At Riverside Montessori Academy, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We have established clear protocols to ensure a smooth and secure experience for all students, parents, and staff. Below are the key procedures and policies that guide our daily operations:
Check-In and Check-Out Procedures:
We use the Brightwheel app to manage our check-in and check-out processes efficiently and securely. All parents or authorized guardians must use the Brightwheel app to check their children in and out each day.
-
Morning Check-In: Upon arrival, parents or guardians must use the Brightwheel app to check their child in by scanning the designated QR code at the entrance. This process records the time and ensures that we have accurate attendance records.
-
Afternoon Check-Out: At pick-up, the same process is followed. Parents or authorized guardians must check their child out using the Brightwheel app. Only individuals listed as authorized on the child's profile will be allowed to check out a child. Please ensure that your child’s profile is always up-to-date with current information.
-
Late Pick-Up: If you anticipate being late for pick-up, please notify the school via Brightwheel or phone. Late pick-up fees may apply as per school policy.
Illness Policy:
The health of all our students is of utmost importance. To maintain a healthy environment, we have a strict illness policy:
-
Symptoms of Illness: Children exhibiting symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, persistent cough, or unexplained rashes should not be brought to school. A child must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication before returning to school.
-
Notification: If a child becomes ill while at school, parents or guardians will be notified immediately to pick up the child. The child will be kept comfortable and isolated from other students until they are picked up.
-
Communicable Diseases: If a child contracts a communicable disease (e.g., chickenpox, strep throat), parents are required to inform the school. The child may return to school only with a doctor's note confirming they are no longer contagious.
Emergency Protocols:
We have comprehensive emergency protocols in place to ensure the safety of all students and staff in the event of an emergency:
-
Fire Drills: Fire drills are conducted monthly to ensure that students and staff are familiar with evacuation procedures. Students will be escorted to the designated safe area, and attendance will be taken to ensure everyone is accounted for.
-
Earthquake Drills: Earthquake drills are conducted quarterly. Students are taught to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" and are guided to safe locations within the building until the all-clear is given.
-
Lockdown Procedures: In the event of an intruder or other serious threat, the school will initiate a lockdown. Doors will be locked, and students will be kept away from windows and doors. Parents will be notified via Brightwheel or phone as soon as it is safe to do so.
Injury Protocols:
Despite our best efforts to maintain a safe environment, injuries can occasionally occur. Our staff is trained in first aid and CPR and is prepared to handle minor injuries on-site:
-
Minor Injuries: For minor injuries such as scrapes or small cuts, first aid will be administered on-site. Parents will be notified via Brightwheel with details of the injury and the care provided.
-
Serious Injuries: In the event of a more serious injury, parents or guardians will be contacted immediately. If necessary, emergency medical services will be called, and the child will be transported to the nearest hospital. A staff member will accompany the child and stay with them until a parent or guardian arrives.
Additional Important Policies:
-
Authorized Pick-Up: Only individuals listed as authorized on the child's Brightwheel profile will be allowed to pick up the child. Photo identification may be required.
-
Medication Administration: If a child needs to take medication during school hours, parents must complete a medication authorization form. The medication must be in its original packaging with the child’s name, dosage, and instructions clearly labeled.
-
Nutritional Guidelines: We encourage healthy eating habits and request that parents pack nutritious snacks and lunches for their children. We are a nut-free school due to allergies, so please ensure that all food items comply with this policy.
These protocols are in place to ensure that every child at Riverside Montessori Academy enjoys a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines and helping us maintain the highest standards of care for our students.
DOWNLOADABLE FORMS:
HOW PARENTS & GUARDIANS CAN HELP
We see our center as a safe and clean facility in which your child can learn, explore and grow and need your partnership in order to sustain this type of environment. Here are some ways our parents/guardians can help:
-
Take your child’s temperature and evaluate them for any illness symptoms before bringing them to school. If your child is ill, keep them home until they are symptom/fever free without medication for at least 72 hours.
-
If you choose to keep your child home, please call us to keep us informed. This is a commitment we trust our RIVMA families will take seriously.
-
Help keep our Teachers/Staff safe by using the brightwheel app, and use email and/or phone to communicate about your child.
To request more information:
Contact the Admissions Office
Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm
(951) 533-8119
You can also request more information with this form: