Dear Parents: - Little Tigers Preschool & Day Care Center
Little Tiger’s Preschool and Daycare Center
319 South Parkway Avenue
Battle Ground Washington 98604
(360)687-5256
Dear Parents:
The staff of Little Tiger’s would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to Little Tiger’s Preschool and Daycare Center. We would also like to thank you for allowing us to share with you in the growth and development of your child.
Please take a few moments to read through this handbook. You will find a section containing our philosophy and some general information about Little Tiger’s Preschool and Daycare Center. At the end of this handbook you will find a statement of agreement that must be signed by you and by the Little Tiger’s Preschool and Daycare Center Director prior to your child’s enrollment.
We are always excited about the coming year and are confident that both you and your child will find the experience both enjoyable and beneficial. Our children typically do very well when they transition to public school. Please call if you have any questions or concerns about the policies addressed in this handbook or if there is any way we can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
THE DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF LITTLE TIGER’S PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE CENTER
|This handbook is an integral part of the Little Tiger’s Preschool and Daycare Center contract as if fully set forth in that contact, and as |
|such, you agree to abide by the policies in this handbook. All policies in this contract are common throughout the Day Care Industry. We |
|always meet or exceed state mandated minimum standards and always comply with all applicable rules & laws of the State of Washington. |
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
We believe that every child is a worthwhile and unique individual and should be given as many opportunities as possible to learn in their own way, pursuing their own interests and having their many individual needs met. Our goal is to accept each child as they are, and to help foster their growth and development into a responsible, independent, and caring person. We will strive to make all children more aware of the world around them through activities and experiences aimed at social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. We understand the importance of providing the opportunity for children to participate in group as well as individual activities, both noisy and quiet times, large and fine motor physical activities, and time for observation to develop problem solving and listening skills.
We believe that if given the chance, every child has the potential to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem, a feeling that he or she is special, and a foundation that will encourage enjoyable learning experiences now and in the future. We believe that these early years of a child’s life can set the tone for his or her future and that a happy, fun and exciting child care program which is based on love, understanding, caring and early learning will bring forth the best in a child, who is ready to tackle the responsibilities of life. One of our greatest pleasures is meeting graduates of our program, who now have their own children. Without exception, they have fond memories of their years at Little Tigers and credit our program with having a positive influence on their lives.
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PROGRAM GOALS
The goal of the Little Tiger’s staff is to provide a safe, stimulating and uplifting environment which will help each child grow and develop at his or her own pace and to provide the community with a quality model child care program.
Program Goals for Children
Little Tiger’s goals for the children are as follows:
1. To help children develop a positive self-image.
2. To provide opportunities to establish early friendships and social interactions among children and adults, and to establish a solid foundation on which to build future learning.
3. To provide challenging activities encouraging development of large and fine motor skills.
4. To help children develop effective communication, interpersonal relations, listening and
conflict resolution skills.
5. To encourage children to express themselves in appropriate and acceptable ways.
6. To develop in each child an interest in learning about his or her environment.
7. To offer experiences that enable children to develop self-esteem and the confidence to
make good decisions for themselves and to accept responsibility for their actions.
SERVICES PROVIDED
Little Tiger’s provides quality daycare and educational opportunities for the children of Battle Ground and surrounding communities. The Little Tiger’s program is nondiscriminatory and welcomes children and families of any religion, race, sex, ethnic or national origin, handicap and sexual orientation.
Little Tiger’s Classrooms
Yellow Room – 12 months–30 months
Blue Room – 30 months-48 months and potty trained
Red Room – 4 years-5 years
Brown Room - Over flow classroom when needed due to class sizes.
Orange Room – 5 years -6 years
Green Room (gym) – 6 years-12 years
All classrooms are color coded by their chair color.
In all cases, children are placed in groups that fit their developmental readiness as well as chronological age. Little Tiger’s staff will work with families to determine which program will fit the needs of each individual child.
Hours of Operation and Scheduled Holidays
Little Tiger’s is licensed for operation between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Children may be dropped off beginning at 6:00 a.m. Children contracted for full day or afternoon care must be picked up no later than 6:00pm. If your contract is for preschool, pick up your child no later than 12:00pm. The center will be closed on the following Holidays: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after.
There will be sign up sheets for holidays in order to get an accurate count of how many children will need to attend on that day and to give an opportunity for staff to take the day off if not enough children sign up. If you sign up for Monday, Wednesday and Fridays those are considered your scheduled days. If the holiday falls on a Monday or Friday you will be required to pay for that days care even though we are not open. However, you do have the option of taking the day as a vacation day. Vacation days may be taken after your child has been in attendance for 3 consecutive months. You are given double the amount of scheduled days for the year. If your child is scheduled for 3 days a week you are given 6 vacation days for the year. Our school year is September 1st through August 31st.
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PROFESSIONAL STAFF
The professional staff at Little Tiger’s is dedicated to providing quality care and educational opportunities to all children. Great effort has gone into providing a stable, consistent staff, and our staff receive competitive wages and a desirable benefits package. We try to provide a loving, safe, fun learning environment for your child. We love children at Little Tiger’s and find the very best teachers available to care for and teach your child in a manner which is pleasing to even the most discerning parent.
Our staff and facility meet or exceed all State of Washington requirements including the following:
1. All staff are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid.
2. All staff receive HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention training.
3. All staff receive State of Washington Criminal History Background check and FBI fingerprinting check
if required.
