TTH Handbook2015 Revised

The TreeHouse (TTH)
Islamic PlaySchool
& Academy
Have you not considered how Allah presents an example,
(making) a good word like a good tree,
whose root is firmly fixed and its branches (high) in the sky?
It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord.
And Allah presents examples for the people
that perhaps they will be reminded.
[Surah Ibrahim 14:24-25]
Parent Handbook
2015/1436H
Table of Contents
Letter to Our Parents Page 03
Waldorf-Steiner Imaginative Play Page 06
Maria Montessori Systematic Play Page 07
Reggio Emilia Artistic Play Page 08
General Information Page 09
Programme Purpose and Description
Early Childhood Goals
Classrooms/Areas @ The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy
Staff and Organisational Structure
Hiring Policies
2015 Class Structure and Teacher Contacts
Administrative Policies Page 16
Enrolment and Acceptance into the Programme
Internal Trial Period and Screening Clause
Admission and Placement Policy
Operating Hours and Closing Time
Adjustment and Normalisation Period
Communication between Parents/Teachers/Administration
Assessment and Reporting +
Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner
Holiday Observances and Closed/Open Days
Parent Involvement and Volunteering
Financial Policies Page 23
Payment of Fees
Collection System
Acknowledgement of Payment
Late Payment Surcharge
Termination of Services/Contract
Additional/Extra Charges Policy
Additional Clause on Payment
General and/or Classroom Policies Page 27
Arrival and Departure
Uniforms/Clothing, Personal Belongings, and Care of Self and Personal Hygiene Policies
Health/Medical & Safety Policy
Meals and Nutrition
Field Trips
Behaviour, Guidance and Discipline
The Khalifah of Allah Honour Code
Conclusion
Disclaimer
TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 2

Letter to Our TTH Parents
Dearest TTH Parents:
In the name of Allah SWT, Most Gracious and Most Merciful. All praises be to
Allah SWT, the Almighty. Peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad SAW,
on his family and companions.
Welcome to The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy family and

community! :) We want you to know that when you leave your little Khalifah in
our care, he/she will be experiencing their world in an environment that has
been designed and prepared just for them! Our philosophy is based on the belief
that Muslim children learn best and naturally
+
in a safe, happy and nurturing
home-like Islamic environment which promotes independence, smart/positive
choices, and developmentally appropriate hands-on play- and/or activity-based
experiences and explorations.
On play, we appreciate each childs creative efforts and value the importance of
play. We believe play is childrens work - a chance for them to try on life and
work through many important processes. At the dining/baking area, for example,
your little Khalifah needs to learn to set the table, or serve his/her friends, or
pour his/her own drink or spread his/her own bread and jam. At the Maria
Montessori Square, he/she needs to put pegs into the pegboard, learn how to
button or zip, or polish the leaves of a plant, or take their turn with the Mystery
Bag, and even learn to practice meditation and calm awareness through the
Silence Game. Meanwhile at the Waldorf-Steiner Playground, a group of little
Khalifah may be listening to a story about life being told, or another little
Khalifah may be manipulating some open-ended manipulatives or blocks, or
playing puppets, or staging their own show or role- or finger-play, while another
set of little Khalifahs may be tapping into their artistic side at the Reggio Emilia
Atelier (Arts Studio) playing with paints and brushes.
We are indeed committed to play (Imaginative, Systematic & Artistic combined)

and it is our belief and expectation that our parents/guardians have chosen The
TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy for the same reasons! So, let us
together respect and celebrate the importance of play.

JUST PLAYING
When I am building in the block room,
Please dont say, Im just playing.
For, you see, Im learning as I play
About balance and shapes.
When Im getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for the babies,
Dont get the idea Im just playing.
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please dont let me hear you say, Hes just playing
For you see, Im Learning as I play.
Im expressing myself and being creative,
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair
Reading to an imaginary audience,
Please dont laugh and think Im, just playing
For, you see, Im learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Dont pass it off as just playing.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
Or plaything at my school,
+
Please dont feel the time is wasted in play
Im learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please dont think that because I enjoy it, it is just play
For, you see, Im learning as I play
Im learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.
When you ask me what Ive done at school today,
And I say I played,
Please dont misunderstand me
Im learning to be successful in work.
Im preparing for tomorrow.
Today, Im a child and my work is play

In this engaging environment, teachers guide, support, and when needed,
directly teach our little Khalifahs in the collective effort to holistically support
the spiritual, physical, intellectual, creative, socio-emotional and sensorial
(SPICES) development of every child. In addition to striving to provide a high-
quality early childhood care and education (ECCE), our foremost aim is to build a
community of awesome Muslim learners who are happy to be Allah-fearing,
respectful, as well as kind, caring and full of empathy - worthy social beings and
useful members of the society for the critical benefit of the Ummah. This, by
empowering our little Khalifahs of Allah with the potent knowledge that they are
created not merely to serve, but most importantly to represent their Almighty
Creator, Allah SWT, in all His Glory, and ultimately helping them to grow up
proud of and confident in their dynamic Islamic identity, Inshaa Allah.
Towards this end, it certainly goes without saying that we respect the dignity,
worth and individuality of each child and are committed to helping every little
Khalifah achieve their full potential as best we can. And in striving so, we
recognise the significant relationship among teachers, children/students,
parents/guardians, and families and therefore encourage continuous
collaboration in a climate of Islamic/good faith, mutual respect and co-operation,
and shared responsibility. We commit to strive to do our very best in fulfilling
our duties and amanah, however, we also beg for sincere understanding that we
are but in our first foundational years of this humble journey for Dunya, Akhirah
and the Ummah. Granted, our hearts are already in the right place, but in our
efforts there may be shortcomings or imperfections, or errors/lapse of
judgement, or humanly mistakes either + caused by us or any member of the
staff/faculty, whether intentionally or unintentionally. And if that were the case,
we seek your forgiveness and request that you inform us in good faith and give
us an opportunity to right the situation, Inshaa Allah.
Last but not least, the staff and faculty at The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool &
Academy would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing us to
share an important time in the life of your child. We appreciate and value the
trust you have placed in us. Please dont ever hesitate to directly ask us
questions or make comments or give suggestions.
Jazakumullahu Khayran Kathira.
Yours Sincerely,
Reezuan A. Rahim & Mumtazah D. Ahmad
Owners & Director/Directress
The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy
B3A-2-1, Level 1, Jalan Teknologi 2/1B,
Signature Park Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya.
Mobile: 012-7575453
PlaySchool: 03-61515453
Website: www.thetreehouseplayschool.com
FB Public Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheTreeHousePlayschool
FB Private Group Page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/112563092263278/

Waldorf-Steiner Imaginative Play
Rudolf Steiner
1861-1925
Developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf Education is based on a profound

understanding of human development that addresses the needs of the growing
child. When you enter a Waldorf school, the first thing you may notice is the care
given to the building. The walls are usually painted in warm, calming yet lively
colours, and are adorned with student artwork. Another first impression may be
the enthusiasm and commitment of the teachers you meet.
The early childhood teacher in a Waldorf school works with the young child first
by creating a warm, beautiful and loving home-like environment, which is
protective and secure and where things happen in a predictable, regular manner
referred to as rhythms. These teachers are interested in the students as
individuals. Waldorf teachers strive to transform education into an art that
educates the whole child, the heart and the hands, as well as the head! Here
he/she responds to the developing child in two basic ways:
Firstly, the teacher engages in domestic (household), practical and artistic

activities that the children can readily imitate (for example, baking, painting,
gardening and handicrafts), adapting the work to the changing weather/seasons,
(Islamic) festivals and International events/celebrations of the year. Secondly,
the teacher nurtures the childrens power of imagination particular to the age.
She does so by telling carefully selected+ stories and by encouraging free, open-
ended play. This free or fantasy play, in which children act out scenarios of their
own creation, helps them to experience many aspects of life more deeply. When
toys are used, they are (as much as possible) made of natural materials. Wood,
pine cones, cotton, silk, shells, stones and other objects from nature that the
children themselves have collected are used in play and to beautify the room.
Sequencing, sensory integration, hand-eye coordination tracking, appreciating

the beauty of language and other basic skills necessary for the foundation of
academic excellence are fostered in all levels, but appropriate to age. In this truly
natural, loving and creative environment, the children are given a range of
activities and the structure that help them prepare for the next phase of school
life, Inshaa Allah.

Maria Montessori Systematic Play
Maria Montessori
1870-1952
Maria Montessori lived her life as a passionate child advocate. She spent 82 years
observing children and developing materials to assist children as they discover
themselves and the world around them. She developed realistic and attractive
materials that presented activities (concept) that progressed from concrete to
abstract. These materials called apparatuses, designed based on the fact that
children learn best by doing, provided sequenced steps in each activity to
guarantee a childs success. Montessori also believed that it was the
responsibility of the adult to prepare a free environment in which the child can
explore and discover their potential. Care and attention is given to creating a
learning environment that will reinforce the childrens independence and
intellectual development. This prepared environment is set up to facilitate
student discussion and stimulate collaborative learning.
A normal Montessori class has 25 to 35 children equally divided among boys and
girls and three age levels. Where possible, a multiethnic balance is also sought
for each class. There will be one trained Montessorian and one assistant. Only
part of the class changes each year, so each class tends to be a fairly stable
community. The large class size actually encourages the children to learn from
each other rather than be dependent on the teacher. There is confidence built for
the older child who has mastered and helps a younger child. Role models are
assured, also, with the multi-age classroom.
+ The teacher itself may be difficult to
spot. She will be working with one, two or a group of children at a time, advising,
presenting a new lesson, or quietly observing the class at work.
The Montessori approach is often described as an education for life. In too many
traditional schools, students memorise facts and concepts with little
understanding. Even the bright students are passive learners when success in
school is directly tied to the degree to which children believe that they are
capable and independent human beings. Children actually demands, Help me
learn to do it for myself. Montessori teaches children to think and discover for
themselves. In a Montessori school, children develop a meaningful degree of
independence and self-discipline. This sets a pattern for a lifetime of good work
habits and a sense of responsibility. Children become involved with their work.
Children learn at their own pace and in ways that work best for them as
individuals. They take pride in doing things for themselves carefully and well.
Montessorians have great faith in children. Each child is treated as a unique,

individual learner. Teachers are flexible and creative in addressing each student
as a unique individual. Montessori emphasised that the process in which a child
individually goes through to gather knowledge is more important than the
knowledge itself. The spontaneous joy of discovery brought on by repetition and
concentration develops a firm foundation for the childs self-esteem. As the
childs sense of awareness grows, the child realises their capabilities and thus
understands their place in the world. The child grows to become a responsible
adult who develops a passion for serving humankind, Inshaa Allah!

Reggio Emilia Artistic Play
Loris Malaguzzi
1920-1994
Loris Malaguzzi was the inspiration behind the educational experiences in

Reggio Emilia. Malaguzzi who was a teacher himself and the parents of the
villages around Reggio Emilia, a town, in Italy after World War II co-operatively
built the first Reggio Emilia preschool in 1945 out of adversity and hardship. The
destruction from the war, Malaguzzi and parents believed, necessitated a novel,
quick approach to teaching their children a new form of education that would
ensure that they would never bring up a generation of children who would
tolerate injustice and inequality. It places emphasis on childrens
symbolic/artistic languages in the context of a project-oriented curriculum.
Learning is viewed as a journey; and education as building relationships with
people (both children and adults) and creating connections between ideas and
the environment.
They strongly felt that it is in the early years of development that children form
who they are as individuals. Fundamental to the Reggio philosophy is the image
of the child as rich in potential, strong, powerful and competent. The child is
recognised as having his or her own values, who wants to be respected and
valued for himself as well as holding respect for others. They are full of
curiousity and creativity and are not empty memory banks waiting to be filled
with facts, figures and dates. This led to the creation of a programme based on
the principles of respect, responsibility, +and community through exploration and
discovery in a supportive and enriching environment based on the interests of
the children through a self-guided curriculum. Children are encouraged to
develop their own theories about the world and how it works through
exploration. The Reggio goal is to cultivate within children a lifelong passion for
learning and exploration.
Over the course of 40 years, Malaguzzi and other Reggio educators gathered
their ideas and opinions from many sources. In developing their approach, they
sought information from theories and philosophies of education, most notably
the work of Montessori. Reggio-inspired curriculum is flexible and emerges
mostly from childrens ideas, thoughts and observations. It is based on a
comprehensive philosophy, underpinned by several guiding principles:
The child as protagonist, collaborator, and communicator.

