the invoice. Please make checks payable to "Northfield Montessori" and be sure to write the invoice number being paid on the check. Payments should be deposited in the appropriate box at the school, or mailed to the school. Parents wishing to pay in two installments should pay half by the due date and the balance within 15 days after the due date.
Stay and Play is an opportunity for your child to arrive early or remain later than their scheduled session, provided there is space available. Two and three day children cannot substitute their regularly scheduled days. They can schedule an additional day each week at the per hour rate. These charges will appear on the following month's invoice. Reservations for Stay and Play should be made by contacting the Director 24 hours in advance. When you bring your child, be sure to sign them in at the front desk. Stay and Play is billed at a full hour only.
Field trips and certain projects are not included in tuition. They will be billed separately.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included in tuition.
Each child is entitled to a tuition credit of two weeks per year. One week may be taken during the school year (September through May) and the other during the summer (June through August.) Each vacation week must be taken as consecutive school days. The Director should be notified at least one week in advance of all vacations of a week or more. A vacation form needs to be filled out and submitted to the Director in order to receive credit. Credits are issued after the vacation is taken.
A family may disenroll for a minimum of thirty days up to three months, however a non-refundable disenrollment fee is required to hold the family's spot for reenrollment. A disenrollment form needs to be filled out and submitted to the Director in order to ensure placement after the disenrollment period.
There is a multi-child discount. Please see rate schedule for details.
There is no tuition credit for holidays, teacher workshop days, child illnesses, snow days or vacations over ten days. However, if a child is out for a week or more due to sickness or a medical condition, a vacation credit may be used.
There is a 30-day written notification required prior to all withdrawals. If a written notice is not received, the parents or guardian will be responsible for a fee equal to one month's tuition.
All rates are subject to change with a 30 day notice.
The center closes at 6:00 p.m. promptly. If a child is not picked up by then, a late fee of $20.00 per quarter hour past closing time will be charged. Parents should call the center to explain delays. This is helpful in making staffing arrangements and will be less stressful for your child. If a parent has not called the center or picked up the child by 7:00 p.m., Northfield Montessori reserves the right to contact the Police. Under no circumstances will the center release your child to an unauthorized or incapacitated person.
Full-time equals 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Part-time preschool equals 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Northfield Montessori will consider situations of temporary hardship on a case by case basis.
Any variance from the Tuition Guidelines and Rates must be approved by the Board of Directors.
One of Northfield Montessori's underlying goals is to develop a sense of community among our families. We want our families to feel connected to each other beyond drop off and pick up of their children. Our hope is to help foster this sense of community through volunteerism.
Since Northfield Montessori opened we have provided many opportunities for families and staff to volunteer together during non-school hours. Many of these have been fundraisers such as garage sales, golf tournaments, spaghetti dinners and silent auctions. These events have brought us together and made over $35,000.00 for our school. We have also had lawns mowed, cement installed, walls painted, plumbing and electrical repairs, playground equipment removed and general maintenance donated from families over the years. These hours, too numerous to count, have saved Northfield Montessori anywhere from $15-$45 per hour. Without the help of the above volunteers we quite possibly wouldn't be here today.
For our children's benefit the parent/community volunteers that come in during school hours are most invaluable. Whether coming in for a field trip, special occasion or just to read a story, these people bring to our school the sense of community we hope to teach our children. We want the children and volunteers to be excited about their time and to encourage others to do the same. Let's send our children home saying "Suzie's mom helped at school today, can you come to school too?" Volunteers teach children the importance of what they are doing. The more people around the more important they feel.
What a beautiful picture, people volunteering and working together, happy, to make our school the best it can be. A FAMILY - A COMMUNITY.