POLICY AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK/CONTRACT
- Question #1 (blank)
- DISCIPLINE - SCHOOL UNIFORMS
- SEPARATION ANXIETY
- NATIONAL HOLIDAYS & TEACHER VACATION ALLOWANCE
- TOILET TRAINING - BIRTHDAY PARTIES
- HEALTH SYMPTOMS REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF A CHILD & ABSENSES
- TERMINATION POLICY - REVISIONS TO THIS HANDBOOK
- OPEN DOOR POLICY - VOLUNTEERING - VISITOR OBSERVATIONS
- NEW STUDENT INFORMATION
Question #1 (blank)
NEW STUDENTS TRIAL WEEK:
We accept children on a one week (5 day) trial period.
REGISTRATION FEES:
A $50 non-refundable registration fee will be charged upon
registration of each child.
TWO WEEKS DEPOSIT:
Also a two weeks deposit is needed at sign up to be used towards
your child's last two weeks of care, whenever that may be down
the road. If any rate changes have been made from the time your
child starts, the difference Will need to be met. This deposit
is refundable if you terinate care during the one week trial
period.
TUITION DUE DATES:
Weeklies (contracted to pay weekly) are due each week by Friday
no later than 7pm. There is a $10/day late fee for each day it is
late per child. If due dates fall on a holiday or a weekend,
tuition will be due the last business day BEFORE the holiday
occurs. The teacher may terminate this contract with no
notice and the deposit will be forfeited if payments are not made
on or before the 3rd late day or if checks are returned more than
one time. Late fees will still be added on until all the
payments are made. Tuition rates are subject to change.
LATE PICK UPS:
Business hours are 8:50am to 11:50 am. If for any reason you are
late picking up your child you have a window of 10 minutes late
time where you will not be charged. After this time late
charges will be $1/minute. The late fee is due immediately.
Please make arrangements to have your designated person pick up
your child if you cannot make it before closing hours.
NON-SUFFICIENT CHECKS:
There will be a charge of $25 for any check that is returned by
the bank. Also if this happens more than once the school may
terminate this contract with no notice and the deposit will be forfeited.
TWO WEEKS NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
If at the end of the trial period We feel the need to terminate
the contract, We may do so without a two week notice. You may
also do so at this time, but it must be on or before the fifth
working day.
After the fifth day, a two week notice must be given by the
parent or teacher in the event one decides to withdraw you child
or terminate services.
If you wish to terminate care you must give us notification in
writing, your two week notice will only go into effect from the
day we receive the written notification. Registation fee is non-
refundable.
DISCIPLINE - SCHOOL UNIFORMS
DISCIPLINE:
We maintain a positive discipline policy, which focuses on
prevention, redirection, love, consistency and firmness. We
stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people
and respect for property.
The children are explained the rules frequently, so they are
all familiar with them. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE WILL BE
DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN CHILDREN. YOUNG CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY, WHO
ARE NOT ADEPT AT COMMUNICATION, HAVE A HARD TIME EXPRESSING THEIR
FEELINGS. We will try to prevent problems, redirect when
appropriate, discuss inappropriate behavior, encourage making
amends when offense involves another person, and sometimes
withdraw privileges based on the principle of "natural
consequences". Taking a break is only used as the last form of
discipline if the child is continuously not co-operating and only
after all the above has been tried. My goal is to teach and not
spend all the time of my 3 hr program disciplining your child.
This is your job.
HOWEVER, in the case of something dangerous like hitting, biting
etc.. or he/she does something that poses a threat to himself or
others after already receiving a warning, this is handled
immediately. IN THIS CASE THE CHILD WILL HAVE TO TAKE A BREAK
IMMEDATELY AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SOCIALIZE WITH THE CHILDREN
TO PROTECT THEM. A PARENT WILL BE CALLED TO COME PICK UP THEIR
CHILD IF THIS IS A CONSISTENT BEHAVIORiAL ISSUE. I have never had
parent involvement not work to be the best route for dealing with
discipline issues. We work as a team and it always works.
UNIFORMS
Our uniforms are mandatory. Children arriving without their
uniforms will be sent home. Only uniforms designated by will be
accepted. No exceptions.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
SEPARATION ANXIETY:
It is normal for children to have difficulty separating from
parents, they may cry, scream or kick when dropping off. Please
make your drop off brief, the longer you prolong the departure,
the harder it gets. When you get to school say goodbye to your
child in the greeting area and depending on the age, hand your
child over or lift your child directly to the teacher.