The teacher as partner, nurturer, guide, and researcher.
Cooperation as the foundation of the educational system.
The environment as the third teacher.
The parent as partner.
Documentation as communication.
International recognition of the Reggio preschools exploded in 1991, when a

panel of experts commissioned by Newsweek magazine identified the preschools
of Reggio Emilia as one of the best top ten schools in the world (Newsweek
1991).

General Information
Programme Purpose and Description
The TreeHouse (TTH) Islamic PlaySchool & Academy is a 5,000sq ft private play (and care)
enrichment centre, designed with a childs imagination in mind and a teachers passion at
heart. The TreeHouse is officially open between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday and serves children aged 18 months (very limited number of enrolment) to 6 years.
The centre has the actual space capacity to serve 120+ children depending on age (where the
older the child is the lesser learning space required). But Alhamdulillah, in order to ensure
comfort and a high quality learning environment, The TreeHouse only serves a maximum of
85-90 children at any one time, i.e. 60-65 children in the 3,000sq ft Academy unit and
another 30-35 children in the 1,200sq ft PlaySchool unit. This therefore allows a minimum
play and learn space of at least 40sq ft per child regardless of age. To date this year, there are
around 80-85 children enrolled.
Essentially, at The TreeHouse, we believe in educating the whole child, meaning their soul
and spirit as well as their intellect. While we aim to combine the gems of Waldorf-
Montessori-Reggio philosophies into our pedagogy, we are primarily a Montessori/Khalifah-
inspired playschool, but very carefully sprinkled with choice Waldorf and Reggio
expectations. This ultimately means that the primary academic curriculum and approach
would be systematically teaching the children through Montessori apparatuses and
methods, and armed with a Khalifah-method gentle-but-firm mindset. Yet, so much equal
emphasis is given on the arts, aesthetics, and beautifying the environment; on creating a
homelike and family-oriented atmosphere; and on building a cooperative community
through an intimate relationship with the parents/guardians among others.
While it abides by and in most cases exceeds the minimal council standards, expectations
+
and requirements (space, teacher-children ratio, facilities, programme structure, etc.), it is
not a TADIKA nor a TASKA but an enrichment centre aimed at enriching young childrens
early childhood experiences and developmental stages based on play. Our outstanding play-
learn enrichment employs a play-based philosophy, inspired after the Montessori, Waldorf-
Steiner, and Reggio Emilia approaches to early childhood care and education. At The
TreeHouse, children can play, explore and learn to their hearts content in our beautiful,
secure and nurturing environment. In its combined philosophies, the purpose of The
TreeHouse is to provide a place where child enrichment and care is in an environment that
encourages all children to develop to their fullest potential.
To this end, The TreeHouse strives for the kind of learning space/environment that is homey
and relatively open (space) to allow its children a great yet reasonable amount of freedom
to move and explore their surroundings. Classrooms are mostly non-enclosed and referring
to dedicated areas for the particular age groups and/or for the specific activities. Likewise,
The TreeHouse groups/classes of children are also relatively open and mixed aged. While
age is a starting point to evaluate and anticipate the childs developmental stages, we
simultaneously aim to follow the childs individual pace than merely age. Hence, we maintain
a combined 2-year span age groups, divided into (1) a toddler and wobbler classroom for
and 2s & 3s (BB KHALIFAH), (2) a pre-kindergarten classroom for 3s & 4s (LIL KHALIFAH),
and (3) a homeschool style kindergarten classroom for 5s & 6s (JR KHALIFAH). After-school
clubs and hourly playcare enrichment are offered as extended-hours activities, depending on
parents/childrens additional needs.

Early Childhood Goals
While there are many aspirations that we hope and strive for the children enrolled at The
TreeHouse, the following are our foremost school-wide objectives:
1. To educate the whole child, spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially and

emotionally and sensorially.
2. To provide an environment in which curiosity and the joy of discovery and
understanding motivates learning.
3. To prepare a place where children are encouraged to learn to question, to become
involved, to live and work together, and to learn by helping one another.
4. To provide an atmosphere which frees the childs potential for self development.
5. To help the child to discover the joys of intellectual and artistic endeavour, and to grow
through activities that stimulate and fulfil individual abilities.
6. To prepare our children at the level necessary for worldly/academic success.
7. To motivate our children towards attaining Akhirah/Jannah and Ummatic success.
8. To teach our children to strive for excellence (Itqan) in all that they do.
9. To teach the practice of Islam by demonstration.
10. To teach a love for Islam by example and tarbiyyah-centred, and through Islamic and
Quranic/Hadith studies.
11. To teach the concept of faith with action through the example of staff and
administration.
12. To teach our children social awareness and responsibility through involvement and
participation in community causes.
13. To provide an extended family that will enhance the well-being of the community.
14. To educate staff, parents/guardians and the community to act as role models and share
the responsibility for advancing The TreeHouses missions and aspirations based on the
following ayat, Inshaa Allah:
+
Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, (making) a good word
like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches (high) in the sky?
It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord.
And Allah presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded.
[Surah Ibrahim 14:24-25]
Classrooms/Areas @ The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy
Get to know the classrooms or designated areas purposely prepared for your childrens
comfort and high-quality learning experience.
1. Entrance Hallway
Welcome to The TreeHouse! This is where our little ones happily stash their shoes on
the designated shelves, before they are warmly greeted by their loving guides inside as
they arrive for the days play and learn. May we remind parents to never rush their
children (especially the younger ones) during arrival/pick-up, and encourage their
independence in carefully taking off/putting on their footwear.
2. Reception Counter & Storefront

For extra precautionary measures and our childrens safety, we practice a strict sign-
in/sign off reporting system. The staff will check your child in and out here daily.
Hopefully one fine day, you may be able to run through our catalogues for high quality
pre-order educational toys and products, or get our parent-choice items straight off the
shelves.

3. Maria Montessori Square
As the children enter, they will step into the Square. Just like the Squares of London, our
Maria Montessori Square is the heart of our community centre the main meeting point
of The TreeHouse people, big and small! This is where we begin our day with morning
meetings/circles to include surah and dua recitations, singalongs, music and
movement/physical exercise, and welcome conversations. A replication of the Maria
Montessori Square can be found in the PlaySchool unit. Now even the toddlers have
their own dedicated community area, yay!
4. Care-of-Self Corner (COSC)

Toilets with a toddler seat, showering/changing/freshening up and wudhu taking
facilities are some of the best features of the COSC at The TreeHouse all serving a
purpose! A child-level double sink tabletop outside doubles both for washing and water
playing. All these aim at fostering real independence, from diapering/toileting to
bathing/showering and all other aspects of caring for themselves and their belongings.
Alhamdulillah, there are now two dedicated care-of-self corners.
5. Main Sink & Milk Prep Table

In dealing with the high demand of milk prepping throughout the day for the younger
children, bottle hygiene is key and second to none at The TreeHouse, complete with
specific washing/sterilising/heating facilities and an Elken Bio Pure filtered water
supply.
6. Adult Pantry cum Kitchenette

The adult pantry is a full service pantry-kitchen which houses all the contraptions for
safe preparation of scrumptious food. No open fire cooking, and a no-entry zone for
children, of course! Whenever food is cooked in-house, rest assured that it is cooked
from the heart, wholesome and delicious too!
+
7. Child Pantry
Spread their own jam on bread; slice some bananas; munch on some cereals and
raisins? We realise how young children burn energy quickly and how their smaller
stomachs fill up fast! So, if they still get hungry in between playing and learning, and
their regular snack times, the little TreeHouse people get to fix their own additional
snacks from the kiddy snack selves themselves, just like at home!
8. Dining/Baking Hall
Ahh the soul of The TreeHouse, where most every morning will fill the whole space
with lovely welcoming aromas of freshly baked or prepared muffins or cakeys
(Mondays), soups or porridge (Tuesdays), breads/buns or pastries (Wednesdays),
biscuits or cookies (Thursdays). Practical Skills will be conducted most mornings, with
children (ages 4-6) doing their share of community responsibility in helping prepare
the AM snacks for all their TTH friends.
9. Reggio Emilia Mini Atelier

In support of the 100 languages of children, the little TreeHouse people have access to
their own dedicated Art studio inspired by Reggio Emilia education, complete with an
atelierista (Artist-Teacher). Apart from artistic work, the room also doubles as a
Writing Lab, and welcomes other creative work such as early writing and/or
penmanship.
10. JR Plaza & Piazza

The Plaza becomes a central (and favourite!) gathering area for more formal teaching
and learning, as it provides access to principal spaces: A cosy Language & Storytelling
centre in one corner, and Number Work & Math area on one side. There is also a mini
piazza (market centre) as a (playful) extension to the Math curriculum.

11. Gibran-Shakespeare Theatre/Stage
The Gibran-Shakespeare Stage doubles as the Blue Mosque. Fancy reciting poetry on
stage? Or reciting the Quran for subconscious hafadhan? Or even doing some
storytelling, or Broadway-style dramatisation and playacting? Either way, freedom of
expression is in, and lots and lots of exposure to the arts and literature (nursery
rhymes, poetry, drama, role-playing, storytelling, fingerplaying, puppeteering, and the
works!)
12. The Blue Mosque

Performance stage or writing hall in the AM, raised musolla in the PM! The Shakespeare
Stage also converts into a mini prayer hall a wonderful platform (literally!) for
(pretend, and Inshaa Allah soon, real) praying, Iqra/Quranic/Hadith reciting, and
Islamic puppeteer and storytelling!
13. Iqra Library

A delightful treasure hidden within the Blue Mosque, the Iqra Library begs to be
explored! This is where children either grab a pillow or cushion, or jump on a cot with a
book in hand (or several books in hand!), and read to become world explorers just by
turning the endless pages.
14. BB Waldorf-Steiner Playground

Imaginative play is key to Rudolf-Steiner aka Waldorf education! Pretend playing and
magical thinking within the beautifully recreated little world experience at the Waldorf-
Steiner Playground are the childrens work. Where there are manipulatives, they are
all open-ended and mostly from natural materials to give lots of room for the childs
imagination and creativity to work its magic!
15. Toddler Montessori Square

As the name suggests, this wonderful+ social space is a replication of the Maria
Montessori Square in the Academy. Now even the toddlers have their own dedicated
community area, Alhamdulillah, one that promotes functional, systematic and hands-on
works of play early on.
Staff and Organisational Structure
The administrative staff at The TreeHouse is comprised of a full-time

Administrator/Directress (Aunty Mum @ Mumtazah Ahmad), and a part-time
Administrator/Director (Uncle Wan @ Reezuan Abd Rahim).
Each classroom has at least one Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher, unless otherwise
specified. Specific needs of specific groups may require a slightly different resource make-
up, but essentially, each classroom is a shared responsibility between two or several
teachers.
In order to efficiently cater to a maximum of 90-95 children at any one time as per the
guaranteed ratios, the 3,000sq ft Academy unit hires a maximum of 7-teacher team (to cater
to a maximum of 60-65 preschoolers), and a maximum of 6-teacher team in the 1,200sq ft
PlaySchool unit (to cater to a maximum of 30 playschoolers). There is an additional
cleaning/housekeeping staff for maximum efficiency and to maintain hygiene/cleanliness.
There is an additional investment towards maintaining a quality kitchenette, which is
responsible for producing a highly varied, nutritious and delish weekly/monthly menu 80-
90% of the time; thus, there is a full time Sous Chef with a culinary background in the team
as well.

