Two elementary-age students learning together outdoors at Temple Sinai, representing curiosity, collaboration, and experiential learning in the synagogue’s youth education programs.

Policies & Procedures

These policies outline the expectations, procedures, and requirements for participation in Temple Sinai’s youth education programs.

All families are expected to review and follow these policies to ensure a safe, respectful, and well-functioning community.

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

Our Shared Commitment

Temple Sinai’s youth education programs are grounded in the values of Kavod (Respect), Kehillah (Community), and Achrayut (Responsibility). We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and emotionally secure environment for every child.

Enrollment in any Temple Sinai youth program constitutes agreement to uphold this Code of Conduct and all Temple Sinai policies.

1. Respectful Communication

All communication—whether in person, through the school app, messaging platforms, or social media—must be respectful, appropriate, and constructive.

With Staff: Communication must remain respectful and solution-oriented at all times. Disrespectful, aggressive, or inappropriate behavior toward staff will not be tolerated.
With Other Families: Parents are expected to engage with one another respectfully, even in moments of disagreement.
Public Communication: Concerns regarding students, families, staff, or the program may not be discussed in group chats, social media, or other public forums.

2. Addressing Concerns

Concerns must be addressed through the appropriate channels:

Classroom-related concerns → Lead Teacher
Unresolved or broader concerns → Program Director
Administrative decisions → Final

Parents are expected to approach concerns calmly and collaboratively. Circumventing this process or escalating concerns through informal or public channels is not permitted.

3. Adherence to Policies

Parents and guardians are required to follow all Temple Sinai policies, including but not limited to:

Carpool Procedures
Wellness Policy
Tuition, Enrollment, and Legal Agreement

Failure to follow any policy is considered a violation of this Code of Conduct.

4. Modeling Behavior

Parents and guardians are expected to model the behaviors we seek to instill in our students, including:

Respect
Patience
Cooperation
Kindness

Adult behavior directly impacts the culture and safety of our community.

5. Compliance and Enforcement

Temple Sinai reserves the right to take action in response to violations of this Code of Conduct or any related policies, including but not limited to:

Meetings with administration
Restrictions on participation or access to campus
Required changes to participation arrangements
Dismissal from the program

All decisions regarding enforcement are made at the sole discretion of Temple Sinai administration and are final.

Acknowledgment

By enrolling in a Temple Sinai youth program and selecting the required acknowledgment in our app, you confirm that you have:

Read and understood this Code of Conduct
Agreed to abide by these expectations
Agreed to follow all Temple Sinai policies as a condition of participation

Wellness

Your child's safety is our top priority. We go to extraordinary lengths to keep everyone healthy and safe while ensuring a comfortable and joyful learning environment.

On average, preschoolers experience eight to ten illnesses a year. We know that managing the demands of work can be challenging when your child is ill. We strive to limit the spread of communicable diseases in our center and are committed to implementing policies that balance and respect the needs of children, families, and staff in these circumstances.

Our Child Illness Policy is based on the Model Health Care Policies developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Exclusion from the center is sometimes necessary either to reduce the transmission of illness or because the center is not able to adequately meet the needs of the child. Mild illnesses are common among children, and infections are often spread before the onset of any symptoms. In these cases, we try to keep the children comfortable throughout the day.

Please keep your child at home if s(he):

Has an illness that prevents the child from participating comfortably in program activities, such as going outdoors.
Has an illness that results in a greater need for care than our staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.
Is ill during the night or has a poor night’s sleep - this may be the first sign of an impending illness
Has a fever (100 degrees or above) or has had one during the previous 24 hour period
Has a cold that is less than four days old
Has a heavy nasal discharge
Has a constant cough
Has diarrhea or watery stools
Has vomited more than 2 times in the previous 24 hours
Is fussy, cranky, and generally out of sorts
Is just tired - rest at such times may prevent the development of serious illness
Has symptoms of a possible communicable disease (rash, hives, bodily discharge, etc.)

Children suffering from a common cold will be assessed on an individual basis. Factors of consideration include the developmental level of your child in congruence with our ability to limit the spread of germs. The younger your child, the more difficult it is to keep the spread of germs down. For example, hand to face contact, mouthing of toys, uncontrolled nasal discharge, uncovered sneezing and coughing, etc.

As our world struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have instituted a set of protocols and procedures for the re-opening of our campus. Please click here to read our “COVID-19” guidelines.

