If a child lives with criticism
He learns to condemn
If a child lives with hostility
He learns to fight
If a child lives with ridicule
He learns to be shy
If a child lives with shame
He learns to feel guilty
If a child lives with tolerance
He learns to be patient
If a child lives with encouragement
He learns confidence
If a child lives with praise
He learns to appreciate
If a child lives with fairness
He learns justice
If a child lives with security
He learns to have faith
If a child lives with approval
He learns to like himself
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
He learns to find love in the world
By: Dorothy Law Nolte

Founded in 1977, Al Bayan Bilingual School is a non-profit Arabic-English university preparatory educational institution, which fosters an environment for students to develop the intellectual qualities, ethical values, and positive attitudes required for effective participation and leadership in the overall development of Kuwait and the rapidly changing world.

The school is accredited by three institutions. Accreditation status is only granted to a school after a very vigorous process of self-examination, inspection from accrediting agencies and implementation of recommendations from review committees. These committees are normally composed of eminent educators from Europe and the United States or the Arab countries. BBS is accredited by:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges [USA]
• The Council of International Schools [UK]
• Kuwait Ministry of Education

BBS is also a member of the National Honors Society, USA, which gives recognition to students with high academic records, good character, leadership skills, and commitment to their community.

The faculty of The BBS Nursery would like to warmly welcome you and your children to our department. We hope that the following handbook will help you understand our policies.

It is very important that home and school work closely together for the benefit of your children so they may achieve the maximum growth possible. It is hoped that when you have read this handbook you will keep it close to hand and refer to it if you wish to understand an issue. The handbook cannot contain every procedure but hopefully it will help you understand the major day to day procedures about the Nursery.

We thank you for choosing our Nursery for your child’s first school experience. For the child's benefit and for his/her quick adjustment we would like you to:

1. Prepare your son or daughter for the Nursery. Help them to understand that they will spend a period of time away from you and that they are safe with teachers and friends.
2. Stay with the child for only a short time on the first day. On the second day, please leave the child with the teacher on duty at the door. Nursery staffs have a great deal of experience in helping to make the transition from home to school as happy an experience as possible.

The Nursery is a child’s first introduction to a formal and structured environment. For some children, this is the first time being separated from their parents. The Nursery staff does everything to make this separation a pleasant experience both for the child and the parents. The year spent in Nursery provides the first experiences to school routines and classroom rules. It is also the beginning of the bilingual model at BBS. The Nursery program introduces both Arabic and English curricula as well as science, math, Islamic studies, art, music and PE. There is a teacher and a full time teacher aide for each class. Each teacher makes the program a positive, rewarding and educational experience for the child. Themes are introduced to children to teach them about the world around them and to develop vocabulary in both languages. Classwork involves activities that help to develop eye and hand coordination and to develop fine motor skills.

Nursery begins at 7:30 A.M. and ends at 12:35 P.M. Please be prompt in bringing and collecting your child. There is no supervision for children until 7:15AM. Any child brought earlier than 7:15AM will be unsupervised, and the school will not be responsible for any child before this time. Your child’s advisor and the Head of Nursery will also monitor tardiness. If you anticipate being late in picking up your child, kindly inform us.


For your child's safety please note the following:

• In the morning the child should be handed to the duty teacher inside the Nursery building.
• No child is allowed to leave the nursery with a person unknown to the teacher unless he/she has a slip of paper from the parent who has already notified the school.
• Attending promptly to school is in the child's best interest because he/she sometimes needs to settle down, feels secure before starting the daily routine.
• No parents are allowed to enter Nursery classes while lessons are in session.

Newsletters are sent to parents to inform them about what their child is learning in school during each month. The newsletter states the topic and concept or skills that are taught. Parents are encouraged to read the newsletter and use it to reinforce the skills taught at school. It is important that parents and staff work together to help make this year a successful one for your child. The newsletter is an informative handout that needs to be placed in a safe place for reference.