Hiring Policies
Although we praise a genuine love of children above paper qualifications, parents can rest
assured that each Lead is matured, and qualified and equipped with a sound education
background at the Degree level, or a highly relevant Diploma with several years of working
experience with children at the very minimum. The Lead Teachers are responsible for the
over-all daily management of the programme as well as the direct communication with
parents/guardians. An Assistant level ranges from an SPM/STPM holder as per the
minimum local/state requirement to a Diploma graduate.
Rest assured that The TreeHouse management is very serious about hiring; either hiring or
retaining only the right people/team; or investing exceptionally high on the faculty budget
i.e. to compensate for proper hiring channels and qualified individuals, teacher pays and
benefits, and training and development among others. Nonetheless, its important to note
that as a school wide policy, we realistically view stable hiring as a year to year exercise due
to the staple challenges in the industry of Early Childhood Care and Education. Of course, in
time, we certainly hope and strive to retain good people for longer than a year, so please do
pray for our ongoing efforts. As it is, our actual turnover rate in 2014 is at 15-17% which is
relatively stable/low on average. We hope to even lower this turnover rate with better
incentives internally, Inshaa Allah, thus please continue to support us.
Any new addition to the team throughout the year (especially at lead level) will be informed
accordingly, but Inshaa Allah as it is, our 2015 permanent lead positions have been filled and
lined up for the year, with the only additional room for growth and expansion within the BB
Khalifah or PlaySchool unit. May we continue to be blessed, Ameen.
2015 Class Structure and Teacher Contacts

+
Currently, there are only 5 main groups throughout the 2015 academic year at The
TreeHouse PlaySchool & Academy. The Academy children (4-6 years) house the main
(original) 3000sq ft unit, while their sister unit, the PlaySchool (2-3 years) occupies the
connecting 1200sq ft space next door (launched May 2014). Altogether, Inshaa Allah, we
now have the maximum capacity from 2014 onwards to cater to 90-95 children at any one
time, i.e. 60-65 children (to a maximum of 7-teacher team) in the 3,000sq ft Academy unit
and another 30 children (to a maximum of 6-teacher team) in the 1,200sq ft PlaySchool unit.
While parental input on their childrens abilities are duly appreciated and considered, The
TreeHouse Sdn Bhd reserves the right to assign children to classrooms as deem
appropriate irrespective of age to best fit childrens individual learning needs.
The existing class structure is as follows:
(1) 1 group of JR KHALIFAHs: Kindergarten 2/K2 @ 6 years ~

Age: Children born 2009
Maximum Intake: 20-22 children to 2 teachers
Teacher-Child Ratio: 1:10/11
Classroom Teachers: Refer important contacts below
Current Status: 20 children currently enrolled and graduating
(2) 1 group of JR KHALIFAHs: Kindergarten 1/K1 @ 5 years ~

Current Status: 19 children currently enrolled

(3) 2 groups of LIL KHALIFAHs: Pre-Kindergarten/PK @ 4 years ~
Teacher-Child Ratio: 1:8
(4) 1 group of BB KHALIFAHs: PlayGroup 2/PG2 @ 3 years ~

Maximum Intake: 18-20 children born 2012 to 4 teachers
(5) 1 group of BB KHALIFAHs: PlayGroup 1/PG1 @ 2 years ~

Maximum Intake: 5-10 children born 2013 to 2 teachers
Note: (1) As and when we do get extra help from our volunteer parent team, the teacher-
children ratio will be even lower on certain days in certain classes, Inshaa Allah.
(2) While intake (or available seats) is open throughout the year, TTH will only take
in new enrolments when suitable and reliable new hires have been sourced and
trained accordingly.
+
(3) To avoid misrepresentations, miscommunications, or misunderstandings, the
Lead Teachers of respective classrooms (who are available at the start of the
school day) are responsible for directly communicating and/or for addressing
parents/guardians immediate concerns. Where parents/guardians need to
communicate with the school but the respective Lead Teachers are unavailable,
please directly consult the Centre Directress/Director or the next most
senior/mature staff available at that time or via the class email-box.

The most current (updated March 2015) 2015 class structure with important contacts is as
follows:
Adult:
Age Classroom Work Lead
Classroom Child
Group Teachers/Aunties Hours Contact
Ratio
8:00am- 012-
Lead Aunty Bytee
4:00pm 2444167
8:00am- 012-
Lead Aunty Dya
2:00pm 3204169
8:00am-
Semi Lead Aunty Amira N/A
6:00pm
BB KHALIFAH 8:00am-
2s & 3s 1:4/5 Semi Lead Aunty Jue N/A
PG1 & PG2 2:00pm
8:00am-
Assistant Aunty Ayu N/A
2:00pm
8:00am-
New Assistant TBD N/A
6:00pm
(Additional) Assistant 8:00am-
N/A
Aunty Ani cum Sous Chef 6:00pm
8:00am- 016-
Lead Aunty Zaza
4:00pm 9922753
9:00am- 018-
Lead Aunty Duha
1:00pm 2499128
LIL KHALIFAH 4s 1:7/8
8:00am- 017-
Lead Aunty Julie
4:00pm 6596494
+ 8:00am-
Assistant Aunty Nurul N/A
6:00pm
8:00am- 019-
JR KHALIFAH K1 Lead Aunty Zhura
4:00pm 6336212
5s 1:10/11
Assistant cum Ext. Hour 8:00am- 013-
Supervisor Aunty Zira 6:00pm 9131255
8:00am- 016-
Lead Aunty Wani
4:00pm 6263406
JR KHALIFAH K2 6s 1:10/11
8:00am- 017-
Lead Aunty Shamimah
4:00pm 5751548
03-
TTH GENERAL General Line N/A
61515453
Directress Aunty Mum or 012-
DIRECTORS N/A
Director Uncle Wan 7575453

Administrative Policies
Enrolment and Acceptance into the Programme
Enrolment is subject to availability of places and offer of available seats is at the sole
discretion of The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy. Submission of Application for
Enrolment does not automatically register a child. If The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool &
Academy reserves a place for a child and offers enrolment for the whole year (on the
basis of a 12-month enrolment) or the remaining months of that year, the Contract of
Enrolment is binding as a contract on The TreeHouse Sdn Bhd (for The TreeHouse
Islamic PlaySchool & Academy) and the applicant/s for the year or remaining months
of that year that the child is registered for (subject and following the completion of an
internal trial period).
Acceptance into the programme becomes final only at the end of the internal trial period of
at least 2 months and/or a maximum of 4 months or 1 term, if extension is warranted. Upon
official acceptance of enrolment, children and parents must be willing to commit to the
centre for the rest of the year. Because children often need time to transition to a new
environment and different expectations, a years commitment to trusting the process of self-
initiated learning, and the work of community building, is essential to creating a stable
community at the school and a successful experience for each child. Any exception to this
policy is at the sole discretion of the Directors.
Internal Trial Period and Screening Clause
Newly enrolled children into the centre receive an automatic minimum trial period of 60-90
days (on permanent monthly rate) for our internal screening/evaluation. While the centre
will make reasonable attempts to work with + the child and his/her family to help solve
adjustment problems, it however lacks proper provisions to support children with special
needs. Thus, if an individual child is eventually diagnosed to have special needs through our
expert screening and internal observation, a discussion will be held between parents and
the centre teachers/directress during or at the end of the trial period to determine the
available options, i.e. if the possibility exists, whether to continue supporting the child within
the centres existing early childhood environment, but with intervention from the centres
external professional support and its additional costs to be borne by the parents, or to
mutually exit the contract entirely. Should however a childs enrolment be prematurely
terminated under this section, the centre will refund the refundable deposit and remaining
unused portion of the annual enrolment/membership fees (excluding annual registration
fee), pro-rated on a monthly basis for the portion of the months remaining after which the
childs enrolment has been terminated.
Admission and Placement Policy
Children are initially placed in classrooms based upon their chronological age. After the
initial month of observation (2 to 4 weeks), the actual classroom in which the child will be
placed is based on the following criteria:
1. Chronological age
2. Developmental readiness (individual pace)
3. Availability of space
Because all children in the classroom grow older as the year progresses, parents must trust
that the teachers in each classroom will adjust the activities according to the developmental
readiness of the children in each classroom. Nonetheless, if you have a specific concern

about your childs classroom placement, please feel free to discuss it with your childs Lead
Teacher(s) and/or the Directress. Although we respect parental input, The TreeHouse
management reserves the right to make all final decisions regarding placement and
movement as they deem fit.
Operating Hours and Closing Time
The TreeHouse is officially open between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Where applicable,
approved entrance before 8:00 a.m. (i.e. between 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.) and/or late pick-ups
beyond 6:00 p.m. (i.e. between 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) will be subject to a centre running on
very minimal strength and resources (kindly refer to General Policies/Arrival and Departures
for details).
The TreeHouse PlaySchool & Academy School Hours (Revised March 2014):
BB & LIL KHALIFAH PLAYSCHOOL HOURS:

Mondays to Fridays______9:00 a.m.* to 12:15 p.m.
Weekends/Public Holidays_______Closed
JR KHALIFAH ACADEMY HOURS:

Mondays to Fridays______9:00 a.m.* to 2:45 p.m.
Weekends/Public Holidays______Closed
*Early Entrance/Activities 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

+
The full schedule for TTH hours of operation is as follows:
THE TREEHOUSE PLAYSCHOOL

*BB KHALIFAH
*LIL KHALIFAH
Cut-Off Point
Early Dismissal/ (15- to 30-Minute
Programme/Package Arrival
Arrival Pick-Up Grace Period Per
Programme)
PlaySchool Only 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:45 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch Club 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch Club +

8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m.
Extended Hours
++ RM50 Hibbah OT 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
(earliest - (latest desired 7:15 p.m.
(Further Extension) possible) pick-up)
**Early Entrance: 8:00-9:00 a.m. (Not compulsory, but highly encouraged/welcomed).
**Any arrival after 9:15 a.m. will be considered TARDY and highly discouraged.
**Morning Meeting/Circle begins at 9:00 a.m., and Goodbye Meeting/Circle wraps by 12:15-12:30 p.m.