4. All staff have been tested negative for TB.
5. All staff participate in professional continuing education programs. (10 hours college level minimum per year)
6. All staff have provided verified professional and personal references.
7. All staff involved in food preparation has valid Food Handlers Permit.
8. We have a very open facility which virtually eliminates the possibility of staff ever being alone or
unobserved with a child and frequent staff meetings address any potential problems.
9. The staff is trained in productive methods of positive discipline. Corporal Punishment is never used at Little Tigers.
10. All staff strive to develop a sense of responsibility in your child by requiring group participation when
picking up toys, putting things in cubby’s, hanging up clothing and hand washing.
11. Your child is covered by our commercial insurance coverage while in our care.
12. Your child will participate in monthly fire drills and quarterly earthquake and disaster training drills as required by state law.
CURRICULUM
A comprehensive, developmentally appropriate method is used where active learning is facilitated by flexible classroom arrangements utilizing interest centers and individualized activities.
The teaching staff develops lesson plans to include the following:
*Large and Small Group activities *When a child is clearly not ready to transition to the next
*Family Style meals age appropriate room due to developmental delays or just
*Outside and Large Motor activities transitioning from one teacher to another, the child may be
*Child initiated choices placed in a room where he is more comfortable for short periods
*Developmentally appropriate computer experiences of time, with the knowledge and consent of the parent.
Toddler/Preschoolers
Lesson Plans and daily activities are designed to provide developmentally appropriate experiences in each of the following areas:
*Sense of Self
*Social Relations
*Creative Representation
*Movement
*Music
*Communication & Language
*Exploring Objects
Toddler Daily Schedule
Because children do not develop at the same rate, the toddler room provides a combination of individual needs and group activities. Lesson plans are available always hanging up on the parent board in the classrooms.
* Occasionally a child moving up from the toddler room to the three year old room has trouble adjusting to his or her new room, teacher, bathroom responsibilities or surroundings. When this happens, we may allow the child to return to the toddler room for brief periods to relieve the child’s anxiety.
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Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool
Lesson Plans and daily activities are designed to provide developmentally appropriate experiences in each of the following areas:
*Language & Literacy
*Initiative & Social Relations
*Creative Representation
*Movement
*Music
*Classification
*Number
The daily schedule of the preschool classrooms is designed to offer children a variety of learning experiences including group and self - initiated activities.
A typical preschool day may include the following:
6:00-9:00 – Arrival/Free Choice
7:00-7:30 – Breakfast
9:00-9:30 – Circle Time
9:30 – 10:00 – Large Group Activities/Music & Movement
10:00-10:30 – Snack
10:30-11:30 – Activity Centers
11:30-12:00 – Outside & Large Motor Activities
12:00-12:30 – Lunch
12:30-1:00 – Lunch Clean-up & Nap Preparation
1:00-3:00 – Rest Time
2:30-3:00 – Wake-up & Quiet Activities
3:00-3:30 – Snack
3:30-4:15 – Activity Centers
4:30-5:30 – Large Group/Music & Movement/ Outside & Large Motor Activities
5:30-6:00 – Ready to go home time with quiet activities
DISCIPLINE/GUIDANCE
The staff at Little Tiger’s will use positive methods of discipline/guidance, which will encourage each child to develop self-control, self-esteem, and self-direction. We believe that when children are actively involved in developmentally appropriate learning activities, misbehavior is least likely to occur. This is one reason we believe strongly in proper developmental placement. While proper placement will not solve all discipline problems, it provides a healthy context within which to deal with individual situations. Our goal is to assist children in conflict resolution strategies to help strengthen their problem solving abilities.
Toddlers
It is normal for infants and toddlers to be curious about their surroundings. During active exploration of their environment, we may find them in situations that could cause harm to themselves, others, or materials around them. We understand that a child’s natural curiosity can override their ability to comply with rules; we do our best to provide a “child–proof” environment so that children are able to enjoy free exploration of their environment. This is a delicate stage in a child’s development.
Preschoolers
During this stage of development children need to know what is expected from them. The teaching staff set guidelines through classroom limits, schedules, and teaching strategies geared toward assisting children to become self–confident, critical thinkers and problem solvers. The teaching staff realizes that conflicts will occur with young children. We use these circumstances to help children learn conflict resolution strategies, and problem solving skills. Our staff will model positive techniques by teaching children the importance of listening to others, identifying the problem at hand, seeking solutions, and agreeing on solutions. We feel it is important for adults to be facilitators in the problem solving effort rather than always dictate what the solutions should be.
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School Age Children
The teaching staff set guidelines for the children. The teaching staff realizes that conflicts will occur with young children. We use these circumstances to help children learn conflict resolution strategies, and problem solving skills. Our staff will model positive techniques by teaching children the importance of listening to others, identifying the problem at hand, seeking solutions, and agreeing on solutions. We feel it is important for adults to be facilitators in the problem solving effort rather than dictate what the solutions should be. We feel the children should be respectful of the staff and the other children. If the rules are not followed they may be asked to sit in a time out or write sentences or loss of privileges. The student will learn that usually actions have consequences and that we are all responsible for our actions.
Occasionally, children’s behaviors go beyond normal limits. This occurs when children choose actions that put others or themselves at risk. When this occurs, the teaching staff will explain the negative effects of the child’s behavior and attempt immediate re-direction. If this is not successful then separating the child from the situation will become necessary. If potentially harmful situations persist, a conference with the parent(s), the teacher, and the director will be scheduled to coordinate a plan of action. Regretfully, if attempts to eliminate harmful behaviors are not successful, the center staff may request the child be removed from the center to ensure the health and safety of all children enrolled. If a child is suspended from public school, he or she will not be able to return to Little Tigers until the suspension is over.