If you need more time saying goodbye then spend a little extra
time talking with your child before arriving letting them know
what to expect. Remember when children see or sense your worry
it creates a deep insecurity in them. Parents dropping a child
off have to be good actors. Always, give a smile , cheerful good-
by kiss, and a reassuring word that "you will be back" no matter
how you feel. Your inner strength and positive attitude towards
us will set the tone of your childs day and attitude after he has
stopped crying and settled in. Typically a child will cry for a
few minutes
and then is distracted with games, materials and the whole fun of
preschool.
The first couple of weeks children may plea and beg to not go to
our program. This is their way of resisting change. Usually this
separation anxiety is a battle to get their life back to the same
old schedule they where used to before. You must show a re-
assuring front so that you can instill confidence in your child
during this difficult time. There are always looking at Mom
and/or Dad for re-assurance. If you don't go through it now, you
will eventually. Not only are you setting your child to be
prepared academically but also emotionally, socially and
mentally. This is one hurdle that once accomplished will give
your child a real boost in their confidence before being thrust
into the "BIG SCHOOL".
There are other parents here that have gone through it and are
ready to support you and talk to you. Those parents will tell you
some funny stories about how their children are now. eg. Having
to physically carry them off the playground because they don't
want to leave. Remember to communicate frequently with the
school and talk to us about any concerns you might have. We are
here for "YOU" to help you through it. There are no stupid
questions. We are all parents here and we will get you through it.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS & TEACHER VACATION ALLOWANCE
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS:
The following is a list of the paid holidays that we will be
taking each year.
Martin Luther King Jr.
President's Day
- Washingtons Birthday
- Lincolns Birthday
Easter Holiday (closed Friday)
Memorial Day
July 4
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Holiday (Thurs & Fri)
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
New Years Eve and New Years Day
These holidays are paid holidays. If a holiday falls on a
weekend we will take the friday before and/or the Monday after as
a paid holiday. Notice will be given by our bulletin board. Please
make sure to check this board daily for
notices when you are signing in and out. This is your
responsibility. Occasionally, we may need to take a day off for
appointments, training or conferences. We will try to schedule
these days as far in advance as possible so that you can arrange
other care for your child.
UNPAID SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
WINTER BREAK (minimum 1 week)
SUMMER BREAK (minimum 1 week - dates tba)
TOILET TRAINING - BIRTHDAY PARTIES
TOILET TRAINING:
The child must be kept in pull-ups at all times until your child
can and does announce that (s)he must use the bathroom and can
control his/her bladder for a few minutes beyond that
announcement regularly. When your child consistently has a dry
pull-up the school will ask you to bring them in underwear.
During toilet training, you must bring your child in "user
friendly" clothing, eg. dresses and elastic waist shorts. Your
cooperation is crucial during this delicate time and your child's
success depends on it. "They and not you or the school will
dictate when they are ready"
BIRTHDAY PARTIES:
We allow small birthday parties with advance notice. They
typically run approx. no more than 30 minutes. All food is to be
store bought. Parents need to supply all paper supplies for easy
clean-up. Clowns etc... are allowed depending on advance
notice/how long it will take/our schedule that week/planning a
space in our teaching day. An organized party is usually the
most fun.
HEALTH SYMPTOMS REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF A CHILD & ABSENSES
FEVER:
Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 degrees farenheit
or higher. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24
hours before returning to our program, WITHOUT THE AID OF TYLENOL
OR ANY OTHER FEVER REDUCING SUBSTANCE. You will be called to pick
up your child should a fever occur.
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS:
Sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability,
listlessness, confusion, not participating in program.
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Hacking or continuous coughing.
Runny nose (other than clear), draining eyes or ears.
Frequent scratching of body or scalp, lice, rash, or any other
spots that resemble childhood diseases, including ringworm.
Child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more
attention that we can provide without affecting the health,
safety or well-being of the other children in our care.
NOTE: We will not accept parents diagnosis of their children as
regulated by the Health department of Social Services. You will
always be asked for a doctor's note before your child can
return. When the note is being completed by a nurse or Dr.'s
Asst. please specify illness and exact date of when the child can
safely return. If illness is not specified, we may ask you to
have your Doctor or Dr's office contact the school before your
child can return to school. Teachers for the most part are
educated in common childhood diseases and most times can
recognize the signs.
ABSENCES:
Payment obligation is based on the days and hours you agree to
use the childcare, not on actual hours of attendance. There is
no refund for your childs absence. There will be no refunds or
adjustments made for days missed due to illness, holidays, or
days off. A place has been reserved for each child that cannot
be filled on a short term basis. If we do not receive tuition for
the time your child is out, your two week notice will be in
effect along with your deposit from when payment was due. Your
childs slot in the school will also go the the next child on the
waiting list.
TERMINATION POLICY - REVISIONS TO THIS HANDBOOK
TERMINATION POLICY:
Failure to pay
Failure to complete the required forms
Lack of parental cooperation
Our childcare & parents unable to meet each others needs,
resulting in a breakdown in communication that would always end
up not benefiting the child.