THE TREEHOUSE ACADEMY
*JR KHALIFAH
Cut-Off Point
Early (15- to 30-Minute
Programme/Package Arrival Pick-Up
Arrival Grace Period Per
Programme)
Academy Only 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 3:15 p.m.
Academy + Extended Hours 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m.
++ RM50 Hibbah OT 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
**Early Entrance: 8:00-9:00 a.m. (Not compulsory, but encouraged/welcomed).
Adjustment and Normalisation Period
Starting preschool for the first time often causes anxiety for children, especially the younger
ones. We recommend that you visit the preschool before the first day of school with your
child, allowing him/her to meet some of the staff and see other children at play. We will
work with you and the child to make this adjustment period a positive experience. We
recommend that you give your child at least one month to adjust to the preschool
experience. First day of attendance must be scheduled with the office in advance.
Apart from helping the children cope with separation anxiety, etc., The TreeHouse believes
+
in implementing a period of normalisation in the first month (Week 1 to 4) of school. The
older (3-6) child who enters our school for the first time is exploring, watching, testing,
sensing, and manipulating, which is often misconstrued as displaying destructive
behaviours. Over a period of time, with consistent training in manipulating the preliminary
materials or activities, the child gradually moves toward what Montessori calls
normalisation. His/her interactions with the teacher and the environment are building the
level of his/her skill and control, and he/she becomes absorbed, mentally and physically in
his/her work.
This process of developing concentration and independence culminates in an explosion of

learning; the sequence from concrete manipulation of the materials to abstract reasoning
gives the child an understanding not simply of the answer, but of the questions and the
learning process as well. However, the rate at which our early childhood children move to
this normalised state varies from child to child, but generally occurs after about six (6)
weeks. Every step in the sequence is important. The teacher is continually observing,
arranging, and modifying the classroom to allow this flow of learning activity. Because of this
ongoing process, and because each child has a unique place in our group, we are firmly
committed to the concept of Montessori as a five day a week programme, and seek parents
commitment toward the same.
Communication between Parents/Teachers/Administration
We understand that communication is the key to a successful relationship between the

parents and school, and are taking steps to improve our communication channels. To
improve its services even more, The TreeHouse Inshaa Allah, will make every reasonable
effort to keep the parents informed by sending monthly memorandums and posting weekly
notices and photos on the TreeHouses private FaceBook group page. Parents are

encouraged and expected to read all school publications/notifications, especially the
memos/notices posted on the group page and/or sent via email and/or handed out to
parents/children in school. Parents are also encouraged to attend all orientations, parent-
child meetings, parent-teachers conferences, and any other meetings announced by the
school.
School Telephone and Messages

All school staff can be reached at the schools office at 03-61515453. However, during
school hours (9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.), only phone calls of an emergency nature from
parents will be transferred to respective teachers to avoid interrupting class lessons.
Instead, messages will be taken for non-emergency calls. Teachers will return phone calls
during their planning time, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call the office to leave a message for
your childs teacher, or get in touch with the respective Lead Teacher(s) after school hours
(kindly refer to teacher contact details on page 15).
Concerns/Suggestions and Communications Procedure

Our goal is to make your child happy and well-adjusted. Thus, we want to be aware of any
problems or concerns that you may have. Most concerns can be resolved by contacting the
right person. We want you to feel comfortable in approaching us to discuss your concerns.
The classroom Lead Teacher(s) is/are usually the first person(s) to contact to resolve an
issue or address a concern. Because teachers are responsible for and in charge of their own
classrooms, concerns or problems within the classroom should be discussed with your
childs teacher first, then discussed with the administration if necessary. If you have a
concern to discuss that will take an extensive amount of time, please make an appointment
with your childs Lead Teacher(s) in advance. Although we do like to talk with you at the
beginning and end of the day, we cannot give concerns the attention they deserve when we
need to attend to children or other duties.
In the event that a parent is not satisfied with+the resolution or is unable to resolve the issue
with the classroom teacher, the parent should then request to meet with or talk to the
Directress and/or Director who are also the Board of Directors. If a phone consultation is not
satisfactory, the Directress and/or Director will schedule a time to meet with the parent to
discuss the concern. The Board of Directors may request written clarification or a face-to-
face meeting with the parties involved prior to making a decision. The decision by the Board
of Directors is final. On the other hand, matters concerning general school rules, policy, or
tuition may be brought to the attention of the administration directly.
Communicating with Two Households

The school must be made aware of any divorce or separation, and/or child custody and
access issues to act in the best interest of the child at all times. If both parents have custody
and access to the child, but are living separately, we then consider both parents important to
the childs school experience and avoid expressing any alliance with either parent over the
other. Thus, we make every effort to provide all centre correspondence to both parents. It is
also necessary for us to refuse to become involved in disagreements the parents may have.
Parents should come to terms of agreement for purposes of instructing the centre as to their
wishes regarding their child.
Parents Code of Conduct

The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy strives to set an example on how to live by
the Islamic/Khalifah values we promote and teach our children. Likewise, parents are
expected to show courtesy and restraint when dealing with the school in accordance with
the protocol above. Parents who act aggressively or rudely to any member of the staff will be
warned. If the parent ignores the warning and continues to act in an aggressive manner, the
Board of Directors, after an evaluation of the issue, may ask the parent(s) to leave the school
and the enrolment of the children may be terminated.

Assessment and Reporting
Childrens progress are currently being monitored internally by such measures as student
daily/weekly work plans, teacher/classroom observation, narrative reports/comments,
and/or anecdotal records that are recorded in an internal database management system.
The new, upgraded 2014 format also includes an internal children assessment meeting
between the respective class Leads and the Directress weekly. Official progress reports
will be compiled and sent via emails, and printed for filing, between 2-3 times during
the academic year, depending on your classroom respective needs (kindly refer to the
tentative dates in the Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner). You will be informed of
any changes. Casual weekly/monthly updates to keep parents abreast with any significant
daily on-goings in their childrens classrooms, along with very clear lines of communications,
will be emailed in the form of memorandums.
Assessment Statement and Early Intervention

In keeping with our belief in the value of early intervention for children with developmental
problems, our lead staff are alert to normal developmental behaviour. They may express
concerns to parents (in a private setting) about children who seem to differ from the norm.
This is our attempt to be of support and help to parents and is considered our professional
responsibility. Staff members, however, are not trained to diagnose special needs. We
instead attempt to point out variance from the norm and recommend further assessment,
appropriate programmes, activities or other helpful information if parents desire (refer
Internal Trial Period and Screening Clause, Page 16).
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) are scheduled twice (2 times) a year i.e.
July/August and November/December (kindly refer to the tentative dates in the
Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner). You+ will be informed of any changes. Although
these are the only scheduled conferences for the school year, parents/guardians are always
welcome to call the school to schedule an individual conference with his/her childs teacher,
and where necessary, with the Directress (kindly refer Concerns/Suggestions and
Communications Procedure). Inshaa Allah, memos reminding parents to sign-up for the
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be sent home two weeks prior to the actual conference
date. Vice versa, the class teachers may also request for a meeting with few parents if there
is anything that requires their urgent attention.
Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner
The annual Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner is updated and usually shared with
parents/guardians at the start of the year. Not only does the yearly calendar/planner inform
parents of the scheduled school events, breaks, etc., so parents can plan theirs, but the
taqwim/calendar also shares with parents all other local and selected International event
dates, which are observed/commemorated by the school. These special events celebrated
worldwide help/inspire teachers to build thematic lessons and/or activities around them, as
well as educating the child about interesting happenings/culture around the world. We
certainly encourage parents to further reinforce these simple cultural learnings at home. In
any case, kindly run through the TTH Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner (current year
2015), and please feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns direct to the Directress
via (this) email or phone.

Holiday Observances and Closed/Open Days
The TreeHouse is closed on all gazetted public holidays and public school holidays unless
otherwise stated (e.g. in the November/December Malaysian school holidays as per our
2015 Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner). There will be no reminder sent for public/school
holidays observed nationwide and statewide.
As an Islamic and private centre, The TreeHouse taqwim/calendar slightly differs from
public, and other private schools. At its sole discretion, there will be several additional
closed days, but less numbers of public school holidays observed i.e. in
November/December. Unless there are emergency closings, the total school days expected
throughout the year 2015 at The TreeHouse is 205-210 days (if inclusive of event school
days on weekend days), and excluding public holidays observed in/by Selangor. The actual
gazetted school days in Selangor, excluding public holidays is 193 days.
The following non-gazetted holiday observances (additional or unique only to TTH)

are commemorated and/or celebrated, with the centre closed to all as noted on the
school taqwim/calendar. Please take note of these dates so that early arrangements
can be made on your end. Kindly also refer to the actual 2015 Taqwim or Yearly
Calendar/Planner for full list of holiday observances (gazetted holidays) to avoid
unnecessary misunderstandings.
1. Friday, January 2, 2015: 2015 Preparation Day/Closed to All

2. Thursday, June 18, 2015: Awal Ramadhan Break/Closed to All
*Final date of First of Ramadhan depends on
sighting of moon
3. Monday, July 13, 2015 Fitri Break/Closed to All
Eidul
to Thursday, July 16, 2015: (Pre-Eidul Fitri closed days are
additional/unique to TTH)
*School resumes for all by Tuesday, July 21
4. Friday, September 25, 2015: Post-Eidul Adha Break/Closed to All
*School resumes for all by Monday, September 28
5. Monday, October 26, 2015: Post-Sports Day/Closed to All
*Tentative Sports Day on Sunday, October 25
6. Wednesday, December 30, 2015 2016 Preparation Day/Closed to All
& Thursday, December 31, 2015: *School tentatively resumes for 2016 by Monday,
January 4, 2016
The following table sums up the observed public school holidays, with The TreeHouse closed
to all school sessioners only (i.e. those not on a full day or care package), as noted on the
school taqwim or calendar. While the national school holidays of Terms I-III are observed as
normal, please take important note of the unconventional school holidays in Term IV (4) i.e.
in November/December highlighted in red. Likewise, kindly refer to the actual 2015
Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner for full list of holiday observances
(gazetted/public and public school holidays) to avoid unnecessary
misunderstandings.

On these observed national school holidays, The TreeHouse, however, will remain
open on minimal strength for full day children only (i.e those on the PlaySchool +
Lunch Club + PlayCare, or Academy + PlayCare package) with casual play activities and
regular care routines. As teachers are highly discouraged from taking a leave of absence
during school terms, school holidays are the only period by which they are allowed to do so
i.e. in rotation. Hence, we appreciate parents support and understanding on this.
TTH PlaySchool & Academy Session School Holidays 2015

Holiday Holiday School
Term
Start Dates End Dates Resume Dates
Saturday Sunday Monday
Term I
14/3/2015 22/3/2015 23/3/2015
Term II
30/5/2015 14/6/2015 15/6/2015
Term III
19/9/2015 27/9/2015 28/9/2015
Term IV (a)
21/11/2015 6/12/2015 7/12/2015
TBD for 2016
Thursday* Calendar
24/12/2015 Sunday Tentative Resume
Term IV (b)
(*beginning with 3/1/2016 Date:
Maulidur Rasul) Monday
4/1/2016
Parent Involvement and Volunteering
Parent involvement in our learning community establishes the family as partners in

education, and is therefore crucial to a/your childs success. Research shows that children do
better in school when their parents participate. At The TreeHouse, and especially in
emulating the Reggio Emilia community ways, parents are a valuable resource to our school
community and are integral to providing a quality education to our children. As such, parent
involvement is highly encouraged, and in some cases, expected.
The TreeHouse practices an open-door policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the school
when questions and concerns arise. Parents are encouraged to make appointments or to
drop-in to observe the centres operation. Children will benefit most from our centre if
parents and staff communicate regularly in both informal conversation and formal meetings.
By working together, we can design a programme that will respond to the individual needs
of the child.
Volunteer work is a highly valued form of parent/guardian participation in schools. Thus, we

greatly encourage you to contribute a small part of your talent and time in contact with the
children/students by volunteering. Being with the children in schools helps families
experience and understand the unique philosophy of the school. There are many
opportunities for parents and family members to volunteer at The TreeHouse to include
helping in classrooms (assisting, tutoring, reading, storytelling, etc.) and other areas of the
school, fundraising and community/potluck events, monitoring snack times and/or lunch,
professional services, and support services such pick-up/transport/driving donations and
after school and play care. Kindly contact the Directress (Aunty Mum) directly if you
wish to volunteer. May Allah SWT Reward your kind contribution, Inshaa Allah.