In order for the Nursery to run smoothly the following points must be kept in mind:

Regular Bedtime Children at the Nursery age (3 years) require more sleep than adults. Each child is an individual so the amount of sleep needed will be different for each child. The easiest way to determine the amount of sleep your child requires is to observe him/her on a non-school day. Note the time he/she is put to bed and allow him/her to wake up on his/her own the next morning. Note how many hours he/she slept. This will more than likely be between 9-12 hours. This is the amount of sleep your child needs. Please put him/her to bed so that he/she will receive this number of hours before the time he/she must get up for school. Mornings and the adjustment to school will be much easier if he/she gets a good night's sleep.
Fever If your child has a fever please do not send him/her to school. He/she should be at least 24 hours without a fever (and no medication that reduces fevers i.e. Panadol) before coming to school. A fever is one of the body's defense mechanisms for fighting illness. During this time children should rest in order to help their body fight any infection. Furthermore, when children are running a fever they are more than likely to be contagious and will infect other children as well.
Runny Nose A runny nose can signal several things. If the discharge is clear it is more than likely due to allergies or irritation and the child can attend school. If the discharge is yellow or green then there is an infection. Please keep your child at home during this time so that he/she might better fight the infection without passing it to other children.
Red Eyes If your child has red eyes and a discharge please take him/her to a doctor to ensure that the eye infection is not contagious. Ask the doctor to write a note stating that. If he tells you that the infection is contagious then, please, keep your child at home for at least 48 hours and follow the doctor's instructions regarding hygiene and medications. A doctor’s note which states that the infection is not contagious anymore, should be presented on the day of returning to school.
Infectious Diseases (i.e.Chicken Pox) If your child has chicken pox, measles, German measles, mumps or any infectious disease, please notify the school as soon as possible. After having chicken pox, the child must bring a note from the doctor stating that he/she is no longer contagious before re-entering school.

We often hear parents comment that the sick child wanted to come to school. Although we, in the Nursery, are happy to know that the child likes school we must remember that he/she does not always know what is best for himself/herself. Parents must be firm and keep the child at home until he/she is well enough to return to school.
Nutrition We emphasize proper nutrition in the Nursery and encourage parents to pack a lunch free of "junk food".
Note: There are occasions (birthdays, Eid, etc.) when sweets will be given to everyone.

Suggestions	Not Allowed
Fresh fruits and vegetables	Chips, crisps, etc.
(already cut for easy eating)	Cakes, cookies
Juices, Milk	Soda pop (fizzy drinks)
Cheese pieces	Candy, chocolate, gum
Sandwiches (not chocolate)
Low sugar cereals in a bag
(corn flakes, bran flakes, etc.)
Zaatar, Labneh, Yogurt
Boiled eggs

For the child's safety and benefit please note the following:

1. We advise against sending your child to school wearing jewelry, expensive watches or toys as they may get broken or lost and can cause injuries on the playground.
2. It is very important that we have at least one complete change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) for your child. Sometimes juice or water is spilled, and the child has nothing else to wear. When dirty clothes are sent home please replace them the next day. We ask you to return any clothes belonging to the school as soon as possible. We must have the child's name on winter clothes, lunch boxes or extra clothes. Please check the Lost and Found basket in the reception area for any items your child might have left behind at school.
3. We do not have a uniform for Nursery children, but due to the type of activities we will be doing (paint, glue, water, clay) it is preferable that you send your child in clothes/shoes that are appropriate (i.e. play clothes, tennis or rubber shoes with velcro fastening are strongly recommended), to allow the child full freedom to express himself/herself and to encourage his/her independence.
4. Celebrations of birthdays are part of our education but they are only a small part of our class routine, and are celebrated after lunchtime. You may bring a cake, and it should be brought to school before 10:30AM. You also need to supply the teacher with plates, forks and napkins. Please notify the teacher one-week in advance in order to be able to organize it. Please do not get any presents to the student.
5. In case of emergency, parents, drivers/nannies and relatives can pick up the children. They have to sign a form with their names phone number and addresses.
6. In case of a school event for either Nursery, KG or Elementary, parents are requested not to take their child from the classroom, in order to see his/her sibling perform. No child will be released to attend another function during Nursery hours. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.

