PHILOSOPHY - Clover Sites



Enrollment Handbook

Updated November 17, 2014

Table of Contents

PHILOSOPHY 4

ACCREDITATION AND LICENSING 4

Reporting Abuse and Neglect 4

US Consumer Product Safety Commission 4

Gang-Free Zone 4

TEACHER/CHILD RATIOS 5

CURRICULUM 5

Pinnacle 5

A Beka 5

Handwriting With-Out Tears 6

C.I.R.C.L.E 6

Pinnacle Curriculum Overview 7

A Beka Bible Curriculum Overview 8

PARENT COMMUNICATION 9

WHAT TO BRING 9

General Information 9

Snack 9

Lunch 10

Ordering a hot lunch 10

Bringing Lunch 10

WATER PLAY ACTIVITIES 10

NAPTIME 10

SCHOOL CALENDAR 11

TUITION AND FEES 12

Child Registration Fee 12

Family Supply Fee 12

Tuition 12

Drop-In 12

Schedule Changes 12

Late Charges for Picking Up 12

Late Charges for Tuition 12

School Holidays 13

Returned Checks 13

Termination Policy 13

HEALTH REGULATIONS 13

Doctor Health Statement 13

Immunizations 13

Vision/Hearing Screening 13

Health Check 14

Medicine 14

Illness 14

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES 15

Sign-In and Out 15

Separation Anxiety 15

Releasing Your Child to Others 15

PARENT INVOLVEMENT 15

Visits and Parent Teams 15

Parent Orientations 15

Parent Conference 16

PORTFOLIOS 16

DISCIPLINE 17

CLASS SCHEDULES 17

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 17

Injury and Medical Emergencies 18

POLICY CHANGES 18

PHILOSOPHY

Discovery Days Preschool is an outreaching ministry of University Heights Baptist Church. Our goal is to help each family develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and feel connected to the body of believers in University Heights Baptist Church. This ministry is dedicated to partnering with preschool families to teach children bible truths, prepare them for kindergarten, and provide an environment in which the child may grow physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually.

ACCREDITATION AND LICENSING

Discovery Days Preschool is licensed by the state of Texas through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Discovery Days is inspected regularly to ensure we meet or exceed the minimum standards for childcare licensing regarding child development, early childhood education, fire safety, health, and sanitation. Parents may review a copy of the most recent licensing inspection report in the office. You can also request a copy of these standards from the local licensing office at 936-756-1551 or tdfps.state.tx.us

Reporting Abuse and Neglect:

Parents of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should contact the organization listed below immediately.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

#1-800-252-5400 (confidential reports)

Website: tdfps.state.tx.us

Teachers are required to obtain one hour of training each year on abuse and neglect. Warning signs of abuse and neglect are: sudden change in behavior, received no help for physical or medical problems, learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes, appears withdrawn, avoids physical or eye contact, and prefers to be alone.

Recalled Items:

US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Website:

CPSC Recall Hotline: #1-800-638-2772

Gang-Free Zones:

A gang-free zone is a designated area around a specific location where certain gang related activity is prohibited and is subject to increased penalty under Texas law. Specific locations where certain gang related criminal activity is now prohibited include, but are not limited to, public schools, playgrounds, video arcade facilities, and day care centers. The area that falls within a gang-free zone can vary depending on the type of location. For example, certain gang-related criminal activity that occurs within 300 feet of a video arcade facility is a violation of the new law, whereas certain gang-related criminal activity that occurs within 1000 feet of a school or day care center is a violation of the law. The gang-free zone is within 1000 feet of a child care program. Maps may be produced for the purposes of prosecution and may be updated by the local municipal or county engineer. Parents may contact their local municipality to attempt to obtain a copy of the map if they choose to do so. Similar to the motivation behind establishing drug-free zones, the goal of gang-free zones is to deter certain types of criminal activity in areas where children gather by enforcing tougher penalties.

TEACHER/CHILD RATIOS

Discovery Days follows the National Association for the Education of Young Children recommended classroom ratios.

Infants- 1:4

Toddlers- 1:5

2 years- 1:7

3 years- 1:10

4 years- 1:11

CURRICULUM

Teachers follow the curriculum provided by Discovery Days Preschool. Discovery Days uses the Pinnacle, A Beka, Handwriting With-out Tears, and C.I.R.C.L.E curriculums. Our goal is to provide and excellent Christ centered education for you child. We believe the following curriculums meet all the needs of a growing preschooler.

PINNACLE

The Pinnacle curriculum provides opportunities for learning through the use of centers, small and large groups, and individual instruction with the teacher. All children from infants to Pre-K will have experiences in language, creative arts, math/manipulative, dramatic play, science sensory, and blocks/constructing. A new theme is introduced each week to provide a new learning experience. For more information, see the Pinnacle Curriculum Overview.