Financial Policies
Payment of Fees
An annual registration fee and enrolment/membership is required at the start of enrolment

once an offer of place is made. Henceforth, tuition is charged on a monthly basis (from
January or the enrolled month to December), inclusive of school/public holidays, and
is due before/by the 7th day of every month. All fees are payable in full even if a child is
absent and/or on leave. Any reduction/discount in tuition fees is solely at the discretion of
The Management of The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy.
Payment options include cheque, cash, bank-in and/or electronic funds transfer to:
BANK NAME: MAYBANK ISLAMIC BERHAD

ACCOUNT NAME: THE TREEHOUSE SDN BHD
ACCOUNT NO.: 5699 5405 3152
RECIPIENT EMAIL: payment@thetreehouseplayschool.com (For Online Transfers)
The Management of The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy may cancel the
enrolment of any child enrolled if registration fees, tuition/course fees, or other fees have
not been paid by the date(s) specified. The Management of The TreeHouse Islamic
PlaySchool & Academy may in its sole discretion remit or refund part or all of any fees paid,
but does not undertake to do so whether in lieu of notice or otherwise, on account of illness,
quarantine, vacation or any other cause.
Collection System

Alhamdulillah, our revised policies for collection is now in implementation beginning
January 2014, with fee payments accepted only via electronic/online banking, cash
deposits or cheques. This has helped us smoothen our collection process as well as
tremendously minimise discrepancies on accounts. Jazakumullahu khayr parents/guardians
for your commitment.
Acknowledgement of Payment
We have also begun issuing digital official receipts once payments are confirmed to have
been credited into our account. On this note, please be reminded to confirm payments made
to TTH whether via your banks auto notice, email or text message indicating the relevant
payment details (date, amount paid, method, etc). This is imperative as some transfers only
highlight its method of payment (online transfer, cash/cheque deposit, etc.) when viewed
from our account statement making it virtually impossible for us to trace payments unless
we are specifically informed about them. Failure to inform us of payments made will
continue to reflect the amount due in the invoice reminders. Thus, we continue to seek your
cooperation in this regard. Alternatively, if you have made payment with confirmation, and
have not received an official receipt but a reminder invoice stating an overdue amount
instead, kindly inform us accordingly. We apologise in advanced for such oversights.
Likewise, please allow a reasonable period of turnaround time (within 5-10 days) for the
payment acknowledgements to be made. Some months that are critical in the year (e.g.
January and then December) take more time for invoices or receipts to be completed and
emailed, thus your kind patience is advised.

Late Payment Surcharge
The previously published late monthly payment surcharge of RM50 for each late payment
has been revised and is no longer effective. Please be informed that effective February 2014,
accounts with arrears may be subject to a 10% late payment surcharge at the discretion of
the company. To ensure the organisation runs more efficiently, we are putting in such
measures purely to encourage the prompt payment of fees, and more importantly, to avoid
arrears in the childrens accounts. The current discretionary late payment surcharge policy
effective February 2014 is as follows:
First Week Invoice will be emailed.

Second Week First auto-reminder on outstanding amount will be emailed.
End of Second Second auto-reminder on outstanding amount will be emailed. A 10%
Week & penalty may be imposed on outstanding amount, which will be reflected
Thereafter in the following months invoice.
Rest assured that the implementation of a penalty/surcharge system is not meant to incur
additional charges on parents, but primarily as an effective deterrent to ensure our monthly
collection remains sufficient for us to meet our own commitments in order for the school
operation to run smoothly.
Termination of Services/Contract
In the event of a premature termination of services, please advise in writing/email a one-

month notice directly to the Management of any withdrawal from The TreeHouse Islamic
PlaySchool & Academy. Where no notice is given, a fee to the amount of one month of the
tuition fee will be charged, payable to The TreeHouse Sdn Bhd in lieu of notice. In any case,

do allow a maximum timeline of approximately one month for the official withdrawal
procedures (and refunds, if any) to be processed. Please take note that the annual
registration and membership fees (currently amounting RM1XXX) are not refundable
whereas the refundable deposits will be returned upon which the one-month notice is
served and all outstanding payments have been cleared.
Where a normal, full membership year ends, the refundable deposits can be (and often as
per normal practice) used to offset the final months or December fee, with only the
difference in fee balance, if any, to be paid in December. Alternatively, parents may choose to
pay the December fee as normal and opt to carry forward the deposit into the following
years registration payments instead. In the case where there is a remaining deposit in the
account balance at the end of the year, the management would make the necessary refunds
as soon as the years account closing activities are formally completed. Thus, patience is
again kindly advised.

Additional/Extra Charges Policy (revised and effective April 2014)
Staff Working Hours Policy Statement

It is reflective in the past year that we have always been very supportive, helpful and
understanding of parents demanding lifestyles. Nonetheless, it has become imperative to
reiterate such issues on operating hours thus affecting our staffs working hours in order to
maintain a highly productive, efficient, and professional service that the parents have since
been enjoying. As it is, were inclined to firmly remind parents of our official closing times
primarily in order to:
1) Provide reasonable protection to our valuable human resource in accordance to the

Malaysian Employment Act 1955 (refer to PART XII/60A: Hours of Work).
2) Respect our dedicated in-house/care teachers rest or after-work hours after having
worked (albeit with short breaks) with young children for more than 12 hours i.e.
beyond most professional workload and work timings limit.
3) Allow the in-house/care teachers complete freedom to fully utilise their rest or after-
work hours for their personal needs (for outing, grooming and cleaning, sports and
leisure, etc.), thus keeping their morale on an all-time high, such that they are ready to
offer the same high-level commitment, motivation and productivity that the
organisation constantly expects of them in the following days and weeks.
Additional/Extra Charges
On the above statements, please therefore be informed of the following policies on
additional/extra charges. However, do take note that any charges assessed beyond the
maximum opening hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. (refer Item 4 below) is not meant as a
financial gain, rather to put a deterrent measure to encourage parents commitment towards
our overall and mutual objectives. While we aim to act reasonably and offer understanding
in legit emergency situations, we certainly discourage childrens overstays in our true and
development centre.
honest commitment as a holistic child and family
(1) Fixed Hibbah OT:

Regular extended care on minimal strength i.e. between 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the
mornings, and/or 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the evenings, is available beyond the
enrolled time period at a fixed extra charge of RM50 per month per child. This
additional expense goes directly and 100% into the company pool for hibbah or
monetary gift to rightly compensate staff for their extra work beyond the contractual
working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the maximum 45-work week covered under
the Malaysian labour law. Please call the Directress/Director directly for details and/or
to gain this additional service.
(2) Regular Overtime Charges/Within Operating Hours:

A 15-to-30 minute grace period has been given to each programme dismissal. As such,
late pick-up fees of RM5.00/hour will begin at the end of the grace periods. Any waiver
is subject to companys discretion. Kindly refer to General Policies/Arrival and
Departures/Punctuality for the exact time limits for each of the different programmes.
(3) Imposed Hibbah:

Related to items (1) and (2), please be reminded that the last pick-up time limit for
children on the regular 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. is 6:15 p.m.. If parents are consistently
unable to commit to a 6:15 p.m. pick up timing (i.e. 2 or more times in a week or 30-
40% of the time), we highly recommend that they opt for the fixed hibbah OT charge
highlighted above to benefit from the maximum extended hours available of 7:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m.. Alternatively, the company reserves the right to charge the same amount into
the childrens account (to be reflected in the following months invoice) based on the
daily sign-out and/or teachers reports/observations.

(4) Irregular Overtime Charges/Outside of Operating Hours:
The revised post-closing hour late pick-up surcharge is RM20 per hour. Hence, an
exceptionally late pick-up fee of RM10/each half an hour periods (or parts thereof) will
be charged for pick-ups after 7:15 p.m. as all the teachers working hours and the
centres operation hours have officially ended for the day. To illustrate, for example, a
child already on a 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. timing or enrolment package, and picked up at
7:45 p.m. would be charged an additional RM10 into the following months account for
that evenings extra care (i.e. for the first half an hour period of extra care from 7:15-
7:45 p.m.); and say, if picked up at 8:05 p.m. would be charged an additional RM20 (i.e.
RM10 for the first half an hour period of extra care, and then another RM10 for the
second half an hour period or parts thereof).
Additional Clause on Payment

The Management of The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy may cancel the
enrolment of any child if registration fees, tuition/course fees, or other fees have not been
paid by the date(s) specified. The Management of The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool &
Academy may at its sole discretion remit or refund part or all of any fees paid, but does not
undertake to do so whether in lieu of notice or otherwise, on account of illness, quarantine,
vacation or any other cause.

General and/or Classroom Policies
Arrival and Departure
Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance is the greatest single factor in school success. Please notify
the school/office/Directress latest by 9:00 a.m. if your child will not be attending school for
any reason. If you do not call, the school/office will be calling you after a few consecutive
days of uninformed absences. Late arrival will be marked as Tardy on each students
attendance record. In case of extended leave, for example due to an illness, parents must
inform the school in writing or email. The tuition for the period of absence must
continue to be paid in accordance with the Contract of Enrolment upon signing the
Application for Enrolment. Any reduction/discount in tuition fees is solely at the
discretion of The Management of The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy.
Early Entrance
The TreeHouse is officially open between 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. While we strongly
encourage early entrance between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. so children can calmly settle in
prior to the start of the school day, we seek parents agreement that any entrance earlier
than that is a case-to-case consideration, and would be subject to a centre running on very
minimal strength and resource. Live-in teachers, if any, as any other TTH teacher/staff,
officially begin their workday at 8:00 a.m., but have kindly agreed to accept children before
the official opening time on these understandings. Thus, your empathy is greatly
appreciated.
Procedure for Observing Children in the Classroom

You are welcome to visit your childs class, provided that you schedule the visit with the
Lead Teacher(s) in advance. However, please keep in mind that parents irregular visits
+
often disrupt the students/childrens routine. Thus, unless you are regularly volunteering,
we request that you do not spend more than 20-30 minutes in your childs classroom and
remain as discreet as possible while in the classroom. Unless it is a parent-children group
gathering day/event (e.g. First day of orientation, or Muffins with Ummi Day, or Waffles with
Walid Day) only one (1) parent will be allowed at a time into the classroom. Also, very young
children (BB Khalifah) often have a difficult time adjusting to parents coming and going
during the day. They have a difficult time understanding that mummy/ummi or
daddy/walid is coming to visit only, and think that it is time to go home. When they find out
that they are staying at school, it can be very upsetting for the child. In such cases, it is better
to schedule visits around the time the child leaves school, so you can leave together.
Signing-In and -Out

The staff is responsible to sign your child in and out on your behalf. Nonetheless, you may
wish to announce your arrival or remind a TTH staff nearest to you to sign your child in and
out. Its more often than not hectic and a frantic rush for teachers to make ends meet when
working with the many children on limited time, so teachers and parents working to remind
each other is best, Inshaa Allah!
We plan our programmes with the assumption that every child will attend their scheduled
class. If your child is unable to attend school, please notify the school/office at 03-61515453,
so the attendance data/sheet can be updated accordingly.

Punctuality
Kindly strive to be punctual when sending your child as well as picking your child up
at dismissal. We appreciate your promptness, since too early an arrival or late drop-offs
infringe on teachers limited planning time as per the roster, and upset TTHs planned
schedule in the mornings. Since the children are our foremost priority, tardy entrance (i.e.
after 9:15 a.m.) is equally discouraged as it disrupts the school session and teachers who are
occupied with their classroom. Similarly, late pick-ups, especially those beyond the
maximum timings of 7:00-7:15 p.m., violate teachers rest or after-work hours. Thus, please
make serious efforts to observe these standard timings for us to continue running efficiently.
The actual TTH playschool and academy schedule is as follows (reposted):

*BB KHALIFAH
*LIL KHALIFAH
Cut-Off Point
Programme)
PlaySchool Only 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:45 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch Club 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch Club +

8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m.
Extended Hours
++ RM50 Hibbah OT 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
**Early Entrance: 8:00-9:00 a.m. (Not compulsory, but highly encouraged/welcomed).

