Parent Handbook 2014-2015

Attleboro High School Early Education & Care Program Children s Learning Center 100 Rathbun Willard Drive Attleboro, MA 02703 508.222.5150 Extension 1317 Parent Handbook 2014-2015

Attleboro High School Early Education & Care Program Children s Learning Center 100 Rathbun Willard Drive Attleboro, MA 02703 Contents: *Welcome *About AHS Children s Learning Center *Enrolling Your Child at AHS Children s Learning Center *Planning for Your Child s First Day *AHS Children s Learning Center s Daily Program *Parent Involvement & Communications

Welcome Welcome to the Attleboro High School Early Education & Care Program! We at the Children s Learning Center would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and are delighted you have chosen us to care for your child. We hope you will find our program to be a fun & growing experience for your entire family. This Parent Handbook is written to answer many of your questions about both your child and your families experience at the AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center. Please do not hesitate to ask for additional information. Please be assured you are welcome to visit our Center at any time! Our Philosophy Each time one prematurely teaches a child something he could have discovered for himself, that child is kept from inventing it and consequently, from understanding it completely. Jean Piaget Our Mission We exist to enhance the emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and language development of our children, to help them gain confidence and self-esteem, and to learn how to resolve conflicts in a non-violent way. While in a group setting, we believe children learn though an enriched environment, as well as through active learning & play. The AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center provides both group and individualized care which stimulates growth & development through a child-centered approach: a balance of self-directed & guided activities. The curriculum reflects the Massachusetts Department of Education Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences and NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practices Guidelines. In using these curricula frameworks, each child has the opportunity for individual development exploration offered in a Learning Environment that stimulates interest, creativity, and problemsolving. Our Preschool Program is built into every day for our children to receive quality preschool services, as well as nurturing & loving care in one setting. There are two Preschool programs at our Children s Learning Center: *Preschool I 3 year old room is created for the child ages 2.9 to 3.6; *Preschool II 4 year old room is created for the child ages 3.7 to 5+. The Preschool I program is located in B-Wing in the Transition Room of the Teen Parenting Program. The Preschool II program is located in A-Wing in 104/102 Room in the EE&C rooms.

Since we follow the Massachusetts Regulations for Group Child Care, classroom staff ratio is 1 Teacher to every 10 children, with no more than 20 children at one time. Although we are housed in 2 different locations, the telephone contact number is the same: 508-222-5150 extension 1317. You may also contact us through email if it is more convenient at: childrenslearningcenter@attleboroschools.com. The two Preschool Classrooms are open from 6:45a.m. to 4:00p.m, Mondays to Fridays. We follow the Attleboro Public Schools calendar and full day child care is intended for 8 hours. A late fee will be charged for every 30 minutes, or part thereof, if the parent is delayed. All children must leave by 4:00. The AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center will follow the cancellation policy of the Attleboro Public School system. Should weather conditions require a midday closing, parents will be called and a plan for each child s pick up will be worked out. For inclement weather, you may check for information on the television stations: WBZ, ABC & CBS for a list of closings, along with radio stations. Teachers The AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center has a wonderful team of teachers hired because of their genuine love for children and willingness to commit themselves to enriching the lives of the children for whom they provide care. They have qualified educational backgrounds with Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Certifications as Lead Teachers through the state of Massachusetts. In addition, the Teachers participate in trainings in education to deepen their understanding of young children and keep them current in the research and Best Practices of Early Childhood Ed. Each full time Teacher is required to participate in 20 hours of training each year to maintain their professional certifications & licensure. Also, all staff participate in First Aid & CPR Certification trainings and must successfully pass a CORI: Criminal Background Check Investigation to work with your children. Registration When families are ready to register & prior to your child s first day of attendance, the following enrollment, health & safety information must be on file at the Center. Enrollment information needed before your child starts at the Center includes: Registration Form Birth Certificate (copy) Immunization Record & a current physical examination form completed by your child s health care source Developmental Profile

