3015 N. MacGregor Way Houston, Texas (832) Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 3015 N. MacGregor Way Houston, Texas (832) Parent Handbook

2 PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) Barbara Jordan International Preschool (BJIP) provides a Christian based preschool education. Our staff views the learner as a whole child, striving to meet each child s developmental needs in terms of spiritual, mental, physical and social education. Our teachers are committed to educational goals of excellence. Education is provided in a safe, loving and God-pleasing setting that adheres to the Holy Scriptures, and upholds the principles of Christ. We teach from a carefully chosen curriculum, enhanced with creative teaching techniques, varied learning opportunities and use of technology. Barbara Jordan s parents and teachers work hand in hand to prepare our students to be life-long Christians and learners. OBJECTIVES Barbara Jordan International Preschool seeks to carry out the command of our Lord Jesus Christ to feed my lambs by providing quality childcare in a Christian setting by using loving, creative and purposeful means to train and nurture each child. Our concern is for the total personality of the child: physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Barbara Jordan International Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color or national or ethnic origin in admittance, education, or other administrative policies and extends to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at the school. RELIGIOUS POLICY STATEMENT In keeping with Christ s command to feed my lambs, Barbara Jordan International Preschool offers religious experiences to your child at his/her level of understanding. An age appropriate Bible Time with lessons, prayers and songs based on the Holy Bible are taught. Each day, snacks and meals will begin with a prayer of thanks. Teachers will speak lovingly and naturally with the children about their own faith and love for the Lord in both formal and informal teaching times. ENROLLMENT Children must be a minimum of 6-weeks of the applicable age on the date of enrollment. The school-age program accepts children up to age 12. Upon acceptance of enrollment, the Barbara Jordan International Preschool requires that an information packet be completed for our files (enrollment form, medical consent forms, allergy information, immunization records, emergency phone numbers, etc.). These forms must be on file before the child can be left at Barbara Jordan International Preschool. Page 2

3 Hearing and Vision Testing In accordance with the rules set by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, children four-years old or older who are participating in the Pre-K program must be screened for possible hearing and vision issues. Barbara Jordan International Preschool will conduct an annual screening, but if your child has missed this screening, please contact your physician to schedule another appointment and provide a copy of the completed screening to be placed in your child s file. The Barbara Jordan International Preschool retains the right to dismiss a child from care for any reason without notice. HOURS: Full day (Monday-Friday) 6:00 A.M ~ 6:00 P.M 10:00 A.M. is the cut-off time to receive any children. You must contact the BJIP office to notify the management if your child has a doctor s appointment or other unforeseen event and will arrive later. LATE PICK-UPS: Children who are picked up after 6:00 P.M. will accrue a charge of $1.00 per minute until they are picked up. Local authorities will be contacted after 6:45 P.M. for any child who has not been picked up. Our regular school year runs September through mid-june. We also offer a Summer Camp program beginning in June. Children will not be accepted after 10:00 A.M. Please contact the center if you have an emergency or doctor s appointment. SECURITY The normal times for drop off are from 6:00 A.M A.M., pick up from, 4 P.M. - 6 P.M. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO VISIT THE SCHOOL BETWEEN 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., you will be required to sign in and get a visitors badge. IN AN EFFORT TO MAINTAIN A SAFE FLOW OF TRAFFIC IN THE PRESCHOOL AREAS, CONGREGATING IN THE CLASSROOMS OR HALLWAYS IS NOT PERMITTED. You are required to drop off and pick up your child in a reasonable amount of time that does not take the staff s attention off their duties in the classroom. If you have an extended need to discuss a matter with a staff member, a management team member can be called to send relief to address any concern you may have in the BJIP office. Security is located on BJIP s campus. HOLIDAYS The BJIP will be closed on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Day Memorial Day Good Friday Independence Day Page 3