Corporal punishment will not be used at any time. Children will be sent to time out if they continue to misbehave. Depending on the child’s age, sentences may be used instead of a time out. We may also find it necessary to separate the child from another child, if those children keep having issues with each other that can’t be resolved.
If any child endangers the safety of other children or staff members the child may be warned and/or suspended immediately and if it happens again the child could be suspended for two days. If this occurs a third time the child may be expelled from the program permanently.
TUITION AND REGISTRATION
An annual non-refundable registration fee of $50.00 is required for each child at the time of initial enrollment. This registration fee does not apply toward tuition cost. Tuition charges are based on full week enrollment depending on your scheduling choice.
State funded children’s registration is paid only once per year in February after initial registration. Our school year runs from September through August. Those returning students who are state funded will be billed a $50 registration fee each September. You may pay the fee privately, or have the balance carry over until the state authorizes payment in January. If the child stops attending prior to the state paying the fee, you will be held responsible for that fee.
Page 15 of this handbook covers complete tuition and fees information. The director can resolve any questions you may have.
Enrollment Eligibility
The following information must be completed prior to the admittance of each child:
1. Registration Form including date of last physical/dental exam within the past year.
2. Registration fee of $50.00 per child.
3. Completed current record of immunizations on the Certificate of Immunization form.
4. Written consent form for child to receive emergency medical care.
5. Written list of allergies or foods child can not eat and any medications used.
6. Permission to transport child to and from public school if applicable.
It is the responsibility of the parent to maintain up – to – date information regarding their child. Failure to provide these items may result in your child’s enrollment being delayed or cancelled. Tuition charges will be assessed to your account until the required information is provided.
CONTRACT TERMS
A contract will be prepared covering days, hours, and tuition charges for your child. The contract must by signed by the parent and returned to us within 5 days. A copy will be provided to the parent if asked. A signed contract is an agreement that you will abide by all applicable rules, regulations, and policies set out in this handbook and you will pay for all days specified in the contract even when your child is absent. Little Tiger’s agrees to provide child care services on all days and hours contracted. We have not closed due to adverse weather conditions since we opened in 1989. (5)
ARRIVING LATE TO SCHOOL
If your child will be arriving at the center after 9:00 AM, please call us before 9:00am. This helps out greatly when it comes to snack time so that we have included your child in the snack count. We do not close due to weather conditions which might close public school. You can count on us to be open on time all day, every day.
NOT COMING TO SCHOOL
If your child will not be attending school, please call us by 9:00am. This helps with staffing and snack preparations. If your child is a schoolager and will not be attending after school make sure to call us before 2:00pm to avoid the $10.00 search fee. Sometimes children don’t attend before school and then don’t show up after school either but we still need that phone call as we don’t know if you got up late or had an appointment and drove your child to school that morning.
DROP-IN ATTENDANCE IF NOT ENROLLED: Drop-ins (based on space available) will be charged an hourly rate of $8.00 per hour or $45.00 per day which ever is least. Drop-in rate for toddlers is $10.00 per hour or $65.00 per day.
LATE PICK UP or EARLY DROP OFF
Anytime a child is left beyond his/her contracted hours will be considered late. The first time this occurs a verbal warning will be issued without a fee being charged to your account. The second time a written warning will be issued as well as a fee of $1.00 per minute. Regretfully, if this continues to happen regularly, it could result in dismissal from Little Tiger’s. As per the contact terms, the parent is still responsible to fulfill the remaining financial obligation of the contract. If you have any questions about your bill you can contact the office.
If your child is dropped off at the center before the scheduled contracted time an hourly charge of $6.00 will be charged to your account. Sometimes the preschool children like to stay for lunch with us. That is possible if you notify the teacher at least a day in advance and we have space available then your account will be charged $6.00 for that additional hour. If staying beyond 1:00PM, you will be charged for a full day.
If a child has not been picked up from the center 15 minutes after the contracted time, the parents will be called, then the emergency contact person listed on the emergency information card may be notified. If no one can be reached after 2 hours, the staff at Little Tiger’s will notify Child Protective Services.
SIGN IN/OUT PROCEDURES
Little Tiger’s is required to maintain attendance records for each child enrolled. These records are used for reporting to state regulatory agencies, emergency evacuation procedures, and billing. The following guidelines need to be followed when signing your child in or out. You will find the sign in/out attendance sheets as you enter through the front door.
1. Sign your child in by entering the exact time you are dropping off your child and using your
full legal signature. There is always a clock on the wall in the sign in area.
2. WE WILL NOT RELEASE YOUR CHILD TO ANYONE BUT A PARENT WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE BY A NOTE OR TELEPHONE CALL. THIS PERSON MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD & HAVE PICTURE ID.
3. Sign your child out by entering the exact time you are taking your child from the center and sign your full legal signature in the box labeled “Signature” for each of your children.
4. Any person, other than a parent or legal guardian, (and parents unknown to Little Tiger’s)
will be required to provide a valid picture I.D.
DISMISSAL FROM CARE
Little Tiger’s Preschool and Daycare staff reserves the right to dismiss from the program, any child, if that child’s needs or those of the other children are being compromised.
Little Tiger’s may dismiss from our program for the following reasons:
1. Non – Cooperation of parent or child which jeopardizes the health and/or safety of any child.
2. Delinquency of payment of fees.
3. Inability of child or parent to adjust to the center’s program.
4. Abuse of the 6:00am opening or 6:00pm closing times
5. Abuse of contracted hours
6. Failure to pick up a sick child within the 2 hour allotted time frame. (6)
In the event that Little Tiger’s is forced to dismiss a child for any of the above reasons, the parent or legal guardian will be responsible for the financial charges for the scheduled days the child was to attend for two weeks.
PAYMENT METHODS
Little Tiger’s accepts payment in the form of cash, check, credit or debit card or money order. On credit or debit card transactions, a transaction fee of one percent will be added. Payments are due the first day of attendance each week in which the service is provided. A late fee of $5.00 will be assessed each week if tuition is not paid in full by Friday. You may drop your payment in the drop box located on the wall by the sign in/out sheets in the front lobby. If your child has a different last name than on the check, please put your child’s name in the memo portion of your check. If paying with cash please ask a staff member for a receipt. In all cases, payments are expected to be made on a regular basis and cover the entire tuition amount for that period.
STATE SUBSIDY PAYMENTS
Little Tiger’s accepts payments through DSHS Working Connections. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact their office to determine eligibility and authorization amounts. New clients, who have applied for assistance and have not received verification from DSHS before enrollment begins, may attend, but must pay the full tuition privately until the time that DSHS authorizes the subsidy. When DSHS approves your eligibility, you can contact them to repay you the amount you have paid the center or have that amount credited to your Little Tiger’s account. It is your responsibility to pay for any fees that DSHS does not cover including meals, extra hours, extra days, late fees and late pickup fees & transportation fee. DSHS sometimes has a co-payment that you are required to pay. If you have a co-payment it is due on the first day of attendance each month. If it is not paid by the 5th of each month your account will be charged a $5.00 weekly late fee and subject to termination. If you leave Little Tiger’s without paying your co-pay, we are required to notify DSHS and your subsidy will be canceled by them, which means you won’t be able to enroll in another daycare center until we have been paid in full.
NON-SUFFICENT FUNDS CHECK
If we receive a non sufficient check there will be a $35.00 charge to your account. If this happens a second time we will require you to pay for all care in cash, credit/debit card or money order.
ARRIVAL AND PICK UP POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Arrival
Upon arrival, please sign your child in on the sign in sheets located in the lobby showing both the time of day and your full legal signature. Parents are responsible for assisting their child with the removal of any outside clothing, if needed. Children are required to wash their hands immediately upon arrival at the center. Parents should accompany their child to the child’s room and check their cubbies for any notes or other items which should be taken home. Please be sure your child is under the supervision of his or her teacher before leaving the premises.
Pick Up
If you know you are going to be late picking up your child, please notify the center immediately so that we can reassure your child that he/she has not been forgotten. If we are not notified within 15 minutes past your child’s contracted time, the emergency contact person listed on your child’s information record will be contacted to pick up your child. Please sign your full legal name and the accurate time you picked your child up. Staff double check these times and if needed, staff will correct the time. It should be understood that pick up time is the actual departure time from the building.
Authorization to pick up a child
Children will be released only to persons whose names are listed on the child information record. No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up the child. We must have written authorization for changes.
Photo identification will be required for persons picking up your child and they must be a minimum of 16 years old.
Little Tiger’s staff will sign children in and out when they leave or arrive from public school.
Little Tiger’s will not release children to parents or any other person who appears to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Little Tiger’s Staff must release a child to a parent unless a valid court order and specific instructions from the custodial parent is available in our files. (7)
VACATION DAYS
You have contracted to pay tuition for all scheduled days whether your child attends or not. The only exception to this rule is that you may take vacation days if you notify the school by using the vacation schedule form in advance of the days your child will be gone. We allow twice the days scheduled per week. Example: If your child is scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday, he would have six vacation days for which no charge would be made and his spot would be held for that time provided we are notified with a written request prior to the first day of the vacation. (You qualify after 3 months attendance.)
PARENT PARKING
Parking is available in front of the center. Please obey the one way entrance and exit signs and drive slowly. If you’re driving a SUV or Truck please park at the South end of the facility so other parents dropping off their children will be able to enter the parking lot safely. Parking is limited so try to make drop offs and pick ups as quickly as possible. If you feel you may be in the building awhile you may park at the Church next door.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
Correspondence from the billing department and your child’s teachers can be found taped to your child’s cubby or on top of the cubbies by the Orange room. Tuition is the same amount weekly and due the first day of attendance each week. In order to help keep the costs down bills are only ran if your account is behind or if you had extra charges the previous week. If you would like an appointment to talk with your child’s teacher please let the teacher know and they will make arrangements for an appointment. Parents have access to all areas of the center that the child uses. Parents may only have unsupervised access to their own child.
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Little Tiger’s has no religious affiliation. Before snacks we do say a short grace. If a child does not want to say grace that is fine & we just ask that they sit quietly and wait until the rest of the class is finished before beginning eating. We celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Halloween. We usually have Santa come for a special visit around Christmas and do lots of arts and crafts projects for both holidays. Our grace is as follows; Thank You God for food so good and help us do the things we should, Amen.
FOOD SERVICE
Breakfast is served daily at the center between 7:00am & 7:30am. There is an additional daily charge of $2.00 per breakfast. Lunch is provided on an emergency basis only for $3.00 a lunch. Our snacks are substantial and far exceed state minimum standards. Special arrangements can be made for children with dietary issues. Children should not bring their own breakfast
and should never still be eating when entering the building.
Little Tiger’s provides the following menus daily:
BREAKFAST 7:00am to 7:30am
SNACK 10:00am to 10:30am
SNACK 3:00pm to 3:30pm
SNACK 3:35pm to 4:00pm for after school children
Meals and snacks cannot be served outside the assigned times except for medical reasons. Food from outside the center can not be served except for treats pre-approved through your child’s teacher that may be brought in for special occasions, such as birthdays. All items must be store bought and prepared. State Law prohibits homemade items being served in the center.
