Program Objectives
Our program is based on proven theory while utilizing current theory and research in child care development and education. Our staff will make every effort to be sensitive and responsive to the needs and interests of each child. The Center will cooperate with and reinforce the educational efforts at home. A curriculum is provided that enhances the specific developmental needs of all children. We will strive to:
* Encourage Social Development - by providing opportunities for sharing, taking turns, making friends, resolving conflicts, solving problems, helping others, recognizing and accepting others, cooperating on projects, and building self-esteem.
* Develop Responsibility - for ones own actions in self-help, health, safety and interpersonal areas, and to exercise appropriate independence.
* Encourage Emotional Development - through verbal expressions of thoughts and feelings, experiencing rules and limits, experiencing kindness, justice and empathy, and recognizing and accepting emotions in others and to develop a respect for other individuals.
* Encourage Physical Development - of large motor skills through outdoor and indoor games and activities, as well as fine motor development through the use of manipulative toys, blocks and puzzles, and other small tools and objects and to facilitate the development of visual-motor skills.
* Encourage Creative Development - by offering many kinds of materials and frequent experiences in music, art, dramatics, literature and oral skills.
* Encourage Language Development - through stories, puppetry, the housekeeping center, music, games, science center, dramas, problem solving, and other conversations.
* Facilitate Intellectual Development - by widening the child's experience in order to increase knowledge, basic concepts, and skills.
Each age group has a written developmentally appropriate program plan available to parents. Information is regularly provided to parents. A parents involvement is an important factor in a child's education. We welcome parents questions, opinions and involvement. Parents are encouraged to discuss any information that may be beneficial to providing a successful opportunity to learn. Parents may be asked to attend a conference with their child's teacher and are expected to request a conference if they have any concerns.
Parent Participation
Parent involvement in a child's education is one of the most important factors in how a child views his/her education and its importance. We encourage parents to participate in their child's program. We always welcome your assistance during class or special projects. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Administrator. It is important that you communicate your needs and desires regarding your child and any other information that may be appropriate.
Conferences are normally at least twice yearly, or more often as requested. During the conference we will come to an agreement on program goals for your child. Our conference will focus on sharing information that allows for the expression of feelings and concerns about progress and setbacks.
Parents and staff are encouraged to ask questions or discuss concerns at drop off and pick up time, and are welcome to visit the Center at any time. Informal conversations are very valuable for us and the child. We want to know, understand and discuss your goals so that together parents and staff can help your child to develop to their full potential. Parents are permitted unlimited access, and must notify the Administrator upon entering premises.
Admission Policy
Parents must visit the program before making application for enrollment. During the visit, the parent will have a chance to review the Parent Handbook and ask any questions or express any concerns they might have. It is recommended that the parent and child meet with the classroom teacher prior to admission to have the opportunity to get to know one another.
Prior to admission the facility must be provided with:
* Completed enrollment / agreement form.
* A statement of good health from a doctor and your child's immunization records.
* First weeks tuition.
* A deposit of one weeks fees are required upon acceptance. Refund of deposit will be given only if a two week written notice of withdraw is given and no unpaid fees for child care or damage remain. This may be paid in installments if necessary.
Children are admitted on a space available basis. A waiting list is sometimes maintained by the Center and will be used when necessary. When a space becomes available a parent will have three days to decide whether or not to enroll the child.
Please note that if a child has special needs, the Center must be informed and the child will not be enrolled until special arrangements can be made.
Payment
Payment is due weekly in advance. Payment in full is expected every week that your child is enrolled, regardless of holidays, weather closings or any other absences of your child (e.g. your child's illness or vacations). The Center's Tax ID and receipts are available upon request.
Vouchers
The Center does accept Hamilton and Butler County subsidized childcare vouchers.
Activities
Each day activities will be planned to help your child develop large and small muscle motor skills, basic recognition of shapes and colors, and language comprehension through songs and stories. Your child will be encouraged to sing and dance about as well as chiming in during story telling. Safety scissors, glue, washable paint and markers, crayons, and other supplies will be used on a regular basis.
