ADMISSIONS / ENROLLMENT
Sinai Learning Lab admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students in the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 
 
It is our desire to be responsive to every child who is presently enrolled in our school. Re-enrollment for the next school year will begin in or around December. Please be on the look-out for re-enrollment materials. Be sure to complete these during the early enrollment period in order to ensure a space for your child, as spots fill quickly once re-enrollment opens. 
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ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Our traffic procedures have been carefully worked out to provide the maximum safety of our children. For access to our campus, all cars entering the grounds must display their carpool tag. In order for us to ensure traffic safety, arrival and dismissal procedures must be adhered to completely by each driver. The safety of all our students is our first priority. 
 
Please do not park in the car-pool lane, use designated parking spaces when you need to leave your car. For the safety of your children, please do not conference with any of the teachers during arrival and dismissal time. This slows down car-pool procedures and poses a safety risk. We urge you to send a message in the Playground app for an appointment to speak with your child's teacher at a mutually convenient time. 
 
Carpool is a no cell phone designated area. Please do not talk on your cell phone when dropping off or picking up children. Do not allow your children to sit on the driver's lap or to put heads or hands out the window or sunroof. All of the above is unsafe, distracting and dangerous. Proper use of seatbelts and car seats is expected; in fact, it's the law. 
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ARRIVAL
Carpool tags are distributed at the beginning of the school year prior to the first day of school. Additional carpool tags may be obtained by messaging the school office in the Playground app. Your carpool tag should be clearly displayed. When you arrive carefully enter the driveway, drive slowly and stop in 2 rows at the stop sign.
 
All children must be checked in on the Playground app upon arrival by an authorized guardian listed in the app.
 
In the morning, please drive slowly and cautiously into the drive-way, follow the traffic flow and pull up to the stop sign. Come to a complete stop, and put your car in "Park." A teacher will greet your child at your car and escort them inside. We respectfully ask that parents not walk their children into school as it can make "goodbyes" more difficult for your child and is disruptive to the other children in the class.
 
If you need to come into the school office for any reason, please park your car in a designated parking spot. Always assume that there is a small child somewhere around that you may not see, and proceed with extreme caution. 
 
Regular arrival begins at 8:45 am and ends at 9:00am. If your children are late, please park your car in a designated spot, come to the front door and ring the bell. Don't forget to check in on the Playground app and we will escort your child to the class. 
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DISMISSAL
Children will not be released to anyone other than an authorized guardian listed in the Playground app who can check children out in the app. If this is policy is not followed we will insist on speaking directly to a primary guardian and seeing proper identification. 
 
Dismissal begins at 2:45 p.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. If you are picking up your children earlier than the scheduled dismissal time, please let us know in the Playground app. 
 
Sinai Learning Lab children are invited to join our Club Sinai program (www.clubsinai.org). Club Sinai runs until 6pm Monday-Thursday and 5pm on Fridays.
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BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays are an especially happy and exciting time for young children. We invite you to bring special paper goods and a small treat (i.e. cupcakes, cake, etc.) if you wish. Please contact the lab teacher a few days in advance to make arrangements. 
 
When planning parties that will take place outside of school, please remember that we are a Jewish school. Therefore, it is not appropriate to schedule parties on Friday nights, Saturday mornings or on Jewish holidays. Furthermore, we ask you to be sensitive to children's feelings when planning parties. If only one or two children are excluded from a party, it can hurt them deeply. Birthday invitations may be distributed at school as long as no children in the lab are excluded. 
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CELEBRATING JUDAISM
We provide positive experiences in Jewish living throughout each day in the Learning Lab. Our goal is to help our students to feel, understand, live and love Judaism. We also stress the importance for all of us to participate in tikkun olam (repairing the world). This early love of customs and traditions nurtures the child's values and molds a well-rounded individual. 
 
We may also discuss other religions; however, we never celebrate the holidays of other religions in our school. Please understand that Halloween and Valentine's Day, which may seem like secular holidays due to their commercialism, originate in Christian holidays. Therefore, we do not celebrate them in any way in our school. 
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COMMUNICATION 
An essential ingredient for the success of our educational program is the establishment of good communication. We use our Playground app to stay in touch with our families and to share important updates and information with you. 
 
