Welcome to MiVillage! We are thrilled to have you join our community and thank you for choosing our program for your child. At MiVillage, we are dedicated to fostering growth in all areas: social, emotional, cognitive, and physical. Our child-centered, emergent curriculum is designed to support each child’s unique needs and interests, helping them learn through active engagement and exploration.
We also believe in the value of outdoor activities and the unique learning opportunities they provide. Thoughtfully planned indoor and outdoor experiences support individual and group development, ensuring holistic growth.
To ensure that you are well-informed about our programs, procedures, and policies, we have created this handbook. It contains detailed information that will guide you through your child's journey at MiVillage. We kindly request that you read this handbook carefully and keep it in a safe place for easy reference throughout the school year.
MiVillage offers a range of programs for children from 2 years 9 months through 4th grade, including:
We hope this handbook serves as a helpful guide during your child’s journey at MiVillage. If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the content of this book, please do not hesitate to contact us at 508-440-1836. We are always here to address your concerns and provide support.
We are excited about the time we will spend together and the opportunity to nurture your child's growth and development. Thank you once again for choosing MiVillage as your child's partner.
The MiVillage Family
After School Director
Our experienced Site Coordinator, Teachers, Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers staff the after-school program. Additionally, high school, college students and parents may assist with homework and other program components. The average adult to child ratio is 1:9. Volunteers must pass a CORI/DCF background check and have an orientation with the director of the center before working in direct contact with children. Each volunteer will be trained and supervised by a certified teacher within the classroom they are working. Documentation of the days, hours and responsibilities of volunteers will be kept in the ‘Forms Binder’ in the office and be maintained by Tyler Wyatt.
Experienced early childhood educators staff the preschool program, Additionally, community service students, high school students, college students and parents may assist with the preschool. The average adult to child ratio is 1:8. All staff including volunteers must pass a CORI/DCF background check and have an orientation with the director of the center before working in direct contact with children. Each volunteer will be trained and supervised by a certified teacher within the classroom they are working. Documentation of the days, hours and responsibilities of volunteers will be kept in the ‘Forms Binder’ in the office and be maintained by Tyler Wyatt.
Department of Early Education – EEC
10 Austin St. Worcester Ma 01609
The EEC is available during normal business hours to discuss and or provide any information regarding the licensing compliance history of MiVillage.
MiVillage Children’s Enrichment Program “…shall not discriminate in providing services to children and their families, or in hiring staff, on the basis of race, religion, cultural, heritage, political beliefs, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.” Diversity will be celebrated and honored.
MiVillage operates during the following hours:
For detailed information about enrollment options, we recommend visiting our website, where you can find specific details about the different programs and enrollment options available.
MiVillage observes the following closures:
However, we remain open for all other school vacations, professional development days, and some non-federal holidays.
Regarding Professional Development Half Days at Holliston Public Schools:
At MiVillage, we strive to provide a fair and transparent process for managing our waitlist. While we will do our best to accommodate all families, spots are filled based on availability and the following priority system:
Families interested in enrolling their child at MiVillage must fill out our waitlist form by emailing email@example.com to schedule a meeting with the Director. During the enrollment process:
Late Pick-Up Fee
When you register, you secure a spot for your child for the entire school year. If you need to cancel your child's enrollment, please submit a written notice to the director with a minimum of 30 days' notice. All cancellation requests are subject to approval by the director, will be based on individual circumstances, and is not guaranteed. Cancellations will result in the 1st tuition payment being charged to the card on file at the time of cancellation. If any schedule changes are made, tuition will reflect after the 1st tuition charge at the rate you registered for.
At MiVillage, we take the confidentiality of your child's records seriously. We have implemented policies to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the information contained in a child's record. The following guidelines are in place:
Confidentiality: Information in a child's record is considered privileged and confidential. The licensee is prohibited from releasing any information in a child's record to individuals who are not directly involved in the care of the child, without the written consent of the child's parents/guardians.
Written Consent: Written consent from the child's parents/guardians is required before releasing any information from the child's record to third parties. This ensures that only authorized individuals have access to the child's information.
Subpoenas: If the child's record is subpoenaed, the parents/guardians will be notified of the request. This allows them to be aware that the information may be disclosed as required by law.
Parent/Guardian Access: Parents/guardians have the right to access their child's record upon request. Reasonable times will be provided for accessing the records. If immediate access is not possible, the record will be made available within two business days of the request.
Record Release Log: Whenever information is released from a child's record, a log will be maintained. The log will include the following details:
This recorded log will be accessible to the child's parents and the director, ensuring transparency and accountability regarding the release of information.
At MiVillage, we recognize and respect the rights of parents/guardians to have control over the information contained in their child's record. As such, parents/guardians have the right to add, or modify any information, comments, data, or other relevant details in their child's record, as long as it is within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations.
We encourage open communication between parents/guardians and our staff to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is reflected in the child's record. If there are any changes or updates that need to be made to the record, we kindly request that you inform us, preferably in writing, so that we can make the necessary amendments.
Our goal is to maintain comprehensive and accurate records that reflect the unique needs and experiences of each child. By collaborating with parents/guardians, we ensure that the child's record remains relevant, informative, and reflective of their individual development and progress.
Parent involvement and communication are highly valued at MiVillage. We understand that a strong partnership between parents/guardians and our staff is essential for the success and well-being of our students. Here's how we facilitate parent involvement and communication:
By fostering regular communication, providing progress reports, encouraging parent visits, facilitating conferences, and welcoming feedback, we strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes the success and well-being of your child at MiVillage. We look forward to working together with you!
