Amici Trilingual Montessori

1. Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission / Misión / 使命

Amici Trilingual Montessori exists to cultivate the human spirit through authentic Montessori education and rigorous language immersion. Our mission is to empower children to become independent, culturally fluent, and critical thinkers by providing a prepared environment where Spanish, Mandarin, and English are lived and learned naturally.

Vision / Visión / 愿景

To inspire a generation of confident, trilingual world citizens who bridge cultures with empathy and possess the independent spirit to lead in a global society.

Core Values / Valores / 核心价值观

• Safety first, every child, every moment
• Respect and dignity for every child and family
• Professionalism, reliability, and teamwork
• Montessori fidelity, prepared environment, purposeful work
• Warm, consistent, and developmentally appropriate guidance
• Continuous improvement through training and reflection

2. Montessori & Language Immersion Expectations

Montessori Essentials / Esenciales Montessori / 蒙台梭利要素

• Prepared environment: Clean, ordered, complete materials, accessible to children.
• Uninterrupted work cycle: Protect work time, minimize interruptions, observe before intervening.
• Grace and courtesy: Model respectful language, tone, and conflict resolution.
• Individual lessons: Give brief, clear, calm presentations; follow up with observation.
• Follow the child: Support independence while maintaining firm safety boundaries.
• Material Care & Repair: Montessori materials are vital tools. If a material is broken or incomplete, remove it from the shelf immediately and place it in the designated repair bin. Do not leave broken or incomplete work accessible to children.

Trilingual Immersion / Inmersión Trilingüe / 三语沉浸教学

• Strict Language Adherence: Teachers are required to speak in their native or assigned language (Spanish, Mandarin, or English) consistently during instruction and routine moments (greetings, transitions, snack, toileting, outdoor play).
• Speak slowly and clearly, using real objects, gestures, and repetition.
• Avoid translating every phrase. Use context to support comprehension.
• Maintain warm, respectful language. Never use sarcasm, threats, or shaming.
• Partner with families: share key phrases, vocabulary themes, and progress updates.

3. Professional Standards and Code of Conduct

• Personal Appearance: Employees have a direct impact on the image of the school and should appear neat, clean, and dressed appropriately for the work being performed. Dress professionally and safely for movement and outdoor play.
• Search Policy: To ensure safety, Amici Trilingual Montessori reserves the right to inspect any packages, parcels, purses, handbags, briefcases, lunch boxes, or any other possessions or articles carried to and from the school's property.
• Be on time and ready to supervise at your scheduled start time.
• Maintain active supervision: eyes on children, position yourself to see and hear the group.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries: no favoritism, no private texting with families, no gifts beyond policy.
• Maintain a respectful workplace: no gossip, harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
• Follow all licensing requirements, school policies, and supervisor directions.

Prohibited Conduct / Conducta Prohibida / 禁止行为

• Leaving a child unsupervised, even briefly.
• Any form of physical punishment, humiliation, or intimidation.
• Rough handling (pulling, dragging, forcing), or unsafe restraint.
• Posting children's photos/videos on personal social media.
• Discussing a child's private information with unauthorized persons.
• Working under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or impairing substances.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Lead Montessori Teacher (Guía / Lead Teacher / 蒙台梭利主讲教师)

• Prepare and maintain the classroom environment and materials daily.
• Plan lessons and curriculum aligned to Montessori and school goals.
• Give individual and small-group lessons; track progress and observations.
• Lead classroom routines, transitions, and culture.
• Coordinate with assistants to ensure supervision and smooth operations.
• Communicate professionally with families as assigned (updates, conferences, concerns).
• Ensure documentation is accurate and timely in Procare (as required by your role).
• Model professionalism, calm communication, and positive guidance.
• Report safety hazards, incidents, and concerns immediately to administration.

4.2 Assistant Teacher (Asistente Montessori / Assistant / 蒙台梭利助教)

• Support active supervision at all times and help maintain ratio compliance.
• Support the prepared environment: cleaning, reset, material upkeep, safety checks.
• Support lessons by preparing materials, observing, and reinforcing routines.
• Support children's independence: practical life routines, snack setup, toileting support (per policy).
• Provide warm, consistent language immersion support using assigned language expectations.
• Document daily care needs and classroom notes in Procare as assigned.
• Escalate concerns promptly: injuries, behavioral concerns, health symptoms, safety hazards.

Shared Expectations / Expectativas Compartidas / 共同期望

• Safety and supervision are everyone's job, all day.
• Work as a team: communicate clearly, confirm headcounts, support each other.
• Protect Montessori work time and children's dignity.
• Follow incident reporting, medication, and health policies exactly.