1. Help your child to develop his/her thinking skills through frequent discussions (naming objects/describing actions, questions, etc.).
2. Make sure that your child is aware of his/her success.
3. Have a regular bedtime schedule and routine.
4. Read daily to your child. Buy books instead of toys for your child.
5. Let your child do things for himself/herself to encourage his/her independence.
6. Please read the newsletters and messages sent from school. We try to keep you informed of all school activities. To know what your child is learning during each month, please read our monthly newsletters, to keep good communication between Nursery and home.
7. Use proper Adult Language when carrying on a conversation with your child. Avoid childish ways of talking.
8. Speak with your child in your native language.
9. Set aside a time for you and your child. (going shopping, communicating, reading a story, etc.)
10. Both parents should set certain regulations and rules and be consistent about enforcing them, avoiding contradictions.

If you wish to discuss your child's progress with teachers, please call the PreSchool Secretary on 5315125 ext. 500 who will be glad to set up an appointment. Parents will not be allowed to meet teachers without an appointment. Parent conference record sheets are compulsory for staff. Please ensure that your views or comments are clearly recorded before signing the sheet. You should be given a copy of this form.


While we endeavor to provide a truly professional service there will always be occasions when problems arise. At BBS, we have a procedure to ensure that situations are dealt with at the source. Should problems not be resolved with the teacher, we advise that you meet with the Head of Nursery or the PreSchool Principal to help solve the problem.


The first parent conference date is in November following the first grading period.

Al-Bayan Bilingual School provides a comprehensive counseling program for students from PreSchool through High School. The Counselor offers advice and guidance to the teacher on management of children with unique needs, if any are present in her class. The Counselor attends meetings between parents and teachers, if required.

To arrange a meeting with the counselor, please call her at 5315125 Ext. 521.

Never forget that we are dealing with 3-4 years old children. All we can do is to tolerate and love them and try to solve and control their problems.

We find that children may be corrected differently depending upon their personality and depending on whether misbehavior is due to their maturity level or outright disobedience, and here common sense is needed.

All staff agrees on certain limitation of unacceptable behavior in the Nursery: the classroom, the playground, the bathroom, the hallways and the lunchroom.

Teachers and nannies should be made aware of these limits and should consistently correct unacceptable behavior.

Discipline Procedures

1. Bring yourself down to the child’s level – make eye contact with him/her, explain his/her unacceptable behavior in a low, kind yet firm tone of voice.
2. Explain the fault to the child – the child must understand the consequence, and other children around should understand as well.
3. If inappropriate behavior re-occurs, a second warning is given to the child.
4. If the child repeats the behavior for the third time, keep him/her for a time out from 3 to 5 minutes sitting within sight of the teacher. Time out works indirectly to deprive the child of an activity he/she enjoys such as recess and classroom play time.
5. If a child has a persistent behavior problem in the classroom or playground, the Head of Nursery is informed and a parent conference is set.

If a serious offense is committed such as biting or fighting in which a child is injured, the child is taken to the Head of Nursery for disciplinary action. Parents are informed about their child’s action.