At MiVillage, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in our care. As mandated reporters, our teachers and staff are legally obligated to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect in accordance with Massachusetts state law. The following guidelines outline our procedures:
We take the responsibility of reporting child abuse or neglect very seriously. Our priority is to ensure the safety and protection of every child in our care. By adhering to these mandated reporting guidelines, we contribute to the collective effort to safeguard children and provide them with a secure and nurturing environment.
At MiVillage, we have specific procedures and policies in place for the arrival and departure of children. Please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines:
After School Program:
We prioritize the safety and well-being of all children in our care, and these procedures help ensure a smooth and secure process for their arrival and departure. If you have any further questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
In the event of a Holliston Public School delay, MiVillage will open following the same delay. This means that if there is a delay in the start of the school day for Holliston Public Schools, MiVillage will also open with the same delay.
If Holliston Public Schools are closed, MiVillage will be closed.
In the event of an early release due to inclement weather or an unexpected event that impacts the safe use of the site, MiVillage will assess the situation. The After-School Program will make every effort to stay open if it is safe to do so. If there is an early dismissal, MiVillage will notify you via Brightwheel. It is important to ensure that your email address on file is current and up to date.
These procedures aim to prioritize the safety of the children and staff at MiVillage during inclement weather or unexpected events. Stay informed through Brightwheel to receive timely updates regarding any changes to the program's operation in such situations.
To ensure the safety of program participants and comply with EEC licensing regulations, MiVillage after school program has implemented the following emergency plan:
These measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all program participants during emergencies.
In the event that the building or site location becomes unsafe, MiVillage program has the following procedures:
a) MiVillage Sign
b) Grassy Area between MiVillage and Holliston Pediatrics
c) MiVillage Playground
These procedures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in the event of an emergency where the building or site location becomes unsafe. MiVillage prioritizes communication with parents/guardians and takes appropriate measures to safeguard the children until they can be reunited with their families.
What to Bring Daily
MiVillage has the following policies regarding clothing, cell phones, and electronics:
Valuables and Expensive Items:
Cell Phone/Apple Watch/Electronics Policy:
At MiVillage, we require that all communication is conducted through Brightwheel or directly with the teachers. Cell phones and Apple Watches must not be used during program hours. If students are wearing Apple Watches and using them as cell phones, they will be asked to place them in their backpacks.
These policies are in place to ensure the safety, well-being, and proper use of personal items and electronics at MiVillage.
To ensure a smooth transition for children entering and exiting the MiVillage program, the following plan is in place:
Entering the Program:
Exiting the Program:
MiVillage aims to ensure a positive experience for both children entering and exiting the program, offering support, communication, and personalized attention during these transitions.
Transitions during the day: MiVillage understands the importance of smooth and predictable transitions between program spaces to support the well-being and comfort of children in our care. The following plan is in place for transitioning between activities and program spaces:
By following this plan, MiVillage aims to create a predictable, safe, and unhurried transition process between program spaces. It ensures that children have adequate time and support to adjust from one activity to another, promoting a positive and comfortable experience in our care.
MiVillage has established the following transportation plan for the safety and well-being of children in our care:
By adhering to this transportation plan, MiVillage aims to ensure the safe arrival and departure of children in our care, providing peace of mind for parents/guardians and maintaining a secure environment for all program participants.
MiVillage has established guidelines for interactions between our staff and the children in our care, in accordance with EEC regulations and our commitment to providing high-quality care. These guidelines ensure that our staff members are responsive, nurturing, and supportive of each child's individual needs and development. The guidelines are as follows:
In addition to these guidelines, MiVillage strictly prohibits the following practices:
By adhering to these guidelines and prohibitions, MiVillage ensures a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive and grow while receiving the care and guidance they need.
MiVillage follows a behavior management plan that emphasizes positive communication, preventive approaches, and gentle guidance to encourage prosocial behavior in children. Our goal is to create a learning environment where children can develop internal controls and build positive relationships with their teachers. The plan includes the following strategies:
Important Note on One-to-One Care - MiVillage provides a group care setting and is not able to offer one-to-one care for children. If your child has needs that require one-to-one attention, or if MiVillage determines that your child requires one-to-one support to meet behavioral, developmental, or social-emotional needs, you may be asked to provide additional care for your child within our setting or to seek a program better suited to their needs. This ensures that we maintain a balanced and effective environment for all children.
By implementing this behavior management plan, MiVillage aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can develop self-control, social skills, and a sense of responsibility while respecting their rights and the needs of others.
While MiVillage strives to meet the needs of all children and families, there may be circumstances under which continuation in the program is no longer feasible. MiVillage reserves the right to suspend or terminate enrollment under the following conditions:
1. Behavioral or Developmental Concerns
2. Parental Non-Compliance
3. Health and Safety
4. Non-Payment of Tuition
5. Program Fit
6. Other Circumstances
Process for Suspension/Termination
MiVillage is committed to transparency and fairness in these situations and will provide families with referrals to other programs or services when possible.
Health Form and Annual Physical: All preschool-age children must have a current health form on file, consistently updated with immunization records. An annual physical is also required.
At MiVillage, the health and well-being of all children, families, and staff are our top priority. To maintain a safe and healthy environment, we have established the following illness policy. Parents are required to adhere to these guidelines to help prevent the spread of illness within our community.
4. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
5. Strep Throat
7. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
8. Head Lice
12. Influenza (Flu)
13. Respiratory Illness (e.g., RSV, Croup)