4 Labor Day Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Thanksgiving Day & the day after New Year s Day Holidays that falls on Saturdays are observed on Friday and those falling on Sunday are observed the following Monday. TUITION AND FEES Infants (6 weeks - 18 months old): Toddlers (18 months 23 months old): Two Year Olds (24 months 2 years old): Three Year Olds: Pre-K: School Age/Summer Camp (ages 5-12): $ per week $ per week $ per week $ per week $ per week $ per week Registration Fee: $75.00 per family Internet Monitoring: $20.00 per month Drop-In Rate: The fee for your child s age range divided by 5 Payments can be made by cash, check or debit/credit card at BJIPreschool.org. All payments are due on Monday. Late charges ($10) are assessed on Tuesdays. Students will be dropped from the program by Wednesday if payment is not received. RELEASE OF CHILDREN Individuals picking up a child must be age 18 years or older. The sign-out sheet/or computer code must be signed by the individual picking up a child. Only individuals designated on the enrollment form may have a child released to them. Telephone calls regarding the release of a child shall not be permitted unless the individual listed on the enrollment document is the person designated in the phone call to pick the child up. Release of a child to an individual not designated will not be permitted. Exceptions will not be made to this regard. An employee may require proof of identification from an individual attempting to pick up a child. Proof of identification should be a State Drivers License or DPS ID. PARENT NOTIFICATIONS Parents will be notified if a child is mildly to severely injured. A message will be left for parents if we are unable to speak with them directly. Notices regarding billing, center updates, policy changes or notifications for parents will be placed in the child s box in their classroom. The center also has parent notification area located at the sign in desk. Center updates are also located in the encased enclosure in the main hallway. notifications may also go out. Page 4

5 CLOSURES Professional Staff Development: Barbara Jordan closes for staff work days and staff development days throughout the calendar year. This action is in keeping with both BJIP commitments to being a learning institution as well the Child Care Performance Standards. Parents will be notified as early in the year as possible in order to enable parents to make other care arrangements for their children. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURES In the event of severe weather and/or snow, BJIP may close. Announcements of school closures will be issued by the local news stations. Parents are requested to pick up their child(ren) as soon as possible so staff may also leave before roads or weather conditions are deemed too hazardous. In case of serious emergencies (such as fire, storms, loss of power/water) parents will be notified, if possible, and children will be cared for until parents or emergency contacts arrive. EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS PLAN BJIP will notify local authorities of any emergency occurrence. Children will be sheltered in the event of weather or other emergencies. Parents will be contacted should any serious emergency occur when regular operation cannot happen. ILLNESSES The problem of communicable disease is prevalent in every group and the BJIP is no exception. Parents must make other arrangements for the care of their children when they show symptoms of any deviation from normal health. If a child becomes ill at BJIP, the director or teacher will notify the parents. The child will be kept separate from the group until taken home. CHILDREN MUST BE FEVER FREE FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE RETURNING TO BJIP. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO RETREIVE YOUR CHILD IF IT IS SUSPECTED THAT A FEVER REDUCER WAS ADMINISTERED TO REDUCE FEVER. Children will not be permitted at the BJIP with any of the following conditions: 1. Fever of 99.0 degrees under arm (auxiliary) or higher; and, if they also have one or more of the following: diarrhea, earache, shows signs of irritability or confusion, sore throat or rash. 2. Vomiting on two or more occasions. 3. Diarrhea three or more watery stools. 4. Draining rash or undiagnosed rash. 5. Eye discharge or pink eye. Children can be readmitted after medical diagnosis to rule out bacterial or viral infection, or 24 hours on antibiotic treatment. 6. Fatigue that prevents participation in regular activities. Page 5

6 7. Open oozing sores and scabs, unless properly covered and 24 hours on antibiotic treatment. 8. Head lice until treatment is effective and a follow-up check has been made by school personnel. 9. Refusing to take food or drink. In case of minor injury or accident, the staff will administer basic first aid. All injuries or illnesses not requiring immediate parental notification will be documented and reported to parents when the child is picked up at the end of the day. In case of medical injury or illness requiring immediate professional care (emergency), the staff will call As appropriate, the staff will administer CPR or first aid measures. Parents will be notified immediately. If parents are unavailable, those individuals designated as emergency phone contacts will be notified. All children must have an emergency medical release form on file in case of such an emergency. Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services requires BJIP to call EMS for illness such as fever over 101.0, uncontrollable crying in infants, suspected broken bones, or other odd behavior demonstrated by a child as related to pain. BJIP staff cannot transport children to a hospital or doctor s office. Injured children must be transported for medical aid by parents or by calling for an ambulance following initial triage from local EMS. EMS will make the final determination to transport a child if a parent or guardian is not present. If a child ingests or comes in contact with a poisonous substance, staff will contact the Poison Control Center at 1 (800) Children in full day care are required to have a yearly physical examination. This must be included in BJIP s health records. Please inform BJIP when this examination takes place. IMMUNIZATIONS BJIP is regulated by The City of Houston Health and Human Services. Your child s record will be reviewed (2) times per year to ensure his/her immunizations are current. It is mandatory that your child s record remain current. The representative will evaluate your record. If your child is not current, we will be required to suspend care until the record is current. We do not require Tuberculin testing at this time. MEDICATIONS We prefer not to administer medication to your child. Please inform your physician that your child is in full day childcare and that you prefer to give medications at home, morning and evening. Knowing this, many doctors will order longer acting medications. Limiting medications dispensed away from home prevents medication errors. Please remember the BJIP is designed for well children. If medications need to be administered at school, the following conditions must be met: Page 6