If your child is extremely allergic to a specific food item, we will need to have a physician’s note for our files stating the child’s allergy. Forms are available for your physician to fill out. If you have religious convictions against any particular food items, we would like a written note specifying the items to include in your child’s file.
Please remember that soda pop, Happy Meals, candy and chewing gum should not be sent in lunches. Please keep items requiring cooking, such as soups, chicken, burritos ,corn dogs and frozen dinners to a minimum. Please make sure items are premixed and in a microwaveable container with your child’s name and date on it. You must provide an insulated lunch bag and ice pack to keep food cold until lunch time. Adequate refrigeration is available for items needing refrigeration until lunch time. If your child has something that needs heated or refrigerated please give it to a teacher prior to your departure. Heating lunches is not available on field trips.
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REST AND RELAXATION
Rest time is a very important part of the child’s daily schedule. Rest time is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. daily. Young toddlers do not have set rest periods as their individual schedules dictate when rest is needed. But we do try to get them to rest from 1:00pm - 3:00pm daily while the older children are trying to rest. Each child will be supplied with a crib or mat for resting purposes. Children are not required to sleep, but are asked to remain quietly on their mats during rest time. We encourage you to provide a small blanket & pillow for your child, to help them relax. Please be sure all items are labeled with your child’s name. These items will be sent home weekly for cleaning. Little Tiger’s staff will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing your child’s mat/crib and sheets.
During rest time we will dim lights, play soft music, and help soothe children and provide a relaxing atmosphere. Children five years & older will be provided with quiet activities or watch a movie during nap time.
It is not appropriate for us to prevent a child from sleeping or resting, so that they may sleep better at home.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
It is important that every parent cooperate fully with our health program. Our policies are designed to protect the well being of all children and to guard, as much as possible, against avoidable absences for health reasons. When there are symptoms of illness or other indications that a child is not well enough to participate in group activities, arrangements must be made for his/her care outside the center. Little Tiger’s does not have provisions for the care of children who are ill, other than isolation.
Proper care at the beginning of an illness can often shorten its duration. If your child becomes ill at the center, he/she will be isolated, and you or the emergency person listed on your child’s information record will be called, so you can make arrangements to have him/her picked up within 2 hours.
In the event your child becomes ill at home or while at the center it is necessary to keep your child out of the center for a complete 24 hours after all symptoms or signs of illness have passed. This policy includes, but is not limited to, fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, nasal congestion, and eye discharge. If your child is prescribed an antibiotic from his/her physician, they should be kept at home for a full 24 hours from the first dose or longer if physician states the child may be contagious for a longer period.
The following guidelines have been established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Little Tiger’s staff will use these guidelines to determine when a child should be sent home from the center. If you notice your child has one or more of the following symptoms, please keep your child at home to monitor your child’s health for a full 24 hours.
• Fever – AND/OR sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, ear ache, irritability, or confusion. Fever is defined as having a temperature over 100 degrees F.
• Diarrhea – runny, watery, or bloody stools.
• Vomiting – 2 or more times in a 24 hour period.
• Body rash with fever
• Sore throat with fever and/or swollen glands
• Severe coughing – child gets red or blue in the face or makes high-pitched whooping sound after coughing.
• Eye discharge – thick mucus or pus draining from the eye, or pink eye.
• Yellowish skin or eyes
• Child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than we can provide without jeopardizing the health and safety of the other children.
Please report to the center any illness your child may have. There are some illnesses which we are required to report to the Health Department. Any special needs, such as allergies or restriction of physical activities, must be specifically noted in your child’s file and classroom and depending on the special needs you may have to have your doctor complete a form. We will do our best to provide your child with the care they require. You will need to complete an individual report and the physician will be required to fill out the allergy or food intolerance report and this report must be cleared with the center director if the child has extreme special needs..
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MEDICATION
The staff at Little Tiger’s will administer medications to children under the following guidelines:
Prescription Medication:
• Medication bottle contains the child’s full name.
• The medication has been prescribed by a licensed physician.
• The medication is in the original container (you may want to ask the pharmacist to dispense medication in two containers).
• Contains date prescription was filled and shows the expiration date of the medication
• Meds must be in the original child–proof container with dosages clearly stated.
• An authorization for staff to administer the medication must be completed and signed by the parent/legal guardian.
Over–the–Counter Medication
• Medication must be in original container.
• Medication must contain specific directions for child’s age and/or weight.
• Container must be labeled with child’s full name.
• Expiration date of medication must be on the original medication container.
• Medication must be in a child–proof container.
• An authorization for staff to administer medication must be completed and signed by the parent/legal guardian.
We are not able to administer aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin, or similar products to children under 2 years old without a prescription from your child’s doctor. PLEASE DO NOT ADMINISTER FEVER REDUCING PRODUCTS TO YOUR CHILD BEFORE THEY ARE BROUGHT TO LITTLE TIGER’S. IF YOUR CHILD IS ILL ENOUGH TO REQUIRE THESE PRODUCTS THEY SHOULD BE KEPT AT HOME. FEVERS ARE OFTEN INDICATIONS OF OTHER ILLNESSES. FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN, KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Products such as sunscreen, diaper ointments, and teething gel require an over–the–counter medication form to be completed by the child’s parent/legal guardian. Forms are available with your child’s teacher. Please seek the advice of your child’s doctor before requesting administration of such products.