*JR KHALIFAH
Cut-Off Point
Programme)
Academy Only 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 3:15 p.m.
Academy + Extended Hours 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m.
++ RM50 Hibbah OT 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
**Early Entrance: 8:00-9:00 a.m. (Not compulsory, but encouraged/welcomed).
Please be punctual; otherwise a late additional/extra charge may/will be assessed

(refer page 25-26).

Arrival Procedure
As part of our expectation of parents involvement, all children must be
brought/escorted into the building and into the centres front doors by their
parents/guardians (or at the very least into the entrance hallway for older children if
there is already a teacher assuming responsibility for the child). Younger children (BB
KHALIFAH especially) must be brought into the centre and taken to their classroom (BB
Waldorf-Steiner Playground). Parents must remain with their children until classrooms are
officially open and the respective teachers are ready to receive children.
Most children, especially the younger ones, find comfort in having their parents spend some
time with them in the classroom before leaving for the day. We welcome these visits, but
prefer that they be kept as short as possible. While you are around, remind and encourage
your children to neatly put their shoes away, to sanitise their hands, and then, to put away
their belongings at their respective shelves/hooks. A responsible parent would also make it
a daily habit to thoroughly inspect their childrens hair (for lice), body (for bruises,
extraordinary marks, etc.) and temperature, to ensure that the child is fit to attend school
and/or inform the school/teachers accordingly. Likewise, time permitting i.e. during early
entrance period, the school or respective teachers will follow the same expected procedure
to ensure the same. Any peculiar findings will be noted and observed, but a child considered
unfit for school may have to be collected by parents or sent home.
Departure Procedure
Unless your child is on a private 3rd party or on TTH transport, all children must be
collected from inside the building by their parents/guardians or persons authorised
to pick the child up. As part of our expectation of parents commitment of a shared
responsibility as well as prioritising our in-house children (often on limited resources), we
avoid practicing the culture of sending children downstairs to a waiting
parent/guardian/car. Nonetheless, to help out where we can in exceptional or highly
impractical or emergency situations (e.g. ifa parent/guardian has another young child
(infant/tot) strapped in the car, or if parking or double parking is near impossible, etc.) we
make exceptions to the norm so please liaise with us directly for these specific, irregular,
case to case needs.
Your child will be released only to parents and persons for whom the centre has been
given written authorisation (as per the information given in Application for
Enrolment). Staff unfamiliar with any person picking up a child will stop to check the
childs file, see the persons I.D., call either the parents for verification, before signing the
child out for the day. To avoid any inconvenience, update us in advance in writing or email of
any change in your childs pick-up authorisation. Alternatively, parents may also call the
school and give the name of the person who will be picking up their child and their
relationship to your child, but this must be done in a timely manner. Likewise, the staff
requires proper identification from any unfamiliar person authorised to pick up your child.
At best, please wait outside the classroom or at a distance to allow/encourage your child to
learn to independently collect his/her belongings e.g. backpack, lunch box, bottle, etc., to
offer/wish salam and say goodbye to the teacher(s) and be ready to leave.

Uniforms/Clothing, Personal Belongings, and Care of Self and Personal Hygiene
Policies
Arrival Procedures: Care of Self & Personal Hygiene Policy

Although uniforms are not required, unless otherwise notified, children must arrive in
school bathed and clean, neatly dressed and showing good taste in personal appearance. A
simple act as this goes a long way to enhancing your childs positive self-image and self-
esteem. Where bathing is not possible at home, we have enforced a discretionary and
accommodating support system provided that children arrive before 8:00 a.m. and
reserved only for those enrolled on maximum time sheets of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or
for those who have committed to the RM50 Hibbah OT. Our cut-off time for morning
bathing is strictly 8:15 a.m. to ensure that our early entrance schedule and morning rosters
happen efficiently as planned and do not take a back seat to further accommodate late
comers. Unbathed children in attendance after 8:15 a.m. will regrettably only be face
washed, teeth brushed and diaper changed (where applicable), but have to wait until the
next session for a full bath. This is of course undesirable and highly discouraged thus we
seek parents commitment to this end. Alternatively, on late arrivals, we welcome parents to
use our facility to ready their children themselves as a show of commitment to our home-
school partnership.
Please find the care of self schedule as follows:

*BB KHALIFAH
*LIL KHALIFAH
Care of
Daily
Programme/Package School Hours Self/Shower Time
Frequency
Routine

8:00 a.m. to
PlaySchool Only NO - -
12:15 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch 8:00 a.m. to
YES Once 1:00 p.m.
Club 3:00 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch 8:00 a.m. to
YES Once, as above 1:00 p.m.
Club + Extended Hours 6:00 p.m.
++ RM50 Hibbah OT 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.*
YES Twice*
(Further Extension) 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.
*JR KHALIFAH
Care of
Daily
Programme/Package School Hours Self/Shower Time
Frequency
Routine
8:00 a.m. to
Academy Only NO - -
2:45 p.m.
Academy + Extended 8:00 a.m. to
YES Once 1:30 p.m.
Hours 6:00 p.m.
++ RM50 Hibbah OT 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.*
YES Twice*
(Further Extension) 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
*Morning Care of Self/Shower Time: Strictly between 7:30-8:15 a.m.
*Additional support service applicable to Hibbah OT enrolments only.
*Subject to arrival strictly before 8:15 a.m.

Truly, Allah Loves those who turn unto Him in repentance
and Loves those who purify themselves.
(Quran 2:222)
Other critical notes on hygiene and personal grooming:
Diapered children must arrive in fresh diapers at best, regardless of timing. It goes
without saying that soiled diapers are unhygienic, and therefore, unhealthy for the
childs overall self development. It also violates the Islamic code of hygiene thus we take
this seriously and expect those affected to take urgent action.
Nails must be cut/trimmed/kept short and clean at all times.
A boys hair must be neatly cut and combed with any extreme haircut, i.e. duck tails,
designs, ponytails, carvings, lines, braids, twists, curls, etc. highly discouraged.
A girls hair must be neatly combed, and if long, neatly braided or tied at all times.
Children should be encouraged to dress up modestly, and most preferably, in an
Islamically appropriate manner at all times as part of their early Khalifah training.
Islamic headgears i.e. kopiah/songkok for boys, and scarves/tudung/hijab for girls must
always be readily available, preferably covering their heads, or supplied in their bag at
the very least for daily use.
Dressing for success (e.g. casual smart) should be promoted at all times. Please refrain
from having your child wear any combat or action/hero figure or character apparel to
avoid disrupting the childrens present state of normalisation and concentration.
Dressing for freedom of movement, art activities and play is also vital. For example, we
provide your child with plenty of opportunities to create and explore, or we use lots of
washable paint and other messy art media, thus we strongly recommend comfortable,
easily washable play clothes that can get dirty in the course of activity and active
learning.
General notice: Please exercise sound Muslim parental judgement in the above
guidelines. If youre unsure, kindly contact the Directress if you need help in
determining the appropriateness of any clothing or school supply.
Personal Property
Each child at The TreeHouse will have a cubby/folder box to keep their personal property
and any work on transit. If you havent supplied any, please send at least one wallet-sized
picture of your child to be pasted on his cubby/folder box.
Labeling of All Items

Be certain that all items (clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes, bottles, pillow, blanket, towels,
etc.) are well labeled with your childs name in permanent marker or any other permanent
labeling. The school is not responsible for any lost, broken/damaged or stolen items. Found
items will be returned to the child when a name is present. Items with illegible names or no
name will be placed in the Lost and Found basket (often) placed near the front entrance
(for parents to check daily/weekly), but disposed of or donated to a charitable cause at the
end of each quarter at the schools discretion. Please check with the staff if you are not sure
of the location of the Lost and Found basket.

Personal/Care Supplies/Items Needed at School
The following list applies to the respective programmes:
Programme Daily Supply List in Childs Backpack

Hand sanitiser.
Antibacterial wipes.
Towel
PlaySchool Only: Small hand/body towel or napkin.
*Others: Medium sized body towel.
Change of clothes
PlaySchool Only: 1-2 pairs.
*Others: 2-4 pairs (including undergarments where applicable).
BB KHALIFAH & Diapers
LIL KHALIFAH PlaySchool Only: 2-3 diapers.
*Others @ PlaySchool *Others: 4-5 diapers, and 6-8 diapers respectively depending on
+ Lunch Club AND/OR the length of stay in school.
PlaySchool + Lunch Easy zip storage bag/laundry bag/plastic bag (for soiled clothing).
Club + PlayCare Toiletries: Body/hair shampoo, preferably head-to-toes;
(Extended Hours)
toothpaste and toothbrush; comb/hairbrush (please!)
Milk bottle and formula/milk in a milk dispenser, if still on milk.
Water bottle (we encourage children to drink a lot of water!
A scarf/tudung/hijab for girls is desirable but not compulsory.
A set of prayer clothes/telekung for LIL KHALIFAH girls.
Pillow and blanket
PlaySchool Only: Not Applicable.
*Others: 1 set for napping/quiet time.
*New 2015 supply request: Yoga mat

Hand sanitiser.
Towel
Academy Only: Small hand towel.
*Others: Medium sized body towel.
Change of clothes
Academy Only: 1 pair (just in case!)
*Others: 2-3 pairs (including undergarments).
JR KHALIFAH Easy zip storage bag/laundry bag/plastic bag (for soiled clothing).
*Others @ Academy + Toiletries: Body/hair shampoo, preferably head-to-toes;
PlayCare (Extended toothpaste and toothbrush; comb/hairbrush (please!)
Hours) Water bottle (we encourage children to drink a lot of water!
A scarf/tudung/hijab for girls and a kopiah/songkok for boys.
A set of prayer clothes/telekung for JR KHALIFAH girls.
A small/child prayer mat (optional).
Pillow and blanket
Academy Only: Not Applicable.
*Others: 1 set for napping/quiet time.
*New 2015 supply request: Yoga mat
Additional Notes:
Soiled clothing will be sent home and changed with another set the next day.
Pillows and blankets (if any) are to be collected by parents/guardians on Fridays/end of
the week to be laundered, and returned to the centre on Monday/start of the week.
Some supplies will need to be replenished during the school year.
Individual teachers may also request additional supplies as and when required.

Diapering and Toilet Training
Parents must supply their childrens diapers. Estimate a full days supply at a minimum of
eight diapers. All diapers must be labelled and supplied in their cubbies/folder box or in
their daily bag at all times. If your child is in the process of toilet training, at least two-three
(2-3) pairs of underwear and pants/clothes will need to be put in their daily bag. The
centres approach toward toilet training is one of positive reinforcement and
encouragement, but it has to first begin from home and extended to the school, not vice
versa.
Extra Clothing
All children will need extra sets of clothing (including extra underwear) in the event of a
major spill, wet weather or accidents, i.e. an extra (1-2) set for older children, and several (3-
4) sets for younger children). We ask that you label each item. If you will be taking your child
from the playschool to an appointment for which you would like your child to be mess or
stain free, we suggest that you bring another clean set of clothing with you (just in case) so
you can change your child before you leave the school. While we greatly support their self-
help skills by taking them to the sink, so they can wash their hands and face to stay clean.
Yet, be prepared, they probably will not look as sparkling clean as they did when you left
them in the morning! Usually, being messy means that your child has learned something
new, worked with a friend, solved a problem, created a work of art or just had a great time!
Personal Belongings and Toys

The TreeHouse provides carefully chosen learning toys, tools, and developmental
materials/equipment. All children share the materials at the school as part of the learning
experience. With this in mind, we ask that you leave your childs toys and special
belongings at home for the following reasons:
They may create tension or feelings of jealousy.