PICKING UP AND RETURNING CHILDREN TO SCHOOL
For your child's comfort, and to reduce the risk of contagion, we ask that children who exhibit any of the signs listed above be picked up within 1.5 hours of notification. Until then, your child will be kept comfortable and will continue to be observed for symptoms.

Children need to remain home for 24 hours without symptoms before returning to the program unless the center receives a note from the child’s medical provider stating that the child is not contagious and may return to the center. In the case of a (suspected) contagious disease, rash, or continuing symptoms, a note from the child’s medical provider may be required before the child can return.

The final decision on whether to exclude a child from the program due to illness will be made by the center.

Please notify us at once if your child has a communicable disease so we are able to inform other parents. We exercise discretion and confidentiality at all times. If your child contracts lice, pinworm, conjunctivitis, strep throat, etc. PLEASE BE SURE TO INFORM US. If your child is found to have nits or lice during our periodic checks (s)he is to be picked up immediately and kept home for a full 24 hours after using a delousing product.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE SCHOOL BE MADE AWARE OF ALL HEALTH ISSUES (i.e. seizures, allergies, asthma, tubes in ears, a tendency towards high fever, etc.) We have no way of properly dealing with your children if we don't have adequate information. You can share medical information in the Famly app or directly with your child’s teacher.

Please take the time to review our full COVID precautions at www.gansinai.org/covid. These policies will need to be agreed to by each family.

As always, we remain committed to protecting your children and our staff and look forward to a great school year.

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. We do not accept religions exemptions.

You must have a current (non-expired) DH 680 Form, or Florida Certification of Immunization, on file in the Playground app. This is the mandatory document required for children entering daycare or K-12 school systems in Florida to prove they have received the necessary vaccinations. It is generated through the Florida SHOTS system by authorized healthcare providers or county health departments.

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.”

Discipline and Behavioral Guidance

Temple Sinai is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all children participating in our youth programs. Our approach to discipline is grounded in both best practices in child development and Jewish values that guide how we treat one another as members of a caring community.

Jewish tradition teaches the importance of:

Kavod (Respect) – treating every person with dignity
Derech Eretz (Appropriate conduct) – acting with kindness and responsibility
Shalom (Peace) – resolving conflicts in constructive ways
Tikkun Olam (Repairing the world) – taking responsibility for our actions and making things right

At Temple Sinai, we believe that every child is created b’tzelem Elohim — in the image of God — and therefore deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

For this reason, discipline at Temple Sinai is understood as guidance and teaching, not punishment. Our goal is to help children learn self-control, empathy, responsibility, and problem-solving skills so they can grow into thoughtful members of their community.

Tier 1: Positive Guidance and Teaching

Staff members use developmentally appropriate strategies to guide behavior, including:

Modeling and Coaching: Staff model respectful behavior and help children understand expectations through clear communication and positive guidance.
Redirection: Children may be redirected to another activity or environment when a situation becomes difficult or disruptive.
Problem Solving: Staff encourage children to talk through conflicts, listen to one another, and work toward respectful solutions.
Calming and Reflection: If a child becomes upset or overwhelmed, they may be invited to sit with a staff member in a quiet area to calm themselves and reflect on their choices. Staff help the child develop strategies for rejoining the group successfully.

These strategies help children learn appropriate behavior while maintaining a positive learning environment.

Tier 2: Safety and Behavioral Intervention

If a child’s behavior presents a safety concern for themselves or others, staff may take additional steps to maintain a safe environment.

Examples of behaviors that may require additional intervention include:

hitting, kicking, biting, or other physical aggression
throwing objects or damaging property
repeated refusal to follow reasonable instructions
behavior that disrupts the safety or learning of others

When these situations arise:

staff will intervene immediately to ensure safety
the child may be temporarily removed from the situation
parents or guardians may be contacted

For the safety and privacy of all children, Temple Sinai does not disclose the identity of other children involved in behavioral incidents.

Temple Sinai staff will always address behavior in ways that maintain the dignity of the child while ensuring the safety of the community.

Communication with Parents and Guardians

Temple Sinai believes that strong partnerships between families and educators are essential for helping children succeed.

Parents or guardians may be contacted when:

behavior significantly disrupts the program environment
a child requires repeated staff intervention
a behavior raises safety concerns for the child or others

Staff and administrators may work collaboratively with families to develop strategies that support the child both within Temple Sinai programs and at home.

Ongoing Behavioral Concerns

If a child experiences ongoing behavioral challenges that affect their safety or the safety of others, Temple Sinai may request a meeting with parents or guardians to discuss supportive strategies and develop a plan to help the child succeed in the program.