Communicable Diseases
If your child has a communicable disease such as whooping cough, strep throat, measles, chicken pox, pink eye, etc., please notify Little Tiger’s immediately. This will allow us to inform the other parents and the Health Department. A notice of a communicable disease will be posted in the center on the front door and also on the parent note board. This notice does not give the child’s name. We are required to report the child’s name and information to the Southwest Washington Health Department.
If a child becomes ill at Little Tiger’s, the parent/legal guardian will be contacted immediately. Whenever a communicable disease is present we will use the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine when a child can return to our program.
Immunization Exemptions
If your child has an immunization exemption, the child will be excluded from attendance if there is a suspected outbreak of any type which the child is not immunized for.
HEAD LICE: Head lice are an unfortunate fact of life. They occur occasionally when large groups of children come in contact with each other such as at public school. We normally see this when school first starts and again during baseball/softball season. If your child is involved in Little League we suggest you buy your child his/her own personal batting helmet to help avoid the risk of head lice. Head lice is not a function of cleanliness or personal hygiene. Long hair seems to attract them somehow. We have a no nit policy. If your child is sent home with head lice the child may not return to the center until there are no nits, even if you have treated the child. Remember to treat your whole house and car and car seats. We have a handout available to help you through this ordeal. The staff at Little Tiger’s will also treat the center and all bedding, toys and work jobs.
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CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS
Dress
You will quickly discover that children play and work hard while at our center. They are regularly involved with a wide variety of tasks and materials. While we do our best to help them remain clean, children should come to school in clothing which can “stand up” to a child’s environment. Part of our program is allowing children the chance to manipulate their environment. Sometimes in the “learning” process accidents and messes happen. Little Tiger’s can not be responsible for clothing that is stained or ruined during children’s activities. Please mark your child's name on all clothing items belonging to your child. Please provide an extra set of clothing at the center for your child in case of accidents or emergencies. This includes underwear and socks.
Jewelry
Little Tiger’s cannot be responsible for lost, stolen, or broken jewelry.
Toys/Share Day
If an item from home is brought to the center, Little Tiger’s cannot be held responsible if it is lost, damaged, or stolen. Children may bring toys on their share day which is the last day of the week that they attend
Objects Not Permitted
For safety reasons the following items are not allowed at Little Tiger’s
• Guns or weapons (real or pretend)
• Sharp objects or breakable items such as glass.
• Chewing Gum
• Any items that may be conducive to violent and/or aggressive play
Items to Be Provided By the Parent
• Diapers and or pull ups
• At least one change of clothing to be left at the center
• Lunch if child is scheduled to be at the center for lunch time. Insulated lunch bags & ice packs work well.
DIAPER POLICY
Little Tiger’s is not responsible for providing diapers for children. However, we realize that sometimes parents forget to keep diapers on hand. Little Tiger’s staff will inform parents on their child’s Daily Activity Record when the child’s diaper supply is getting low. If your child does run out of diapers, we will have extras available. To recover the cost of the diapers, when you send in a new supply the diapers, we will replace our supply from the diapers you brought us to insure that we always have diapers and don’t have to bill you for diapers used.
Diapering; toilet training plan.
(1) Diapers shall be disposable. If a child’s health condition necessitates that disposable diapers cannot be used, then an alternate arrangement may be made according to the parent’s or licensed physician’s instructions.
(2) Diapering shall be done in a designated diapering area.
(3) Little Tiger’s shall maintain a diapering area, and all supplies and equipment shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.
(4) The caregiver shall thoroughly wash his or her hands after each diapering, and after cleaning up bodily fluids, using soap, disinfectant and running water.
(5) A washcloth or towel, or both, used in diapering shall not be used subsequently on another part of the body or for any other purpose until laundered.
(6) Toilet training shall be planned cooperatively between the child’s primary caregiver and the parent so that the toilet routine established is consistent between the center and the child’s home, and at a minimum, shall include washing hands after toilet use. The center shall empty and sanitize all training devices immediately after each use.
(7) The caregiver shall change diapers when soiled or wet and check them every hour.
(8) The changing area will be disinfected with a solution of 1 Tablespoon bleach per 1 quart of water and toilet seats and potty chairs after each use.
(9) Potty trained means that the child is capable of going to the bathroom without assistance from a caregiver and
does not have any accidents and is not in pull-ups.
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CENTER ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Play Our schedule includes outdoor activities each day, weather permitting. If the temperature is higher than 30 degrees, including wind chill, and lower than 85 degrees, with heat index, all children will be provided with outdoor activities each day. Fresh air is important for all children, it aides in controlling illness. If your child is too sick to go outdoors, they should be kept at home until he or she can participate in outdoor activities. Little Tiger’s does not have adequate staff to supervise children indoors and outdoors. Keep in mind that weather can change without advance notice. We suggest that you keep clothing at the center to accommodate a variety of temperatures. We cannot be responsible if parents do not provide appropriate clothing for their child. We will not take children outside if it is raining. Regarding toddlers, the teaching staff will use sound judgment on taking them outside, as it pertains to temperatures.
Field Trips Children must have a signed permission slip from their parents to participate in any field trips. If public transportation is used to transport children and adults to and from field trip destinations, parents are asked to pay their child’s cost. Children that are not scheduled for the time of the field trip may participate in the field trip activity if you contact the
teacher or director to check for space availability. You will be billed the current daily rate for any unscheduled days of attendance. All children will be required to pay any field trips fees associated with the field trip at the time of the trip.
Sometimes we take spontaneous walking or van trips to local area parks just because it’s a nice day and something different for the children. If you have not given permission for these types of trips your child will not be allowed to attend
Birthdays We generally celebrate birthdays during our snack period. If you would like to arrange a special snack for your child’s birthday, please check with his or her teacher to make arrangements. There may be allergies or children with special dietary needs to consider. We welcome special treats and sharing in your child’s birthday.
SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN We provide daily van or bus service to and from Captain Strong, Daybreak, Maple Grove and Tukes Valley. However, when a child is scheduled to be picked up after school, and he or she fails to come to the van without previous notice, a $10.00 “search” charge will be billed to your account the following week. When a child who is scheduled to be picked up isn’t there, we must start making telephone calls to be certain that the child is OK. We start by double checking with our staff, then we call the school, then we call the parents and or emergency contact numbers until we are assured of the child’s safety. This sometimes takes 30 minutes or more before we find out what has happened to the child. It also makes us late to other schools. If your child missed the bus and we have to return to the school to pick the child up there will be additional charge of $5.00. The children have plenty of time to arrive to our buses on time. We leave the schools when the school buses leave. Please remind your children to come straight to the vans or bus.
EARLY RELEASE DAYS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOL There will be no extra charge for the scheduled early release days for children who are regularly scheduled to attend before & after school on that day. If your child is scheduled to only attend before school and needs to come on an early release days, he or she may do so on a space available basis and you will be billed an extra $18.00 per day. Late start of Public School because of snow or other condition will be billed additional $15.00. After school only early release is $12.00 extra.
HOMEWORK POLICY Each day, immediately after snack time, the children are asked if anyone has homework assignments that they need to work on. Those who wish to do homework are sent to a quiet room where a teacher is available to help answer questions and check work. We realize some parents want all the homework to be accomplished at the center, but we feel that 30 minutes at the center is adequate. This also allows the parent to be involved in some of the homework. Most children are done with all their work within 15 minutes. We do not check the children’s backpack to see if they have homework. We feel that is the responsibility of the parents. Occasionally special activities are planned and there may not be time for homework. The center offers a variety of after school activities for the children
TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM PUBLIC SCHOOL Little Tiger’s transports children to and from Maple Grove, Captain Strong and Daybreak schools. Tukes Valley children are provided BGSD bus transportation. You must sign a permission slip in order for us to provide transportation. The drivers of our vehicles are covered under our commercial insurance policy and have valid driver’s licenses. The children are dropped off and picked up at specific locations at each school. We ask that children proceed to the appropriate areas as quickly and safely as possible. Please have your children at the center by 8:15am so we can get our roll called and the children properly seated on the buses. The buses leave the center at 8:30am. The buses return to the center after school at 4:00pm. Our buses are treated like a school bus at the schools and park where the school buses park at each of the schools. So look for our black bus or our white vans.
Drop off for all schools is located in front of each school. Pick up for Captain Strong children is with the buses. Our van’s are usually there at 3:30pm. Daybreak children will be picked up in front of the school in the line of buses. Maple Grove children will be picked up in front of the school in the school bus area by the flag pole. Tukes Valley children will be transported by district school bus. Usually, at all schools we are treated like a school bus so look for our white vans or our black bus.
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DIVORCE OR SEPARATION: Unfortunately, some of our parents have marital problems. We are advocates for the children and provide a safe harbor for them. We recognize that they love both parents. Court Ordered Parenting Plans are agreements between the parties and are not binding on third parties. Therefore, we are required to treat any parent equally, without regard to parenting plans. We will make no judgments, publicly or privately about the child’s parents and we do not confer with attorneys for either party and will not offer damaging evidence against a parent except as required by Washington State Law. The only exception is that we will follow the instructions of a court if a parent has a restraining order against them.
BILLING FOR DIVORCED PARENTS: We have one account per child. We do not bill parents separately or confer with each parent separately regarding payments and charges. We consider the enrolling parent liable for payment. If you have an arrangement with the court for each parent to pay a percentage, Little Tiger’s does not keep track of that or who owes what amount. Little Tiger’s bills the parent that enrolled the child and it is that parents responsibility to pay the bill. Both parents can make a required payment weekly. If any extra charges are added to the account the enrolling parent can then give a copy of the bill they received to the other parent.
CODE WORD: We have decided due to the large number of phone calls we receive regarding emergency changes like a friend is going to have to pick up the children today that each family needs a code word so that the staff can be assured that it is the parent if we don’t recognize the voice. In the past we have hung up and called the parent back but that takes time away from the children. Please make sure to use a word that you will remember.
TRANSPORTATION FEES: Due to the rising cost of fuel there will be a $10.00 per month fee per child that we transport to or from school with no refunds for no school days or vacation.
QUESTION OR COMMENTS: If you have any questions, comments or special circumstances that need to be discussed, please arrange an appointment with the Director at anytime. We want you to be comfortable with your child care arrangements and will do our best to accommodate you and your child's needs.
SEVERABILITY: Invalidation of any portion of this agreement by judgment or court order shall in no way affect any other provisions which shall remain in full force and effect.
Little Tiger’s Health Information
Little Tiger’s Preschool and Daycare
319 South Parkway Avenue
Battle Ground Washington 98604
(360) 687-5256 Website
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Fire/Police/Ambulance: 911
Poison Center: (360)397-8215 Animal Control: (360) 397-2488
Hospital Used for Life Threatening Emergencies
Legacy Salmon Creek
Address: 2211 NE 139th Street
Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone: (360) 487-1100
For non-threatening emergencies we will defer to parent preference as listed in the child’s registration form.