They may hurt or injure other children.
They may end up lost or broken.
They may get mixed up with the school toys.
Children have more fun and participate more actively when they are not concerned about
having personal belongings lost or destroyed by others. However, we do encourage your
child (if he/she is on extended care) to bring in a stuffed toy or blanket for rest time if they
would like that. Please label all items. The TreeHouse is not responsible for lost,
broken/damaged or stolen items. It is the parents shared responsibility to collect the
pillows and blankets (if any) on Fridays or at the end of the week to be laundered, and
returned to the centre on Monday or at the start of the week.

Nap/Quiet Time
A nap cot is provided by the centre for young childrens napping needs and for older children
who are on extended hours. Depending on their individual needs and enrolment
programme, your child will be given the opportunity to nap/rest every day. The childrens
official nap/quiet time schedule is as follows:
Programme/Package Nap/Quiet Time

BB KHALIFAH on
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch Club
BB KHALIFAH on 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch Club *and other times (earlier or later)
+ Evening PlayCare depending on individual needs
LIL KHALIFAH on 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

*if child doesnt show signs of tiredness, he/she
PlaySchool + Lunch Club would participate in congregational Solat Zohor
LIL KHALIFAH on 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PlaySchool + Lunch Club *unless child shows signs of tiredness,
+ Evening PlayCare and opts to rest earlier (as above timing)
JR KHALIFAH on
Academy + Evening 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PlayCare
Health/Medical & Safety Policy
The health and safety of your child is one of our foremost concerns at The TreeHouse. It is a
+
responsibility, which we take seriously on a daily basis. We have established several policies
to ensure that your childs health and safety is protected while entrusted in our care.
Communicable Illness
The TreeHouse aims to be a well child facility. This means that if your child is not feeling
well, you will need to find alternate care. As a general rule, if your child is too sick to go
outside and/or play, then your child is too sick to attend school. If your child has a common
cold (slight cough, sneezing, or clear runny nose), your child may attend school. However if
your child reaches a point where he/she required constant attention, will not play, cries
continuously, whines and wants to be held constantly, then you child will need to stay home.
Please notify us of illness or planned absences resulting from poor health, as the teachers
often become concerned when a child is absent.
Our policy requires that there be a daily observation of each child on arrival at school i.e. a
quick daily hygiene and health check (nails, hair, body and temperature). Any peculiar
findings will be noted and observed, but a child considered unfit for school will be separated
from other children until the parent/guardian can pick the child up. To avoid any
inconvenience and in order to maintain a healthy environment, we ask that you not bring
your child to school if they are showing signs of illness.
Control of communicable illness among children is a prime concern. Policies and guidelines
related to outbreaks of communicable illness have been developed with the help of the
health departments and local pediatricians. In case of an infectious disease (such as
Hepatitis, Chicken pox, Measles, etc.), we ask that you seek your physicians advice and notify
us of the disease immediately. By law, the school is required to notify all parents of any
communicable diseases on premises.

In order to protect the entire group of children, we ask that parents assist us by
keeping sick children at home if they have experienced any of the following symptoms
within the past 24 hours. Likewise, you will be contacted immediately and requested
to pick your child up if he/she becomes ill or comes down with a communicable
disease during school/centre hours, i.e. by showing any of these symptoms:
A fever over 100 F (37.8 C) orally or 99 F (37.2 C) under the arm or 100.4 F (38 C)
through rectal or the ear.
Sore throat with fever or spots.
Signs of a newly developing cold or severe coughing.
Excessive signs of cold or sneezing, accompanied by nasal secretion that is yellow or
green, and/or a fever.
Excessive coughing, accompanied by fever and/or chills, and/or the coughing up of
green or yellow mucous, and/or nausea, and/or vomiting.
Diarrhea (after two loose motions), vomiting (after two incidents) or an upset stomach
(constant complain and requiring bed-rest.
Unusual or unexplained loss of appetite, fatigue, lethargic behaviour, irritability or
headache.
Any unusual rash or skin lesion that blisters (unless the child brings a note from a doctor
stating that it is not contagious).
Discharge from ears.
Discharge from eyes @ Conjunctivitis (inflammation, drainage, itching and redness of
eye). Children with conjunctivitis should be seen by a doctor and must stay home for at
least the first 24 to 48 hours.
Additional Health Policies:
A child with chicken pox must stay home 7-10

days from the day the child breaks out or
until all lesions are dry.
A child with Impetigo (a sore usually around mouth and nose area) can attend school
only with the permission of a doctor.
A student with head lice must stay home until all nits (eggs) are removed. Parents
should notify the school if their child is infected and take steps to treat it immediately
(refer Health Memo: Head Lice for details).
Therefore, please have a back-up plan on days you are unavailable to come for your
child should you be called to do so. When a child is sick at school, we will call the mother
first (or person listed first on the enrolment form); if she cannot be reached, we will then call
the father (or person listed secondly). If we cannot reach either parent, we will call the first
person on the emergency list and so on.
A child may return to the school after illness when:
The child has not had a fever (without the use of medication) for 24 hours.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea has subsided for 24 hours.
At least 4 doses of antibiotic have been administered over a 24-hour period for any type
of bacterial infection (child requiring prescription medication will need to be kept at
home for a period of at least 24 hours until no longer contagious, unless accompanied by
a signed note from the childs physician). Note: If the child begins to show symptoms
such as fever, excessive tiredness, etc. upon returning, then the child will need to be
picked-up immediately.
Child is feeling well again and normal behaviour has resumed.
Doctors permission note to return to school is provided.

We appreciate your cooperation with this policy. If you have any questions about
whether or not your child should attend school, please call the Directress directly
before bringing your child.
Medication
Please dispense all medication at home whenever possible. For times when this is not
possible, bring the medication directly to any of the staff (preferably the respective Lead
Teacher(s) of your childs class, or where unavailable, the Assistant Teacher). Please do not
put the medication in your childs backpack or lunch box. Beginning April 2013,
prescription or over the counter medication (taken orally) will be dispensed only
upon parents clear/written/signed instruction, and is treated on a day-to-day basis.
Parents/guardians are required to fill up the Authorisation for Dispensing
Medication slip/form available from the school/office (Effective January 2015)
detailing:
Childs full name

Name of the medication
Dosage
Time/conditions for administration
All prescription medication must be in the original container bearing the name of the
medicine, date filled, pharmacy label and number, physicians/clinics name, childs name,
and directions for dosage. For precautionary measures, the school houses all medication in a
secure place, on a high shelf for First Aid related items, well out of reach of children.
Through the Authorisation for Dispensing Medication slip/form, we also maintain records
of the name of the staff who administered the medication and checks/ticks to confirm the
actual administration. It is the parents shared responsibility to collect the medicine at
the end of school/centre day from its safe/high storage.

Medical Conditions
Parents need to keep a current record of any special food allergies or medical conditions
your child has and update the information on file in school accordingly. This will assist us in
being better prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. It is also important to note
that while we strive to collectively observe every child and take note of any irregularities (in
diet and food intake) as and when they newly occur, at times i.e. without a full knowledge of
the childs allergy history or tendencies unlike the parents, this may be overlooked by the
staff. As such, it is the parents shared responsibility to observe any new and/or
immediate changes in the childs daily diet or food intake, and inform the
school/teachers so the allergy record can be updated accordingly.
Emergency Procedures
Parents need to sign an Emergency Authorisation clause/declaration in the
Application for Enrolment form. Under this clause, parents/guardians will be contacted
immediately in the event of an accident and/or emergency. We will call the mother first (or
person listed first on the enrolment form); if she cannot be reached, we will then call the
father (or person listed secondly). If we cannot reach either parent, we will call the first
person on the emergency list and so on. If all listed contact people cannot be reached, we will
call the physician specified by you on your Application for Enrolment form. In case of a
serious emergency, Nauzubillah, the closest hospital or medical centre will be used via an
ambulance service.

Accident and Injury Reporting
In designing our facility, we have attempted to prevent accidents and injuries by taking
measures such as providing protective play surfaces, equipping our classrooms with
equipment that is age appropriate for your child, and using child-proofing materials such as
outlet safety-covers.
We ensure that lead staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR. In the event that an
accident does occur, we have established the following accident and injury procedures:
1. The child will be administered first aid. At this time, it will be determined if the injury is
serious enough to warrant further medical attention.
2. If the injury is serious enough to require medical attention, you will be notified
immediately by telephone.
3. If the injury is not of a serious nature, the staff attending to your child has the option to
notify you briefly of the accident by telephone, and/or explain to you the details of the
accident when you come to pick up your child at the end of the day. The latter option is
often more favourable as we dont want to unnecessarily interrupt your workday to
report a minor injury.
4. An accident report is completed by the staff member who witnessed the accident
following each incident, for office/staff use only.
5. You will also be informed at the end of the day when you pick up your child if your child
has been injured as a result of a bite. Although you will be informed of the circumstances
surrounding the incident, the biting incident report is for office/staff use only.
6. In the event that a parent witnesses an injury to a child (his/her child), the parent
should refrain from confronting the other child. The parent should talk to the Lead
Teacher(s) and not directly confront the child. This will allow the regular discipline
policies to be implemented. If confronted by a stranger/parent, the child can get scared
unnecessarily.
7. Regardless of the type of injury (scratch,bite,
etc.) it is The TreeHouse revised policy to
reveal the name of the child who hurt another child to the parents of the child who has
been hurt, only if it is really necessary. If your child has hurt another child or has been
hurt by another child, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the incident
and all circumstances surrounding the incident without necessarily disclosing names.
We have revised/adopted this policy to protect the privacy of parents and children,
avoid conflicts between parents, avoid retaliation from parents to the child who has
injured another, and avoid having a child labeled by other parents as a bully. Please do
not put teachers in an awkward situation by asking them to reveal this information. As
per school policy, teachers are not allowed to disclose names. However, the decision to
do so is at the sole discretion of the Directress.
Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect

It is our intent to build a partnership with parents to help them provide the most suitable
environment possible for children. It is important, also, for parents to be aware that the law
requires that any and all incidents of suspected child abuse or neglect be reported to the
appropriate agency. It is the responsibility of this agency to investigate each reported case.