Authorization Form indicating ANYONE to whom the staff is authorized to release the child in the absence of the parent Release Form for walking excursion, student observations, & publicity releases Tuition for the first week of child care based on the contract services desired Please let us know IMMEDIATELY whenever there is a change in: Home, work, or cell phone numbers Address Medical information including new immunizations Persons authorized to pick up your child Attendance schedule Building room numbers Confidentiality Information regarding your child and family is kept private. Staff members have been trained in confidentiality and can be expected to keep information about your child private. Written information about your child and family is kept in a locked file with access available only to the Teachers & Center Administration. Information from your child s file is shared outside of AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center Staff only with your written permission. All Attleboro High School students working in the child care classroom will sign a confidentiality agreement, as well. When discussing preschool children, students may only use their first names or initials. Tuition Statements will be distributed through the Children s classroom mailboxes to coincide with the teacher pay schedule. If your child is absent, you are responsible for tuition for that period of time. In the event that school is cancelled, a credit will be applied to your account. Parents/guardians will be notified before any new tuition rates go into effect. Scheduling and Schedule Changes Daily or Half Day Rates: Children will attend AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center either full or half day. Payment is in accordance with our payment policies. If you change your schedule, you will still be charged for your contracted hours. If your child is not attending or is arriving late, please contact the Center by 7:00a.m. Planning for your Child s First Day What to Bring to School: Outdoor clothing Backpack Blanket & Lovey for Resting Extra Clothing (see list below) Lunch for Full Day of Care (including cups, thermos, juice box, utensils, etc.) Additional Clothing:

Each child should have a change of clothing to keep in their cubby in case of an accident. Children need to wear clothing that is comfortable & appropriate for play. It should be easy to take on & off so children can be as independent as possible. During cold weather, each child needs to bring: snow pants, mittens, scarves, hats & boots for protection against the cold. Since many clothing items look the same, please make sure to clearly mark (in permanent marker) your child s name on all items, including boots. We use paint & other art medium to experience messy activities. Even with smocks, the children still may get dirty. Please send them in clothes you do not mind them getting soiled. When it is necessary to change the child s clothing, the soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag to be sent home at the end of the day. Please remember to send in another set of clothes for the next day. Please send your child in shoes or sneakers that are safe to climb in: have closed toes, secure grips, are not slippery, or hard to run/play in such as flip flops, sandals, etc. The surface covering gets caught in their footwear & little toes, making it impossible to run on the playground. For children who are not yet toilet trained, please send in: Extra pull-ups with sides. Flushable wipes. Underwear Socks Extra Sneakers Pants Shirts Blanket Toys from Home: We ask that children s toys stay at home. Favorite toys are hard to share and manage & we would not want special items to get lost or destroyed. With careful organizing of activity centers, materials, & experiences, the Teachers plan for the children to become involved in active learning. Please speak to a Teacher if you have any questions. Your Child s Arrival Checking-In Procedure: Parents/guardians must accompany their child/ren into the classroom to sign them in. We are required to keep accurate sign-in and sign-out records of the children in our care. These forms are also used for invoicing & billing. Sign your child in on the Daily Sign-In Sheet located on the countertop next to the Cubbies.

Accompany your child to his cubby and encourage them to put away their belongings. Make verbal contact with a Teacher to let them know you have arrived. Provide the staff with any special instructions or information for the day. Saying Goodbye The 4 B s Saying goodbye to your child can be difficult. Usually, it a lot harder on the parent than it is on the child. The following are some tips that may help ease this time: Be aware of your own feelings. Try not to pass your anxieties on to your child. Be matter-of-fact when talking to your child, Goodbye, I am leaving now. I will be back to get you. I always come back. Be specific. Young children have a vague & hazy sense of time. I will see you after you eat snack or after you wake up from your nap will be better understood than, I ll be back soon. Be there. If you are going to be late or if someone else is picking up your child, be sure to let them know. When there is a change of plans, let the Teachers know so they will prepare your child. It is a typical response if your child cries when dropping them off or picking them up. However, you can go through your day knowing that warm, caring Teachers & staff are caring for your child. You are welcomed to call or email at any time to check on your child and set your mind at ease. Your Child s Departure Check-out Procedure: Sign your child out on the Sign-In/Out Sheet. Accompany your child to his/her cubby to collect belongings. Collect the written communications from the Teacher & Center in your mail slot. Only a parent/guardian or an authorized adult (16 years of age or older), as listed on your enrollment form may pick up your child. Changes to your enrollment form can easily be made but they must be in writing. If you call in by telephone to inform the Center that another person is picking up your child, identify yourself and your child. Person(s) picking up your child will need to provide a picture ID. More about our Curriculum Your child will participate in a well-planned and stimulating environment. In our program each day, the Teachers follow Developmentally Appropriate Practices for teaching and planning curriculum. This includes opportunities for creative art, music, science, nutrition, language arts, dramatic play, cognitive development, large & small muscle development, outdoor explorations and play. The developmentally appropriate activities are based on the children s individual goals and interests. Daily schedules are posted in the classroom. You are encouraged to check this area daily. Teachers develop lessons based on the interest and needs of the children. Every child is monitored for progress in the areas of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language