Since communication is an integral part of your children's educational experience, the school will communicate with you as soon as possible, any concerns regarding your children. A phone call from a teacher or administrator does not necessarily signal a crisis; it is an expression of our concern for the children's well-being. Please keep us informed of any turn of events that might affect your children on a personal level. We love to give an EXTRA measure of T.L.C., but we can do so only if we are aware of any successes, problems, or needs. 
 
We need to be informed about illness (either of the child or of other family members when the child's emotions may be affected), changes in behavior, extended trips, changes in transportation, changes in family status, changes in medications, or anything that might upset the child's normal routine. Our professional staff respects the confidentiality of such information. 
 
We cannot stress enough how important it is that, if you have a problem or question concerning your children, please speak with the lead teacher first. The lead teacher is ultimately responsible for everything that affects the students' day-to-day progress and is in the best position to clarify matters or deal with problems. If you feel the problem has not been resolved after speaking to the lead teacher, then please request a meeting with the director. 
 
Your child(ren)'s teacher is a professional with extensive responsibilities. The considerate way to contact the teacher is through the Playground app. Please do not contact your child’s teacher between 5 pm and 7:30 am or on Shabbat and holidays. The teacher will return your message as promptly as possible. It is impossible for the teacher to give your concern appropriate attention while engaged in teaching or other school responsibilities such as car-line duty. It is disrespectful to both the teacher and your child to discuss school concerns in public places or at social events. 
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DISCIPLINE 
In compliance with Section 10M-12:013 FDCF Code of Practice
Discipline practices at the Sinai Learning Lab include reasoning and discussions with any child(ren) involved in unacceptable behavior. Teachers consult with the Director when necessary, for appropriate disciplinary techniques. Parents are kept informed of repeated inappropriate behaviors, by telephone, in writing or through personal conferences. 
 
No corporal punishment of any sort is EVER used. 
 
Your support in reinforcing positive behaviors and in discouraging unacceptable ones is essential in terms of enhancing the productivity of your child's school experience. 
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FOOD
Parents are asked to bring in a specific nutritious and healthy snack for their child's class on a rotating basis. We also offer an optional Kosher catered lunch program in which you may choose to participate (www.sinailearninglab.org/hotlunch). 
 
Children who have not selected our optional Kosher catered lunch program should bring lunch and a drink from home. Please respect our Kashrut rules by NOT sending children to school with any Biblically prohibited food (i.e. shellfish, ham, pork products, etc.) Be certain to advise your child's teacher by making a note in your child’s profile in the Playground app of any allergic conditions. Label all lunch boxes, thermos containers, etc. Because we wish to promote healthy nutritional habits, we request that parents not send candy, soda, and 'junk' food in lunches. 
 
Temple Sinai strives to be a peanut and nut-free campus. We appreciate your assistance in this regard.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Florida Department of Children and Families requires all students to have complete and current immunization and health records on file. These forms are available from your pediatrician's office and by law, MUST be submitted BEFORE the first day of school in order for us to maintain our license. 
 
The following information is required to be in our files in order for us to remain licensed by the state of Florida. 

• A copy of your child's birth certificate

• A current Health Form

• A copy of Immunization records

• A signed copy of the "Temple Sinai of North Dade Discipline Policy" (download)

 
The Florida Department of Children and Families and Department of Education is regularly updating its policies and requirements. We will keep you informed of any new DCF and DOE policies we need you to sign to be in compliance. 
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POLICY ON VACCINATION 
Vaccination as a Jewish value 
Each year, the American Academy of Pediatrics publishes a “Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.” Practicing pediatricians across North America recognize this schedule as the standard of care regarding childhood & adolescent vaccinations. Concurrently, the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) annually publish vaccine standards for adults. 
 
Among our most cherished Jewish values is the imperative for preserving life and maintaining health. We embrace this value specifically by taking preventive measures to protect the public health of our synagogue community as a whole. This is why we require all children, staff, and faculty who attend our summer camp, Religious School, Early Childhood Education, and youth programs to adhere to the immunization standards described below. 
 
Vaccination is a shared responsibility and is our expectation 
Parents send their children to Temple Sinai to enjoy themselves, have positive social interactions, learn from the rich Jewish environment and be safe and healthy. All the fun, friendship building, Jewish identity affirmation, and character development can only happen if we are confident that individual safety and public health remain at the center of every decision made throughout our programs. Reducing the risk of vaccine‐preventable illnesses entering any of our programs is the most effective strategy to protect public health. This goal can be accomplished only through the appropriate vaccination of all participants and staff. 
 
What we require 
All participants and staff are required to have completed the most current age‐appropriate vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control. Listed below are the recommendations at the time of adoption of this policy. 
 

1. Children below the age of 11 will have completed all of the age-appropriate numbers of doses of each immunization listed below, the specific number of doses depends on the age of the child:

• DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus & Pertussis) HiB (Haemophilus Type B) 

• IPV (Polio) 

• MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) PCV13 (Pneumococcus) 

• Varicella (Chicken Pox) 

 

1. Children between 11 and 12 years of age will have completed all of their age-appropriate vaccine schedules which specifically contains the doses as noted here: 

• DTaP/DT/TDaP (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) – 5 doses 

• Varicella (Chicken Pox) – 2 doses 

• MMR (Measles‐Mumps‐Rubella) – 2 doses 

 

1. For children over age 11 (completion of the above series listed in #2, PLUS): 

• Meningococcal (Menactra or Menveo) – 1 dose, second booster dose at age 16 

• TDaP booster (Pertussis, Tetanus) ‐ 1 dose between ages 11–12 (As per above) 

 

1. For anyone over age 18 (completion of the above series listed in #3, PLUS): 

• Pertussis & Tetanus (TDaP) – Booster doses are given every 10 years after the dose given in early adolescence, please ensure you are up to date. 

• Pneumococcus, Meningococcus, Shingles ‐ Please review your eligibility for these vaccines with your health care provider. 

 

1. Highly recommended for everyone:

• Hepatitis A – 2 doses 

• Hepatitis B – 3 doses 

• Influenza – 1 dose (2 if never previously immunized). Influenza remains a serious illness for all age groups. There have been recent seasonal influenza patterns that have extended into the summer. Since we do not yet know the probability this year if influenza will extend into the summer months, we VERY STRONGLY RECOMMEND that participants and staff receive the flu vaccine this year. 

 
Yes, there are very, very rare exceptions to the Temple Sinai Vaccination Policy 
We recognize that individuals who have had a documented allergy or severe adverse reaction to a particular vaccine may not be able to complete the immunization schedule outlined above. Additionally, individuals with medical conditions such as congenital immunodeficiency or HIV, cancer and who are receiving chemotherapy, transplant patients, and persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs and chronic steroids also may not be able to receive certain vaccines. In these extremely rare circumstances, current documentation from a Physician (MD or DO) describing the reason for exemption from immunization must be furnished to Temple Sinai. We are happy to discuss case by case management of the extremely rare circumstance of medical contraindication to partial or complete vaccination. 
 
This policy aligns with the “2019 Policy Statement on Vaccine Status of Campers, Staff, Faculty, and their families attending URJ Camps and Israel Programs” and the Central Conference of American Rabbis’ Responsa 5759.10 “Compulsory Immunization.” (Adopted by the Board of Trustees on April 25, 2019.)
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WELLNESS

Your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priorities. At Temple Sinai, we are committed to providing a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment that fosters academic and social growth for all children.

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Elementary students, like younger children, experience illnesses that may impact their ability to participate fully in school activities. We recognize the challenges this presents for families and strive to limit the spread of illness while respecting the needs of all members of our community.

 

Our Child Illness Policy is based on the Model Health Care Policies developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and reflects the needs of elementary-age children.

 

When to Keep Your Child at Home:

• For the well-being of all students and staff, we ask that you keep your child at home if they:

• Have a fever of 100 degrees or higher or have had one within the past 24 hours.

• Have vomited more than twice or experienced diarrhea within the past 24 hours.

• Have a persistent cough, significant nasal discharge, or other symptoms that prevent them from comfortably engaging in school activities.

• Have been up during the night due to illness or discomfort.

• Are excessively tired, cranky, or out of sorts.

• Show symptoms of a communicable disease (rash, discharge, etc.).

• Have a cold that is less than four days old and includes uncontrollable sneezing or coughing.