Meals and Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential. A full-service kitchenette operates on the premise and provides
A.M. snack, hot lunch and P.M. snack. Eating breakfast is important for everyone, but is
especially so for children. To kick start their day with the right energy level (and
stomach!), your children need to arrive in school having first taken breakfast at home
since the first meal served in school is a mid-morning snack. Nonetheless, our varied
menu is 80% homemade, highly nutritious, and served family style. Meals are included in
tuition fees, depending on programmes:
THE TREEHOUSE PLAYSCHOOL & ACADEMY

Programme/Package Arrival Pick-Up Time Meals Included
PlaySchool Only 9:00 a.m. 12:15 p.m. A.M. Snack
A.M. Snack
PlaySchool + Lunch Club 9:00 a.m. 2:45 p.m.
Lunch
A.M. Snack
PlaySchool + Lunch Club
9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Lunch
+ Evening PlayCare
P.M. Snack
A.M. Snack
Academy Only 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
Lunch
A.M. Snack
Academy + Evening
9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Lunch
PlayCare
P.M. Snack
Monthly menus are posted on the kitchen bulletin board, and on The TreeHouse private FB
group page or submitted to parents. In striving for the Waldorf rhythm, we follow by a
predictable menu theme, but the actual dishes
of
the week/month greatly vary:
THE TREEHOUSE PLAYSCHOOL & ACADEMY

Day of the Week A.M. Snack Main Lunch P.M. Snack
Monday Baked Muffins Meaty Monday Savoury Buns
Tuesday Hot Soup/Porridge Noodly Tuesday Cakeys/Cuppies

Grilled
Wednesday Chicky Wednesday Steamed Goodies
Sandwiches/Pastries
Homemade Savoury Rice
Thursday Fried Bites
Cookies/Biscuits Thursday
Cereals with Raisins & Spread/Bready
Friday Fishy Friday
Fruit Salad Snacks
*Biscuits, bread & jams, extra snacks are readily available at the child pantry/counter as additional snacks
Children with food allergies need to be supplied with their own food from home, or they will
be given the alternative dish on the days menu. If you wish to send food from home, ensure
that it is halal, nutritious, and in serving sizes that are age appropriate. Drinking bottles from
home should contain only plain water, or a 100 % juice (never carbonated drinks, please!)
We also encourage parents of children who are fussy/picky eaters to have lunch with their
children after making prior arrangements with the school/teacher.
We utilise mealtime as a means to instill in children, at an early age, the long-term benefits
and the joy of healthy eating habits including eating as a family. Children learn to set the
table for themselves and/or their friends, and serve their friends as part of community work.
We encourage the children to eat the healthy part of their lunch first, but we cannot force a

child to eat. Before-eating dua is recited before each meal/snack, and then the after-eating
dua before they leave the table and clean up together.
Childrens Birthdays and School Birthday Walk Events

In an effort to promote moderation and avoid displays of extravagance following the Islamic
teachings, excessive individual birthday parties for students are not celebrated at the school.
However, parents may provide cupcakes or cake(s) and/or some simple snacks for students
in their childs class, to be enjoyed during their regularly scheduled snack or lunch times,
provided that they have coordinated with their childs class teacher(s) in advance. In briefly
commemorating the childs birthday, we usually sing a regular birthday song, extended with
the sayings May Allah Bless you in the same birthday tune. As the child cuts the cake, we
will usually recite the salawat, and then get all his/her friends to wish Sanah Helwah or
Happy Birthday to the birthday child. The rest of the snack/lunch procedure remains as
normal.
For now, we have scheduled any casual birthday celebrations on Wednesdays (Chicky
Wednesday lunch) only. If parents wish to donate lunch on that day, please inform the
Directress directly so as to avoid any food wastage. Food brought into the school must be
100% halal, so be sure to check the ingredients used by and the halal certificates of specific
bakers/caterers before purchasing and sharing with others. We also ask that no sweets,
candies, gum, carbonated drinks, and/or other edibles be brought in as gift packs or snacks.
Every four months, however, we traditionally celebrate each childs birthday by

observing the Montessori Birthday Walk. At the end of April, we will celebrate those
born between the months of January and April. At the end of August, for children born
between May and August. And, last but never least, for children born between
September and December towards the end of December. On these days (kindly refer to
the 2015 Taqwim or Yearly Calendar/Planner), cultural lessons (e.g. related to birthdays,
over the regularly scheduled lessons, and
families, timelines, etc.) will take an upperhand
there will be a potluck party for the children to enjoy together. So mark your calendars
and dont forget your assignment as detailed below!
In Montessori education, the birthday children will walk around the sun (i.e. the months in
a year) to mark every year the child has grown. And, for each year, a short story/discussion
about the respective child will take place in the group. Apart from a social activity, this
serves as a good lesson for culture, timeline, history and language combined. As such,
parents (of children who are being celebrated in the respective event) will need to prepare a
Birthday Walk Microsoft Office PowerPoint (.ppt) poster to briefly present each year that
the child has progressed (Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, etc). These will contain the childs personal
backgrounds and milestones/achievements, likes/dislikes and/or anything interesting to be
shared throughout the childs development. Also be sure to include relevant photographs so
that the yearly progress is visual to the children during the discussion. Alternatively, you
may prepare the same poster with huge captions beneath relevant pictures in a Microsoft
Office Word format (.docx). All posters will be displayed on the projector screen and
discussed together during the birthday walk activity. Inshaa Allah, memos reminding
parents affected to prepare the birthday walk posters and asking for kind potluck
contributions for the event will be sent home two weeks prior to the actual TTH Montessori
Birthday Walk date.
Parent Donations
We welcome donations of almost any kind, but fruits, raisins, yogurts and healthy tits bits
are very much anticipated as they go straight to the childrens independent pantry for daily
consumption. There is also a list of school/class wishlist from time to time, which will be
made known to parents as and when necessary via The TreeHouses private FaceBook group
page and/or memos/notices emailed or sent home.

Field Trips
The TreeHouse acknowledges that field trips are an integral part of any high-quality
preschool experience. They enhance the learning experience by offering opportunities not
available in the classroom. Parents/guardians will be well informed prior to any off-campus
field trips planned. A childs participation in a field trip is only valid when the required
permission slip or release form has been completed, signed and returned to the
school/teacher by the respective parent, and all required fees (if applicable) have been paid
by the deadline date. In some situations i.e. depending on the childrens age, ability or
disciplinary concerns, the school may request or require the presence of a parent on the field
trip in order for their child to be allowed to participate in the trip.
Behaviour, Guidance and Discipline
Discipline is a cornerstone of the Islamic way of life. As best we can, we remind children
often that a good Muslim or Khalifah of Allah is expected to be well-disciplined/-behaved at
all times, in order to gain Allahs pleasure and the key to enter Jannah, Inshaa Allah. During
early childhood, however, children are only beginning to develop skills that help them take
charge of their lives. While we must consistently enforce reasonable behavioural limitations,
our lead staff is trained to respond to inappropriate behaviour with insight, sensitivity, and
skill in the spirit of tarbiyyah. Only when children clearly understand their limitations, can
they learn to make behaviour modifications, and become responsible for their actions. The
TreeHouse upholds the following principles in a manner appropriate to the childs age,
developmental level, and maturity:
Children need limits, which are constantly enforced.

When a child exhibits inappropriate behaviors, a positive approach to redirecting the
child is most effective.
Children need opportunities to learn responsibility and fully understand the
consequences of their actions.
Children need opportunities, which allow them to make appropriate choices.
Placing blame or shame on children is detrimental to their psychological well being.
Each child is a precious and important individual who deserves to feel good about
himself/herself.
The purpose of enforcing discipline via the Montessori and Khalifah Method is to help
children become successful individuals in their daily life, in their family life and as members
of the society at large. In summary, we use several disciplinary techniques which help
children to internalise rules and become self-directed in their behaviour. These include
giving choices, problem solving, natural and logical consequences, redirecting, and ignoring
and cooling off periods. Our first choice will always be spending time on redirecting, and
our last resort (often for more challenging situations/children) is ignoring the negative
behaviour and giving children cooling off periods. While teachers accept the responsibility
to teach their students/children social as well as academic skills in school, students are
guided to accept responsibility to strive to discipline themselves, and parents/guardians are
expected to assist the school by training and disciplining their children at home. In any case,
parents will be notified via the daily/weekly planner and/or telephone calls if there
are persistent disciplinary issues with their child.

The Khalifah of Allah Honour Code
The Three Responsibilities of Khalifah of Allah are:

1. To make myself good.
2. To help others become good.
3. To make the world clean and beautiful!
(So it is pleasing to Allah!)
Basic Ground Rules in School (as age appropriate)
1. Students/Children will speak respectfully with their inside voices for all school/centre
activities.
2. Students/Children will walk with their walking feet, and not run anywhere inside
school.
3. Students/Children will pay attention and listen attentively to directions or storytelling,
etc. with their listening ears, watching eyes and zipped lips/mouths (unless asked for
input or during an open discussion or conversation).
4. Students/Children will line up quietly and quickly when asked to walk on the line.
5. Students/Children will not jump queues.
6. Students/Children will not disrupt the work of the teacher or the learning of other
students.
7. Students/Children will respect all school property and will not break, damage, or deface
school property including the building and grounds, materials and furnishings.
8. Students/Children will respect the personal property of other students and school
teachers.
9. Students/Children will clean after their own mess.
10. Students/Children will respect the rights of their fellow schoolmates without fighting,
teasing, or name-calling.
11. Students/Children will not indulge in any grabbing, wrestling, tackling and holding.
12. Students/Children will use no sticks, stones, or other material that may cause injury.
13. Students/Children will use language that is free from vulgarity and profanity.
14. Students/Children will be honest in their words and deeds.
15. Students/Children will be guided to conduct themselves with modesty with each other,
and especially with those of the opposite gender.
16. During a fire drill or an evacuation of the building, students will form a single-line and
file out of the building following the designated classroom exit route.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this handbook. Please keep it handy throughout the school year, as it
will prove useful on a regular basis. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to
consult the Directress/Director directly. May your family receive Allahs Blessings always,
and May Allah Guide us in our goals and sincere efforts, BarakAllahu feekum.
DISCLAIMER
The contents of this handbook are not contractual,
and do not give rise to a claim of breach of contract against the school.
Further, the contents of this handbook apply to all students of the school,
as the contents now appear in the handbook or may be amended in the future.
The school reserves the right to amend this document at any time.

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The TreeHouse (TTH)

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 2

Dearest TTH Parents:

Welcome to The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy family and

We are indeed committed to play (Imaginative, Systematic & Artistic combined)

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 3

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 4

Jazakumullahu Khayran Kathira.

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 5

Developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf Education is based on a profound

Firstly, the teacher engages in domestic (household), practical and artistic

Sequencing, sensory integration, hand-eye coordination tracking, appreciating

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 6

Montessorians have great faith in children. Each child is treated as a unique,

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 7

Loris Malaguzzi was the inspiration behind the educational experiences in

The child as protagonist, collaborator, and communicator.

International recognition of the Reggio preschools exploded in 1991, when a

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 8

Programme Purpose and Description

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 9

1. To educate the whole child, spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially and

Classrooms/Areas @ The TreeHouse Islamic PlaySchool & Academy

2. Reception Counter & Storefront

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 10

4. Care-of-Self Corner (COSC)

5. Main Sink & Milk Prep Table

6. Adult Pantry cum Kitchenette

9. Reggio Emilia Mini Atelier

10. JR Plaza & Piazza

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 11

12. The Blue Mosque

13. Iqra Library

14. BB Waldorf-Steiner Playground

15. Toddler Montessori Square

Staff and Organisational Structure

The administrative staff at The TreeHouse is comprised of a full-time

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 12

2015 Class Structure and Teacher Contacts

The existing class structure is as follows:

(1) 1 group of JR KHALIFAHs: Kindergarten 2/K2 @ 6 years ~

(2) 1 group of JR KHALIFAHs: Kindergarten 1/K1 @ 5 years ~

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 13

(4) 1 group of BB KHALIFAHs: PlayGroup 2/PG2 @ 3 years ~

(5) 1 group of BB KHALIFAHs: PlayGroup 1/PG1 @ 2 years ~

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 14

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 15

Enrolment and Acceptance into the Programme

Internal Trial Period and Screening Clause

Admission and Placement Policy

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 16

Operating Hours and Closing Time

BB & LIL KHALIFAH PLAYSCHOOL HOURS:

JR KHALIFAH ACADEMY HOURS:

*Early Entrance/Activities 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

The full schedule for TTH hours of operation is as follows:

THE TREEHOUSE PLAYSCHOOL

PlaySchool + Lunch Club +

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 17

Adjustment and Normalisation Period

This process of developing concentration and independence culminates in an explosion of

Communication between Parents/Teachers/Administration

We understand that communication is the key to a successful relationship between the

TTH Parent Handbook 2015/1436H Page 18