5. Child Supervision and Safety (Including Ratios)

Active Supervision / Supervisión Activa / 主动监管: Staff must continuously see, hear, and monitor children. Staff must position themselves strategically, perform frequent headcounts, and maintain awareness during transitions, outdoor play, toileting, and drop-off/pick-up.

Arizona Staff-to-Children Ratios (A.A.C. R9-5-404)

• Infants: 1 staff : 5 children (or 2:11)
• 1-year-olds: 1:6 (or 2:13)
• 2-year-olds: 1:8
• 3-year-olds: 1:13
• 4-year-olds: 1:15
• 5-year-olds (not school-age): 1:20
• School-age: 1:20

Note: The ratio for a mixed-age group is based on the age of the youngest child in that group.

Technology & Safety

The Procare app is used daily for attendance, communication, and classroom management. Staff may use the tablets provided in their classrooms.

• Headphones or earbuds are not permitted while working on the clock to ensure active supervision and safety.

Impaired Pickup Protocol

If a parent or authorized person arrives to pick up a child and appears physically or mentally impaired (e.g., smell of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady gait), staff shall not release the child.

1. Remain calm and polite.
2. Immediately notify the Director or Administrator.
3. The Director will contact the next person on the child's emergency contact list.
4. If the impaired individual attempts to leave with the child forcibly, staff should call 911 immediately.

Transitions & Door Safety / Transiciones y Puertas / 过渡与门禁安全

• Before any transition, confirm the headcount and who is responsible for each child.
• Assign one staff to lead and one to close, ensuring no child re-enters an area unnoticed.
• Use a consistent "line-up, count, move, count again" routine.
• Never allow a child to be behind a closed door alone, indoors or outdoors.

Cell Phone "Zero Tolerance" Zones

While limited phone use for work apps (Procare) is permitted, there is a Zero Tolerance policy for personal cell phone use in:

1. Diaper changing areas.
2. Restrooms.
3. While actively supervising the playground.

6. Guidance and Discipline

Amici uses positive, respectful guidance aligned with Montessori grace and courtesy. The goal is to teach skills, not punish. Staff must use calm tone, clear limits, redirection, and problem-solving.

Approved Strategies / Estrategias Aprobadas / 认可策略

• Redirect to a purposeful activity.
• Offer limited choices.
• Model and practice grace and courtesy language.
• Use logical consequences connected to the behavior.
• Separate briefly for safety with continuous supervision (not isolation).
• Partner with administration and families for persistent concerns.

Not Allowed / No Permitido / 禁止事项

• Physical punishment of any kind.
• Yelling, shaming, humiliation, ridicule, threats.
• Withholding food, water, bathroom access, or basic needs.
• Forced isolation, locking doors, or leaving a child unattended.
• Any restraint except as permitted by policy for immediate safety, and only with administration guidance.

7. Health, Hygiene, and Infection Control

• Handwashing: Staff and children wash at required times (arrival, before food, after toileting/diapering, after outdoor play, after wiping nose, after cleaning).
• Diapering: Follow posted steps, sanitize surfaces, and wash hands immediately after each change. Gloves are required when in contact with bodily fluids. Dispose properly.
• Sanitation: Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily and as needed; follow cleaning logs.
• Medication Administration: No medication (prescription or over-the-counter, including cough syrup, ibuprofen, or sunscreen) may be given to a child without a current Medication Authorization Form signed by the parent. All medication must be in its original container, labeled with the child's name, and stored out of reach of children.
• 24-Hour Illness Rule: Children and staff must be fever-free and symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. This applies to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and contagious conditions.

8. Incident, Injury, and Emergency Procedures

• Immediate care: Keep the child safe, provide appropriate first aid, and maintain supervision of the group.
• Notify administration immediately for any injury, head impact, allergic reaction, or emergency.
• Document in Procare and complete required incident/accident reports the same day (or immediately for serious events).
• Parent notification: Follow administration direction and timelines.
• Emergency drills: Participate in fire, lockdown, and evacuation drills per school schedule and licensing requirements.

9. Mandated Reporting and Child Protection

All staff must report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by Arizona law. If you reasonably believe a child is or has been a victim of abuse, neglect, or physical injury, you must report immediately to the appropriate authorities and notify administration per policy.

Key Resources / Recursos Clave / 关键资源

• Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) reporting: Follow current hotline instructions and school procedure.
• Document facts only: who, what, when, where; avoid speculation.
• Do not investigate; do not interview the child repeatedly.