A BEKA

The A Beka Bible curriculum is used by the teachers of all ages during class time devoted to spiritual growth by learning bible stories and activities in the classroom. 3 and 4 year old children will attend chapel conducted by the Director. The director will use A Beka to teach and lead age appropriate worship, music and musical concepts, and bible devotions. Children attending chapel will also memorize one bible verse per month including the 23 Psalm. For more information, see the A Beka Curriculum Overview.

HANDWRITING WITH-OUT TEARS

Handwriting without tears is an award winning curriculum used to teach handwriting skills. The curriculum follows a natural developmental progression from the easiest to the more advanced skills. Preschoolers will use hands on learning tools and exercises follow a student’s natural sequence of learning: imitation, copying, and independent writing. The methods in this curriculum will reach a variety of multiple intelligences and include music, games, stamp and screen, letter dough, wood pieces for letter construction, and slate boards. Shapes, colors, letters, and numbers will be introduced and explored in the daily activities. 4 year olds will have a workbook to track progress in preparing for Kindergarten.

C.I.R.C.L.E

Our Pre-K teachers are trained by the Center for Improving the Readiness of Children for Learning and Education. Through this training, our teachers have learned teaching strategies, learning activities, and methods for teaching 3 and 4 year old students phonological awareness, early writing and fine motor skills, print awareness, language development, letter knowledge, and math skills. A pre-assessment of each enrolled child will be made at the beginning of the year to help teachers and parents formulate a plan for learning. A follow-up assessment will be made at the end of the year to evaluate progress.

PINNACLE CURRIUCULM OVERVIEW

August and September

I am special, My Family, My Friends, My School, My Neighborhood, Good Manners

Color: Blue

Shape: Circle

Letters: m, d, f, a

October

Harvest Happenings, Fall on the Farm, Fall in the City, Fire Prevention, Community Helpers, Pumpkins and Harvest

Color: Orange

Shape: Square

Letters: t, h, n

November

Early Explorers, Pilgrims, Mayflower, Thanksgiving

Colors: Brown and Black

Shape: Triangle

Letters: p, b, g

December

Christmas Around The World, Smell, Taste, Sound, and Sights of Christmas

Colors: Red

Shape: Rectangle

Letters: s,e, letter review

January

Wonders of Winter, Animals that Live in the Cold, Eskimos,

Color: White

Shape: Star

Letters: w,j,r,i

February

Famous Americans, Dental and Heart Health, Valentine’s Day, Post Office

Color: Pink

Shape: Heart

Letters: l,v,c

March

March Winds, Wonders of Spring, Dr. Seuss’s Birthday,

Color: Green

Shape: Octagon

Letters: k,o,q,y

April

Spring, Easter, Baby Animals, Gardens and Picnics

Color: Yellow

Shape: Oval

Letters: u,z,x

May

May Day, Zoo Animals, Mother’s Day, Ladybugs, How Things Grow

Color: purple

Shape: shape review

Letters: letter review

A BEKA BIBLE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

August/September

Memory Verse: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Ps 139:14

Bible Stories: Creation parts 1-2, Adam and Eve, Noah obeys God Part 1-2, Abraham and Lot, Isaac the promised son, A bride for Isaac, Joseph, Baby Moses

October

Memory Verse: 23 Psalm

Bible Stories: Hannah prays for a son, Samuel listens to God, David the shepherd, David and Goliath, King David is kind, Elisha helps a widow lady, Elisha raises the Shunammite’s son, Naaman and the servant girl part 1

November

Memory Verse: O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good. Ps. 106:1

Bible Stories: Naaman and the servant girl part 2, Daniel and the Lions part 1, Daniel and the Lions part 2, The first thanksgiving parts 1-2, Queen Esther parts 1-2

December

Memory Verse: Love one another. 1 John 3:23

Bible Stories: Jonah parts 1-2, Jesus is Born parts 1-2

January

Memory Verse: What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. Ps 56:3

Bible Stories: Kings Worship Jesus, Jesus boyhood, Follow me, Beside the Pool, The woman at the well, The Nobleman’s Son, Fishing with Jesus, Heaven

February

Memory Verse: We love Him because He first loved us. 1John 4:19

Bible Stories: Review, Jesus Stills the storm, Jesus raises Jarius’ Daughter, Feeding the 5000, Peter walks on water, Tax from a fish’s mouth, Peter is freed

March

Memory Verse: Be kind one to another. Eph 4:32

Bible Stories: Jesus heals ten lepers, Rich young ruler, Jesus loves the children, The lost lamb, Review, The Good Samaritan, The younger brother, The prodigal son

April

Memory Verse: Cast all your cares upon Him; for he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7

Bible Stories: Jesus heals the paralyzed man, blind Barimaeus, Zacchaeus, Friends at Bethany, Resurrection Week parts1-3, Review