7 Prescription medication will be accepted only if it is in its original container with the child s name listed. Nonprescription medication may only be administered by following the manufacturer s recommendation on the label. Before any prescription or nonprescription medication can be administered, including sunscreen, we must have permission in writing by the child s parent or guardian. Please fill out the medication forms and enter instructions into the Daily Medication Log Book. Please bring a copy of the information given to you by the pharmacy. Medication will go home after the last date that the medication is administered. Health forms are required to be completed at the time of enrollment showing any allergies, physical handicaps, a statement of general health, and a current immunization history. These must be updated and kept current. MEALS/SNACK and FOOD SERVICE BJIP will strive to serve meals and snacks that are recommended by the USDA. Children are served all foods and are encouraged to taste all foods but not forced to eat. Meals will never be used as a punishment or as a reward. Parents may provide meals and or snacks for their children instead of the childcare center. However, if you are choosing to provide a snack, the childcare center is not responsible for its nutritional value or meeting the child s daily food needs. If you choose to provide a meal but not a snack, BJIP will provide a snack. Parents MUST provide safe and proper storage for all individual meals and snacks. BJIP does not allow food to be shared between students. Students with allergies will be given an alternative meal or snack. We prefer that parents provide meals or snacks for students with allergies. Meal Times are as follows: BJIP is a NUT FREE ZONE Breakfast: Lunch: Snack: 7:30 A.M. - 8:00 A.M. 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. 2:30 P.M. BREASTFEEDING BJIP believes that breastfeeding provides a healthy start to an infant s life. A comfortable place with a seat in our center within a classroom will enable nursing mothers to breastfeed her child. Mothers have the right to breastfeed and provide breast milk for their child while they are in our care. INFANT CARE BJIP will provide sheets for each crib. Children ages 6 weeks - 12 months are required to provide the following items: Diapers Wipes Page 7

8 At least 2 changes of clean clothes Infant Formula and Food (must be age appropriate) Bibs Infant Sleep Sack Bottles Pull-Ups for older infants All items MUST be marked with your child s first name and last name initial. Sheets are laundered weekly. If you prefer to provide your own sheets or use your own detergent, you must provide the same color/style sheet as BJIP or supply the requested detergent. OUTDOOR PLAY BJIP is required by the State of Texas to provide (2) 30-minute activity times outside for all children ages 24 and up. Children will not go outside if the temperature falls below 60 degrees. If you request that your child not participate in outdoor activity, you must submit a note for your child s file for the days you would not like them to participate. BJIP cannot use playtime as a punishment for longer than the allotted time per your child s age (ex. 1 minute for each year of your child s age). We will NOT prohibit your child from playtime as a form of punishment. WATER ACTIVITIES BJIP does not operate a swimming pool. ANIMALS Small animals may be permitted in the classroom. No reptiles, dogs, cats or other large animals will be permitted. FIELD TRIPS We will have field trips for the children during the school year and during the summer. Transportation for field trips may be provided by a Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church vehicle, walking or personal cars. TRANSPORTATION POLICY State law requires: Vehicles transporting children shall be in safe operating condition and drivers shall have a current Texas State Drivers License. There will be at least one (1) adult supervisor, other than the driver, when there are more than five (5) preschool aged children in the vehicle. Each child must use a car seat/ booster seat (provided by the parent). Children shall be loaded and unloaded at the curbside of the vehicle, or in a protected parking area. Page 8