Other Important Telephone Numbers
DEL Health Surveryor_________________Phone: (360) 397-8255
DEL Licensor_______________________Phone: (360) 501-2645
Public Health Nurse_____________________Phone: (360) 695-9215
Public Health Nutritionist________________Phone: (360) 397-6060 or 800-232-4636
Communicable Disease/Immunization Hotline : (800) 232-4636
Communicable Disease Report Line: (360) 397-8182 (13)
EMERGENCY AND SPECIAL CONCERNS
Change in Family Information
If there is a change in your address, home or work telephone number, or family status, please notify us so that we can change our records. It is especially helpful to know of new family situations such as separation, divorce, and remarriage, a new baby, family illness, etc.; as such changes may affect your child’s mood or behavior. We can often help your child deal effectively with changing family situations if we are informed in advance. If your child has special health problems, unusual stress, or obsessive fears, please let us know. We also need to be aware of changes concerning emergency contact persons. This information is vital to ensure the health and safety of your child.
Suspected Abuse or Neglect
If Little Tiger’s staff members have reasonable cause to suspect Child abuse or neglect, we are required to make a report to Child Protective Services. This law has been enacted in order to provide the best possible future for children.
Pesticide Notification
In the event that it becomes necessary to apply pesticides in or near the center, a notice will be posted on the bulletin board 48 hours in advance. The notice will include the date and the reason for application.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Weather Closure: Since 1989, we have never been closed nor had a delayed opening due to inclement weather. In the event that we need to delay the opening or close the center for the safety of our staff and children it will be announced by 5:30am on the local news stations such as KGW and KATU.
Fire: Children at the center will participate in fire drill procedures monthly. Maps showing evacuation routes are posted in each classroom.
Disasters: Children at the center will participate in routine disaster training safety procedures. The evacuation and shelter areas are posted in each classroom.
Accidents: Any accident that may occur at the center will be reported to the parent. Minor injuries, scratches, insect bites, and bruises will be treated by our staff with tender, loving care. Little Tiger’s is not permitted to apply ointments, creams, peroxide, or other such items to children.
An accident report will be prepared by the teaching staff for any incident that occurs at the center. We ask you to check your child’s cubby daily for these reports, sign the report, and return it to the teacher in charge. However, bear in mind that children do not always tell us if they get hurt.
Serious Accidents or Injury:
This policy refers to any accident or injury that can not be treated by simple first aid. This may include but is not limited to, bone fractures, eye injuries, concussions, or an unconscious child.
Parents will be contacted immediately for conditions we feel require medical attention. If we are unable to notify the parents, we will contact the emergency person listed on your child’s information record to pick up the child.
Little Tiger’s staff are not permitted to transport injured children. When dealing with a serious accident or injury, the child will be transported to Salmon Creek Legacy Hospital by ambulance. In non-threatening emergencies we will defer to the child’s registration form and a staff member will accompany the child to the hospital the parent prefers. A staff member will remain with the child until such time as a parent or guardian or emergency contact person arrives.
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LITTLE TIGERS PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE TUITION RATES & CHARGES
TODDLER
5 days per week $180.00 per week $36 per day
4 days per week $160.00 per week $40 per day
3 days per week $ 120.00 per week
2 days per week $ 85.00 per week Extra unscheduled days @ $45.00 per day
DAYCARE (30 months through 12 years)
5 days per week $165.00 per week Child must able to go to the bathroom without assistance $33 per day
4 days per week $140.00 per week or accidents and not wearing pull-ups. $35 per day
3 days per week $105.00 per week
2 days per week $ 75.00 Extra unscheduled days @ $40.00 per day
PRESCHOOL (9:00 AM to 12:00 noon) (must be fully potty trained)
5 days per week $ 90.00 per week Child must able to go to the bathroom without assistance $18 per day
4 days per week $ 72.00 per week or accidents and not wearing pull-ups.
3 days per week $ 54.00 per week Extra hour before or after preschool $8.00.
2 days per week $ 36.00 per week Over one hour extra will be charge for a full day.
Extra hour @ $8.00 per hour. Extra unscheduled days 20.00 per day
KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN
Kindergarten students $ 165.00 per week same as the daycare tuition. (No additional charge for no school or snow days)
BEFORE SCHOOL CARE
5 days per week $ 60.00 per week No school days additional $21.00 $12 per day
4 days per week $ 48.00 per week Extra unscheduled days $15.00 per day.
3 days per week $ 36.00 per week Early Release days are an additional $18.00 per day if space is available
2 days per week $ 26.00 per week
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
5 days per week $ 60.00 per week Extra unscheduled days $15.00 per day. $12 per day
4 days per week $ 48.00 per week No credit will be given when children attend after school activities.
3 days per week $ 36.00 per week (No school days additional $21.00 per day.)
2 days per week $ 26.00 per week Early Release Days additional $12.00
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL
5 days per week $110.00 per week (No School days additional $11.00 per day.) $22 per day
4 days per week $ 88.00 per week No extra charge for early release day if it falls on your scheduled day.
3 days per week $ 66.00 per week No credit will be given when children attend after school activities.
2 days per week $ 46.00 per week Extra unscheduled days $24.00 per day.
*Breakfast $2.00 a day* * Lunch $3.00 a day* * Late Payment Fee $5.00a week* *Late Pick Up Fee $1.00 a minute * *Search After School Fee $10.00 * * Missed Bus Fee $5.00* *Public School Delayed Start $15.00* * Transportation to or from Public Schools $10.00 A Month Per Family * *Varying Schedules Will Be Charged An Additional $25.00 A Month*
WAC 170-295-2020 states that the child may remain in daycare a maximum of 10 hours a day. Children left regularly over 10 hours may be billed an additional $15.00 per day. The 10 hour limit may be extended only to allow for your work schedule.
Effective September 1st, 2014 Rates are subject to change at any time.
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