Rules & Regulations

Aleph Preschool Policy Handbook for Parents & Guardians

Entry Dates & Registration

Kindergarten Entry Requirement: As of September 1, 2014, public and private schools in Orange County require children to be 5 years old by September 1 for traditional Kindergarten enrollment.

Forms & Records: Parents must submit application forms, state-required forms, and medical documentation prior to admission. Agreements regarding fees and payment schedules must be signed upon enrollment. Credit card or head checks are required upfront.

Fees operate on a monthly schedule across our 10-month school year (vacations and summer sessions operate separately). Registration fees are due annually each September.

Licensing Compliance: Second registration packets contain required Department of Social Services (Licensing Division) forms. School compliance citations occur if these are incomplete. Please report all phone number/contact changes immediately.

Arrival, Parking & Phone Policy

Cell Phone Policy: Please conclude phone calls outside the facility so your full attention remains with your child during drop-off and pickup.

Parking: All parents must park in designated spaces and walk children into the building. Parking in handicap spaces or red zones is strictly prohibited.

Sign-In & Sign-Out Procedures

Sign-In: Locate your child’s sheet in the classroom. Log full name (no initials per state law) and time. Mark "M" if medicine is administered that day. Verify daily phone numbers.
Sign-Out: Sign full name and time in the second box.
Fee Note: Unsigned sheets incur a $5 daily fee.
Late Pickup: Pickup after 12:30 PM (half-day) or 3:00 PM (full day) incurs a fee of $1.00 per minute.

Dress Standards & Extra Clothing

Children need freedom of movement without fear of ruining clothes with paint, food coloring, or dirt. Leggings or pants are recommended to protect legs while climbing outdoor equipment.

Mandatory Cubby Kit (Large Ziploc Bag with Name):

2 pairs of Socks
2 pairs of Underwear
1 Shirt/Blouse
1 Pants/Skirt/Jumper

Footwear & Independence: Send children in pull-on pants and Velcro tennis shoes to encourage independence and avoid bathroom accidents. No flip-flops or Crocs allowed. Label all outerwear clearly.

Health & Illness Policies

All vaccinations must be fully up-to-date prior to enrollment. Please keep sick or "borderline" ill children home to prevent spreading illnesses.

Mandatory Pick-Up Triggers:

Fever: 99°F or higher. Requires doctor note or 48 hours fever-free without medication to return.
Vomiting or Diarrhea: Required pickup after 1 episode of vomiting or 2 episodes of diarrhea.
Lice: Requires immediate treatment of child and home environment. Child must be cleared by the Director before returning.

Lunches & Snack Menus

STRICTLY PEANUT-FREE & KOSHER: No peanuts, shellfish, or meat products (beef/poultry) permitted. No glass containers or soda.

Label all lunch boxes and include utensils. Forgotten lunches can be supplied by the school for $5.00.

Sample Weekly Snack Schedule

Day	Provided Snack
Monday	Graham crackers & water
Tuesday	Mozzarella stick & grapes
Wednesday	Cucumber & carrot slices with pretzels
Thursday	Pineapple juice & celery with peanut butter alternative
Friday	Cantaloupe, watermelon & wafers

Emergency Protocols

Routine fire drills (target exit time: 2 minutes) and security lock-down practices are conducted throughout the year. Facility perimeter doors are locked during operations and monitored via security cameras.

Out-of-State Emergency Contact Link:
If local lines are unavailable during a disaster, contact our sister institution for information:
Torah Day School: 713-777-2000

Classroom Guidelines & Culture

Playground: Shoes and socks must be worn at all times. Sandbox requires nearby teacher supervision. Tricycles must be ridden seated on the bike trail.
Tzedakah: Children are encouraged to bring one coin daily for charity to instill values of giving.
Mitzvah Notes: Parents are encouraged to send short notes acknowledging good deeds at home for classroom recognition.
Share Days: No toy weapons (guns, knives) are allowed at any time.

Birthday Celebrations

Coordinate classroom celebrations with Hebrew teachers at least 24 hours in advance with Director approval.

Goody Bags: MUST NOT contain any food items.
Refreshments: Must be certified Kosher Parve and approved by Naomi (purchased via school kitchen or approved Kosher bakery).

Parent Partnership & Legal Guidelines

Special Needs Support: A 2-week observation period and formal parent conference precede individual program modifications or community agency referrals.

Divorce & Separation Protocols: Marital status changes must be reported immediately to Naomi. Legal custody documents must remain on file; without documentation, both parents are granted equal access. Teachers maintain neutrality and will not write court endorsement letters.

Safe School Policy & Guidance

Behavior guidance relies on positive role-modeling, redirection, and teaching verbal expression. Enrollment termination remains a final resort if safety is threatened or if parents breach conduct rules.

Safe School Conduct Standard: Civility, mutual respect, and appropriate language are required across all school grounds, communications, and social media. Harassment, loud discourse, or aggressive behavior toward staff will result in immediate termination of enrollment.