9 Children will be protected by family liability and medical insurance. A child will not be taken on field trips unless a parent or guardian has signed permission forms. CLOTHING Children must have a complete change of clothing, clearly marked with the child s name, left at the BJIP. Caps, mittens and warm clothing must be worn during the cooler seasons for the daily outdoor playtime. Preschool children need to be dressed for the weather. Accidents can happen even for the older preschoolers when they wait too long before going to the bathroom, or if they get wet on the playground. Children are required to wear closed toe shoes as well as shoes that have a strap around the heel. Outdoor play is a regular part of the daily routine; children should be prepared to play outside some part of every day. Please do not request that your child stay indoors. Children too ill to go outside should not be at school. NAP TIME Supervised rest periods are required for all children under (12) years of age who remain at the BJIP for six or more hours a day and for all other children who show a need for a rest time. Please provide a clean blanket and sheet for naptime and take them home on Fridays to be cleaned. You may also bring in a special blanket, pillow or stuffed animal if desired. LAVATORY POLICY The following is the procedure used by preschool staff: Preschool children shall be accompanied by an adult when they need to use the lavatory. The teacher/assistant will assist the child, if needed, but will also encourage the child to learn to wipe him/herself, etc. When a child has had an accident, wetting or soiling his/her clothes, the teacher/assistant will assist the child in changing his/her clothes in the lavatory. The teacher/assistant will put on rubber gloves, help remove the clothing, clean the child and help him/her change into dry/clean clothes. The soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag and put with the child s other belongings. The parents will be informed of the soiled clothing. The teacher/assistant will teach the children how to wash their hands according to the directions on the bathroom wall. BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY Understanding that each child is loved by God, made in His image, and redeemed for His service, the BJIP views discipline as a process of developing appropriate behaviors. We begin our behavior management by providing an interesting learning environment for our students, with plenty of opportunities for the child to choose what they would like to do. A challenging Page 9

10 environment that allows experimenting, learning, physical activity and quiet times prevents boredom and promotes good behavior. INAPPROPRIATE forms of guidance/discipline consist of teasing, hitting, removing a child s food, placing a child in a closet or restroom and yelling. APPROPRIATE forms of guidance/discipline consist of time-out, removal from an activity, behavior chart methods, looking the child directly in the eye and using a behavior modification system. The BJIP uses indirect guidance techniques such as these: We give advance warnings: You have five more minutes to play before it s time to clean up. We give choices: You may paint with the other children or you may read a book in a quiet corner. We have regular routine: We always wash our hands before lunch. After lunch is story time. We avoid nagging: We tell the child what we expect just once, follow it by asking the child if he/she remembers what we asked and then offer to help the child do what was asked. We re consistent: We do things the same way each day so the children know what to expect and learn to trust and feel safe in their environment. We also use direct guidance techniques: We use affirmative: We use walking feet indoors rather than Don t run! or Use your words to tell us you re angry rather than Don t hit! We get the child s attention by crouching down to his/her level, making eye contact, speaking quietly and asking the child to repeat the directions. We try very hard to be fair. We examine our expectations to make sure they are age appropriate and we don t make rules just because an activity is too noisy or messy. We avoid arguments by following through with solutions that address the problem, but also offer the child a way to exit gracefully from the problem: You can choose a quiet place to calm down or I can choose one for you. We, as a staff, pray for the children and families of the BJIP. We use prayer with the children, asking God for His guidance in all of our daily activities. One-on-one prayer is used with children during difficult times. If a child is unable to demonstrate self-controlling behavior, a brief time-out results for the child to regain control. Time-out occurs only when other measures fail and is used as an opportunity for the child to re-group, not as a punishment. Page 10

11 At BJIP, the discipline goal is educating and redirecting children. It emphasizes cooperation. In contrast, punishment has as a goal of hurting, shaming or scaring children. Punishment is an inappropriate form of discipline and has no place in our preschool. All forms of corporal (physical) punishment are strictly forbidden. The following forms of discipline are also forbidden: hitting, spanking, shaking, scolding, shaming, isolating, labeling (words such as: bad, naughty, etc.), or any other negative reaction to the child s behavior. Some negative behavior is best ignored since its goal is often to get attention. This technique is effective for some of the disruptive things children do and it minimizes mimicking activity by other children. If a child is unable to gain control and requires more individual attention that can be given within child-to-staff ratios, we may need to contact a parent. A child that consistently requires one-toone attention may have to leave the BJIP temporarily for safety s sake. Repeated uncontrollable behavior can lead to discontinuation of learning and the BJIP s services. Here are the 7 Steps we will attempt to do to help redirect your child: 1. Verbal warning with clear direction given 2. Age Appropriate Time-Out 3. Notify Parent of Behavior(s) that is not suitable for class 4. Meeting with Teacher to discuss the behavior and devise a plan of action 5. Meeting with Teacher and Director to discuss how the plan of action is working 6. Final attempt to correct behavior possibly suspension of care 7. Permanent removal from the Childcare Center BJIP is not a substitute for parents. If parents and children are having problems at home, those problems and solutions are to be taken care of in the family. We cannot discipline your child for you at school (for example, withholding meals or playtime, or spanking). This code is subject to interpretation by the director/administrator. CONFLICT RESOLUTION When differences occur within our Christian family, God expects us to act and react in a manner which is pleasing to Him. The school has adopted the directions of Holy Scripture as outlined in Matthew 18 as the method for dealing with our differences. If you have a difference with a teacher, another parent, or any other person at the BJIP: First, one should go directly to the person with whom he/she has a difference, whether it is a teacher, the administrator or another parent. The issue should be clarified in a non-accusatory manner and an attempt made to reach a resolution. It is not proper or acceptable to discuss the issue with persons not directly involved, as Matthew 18 directs. Second, if conversation with the person directly does not bring resolution, the concern should be discussed with the director. Page 11