Staff should try to discuss a difficult child with the counselor, to track down the psychological reasons behind such behavior, to find what strategies have been successful.
Positive Reinforcement

Teachers in their individual classrooms may use many different types of positive reinforcement. It is always preferable to take pro-active measures rather than to punish children when infractions do occur.
Nursery Rules:

IN THE LUNCHROOM	IN THE HALLWAY	IN THE BATHROOM	ON THE PLAYGROUND	IN CLASS
No running No throwing food Place lunch box on floor next to chair Place garbage into trash can Place used trays into sink Return lunch box to cupboard Use toilet and wash hands Return to lunchroom immediately No standing on or sitting under tables or chairs Use the magic words : Please, sorry, thank you No loud or rough play after eating	Stairs No jumping on the stairs Hold the rail Keep to the right side of the stairs when going up or down No pushing Hallway/cupboard area: Put lunch boxes in their places Put coats, gloves etc. in the cupboard Allow children to take care of belongings independently No running down the hall Use the magic words: Please, sorry, thank you	Must wash hands: After recess After using toilet After eating Use the magic words: Please, sorry, thank you Never enter the bathroom without an adult No playing with the water Stand in line when in large groups No pushing while in line Boys should use boys’ bathroom, and girls should use girls’ bathroom. Doors to stalls should be closed when in use	No throwing sand Use slide properly No playing with gates Never leave main gate without an adult Use the magic words: Please, sorry, thank you Do not hide when bell rings No standing at or on KG gate No hitting, biting or spitting No pushing while in line No name calling or using bad language No leaving the activity area without permission Tidy up Must line up quickly No throwing toys or materials No blocks or other toys inside large play equipment No standing on tables and chairs No excessive shouting	No interruption while teachers/students are talking Use the magic words :     Please, sorry, thank you No running No hitting, biting or spitting No pushing while in line No calling names or using bad language No leaving the activity area without permission No shouting No throwing toys or materials Tidy up Chairs are pushed in properly Must line up quickly No standing on or sitting under tables or chairs No coloring on tables or walls Use book corner properly Do not tear books Return to place when finished During story time or video sit properly no lying down

Field experiences are an essential part of the educational program. They provide a further extension of what is taught in the classroom and reinforce it.


Slips are sent in advance to parents. Permission slips must be signed by parents and returned the following day. Your child must stay at home on the day of the trip if no approval is received.

Report Cards are an indication of your child's progress throughout the school year. Please remember that children develop at a different pace, and you should be encouraging and supportive towards your child. There are three grading periods in which you will receive a report card. These are in December, March and June.

Bus service is available from a private bus company. All arrangements must be made with the Accounts Department/FAWSEC.


Bus children are placed on the bus at 12:30 P.M. If a parent wishes to collect his child on any day instead of letting him ride the bus home, the school must be notified. If no phone call or note is sent, your child will be placed on the bus.

In PreSchool there is a Physician for routine health problems. The PreSchool Physician performs services through providing first aid, screening of vision, hearing, general hygiene and other areas related to School performance. The Physician prepares a medical file for every child and she coordinates immunization and inoculation services with the Ministry of Health. The Physician handles these files with privacy. If a child has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting or a contagious disease such as measles, chicken pox, sore throat, he must remain at home. If your child becomes ill or has an accident at school, your child will be sent to the Nurse. The Physician will determine the seriousness of the illness and call parents if a student is to be sent home. It is important that the school has the proper home and work numbers. Also, an emergency number is needed in case the Physician is not able to reach you at home or work.


If your child has special health problems, such as allergies, asthma, etc., please notify the school Physician Ext. 519. She will then inform the child’s advisor.


Medication: It is preferred that all medicine be given at home before a child comes to school. The Physician will administer any medication sent to school. Teachers are not responsible for giving medicine to your child. Any medicine brought to school must have a note from the parent or doctor stating the name of the student, name of the medicine, dosage and the time to be given.

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Social Affairs supervises Nurseries. The child's health records should be completed before he/she attends the Nursery. The child's record is considered complete when it includes:

• Photocopy of the birth certificate and injections
• Photocopy of the father's passport
• Application form
• Preventive health record
• 4 personal pictures

The purpose of this handbook is to assist you. If you still have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our doors are always open! Your support is greatly valued and we look forward to meeting you.


Thank you for letting us be a part of your child's life.