Outdoor Activities
The Center shall provide outdoor play each day in suitable weather for each toddler and above in attendance for more than four consecutive daylight hours. Limitations upon this include temperatures above 99 degrees or below 25 degrees, humidity or wind chill, ozone levels, pollen counts, lightening, rain or ice during which times the Center will provide for indoor large muscle play activities.
Clothing
Children are to be fully dressed and ready for the day when they are brought to the Center each morning. Children who can walk must have on shoes. Play clothes that can be fastened and unfastened quickly are more comfortable and appropriate for children. Also we ask that each child have a clean, spare outfit to be left at the Center. Please label all personal belongings.
Weather permitting, we will spend a portion of each day outside. It is important that your child have the appropriate clothing, i.e., warm coats, hats and mittens in the winter and cooler, loose clothing summer.
Meals and Snacks
Children in full time attendance will be provided a balanced meal consisting of one-third of the recommended daily dietary allowances as most recently specified by the USDA, and two snacks per day.
If there are food restrictions, a modified diet form is to be filled out by the child's physician. Every effort will be made to accommodate special diet needs, however, assistance with provision of special foods and preparation may be requested of the parent / guardian.
Supervision and Safety, Arrival and Departure
In order to provide the safest environment possible, several steps are taken.
* Each child is to be escorted into their classroom and signed in by the parent / guardian.
* It is the parents / guardians responsibility to notify the Center if the child will be absent.
* Children will never be left alone, unsupervised.
* The telephone is always immediately accessible.
* Evacuation plans and safety zones are posted.
* In the event of an emergency, staff will maintain the attendance sheets to ensure each child is accounted for.
* The Center holds monthly fire drills in order to ensure all staff and children are familiar with actions to take should a fire occur.
* A first aid kit and supplies are maintained.
* Your child will only be permitted to leave the Center with those persons listed on the child's enrollment form. Parents are responsible for contacting the Center when someone not on the enrollment form is to pick up the child.
* Staff will not release children to anyone, including parents, who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
* If the staff member has not met the person picking up the child, identification will be required.
* Upon departure from the Center, each child is to be signed out.
If there are custody issues involved with your child, you must provide the center with court papers indicating who has permission to pick up the child. The center may not deny a parent access to their child without proper documentation.
Emergencies and Accidents
In the event of general emergencies such as threat of violence, environmental situations, natural disaster, loss of power, heat or water, the Centers procedural plans are as follows:
* If an outdoor threat of violence is present, all doors will be locked and emergency services will be contacted through 911.
* If an indoor threat should occur, 911 will be contacted.
* In the event of a natural disaster, children and staff will proceed to the weather wall and take appropriate precautions.
* If an indoor flood or fire occurs, all children and attendance sheets will be taken outdoors, according to posted evacuation plans. Parents will be contacted to pick up their children as soon as possible.
* If loss of power, water and / or heat occurs, the length of loss will be assessed. If loss will remain for an extended time, parents will be contacted to pick up their children as soon as possible.
* The Center may close when severe weather occurs. Snow delays or cancellations will be as decided by Northwest Local School District and parents are responsible for calling to Center to verify opening / closing status otherwise.
* In the event of a serious incident, injury or illness, the situation will be assessed and first aid will be administered. If necessary, the parent and / or 911 will be contacted. If the child is transported for emergency treatment by the life squad, the child's health and medical records shall accompany the child. The Center Administrator or staff member shall stay with the child until the parent / guardian assumes responsibility for the child's care.
Should any child sustain an injury, an incident / injury report, form JFS 01299 will be filled out and signed by staff and the Administrator, a copy given to the parent / guardian.
Medications, Food Supplements, Modified Diets and Inhalers
* All requests must be made on the form JFS 01217.
* Over-the-counter medications must state the child's age and dosage information, and will not be given past the recommended without a note from the child's physician.
* Over the counter medications are limited to fever reducing, cough or cold that do not contain aspirin or codeine unless there is written instruction from the child's physician.
| * Prescription medications must state the child's name and dosage information.
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