May/June

Memory Verse: The Lord is good to all. Ps 145:9 and Review

Bible Stories: Review

PARENT COMMUNICATION

Teachers will supply parents with a summary of the lesson plan each week. Teacher’s specific lesson plans can be viewed by parents at any time in the front office. Infant and toddler classes will also provide parents with a daily information sheet regarding the sleeping, diapering, eating, and mood of the child for the day. A calendar is provided by the director containing event dates, birthdays, special news updates, weekly themes, and the bible verse learned during chapel for the month. Parents are strongly encouraged to check the web frequently at for news and information. Parents who have questions or concerns may contact the Director, Susie Lyle or the Assistant Director, Teri Cheney at (936) 295-4673, Monday thru Friday from 8am to 3pm.

WHAT TO BRING

GENERAL INFORMATION

All items sent to Discovery Days for your child must be clearly labeled with the child’s first name and initial of last name. Items without a label will not be given to the children. This includes diaper bags, backpacks, jackets, blankets, pacifiers, bottles, lunches, cups, etc. Please do not send toys from home. Make sure your child dresses appropriately for outside play. Children should wear shoes that will protect and stay on their feet during outside play (no flip-flops or slip-ons). Children staying for the full day (8:00 PM-3:00 PM) will need to bring a roll-up type nap mat with handle for hanging. Children who attend every day of the week may send a labeled plastic container with a lid to keep diapers, changes of clothes, wipes, etc. at Discovery Days. Nursing mothers have the right to breastfeed in the designated nursing room or provide breast milk for their child while in care.

SNACK

Children 12 months and older will be provided a snack every day. Snack calendars can be viewed in the office. A Discovery Days snack is usually 3 or 4 crackers and a small cup of apple juice.

Parents of children under 1 year of age must send a snack each day. Please do not send a feast for snack! For example, older children eat 3-4 crackers or a small number of goldfish for snack and drink about 2-3 ounces of juice. Snack should not take long to eat/drink. Sending too much snack spoils their lunch and takes up valuable time for fun! Please send your snack in a sealed plastic container. There may be times when the teacher will prepare a special snack that is suggested by the curriculum. Teachers will post an allergy alert sign outside the door on these special occasions. Please inform the teacher if your child is restricted from eating the snack.

LUNCH

Ordering a hot lunch

Parents of children 12 months and older can order hot lunches to be delivered by the Senior Center. The lunches are convenient, healthy, and hot. Lunches include the main dish, sides, and milk or juice. Several menus will alternate throughout the month and can be viewed in the office. If your child is absent, there will not

be a refund for your lunch. Parents must reserve and pay for hot lunches monthly. Unpaid hot lunches will not be reserved.

Bringing lunch

All children who bring their lunch must send lunches in labeled plastic containers with a lid. These should be “ready to eat” lunches that require no preparation and your child can eat independently. Teachers are not permitted to handle your child’s food. Teachers will open the lid and serve your child the lunch you send. Please do not send jars of food that need draining, baggies of separate food, or food that needs heating. A separate cup or juice box should also be sent for your child’s lunch. Commercial lunches like Lunchables are permitted if the food does not require the teacher to prepare or heat the lunch. Your child will be taught to pray and thank the Lord for their food before eating. Lunch is an important learning time for your child. We want our teachers to be able to serve lunch quickly and sit down with your child to teach table manners, good conversation, and thankfulness to the Lord.

Parents of children in the infant class may give special instructions to the teacher on preparing, heating, and serving baby food and bottles. Please leave specific instructions for the teacher regarding bottles and baby food on the monthly information sheet provided by Discovery Days.

WATER PLAY ACTIVITIES

Parents will be notified by the teacher days and times outside water activities will occur. Most outside water activities will occur on the last day of school and periodically during our Summer Splash session. All water activities will take place on the playground. Children need to arrive that morning in their swimsuits and sunscreen applied. All children who wear diapers may wear a swim diaper during water play time only. Parents will also need to send an extra set of clothing and a plastic bag for wet clothes.

NAPTIME

All children 12 months and older will have diapers changed and/or be allowed to use the restroom before naptime. During naptime, infants will rest in the classroom cribs and all other children must rest quietly on their personal nap mat in the designated nap room. Infants may not be swaddled while sleeping or laying on any surface. Children are not able to sleep with a bottle or training cup. Please send nap mats that roll-up and have a handle for hanging. Parents may also send nap items in a duffle bag. Please make sure your nap mat is clearly labeled. Nap mats will be sent home each day. During nap time, teachers will place the children around the room to provide each child their own personal space. Teachers will not force the child to sleep but will require children to rest quietly. Lights will be dimmed so there is adequate lighting to allow visual supervision of all children in the group. Soft music will be played to calm the atmosphere. After 1 hour of rest-time, teachers will allow each child who is awake to participate in an alternative activity until the naptime is over for the other children.