development. The staff recognizes and respects the unique differences of the families we serve. We strive to present activities that are multicultural, gender fair, and ability sensitive. Since we are a laboratory placement for the Early Education & Care students, our curriculum reflects Best Educational Practices to enrich their classroom experiences, as well. Outdoor Play Outdoor play is a special part of the child s day at AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center. Fresh air and exercise are important to the total health of your child and to our curriculum. We have our own playground and we go outside every day when the temperature or win-chill is not too severe and there is no rain or sleet. Children who are well enough to be at our Center benefit from the outdoors. You are asked to be sure your child is dressed for the weather conditions and has appropriate outdoor attire. If the child is not dressed for the weather, you will receive a call requiring you to have someone bring in the items needed for the day. Walks are often taken around the Center under the supervision of the staff & the AHS students. By signing the enrollment form, parents/guardians give permission for Teachers to take children on these walks. Rest Time A quiet rest time occurs daily from after lunch until about 2:30pm. Although children are not required to sleep, each child will lie down and rest quietly. After the 30 minute period of resting, any child still awake may read or play various quiet activities offered. Each child will be provided with a cot and a blanket, pillow, and/or favorite stuffed animal may be brought from home to use during this time. The staff at the Preschool may rub the children s backs if needed. Relaxing music, stories on tape, poetry, etc. will also be used during this special time. Parents will need to bring home the child s bedding each week or more if needed for laundering. Behavior Guidance We find behavior guidance issues arise infrequently when the children are actively involved with other children, our staff, and the curriculum they present. Daily activities are designed to be developmentally appropriate for the age of the children served at the Center. However, conflicts are inevitable and are handled in an empathetic way, to allow social skill building opportunities. We call these times teachable moments. Preferred behavior guidance techniques include setting clear limits, modeling acceptable behavior, structuring the environment to maximize positive behavior, planning enough activities, giving choices, teaching the use of acceptable alternatives, anticipating issues, redirection and the use of logical consequences. Children may need to be separated from the group temporarily if these methods have not been effective and the child s behavior

threatens the well being of others in the group. If a child is separated, they will be supervised through sight and sound at all times by a staff member or student teacher. Meals & Snacks We ask you to provide breakfast & lunch for your child. We will provide appetizing morning & afternoon snacks to all children that meet the U.S.D.A. requirements. We welcome donation of healthy snack or ingredients provided they are peanut-free because of children s allergies to these items. Children will brush their teeth after lunch daily. If the child requires a special diet, it is essential parents/guardians notify the Center. Depending on the situation, a note from the child s medical provider may be required or a special written plan developed. The Center will try to accommodate the dietary needs as it is able to fit in with the program guidelines and general meal preparation. Treats for Birthday Celebrations Your child s birthday is a special event and we like to make the child feel special. If you would like to send a treat that day, please check with the Teachers regarding healthy alternatives and food allergies of other children at the Center. Food does not have to be the focus of the party. Alternatives could be party cups, napkins, plates, stickers, donation of a special book, etc. Also, you are not obligated to bring anything and we will have fun celebrating birthdays either way. Parent Involvement & Communication AHS EE&C Children s Learning Center encourages parents to become involved in our Center. We understand the demands on families today but you can be involved in many ways: * Showing interest in your child s activities. * Reading newsletters & taking time to discuss your child s day with his/her Teacher. * Sharing hobbies, skills, and careers with the children. * Talking with your child about their day. Regular Communication between parents & staff occurs in many ways: *Periodic written letters or reminders regarding significant events. These notes can be found in your family s mail slot. *Daily verbal reports. As parents arrive or pick up their children, staff members will provide key feedback about their child s day. *Parent Newsletters. Children s Learning Center Teachers will prepare a monthly newsletter to keep families up to date on the activities, news, reminders, and upcoming special events. *Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parents/guardians have the opportunity to meet with the staff at a scheduled conference each year. Conferences include a written report from the Teachers on the status of your child s cognitive, physical, social & emotional development. Additional conferences can be arranged as needed. We encourage you to discuss significant