12 Third, if conversation with the director does not bring resolution, the concern should be discussed with the church administrator, who may arrange a meeting of all persons involved to discuss the issue. Threats made by parents or guardians or any other inappropriate comments made toward any BJIP staff will not be tolerated. The Barbara Jordan International Preschool retains the right to dismiss a child from care for any reason without notice. PARENT/TEACHER/DIRECTOR CONFERENCE BJIP encourages parents to hold meetings with the Director and their child s teacher to discuss questions or review any policies pertaining to the center. Due to the nature of the childcare business, it is requested that appointments be set up to ensure adequate time is allowed. CHILD ABUSE REPORTING LAW REQUIREMENTS BJIP staff members are REQUIRED by Texas State law and licensing requirements to immediately report to the police or Child Protective Services (CPS) any instance where there is an actual or suspected occurrence of physical, sexual or emotional child abuse, child neglect or exploitation. The staff may not notify parents when the police or CPS is called about possible child abuse, neglect or exploitation, except on the recommendation of CPS or the police. OPEN DOOR POLICY We welcome parents at any time, in any area of our school. We encourage parent involvement, especially on field trips and helping with class parties. Please sign in at the Visitor s Station before going to the class. We ask that parents/guests remain outside of the classroom during teaching times. PARENT VOLUNTEERS The BJIP s Parents hosts a wide range of activities. All BJIP parents are encouraged to participate and to support its activities and projects. Volunteer opportunities and projects are held generally during the holiday season. Parents should review plans with BJIP management prior to any functions. Parents anticipating volunteering will be required to complete the parent volunteer application which will permit a background check to be conducted. BIRTHDAYS Most children enjoy celebrating special events with their preschool friends (birthdays, new babies, and holidays). Parents may send a store bought treat to share with the class. Please make arrangements with the teacher several days in advance. Page 12

13 PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES In order not to confuse school toys with a child s personal property, we ask that children not bring playthings from home. The BJIP staff cannot be responsible for lost or broken personal toys. One exception to this is a stuffed animal for use during naptime. Please do not allow your child to bring any gum or candy to the BJIP. Nutritious snacks will be served to the children. There are several ways you can help us maintain the best possible teaching atmosphere for your child: Communicate any concerns regarding our program or your child immediately to staff. Pick up and read the notices and information left for you in your child s folder. Pick up your child s papers/projects daily. Their work is very important to them and provides another means of communication between parent and child and helps the parent share in the child s day. Periodically check on your child s supply of extra clothing. Please take home soiled clothing promptly. FINAL THOUGHTS We will look after the health of your child while at school and present a planned program to provide a beneficial and educational experience. Our goal is to provide high quality care in an atmosphere of love and respect that fosters growth in moral and spiritual values. Thank you for sharing your child with us! These guidelines were adopted from the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services through the division of Child Care Licensing. It is our goal to comply with their rules and standards. We appreciate your help and support of our goal to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all of the children in our care. A copy of our most recent licensing report and the Minimum Standards is available for you to review. The child care information line at has information about local about licensing offices or you may review their website at Page 13

14 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF PARENT HANDBOOK The Parent Handbook contains important information about the Barbara Jordan International Preschool and I understand that I should consult the Director regarding any questions or concerns I may have. Since the information, policies and procedures described herein are subject to change at any time, I acknowledge that revisions to the handbook may occur. All such changes will generally be communicated through official notices and I understand that revised information may supersede, modify or eliminate existing policies. I have had an opportunity to read the handbook and accept the terms therein. I also understand that it is my responsibility to comply with the policies contained in this handbook and any revisions made to it. I also understand that these policies are standing and in full operation as of the date below. I understand that I am expected to read the entire handbook. My signature below states I have read it and understand it. Signature of Parent Date Parent s Name - Printed Page 14