Failure of child to adjust to us after a reasonable amount of time
Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
Failure to comply with any/and all requirements stated within our
policy and procedures Handbook.
Our inability to meet the child's needs
Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
Serious illness of child or provider
It is recognised that our childcare reserves the right to dismiss
child if and when, in our opinion, his/her presence is judged to
be detrimental to the welfare of the us or any person. Failure
to pay the TUITION PAYMENT OBLIGATION as indicated by this
handbook and the Agreement is grounds for dismissal.
In cases of academic, discipline, or payment problems (tuition or
late fees), we reserve the absolute right to dis-enroll child or
to dismiss the child. NO refund of tuition or fees will be made
for the withdrawal, dismissal, or absence of a student during
the year.
Our childcare at its sole discretion, may terminate this
Agreement upon two week written notice to parent. Parent is also
required to give a full two weeks notice. Your pre-paid deposit
will be used for the last two weeks of care whether your child
attends or not.
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS
Please note that we do not have a religious affilitation with any
religion. All faiths are welcome. The children practice a
simple prayer saying thank you to "God" after they eat.
REVISIONS TO THIS HANDBOOK:
We reserve the right to make changes in rates and/or policies in
this handbook or our contracts as we deem necessary. You will be
notified in writing of any changes that may occur and be asked to
sign the revisions.
Parents are required to sign/initial on the childcare contract
that they have read all of our police and procedure handbook
online.
OPEN DOOR POLICY - VOLUNTEERING - VISITOR OBSERVATIONS
OPEN DOOR POLICY:
We maintain an open door policy for parents during school hours.
This means that parents are always welcome to call or drop in to
see their children. We would appreciate your taking into
consideration our schedule when dropping in and remember that
your presence might cause the children to react in an excited
manner eg. sometimes running wild or not listening to either the
visiting parent or teacher. Chaos like this creates interference
with our structured teaching schedule. When you arrive we will
immediately send your child out to spend time with you at the
greeting area. That way there will be minimal distraction in the
other childrens teaching program. If your visit causes your child
to not want to participate further with our activities, you will
be obligated to bring your child with you. If you would like to
stay longer, your childs teacher will schedule a time for you to
come in and volunteer and be part of our school. We would love to
have you.
VOLUNTEERING:
All parents who would like to volunteer and assist the teacher
must let her know in advance and she will schedule you on the
volunteer calendar. Volunteers must try to focus equally on all
children not just their own and never reprimand children. You are
there to help with the overall running of the our program. You
will be advised in advance as to where your assistance will
be needed. Your own child must be able to behave well when you
are volunteering. It is good to talk to them that morning before
you volunteer and let them know that you are coming in to help
the teacher. Go over the rules and consequences of not behaving
while you are there eg. mommy not being able to come in and help
and having to leave with him/her and come back another day. It
should be a positive experience for you/your child & the
teachers. If it doesn't work the first time don't be discouraged
we will try again. Volunteering does not start until your child
has been in school one month to allow them time to settle into
the school.
VISITOR OBSERVATIONS:
Visitors whose children are not enrolled in the program and wish
to observe are welcome. They need to remain only in the area
designated by the teacher. Even though you may not be well seen,
children usually know about your presence and it generally does
not allow them to behave in a normal way as opposed to when they
are not being observed. You may observe for a period of 15
minutes. Any longer than this you need to be enrolled and
signed up in our school and involved in our volunteer program.
NEW STUDENT INFORMATION
Parents Responsibility
1) Rectangular tupperwear with a complete set of play clothes for the child including socks.
2) If a bag of soiled clothes comes home with your child it is your responsibility to replace
the extra clothes at the school. Otherwise you will be called and expected to come down to the school
when your child has an accident.
3) Full box of wipies and pull-ups in Bathroom. It is your responsibility to go in to the bathroom
and check once a week to make sure the teacher has all the supplies she needs to do potty training. If
there is time you will get a note when they are getting low. However this is a courtesy when there is time,
do not rely on this, it is your responsibility to go and check.
4) All dance clothes and shoes should have their name on it and in a small bag that is easy for your
child to access.
5) Each child should have their own lunchbox.
6) Be sure to attend periodic parent/teacher conference.
7) Check Newsletter every Monday morning at www.scvpreschool.com.
8) Try to attend all potlucks and family get togethers.
Note: Preschool is a joined partnership between Parent, Child & Teacher.
You must be actively involved in your childs school and keep abreast of everything
going on for your child to be successful.
We are preparing not only your child but you for Kindergarten. In Kindergarten the
expectations of parents are much higher so the little you do here gets you ready.