LET YOURSELF GO AND HAVE FUN!
In our class it is very important that the adults have musical fun! Young children learn most basic life skills from their parents and caregivers by watching, listening and experimenting on their own. Please do not attempt to activate a child's movement for him by clapping his hands, for example. Even if you think you are not musical you can model your pleasure, your enthusiasm and your desire to participate. Trust that your own process and enjoyment will teach children more than any actions you make them do.
Please refrain from chatting during class and please put cell phones on vibrate. Remember that you are setting an example for your child. Save social interaction for before and after class. Talking during and between songs takes you out of the musical moment, shows your child that it is acceptable to talk during class, and makes it difficult for your teacher to sing and be heard.
PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME
Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class is scheduled to begin. This will give you and your child time to settle in, say hello to friends, enjoy some music and be ready for class to start on time. This is very important! Arriving late is disruptive to all, will cause the temperature in the studio to drop during the cold winter months, and makes the transition to music class difficult for your child.
NO SNACKING DURING CLASS, PLEASE!
No food is allowed in the studio. If it is necessary for you or your child to snack, you may use the table in the back room before class. Bottles and cups should remain on the shelf and be used only for a quick sip or as a last resort. It is very distracting for children to see someone else with food or drink. Infants, of course, may be fed by bottle or breast as needed. However, if you are also attending with an older child, please be certain that your care of the infant does not interfere with your participation in class.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING TOYS TO CLASS
Toys are distracting to your child and to everyone else, and take the focus away from music. In addition, a child who is holding something cannot tap or clap. If your child must arrive with a toy, please tell him in advance that it will sit on the shelf until class is over. I will back you up on this! Please also put purses, keys and bags on the shelf or window seat to remove any possible distraction and to allow room to move!
MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN FOR THEIR SAFETY AND FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS.
Common sense should prevail here. While children aer free to move around the room as they see fit, please do not allow them to run as if they were outside or to bang on the mirror, windows or radiator as they may break.
LET'S KEEP THE GERMS DOWN!
In an effort to reduce the spread of germs, I wash the eggs after each class. While it is acceptable, expected and developmentally appropriate for your child to explore orally, it is your job to wash anything that has been in his mouth during the play-along, setting aside any non-plastic items that remains soggy. Purell and antibacterial wipes are available around the room. Please use them freely.
Of course you can't keep your child home with every runny nose. If the mucus is clear he may come to class, if not he should stay home. A child who has been ill should be vomit and fever free without Tylenol for 24 hours before returning to class. You know your child. If he appears ill please keep him home for the benefit of all.
PLEASE SHARE THESE GUIDELINES WITH ALL ATTENDING ADULTS.
The quality of your child's experience depends upon the knowledge and participation of all who accompany him to class. If your child attends class with a grandparent, friend, nanny or even with a parent who rarely attends, you need to tell them what to expect. Even if they do not know the music, feel slightly uncomfortable or are limited physically, they should participate with enthusiasm and project enjoyment, thus providing the all-important model for the child.
GUEST POLICY
Grandparents and Spouses are always welcome. Other adult guests should be brought only occasionally. Please use your discretion when bringing adult guests to class, and please do not allow them to videotape for more than a few moments or to shoot more than a few photos.
Siblings are welcome to visit once a semester. Please do not bring other children as guests. Thanks!
INCLEMENT WEATHER
If you are ever uncertain as to whether or not a class will run, please call 845-788-3878 for a recorded message. We do not always follow the Croton School System's closings. If classes are cancelled due to incelment weather or teacher illness, an additional class will be scheduled at the end of the semester.