events or situations which may affect your child at home or at the Center. The partnership and daily communication between parent/guardian & staff is crucial to help meet the children s needs. Health and Safety Parents/guardians will be informed if their child has been exposed to any infectious or communicable diseases. Please inform us within 24 hours if your child has contracted a contagious disease. Exposure to a new setting and individuals may cause some children to become ill more frequently while their immunity is being developed. Staff do take the precautions to safeguard children against exposure to germs, but most children do experience a typical number of infections. Please keep in mind that you may need an alternative plan for childcare during this time to care for your child if they are ill. Hand Washing We strongly believe high-quality hand washing is important to maintain good health for our children and staff. We wash hands: *Before all meals & snacks. *After toileting. *After sneezing, coughing or wiping a runny nose. *After playing outdoors. *Before playing in the water table, sandbox, or playdoh table. Center Cleaning All toys are washed and disinfected as needed. Toilets and sinks are cleaned and disinfected daily and more, if needed. Tables are disinfected before and after every meal. Bedding is sent home for washing every week or as needed. Cots are disinfected weekly. Floors are swept, mopped and vacuumed daily. Medications Medications for a child must be kept in the original container including non-prescription items. We can only administer medications if the child s name is on the prescription bottle. Many pharmacists will give you two bottles of medicine one for home and one for the Center. A written medication form must be filled out by the parent with instructions for use. NO child is allowed to have medication in their possession (on their body or backpacks). This not only poses a danger to that child, but also for the rest of the children. The staff will be responsible for administering the medication and recording the time and amount of dose given. Medication will not be administered by just a phone call. Any expired or unused portion will be returned to the parent or destroyed. Cough drops are not allowed because of choking hazards. If you have given any medication (prescribed or

over the counter) to your child before they arrive in the morning, please inform one of the Teachers so they can be alert for any possible reactions. Safety *If Your Child is Hurt. We try our best to keep the children safe from accidents. However, we cannot prevent all of them. If your child is hurt while at the Center, you will get an accident report filled out by the Teacher so you are aware of the incident. If you have any questions about an incident, please let us know. We document all accidents but every once in a while a child will get hurt and not tell us about it. Again, please let us know if something happened that we are not aware of. If your child needs to go to the doctor because of an injury sustained at the Center, please update us on the outcome of the doctor visit. The Center has a first-aid kit on hand for minor injuries. All staff members are trained in First-Aid and CPR. The parent/guardian will be notified by a staff member if an injury occurs at the Center. You will receive an accident report describing what happened to your child and how the injury was treated. *Emergency Care. In case of an emergency, the Center will try to contact the parent. If a child needs immediate medical attention, the staff will contact the school nurse or 911. The parent will then be contacted. Each parent will be asked to sign an authorized form for emergency treatment. *Important Information. We hope you will feel comfortable so you may share important information with us which will help us care for your child in the best way possible. Some examples are: if a loved one is sick or has died, if a pet has died, starting the day off on the wrong foot, a pending separation or divorce, someone new has moved in with you, an upcoming hospitalization or procedure, parent travel for work, etc. Knowing this kind of information will give the Teacher a frame of reference for helping your child through a situation and meet their needs. Important information will help us to guide your child through any change they are going through. Often children will not be able to verbally tell us but their behavior will show how hard they are trying to deal with issues. We are there to help support you and your child through any transitions. *Suspected Child Abuse. All Child Care workers are mandated by law to report any suspected child abuse to local authorities. *Seatbelts.

We want the children to get to & from the Center safely. Please make sure you do not forget to secure your child properly in either a car seat or seat belt. Remember, your child will get into the habit if they see you doing it. It is a danger to your child is s/he is not in a seat belt and one which must be reported. *Fire Safety. The Center is equipped with fire extinguishers. The children and staff participate in fire drills on the Attleboro High School schedule. Staff members have been trained in fire drill, shelter in place and lockdown procedures. Thank you for entrusting your child s care and developmental grow to us. We are going to have a wonderful year together! Sincerely, Attleboro High School Children s Learning Center Staff and Early Education & Care Program