Temple Sinai reserves the right to determine whether a program is able to appropriately meet the needs of each participant while maintaining a safe and positive environment for all children.

Prohibited Forms of Discipline

In accordance with Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulations, the following disciplinary practices are strictly prohibited:

severe, humiliating, or frightening punishment
physical punishment, including spanking
discipline associated with food, rest, or toileting
denying active play or participation as punishment

All disciplinary practices must be age-appropriate, constructive, and respectful of the child.

Parent / Guardian Acknowledgment

Florida Department of Children and Families regulations require that parents receive a copy of disciplinary practices used by child care programs.

Carpool

The safety of our students is our highest priority. All families are required to follow these procedures at all times during drop-off and pick-up. Failure to follow these procedures may result in delays, safety risks, and administrative action.

Required Identification

Each family will receive carpool tags
All vehicles must display a valid carpool tag while on campus
Carpool tags must be clearly visible on the dashboard

If a tag is lost, it must be replaced immediately. Failure to display a carpool tag may result in delayed dismissal or denial of pick-up until identification is verified.

Traffic Flow and Positioning

Pull forward as far as possible, closing all gaps between vehicles
Follow all staff directions at all times
Do not change lanes under any circumstances

Carpool operates as a continuous flow system. Stopping short or deviating from the flow disrupts the process and creates safety risks.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Process

Remain at your vehicle
Staff will move from the front of the line toward the back
Children must be handed off and received at the vehicle

Parents should not walk children into or out of the carpool line unless directed to do so. This process supports both safety and a smoother emotional transition for children.

Entering and Exiting Vehicles

Once stopped in the designated unloading area, place the car in park
Parents are responsible for removing and securing their child
Staff are not permitted to unbuckle or buckle children

Please complete this process efficiently to maintain the flow of carpool.

Check-In and Check-Out

All children must be checked in and out using the designated system
QR codes are available from staff members

Failure to complete check-in or check-out may result in delays or follow-up from administration.

Late Arrival Procedures

Do not stop or leave your car in the carpool line after designated drop-off time
Park in a designated parking space
Bring your child to the front entrance
A staff member will assist with transition to the classroom

Stopping in the carpool lane for late arrival is not permitted.

Mobile Device Use

Use of mobile devices while in the carpool line is not permitted

If you need to take a call or use your phone, you must park outside of the carpool area.

Safety Expectations

Follow all posted signage and staff instructions
Remain alert and attentive at all times
Drive slowly and cautiously within the carpool area

Carpool is an active environment with children present at all times. Safety requires full attention.

Compliance

Carpool procedures are not optional. Failure to follow these procedures may result in:

Delays in drop-off or pick-up
Required alternative arrangements for arrival and dismissal
Additional administrative action as determined by Temple Sinai

Tuition & Enrollment

The following policies outline the financial, enrollment, and legal terms governing participation in Temple Sinai’s youth education programs.

These policies are incorporated by reference into the enrollment agreement and must be acknowledged before each new school year.

Payment Authorization

Tuition and all applicable fees are charged to the payment method provided at enrollment (e-check or credit card).

Families are responsible for maintaining valid and up-to-date payment information. Charges are processed according to the selected payment schedule.

No Refund Policy

Registration fees, deposits, tuition payments, and all other fees are non-refundable. Exceptions may be considered under limited circumstances, including:

The school determines that withdrawal is necessary
A family is unable to relocate to the area as planned
A family relocates due to employment or relocation (including aliyah)
A class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment

All determinations regarding refunds are made at the sole discretion of Temple Sinai.

Payment Obligations and Collection

All tuition and fees must be paid on time. Failure to meet payment obligations may result in:

Suspension of participation
Withholding of services
Termination of enrollment

Temple Sinai reserves the right to pursue collection of unpaid balances, including recovery of reasonable attorney’s fees and associated costs.

Enrollment and Class Placement

Class placement is determined by Temple Sinai based on factors including:

Enrollment timing
Age and developmental considerations
Group balance and dynamics
Scheduling needs

Placement decisions are final. Requests for specific classes or teachers are not accepted.

Media Release

Temple Sinai may use a child’s name, image, and likeness in school publications, marketing materials, and digital platforms.

Records Release

Student records and information may be shared with educational institutions, government agencies, or law enforcement when required.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes related to enrollment or participation in Temple Sinai programs are subject to binding arbitration in Miami-Dade County, Florida, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Florida law governs all such matters. The prevailing party in arbitration may be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.