 

School Exclusion:

Children may be excluded from school if their symptoms:

• Prevent them from comfortably participating in classroom activities or recess.

• Require care beyond what the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of others.

 

If your child becomes ill during the school day, you will be contacted to pick them up within 1.5 hours of notification. Your child will be kept comfortable and observed until your arrival.

 

Returning to School:

Children must remain symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning unless a note from a medical provider confirms that they are no longer contagious. For communicable illnesses or lingering symptoms, medical clearance may be required.

 

Communicable Diseases:

If your child contracts a communicable disease (e.g., strep throat, conjunctivitis, lice), please notify the school immediately. We maintain discretion and confidentiality but must inform other families as appropriate to limit exposure. Children with lice must remain home for 24 hours after treatment with a delousing product.

 

Safety:

We are dedicated to providing a secure environment that prioritizes both physical and emotional safety:

• Campus Security: Our fully gated campus is monitored by a full-time, armed guard. Entry requires a carpool pass or sticker for identification. Contact Rabbi David in the Playground app if you need a new carpool pass.

• Emergency Preparedness: We conduct monthly fire drills and staff training in CPR (infant/child/adult), first aid, defibrillator use, bloodborne pathogens, and the Heimlich maneuver.

 

Health and Safety Communication:

It is essential for the school to have up-to-date health information for your child. Please notify us of any medical conditions, such as allergies, asthma, or seizure tendencies. Share health updates with your child’s teacher or through the Famly app.

 

We look forward to partnering with your family to ensure a safe and enriching experience for every child.
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MEDICATION 
Medicine can be dangerous. NEVER send medicine to school with your children. Parents are requested to personally bring medication to the school office in such circumstances. The office and your children's teachers are to be notified if your children are required to have medication administered. A medication authorization form (found in the Playground app) must be filled out by the parent before any medication can be dispensed. Medication must be in the original container from the doctor or pharmacy. The dosage instructions, including the type of medication, must be clearly stated on the medication. We cannot give OTC (over the counter) medication without written instructions by a physician. 
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EMERGENCIES 
It is imperative that we have the name and telephone number of someone local for us to contact in case you cannot be reached. Please provide the name of several individuals who live or work close enough to pick your children up if you cannot be reached or come to school yourself. This contact information should be entered into your child’s profile in the Playground app. The school reserves the right to take emergency action on behalf of the children if parents cannot be reached, and if a delay would jeopardize the children's health or safety. 
 
In the event that there is a weather-related emergency such as a hurricane or tornado, the school will make a decision about closing, based on the procedures set out by the Miami Dade County Public School system. Every attempt will be made to contact you as soon as possible to inform you of a weather-related school closure.
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FIRE DRILLS / EVACUATIONS 
Fire drills are held monthly throughout the school year. It is each teacher's responsibility to teach her students the proper procedures for properly evacuating the school in case of an emergency. School lock-downs and evacuations to a nearby location are held regularly throughout the school year. 
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LEGAL CUSTODY NOTIFICATION 
In compliance with Florida State Statutes, Temple Sinai requires documentation as to who has legal custody in the case of divorce. If there is no legal documentation, then both parents have the right of access to pick up their children. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide legal documentation verifying custody arrangements. Custodial parents are responsible for notifying the school, in writing, of any special circumstances with regard to the rights and obligations of the non-custodial parent. This includes providing written permission for the non-custodial parent to pick up a child on a regular basis or for a special occasion. 
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LOST AND FOUND 
Everything your children bring to school should be labeled with their name in order to prevent its loss and to facilitate returning it to its proper owner. The school cannot be responsible for lost items. Lost and found will be kept in the school office. Unidentified articles will be donated to charity if, after several attempts, they are not claimed. 
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PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATION 
We encourage parents to become active in Temple Sinai's Parent/Teacher Association (PTA), which is dedicated to supporting and assisting the school. PTA participation involves fund-raising, service, and fellowship. The PTA helps to provide an important link between home and school, sponsoring such projects as challah sales and special holiday events. Watch for announcements of activities, sign up, and get involved! 
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PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
We are a community dedicated to creating a safe and loving environment for our students, families, staff and friends. We believe that a supportive and positive environment is key to the success of our community. As parents and guardians, you play an essential role in fostering this environment. To ensure that our gan remains a place of growth, respect, and collaboration, we expect all parents to adhere to the following principles:
 