Legal References

• Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 13-3620 Duty to report child abuse/neglect.
• ADHS Child Care Facility Rules include requirements regarding suspected or alleged child abuse/neglect reporting in child care settings (A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 5).

10. Confidentiality, Privacy, and Media

• Children and family information is confidential. Share only with authorized staff who need the information to do their jobs.
• No photos/videos on personal phones unless explicitly authorized for school use; never post children on personal social media.
• Use Procare and approved school systems for communication and documentation.
• Do not discuss children or families in public spaces (hallways, parking lot, off-site).

11. Attendance, Scheduling, and Timekeeping

• Call-Out Deadline: You must report any unanticipated absence to the Director by 6:00 AM (or at least 2 hours prior to a mid-day shift) to allow time to find ratio coverage. Failure to notify by the deadline may be considered an unexcused absence.
• Arrive on time: Clock in/out accurately (no off-the-clock work).
• Payroll System: Payroll is managed through Gusto, which is used for time tracking, payroll processing, and employee documentation. Staff are responsible for maintaining accurate records within the system.

Breaks and Time Off

• Paid Lunch Benefit: As a valued benefit, Amici Trilingual Montessori provides paid lunch breaks. Staff members remain on the clock during their scheduled lunch break.
• Rest Breaks: Follow the posted schedule and confirm supervision coverage before leaving the classroom.
• Time-Off Requests: Staff requesting time off are asked to provide a minimum of two weeks’ notice, whenever possible. Requests are subject to staffing needs and administrative approval.

Program Closures (Holidays)

The program is closed in observance of the following holidays:

• Good Friday
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Juneteenth

Staff will be notified in advance of any additional closures.

12. Sick Time Policy

• Eligibility & Accrual: Amici Trilingual Montessori provides up to 40 hours per calendar year of sick time to regular full-time and part-time employees. Temporary employees do not accrue paid sick leave.
• Usage: Sick time is provided for medical reasons. Acceptable reasons include the employee's own illness/injury, or that of a child, parent, or spouse.
• Carryover: Sick leave does not carry over from year to year. Employees who separate from the school forfeit any unused sick time.
• Notification: Report any anticipated absence to your supervisor ahead of time. In an emergency/sudden illness, notify your supervisor immediately to ensure ratio coverage.
• Recording: All employees are responsible for accurately recording sick time used on their time records.

13. Employment Basics, Training & Benefits

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Credential Verification: Before beginning employment, all staff members are required to translate and verify all diplomas/educational credentials and provide documentation verifying completion. Employment may not begin until verification is complete.
• Background Checks: Before working with children, all staff must complete and pass an Arizona Central Registry Background Check in accordance with state licensing requirements.

Probationary (Introductory) Period

The first 90 days of employment are considered the Introductory Period. This time is intended to give new employees the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to achieve a satisfactory level of performance and for the school to evaluate the employee’s suitability for the position. Completion of this period does not guarantee continued employment.

Training Requirements

In accordance with State of Arizona requirements, all staff members are required to complete 24 hours of annual continuing education training each year. Documentation of completed training must be maintained and made available upon request.

Workplace Safety & OSHA

• Staff must follow safety rules, use proper lifting techniques, and keep walkways clear.
• Report hazards immediately (broken equipment, unsafe playground items, spills).
• Follow bloodborne pathogen precautions and PPE requirements when applicable.
• Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers and employees have duties to maintain a safe workplace. Staff must comply with applicable safety and health standards and school safety rules.

Wages & Benefits

Wages & Hours (FLSA): Most employees are entitled to at least minimum wage and, unless exempt, overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Your exemption status (if any) is determined by the role and duties as defined under federal law.

401(k) Retirement Plan: Human Interest administers the program’s 401(k) retirement plan. Staff will receive an email from Human Interest regarding enrollment. If a staff member chooses not to participate, they must respond to the email to opt out.

14. Communication and Conflict Resolution

Monthly Staff Meetings

Monthly staff meetings are mandatory. These meetings are required for communication, training, and compliance purposes. Attendance is expected unless prior approval is granted by administration.

Grievance Procedure

To maintain a professional environment and minimize workplace conflict, staff should follow this chain of communication:

1. Speak directly and respectfully to the colleague involved to resolve the issue.
2. If unresolved, bring the concern to the Lead Teacher.
3. If the issue remains or involves the Lead Teacher, escalate to the Director/Owner.