1. Respectful Communication

• Towards One Another: We encourage open, honest, and kind communication among all parents. When interacting with each other in person, through the Playground app, in WhatsApp or other messaging platforms or on social media, please be considerate, listen actively, and respect differing perspectives. Let’s create a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

• Towards Staff Members: Our staff members are dedicated to providing the best care and education for your children. We ask that all communication with staff be conducted with respect and understanding. We encourage you to share your thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback in a constructive manner, keeping in mind our shared goal of supporting your child’s development.

 
2. Constructive Sharing of Concerns
If you have any frustrations, concerns, or suggestions, we encourage you to share them with us directly. Please approach staff members or administration with a positive and solution-oriented mindset. We are here to listen and work together to find the best outcomes for everyone involved. Concerns related to the classroom should first be addressed with the lead teacher. Community related concerns or those not fully addressed by the lead teacher should be brought to the attention of the director.
 
3. Honoring Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
To ensure the safety and smooth operation of the  Sinai we kindly ask all parents to honor and follow our established drop-off and pick-up procedures. You can review them at www.gansinai.org/backtoschool (scroll down to Drop off/Pick up). These guidelines are in place to keep our children safe and to maintain a calm and organized environment. By adhering to these procedures, you help us create a positive experience for everyone.
 
4. Timely Pick-Up
We understand that life can be busy, but it is important that all children are picked up on time at the end of the day. Prompt pick-up helps our staff manage their schedules and ensures that every child feels secure and cared for. We appreciate your commitment to respecting our center’s hours of operation.
 
5.  Abiding by Our Wellness Policy
The health and well-being of our children and staff are of utmost importance. We ask all parents to abide by our wellness policy, which outlines guidelines for illness, hygiene, and overall health practices within our center. By following this policy, you help us create a healthy environment for everyone. The full policy is available for your review at www.sinailearninglab.org/wellness.
 
6. Community Engagement
We believe that active participation strengthens our Sinai community. As such, we expect each family to contribute at least 2 hours of volunteer time over the course of the year. This could be in the form of helping at events, supporting classroom activities, or assisting with special projects. Your involvement models for and enriches the experience for all of our children and helps us maintain a vibrant, collaborative environment.
 
7. Supporting Our Annual Giving Campaign
Your contributions to our Annual Giving Campaign are vital to balancing our budget and sustaining the high standards of our center. The funds raised support everything from paying our dedicated staff fair wages, making capital improvements to our campus and facilities, to providing the highest level of programming for your children. We hope that all parents, grandparents, and friends will contribute to the best of their capacity to this essential campaign, as your support directly impacts the quality of education and care we can provide.
 
8. Modeling Positive Behavior
As role models for our children, we ask all parents to demonstrate the values we hope to instill in our young learners. By showing kindness, patience, participation and cooperation, we help create a nurturing space where every child feels safe and supported.
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This Code of Conduct is available in the Playground app under "paperwork". We ask each family to review it and sign off on these standards in the app.
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PROGRESS UPDATES
You can follow your child’s progress in real-time by downloading our Playground app. Whenever your child shows evidence of learning we upload a picture or video to the app and you are notified. Playground is a powerful tool to help us document each child’s progress and keep you informed. Playground is also our hub for all Sinai Learning Lab information. Using the app you will receive updates, calendar invites and messages from the lab and your child’s teacher.
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SCHOOL PICTURES 
Our school arranges for individual and class pictures to be taken each year, usually sometime in the winter. You will receive details about the scheduling of school pictures. The purchase of these pictures is entirely at your discretion. 
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VISITING THE LAB 
We have an open-door policy and welcome parents to visit throughout the day. For reasons of security and planning, we ask that you clear your visit with your child’s Lead Teacher in advance, and check-in with the office before going to the Lab. 
 
WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE! 
Please cooperate and do your part by communicating with the teacher and/or the Director concerning any positive or not so positive experiences your child might have. We need to work together in order to achieve our goals. We LOVE to hear the good things and we will work as hard as possible to turn negatives into positives if they occur!