• Bring concerns early; focus on solutions. Avoid public conflict.
• If a safety concern exists, escalate immediately.
• Report harassment, discrimination, or retaliation promptly to administration.

15. Acknowledgment of Receipt and Agreement

I acknowledge that I have received the Amici Trilingual Montessori Staff Handbook. I understand that I am responsible for reading and following the policies and expectations described in this handbook. I understand that this handbook is not a contract of employment and that policies may be updated.

16. Classroom Cleaning & Sanitization

• Daily classroom reset: Shelves organized, materials complete, floors clear, trash removed.
• Sanitize high-touch surfaces daily and as needed (tables, chairs, door handles, light switches).
• Clean and disinfect Montessori materials regularly and immediately if mouthed or contaminated.
• Nap mats/cots: Sanitize daily and store individually with proper spacing.
• Diapering and toileting areas: Sanitize after each use following posted procedures.
• Food areas: Clean and sanitize before and after snack/meals.
• Playground equipment: Visual safety check daily; report hazards immediately.
• Follow posted cleaning logs and schedules.
• Teachers must wear gloves when required, follow bloodborne pathogen procedures, and wash hands after all cleaning tasks.

17. Nap Time Expectations & Responsibilities

• Active supervision: Staff remain awake, alert, and able to see and hear all children.
• Positioning: Staff place themselves to maintain full visual access to the room.
• Headcounts: Confirm before nap, during nap, and after nap.
• Sleep safety: Follow safe sleep practices and individual care plans.
• Sanitize nap mats/cots before and after use.
• Prepare the classroom quietly: Lesson planning, material rotation, documentation, and room reset.
• Complete Procare entries as assigned (nap times, notes, observations).
• Maintain a calm, respectful environment with low lighting and soft voices.
• Lighting: The room cannot be very dark. Lighting must be sufficient for staff to clearly see every child's face, skin color, and breathing at all times.
• No personal phone use during active supervision.
• Nap time is not a break unless a scheduled break is assigned and supervision coverage is confirmed by administration.

18. Discipline & Positive Guidance Policy

Approved Guidance Strategies / Estrategias Aprobadas / 认可策略

• Calm redirection to appropriate work or activity.
• Grace and courtesy lessons modeled by the teacher.
• Clear, age-appropriate limits stated respectfully.
• Offering limited choices.
• Natural and logical consequences directly related to behavior.
• Brief separation for safety with continuous supervision (never isolation).
• Collaboration with administration and families when patterns persist.

Prohibited Practices / Prácticas Prohibidas / 禁止事项

• Physical punishment of any kind.
• Yelling, shaming, threatening, or humiliating language.
• Withholding food, water, sleep, or bathroom access.
• Forced isolation or leaving a child unattended.
• Rough handling, grabbing, or physical intimidation.

19. Language Use Expectations (Trilingual Immersion)

• Native Language Requirement: Teachers are required to speak in their native or assigned language (Spanish, Mandarin, or English) consistently throughout the day.
• Exceptions to Immersion: English may be used only during genuine safety emergencies or during parent-teacher conferences if the parent does not understand the target language.
• Speak clearly, calmly, and respectfully to children and adults.
• Avoid sarcasm, negative tone, or raised voices.
• Model emotional vocabulary and conflict-resolution language.
• Never use inappropriate, profane, or threatening language.
• Redirect behavior using calm, firm, respectful words.
• Language must always preserve a child's dignity.

20. Daily Classroom Cleaning Checklist

This checklist must be completed daily and supports Arizona licensing, health, and safety requirements.

• Tables and chairs cleaned and sanitized
• Shelves organized and materials complete
• Montessori materials sanitized as needed
• Floors swept or vacuumed
• Trash emptied
• High-touch surfaces disinfected
• Diapering/toileting areas sanitized
• Sink and handwashing areas cleaned
• Nap mats/cots sanitized and stored properly
• Classroom reset for next day

21. Early Intervention and Referral Protocol

At our school, we are committed to the early identification of developmental needs to ensure every child has the support required to succeed.

Teachers who observe persistent challenges in a student—such as difficulty with self-regulation, impulse control, or sustaining attention—must document these behaviors objectively using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and daily classroom logs, focusing strictly on recorded data rather than personal diagnoses.

These observations must be reviewed with the Director prior to any parent discussion; administration will then facilitate a formal meeting to present the findings and guide the family toward an Arizona "Child Find" evaluation or AzEIP referral. This standardized approach ensures we rely on evidence to advocate for the child, positioning the evaluation as a proactive resource for the family rather than a negative label.