Children in the Pre-K class will need to bring a beach towel labeled with the child’s name every day for rest time. Children are not required to sleep only to rest for 15 minutes.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Discovery Days Preschool follows the Huntsville ISD school calendar regarding major holidays such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Martin Luther King Day, Spring Break, Easter Break, and Memorial Day. Discovery Days will have school on teacher work days, in-service, and early release days. In the event of bad weather, Discovery Days will follow the Huntsville ISD schedule (late openings, cancellations, etc.)

Half Day 8:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

Full Day 8:00-3:00 P.M.

Birth thru Pre-K

The Pre-K (kinder-bound) class meets full day only.

SUMMER SEMESTER

June-August/Dates TBA

*Monday-Friday

Half Day 8:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

Full Day 8:00-3:00 P.M.

*Based on enrollment and subject to change

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition rates are based on the collective average number of days our program operates. Rates are not based on a daily rate.

REGISTRATION AND TUITION ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. DAYS YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT CAN NOT BE REFUNDED OR RE-SCHEDULED.

CHILD REGISTRATION FEE

$100.00

The registration fee is due upon enrollment for new children. Registration is due the last day of the spring semester for children returning in the fall.

FAMILY SUPPLY FEE

$35.00

Due the first day of each semester.

TUITION

Due on the 1st of the month. If more than one child in the same family is enrolled in the program, each additional child will receive a 10% reduction in tuition payments. Please see the attached tuition chart.

DROP-IN

Full Day $30.00

Half Day $25.00

Extended Day $10.00

A child enrolled in Discovery Days may drop-in their class for an extra day of school providing there is room in the class. Parents may schedule a drop-in with the director. Payment is due on the day of the drop-in. Children not enrolled in Discovery Days will not be permitted to drop-in.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

A $30 fee will apply for each schedule change made after registration form has been completed. This fee will not apply to changes that add hours or times to your child’s schedule. You may add days to your child’s schedule anytime during the semester.

LATE CHARGES FOR PICKING UP

Parents who pick children up at 1:00 PM and are more than 5 minutes late will be charged $10.00 and their child will be taken to the extended day room. Parents who are more than 5 minutes late after 3:00 PM will be assessed a $1.00 per minute late fee payable to the teacher in cash and due the same day.

LATE CHARGES FOR TUITION

A $10 late fee will be applied to accounts with balances not paid by the 7th of the month. Children with a balance not paid in full by the 15th of the month or have an arrangement for payment approved by the director before the 15th of the month will be suspended from attending until payment has been made. If the balance is not paid by the last day of the month or in accordance with the payment agreement, the child will lose their enrollment status and will be replaced by the waiting list. The child may re-enroll at a later date by paying the registration fee and balance due.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

On occasion, the observance of holidays may occur on a day of your child’s enrollment. Since tuition rates are not based on a daily rate, but rather on the collective average per year; tuition may not be refunded or adjusted in this circumstance.

RETURNED CHECKS

Once a family has had two returned checks, all following payments must be paid in cash or by money order.

TERMINATION POLICY

We reserve the right to terminate the enrollment of children from the center for reasons not limited to:

• Violation of parent handbook

• Repeated NSF checks or nonpayment of tuition

• Threatening behavior from a parent towards a staff member

• Parent/Provider differences

• Serious developmental or behavioral issues of a child that cannot be adequately met by our staffing plan. (ie. Behaviour that causes other children or staff to be at risk)

Verbal expression of concerns, written evaluation of issues, and parent conferences will precede termination.

We want you and your child’s experience to be a positive one. Please feel free to share observations, questions, concerns, and suggestions. Positive communication, mutual respect and understanding will foster a trusting relationship as we partner together in the care of your child.

HEALTH REGULATIONS

DOCTOR HEALTH STATEMENT

We must have doctor’s statement of health on file for your child. This statement is required upon admission to the program and must be updated each year. The doctor’s statement should declare the child healthy and cleared for preschool attendance.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Upon admission to the program, a machine copy of your child’s immunization record must be presented. State Law requires each child present proof of immunization for DPT, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Chicken Pox, Pneumococcal Conjugate and HIB.

VISION/HEARING SCREENING

Vision and hearing screening will be conducted during the school year for all Pre-K children enrolled in Discovery Days Preschool. Preschool programs licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services are required by the Special Senses and Communications Act, Texas Health and Safety Code, to provide vision and hearing screening. A notice will be made of the screening date and time in the Discovery Days Newsletter and calendar. Please make every effort to have your child present for the screening. In the event that a child is not present for the screening, parents must provide a copy of a doctor’s hearing/vision screening or test.

MEDICINE

Parents must sign an authorization form for a teacher to administer medicine. The medicine must be prescribed by a doctor and in the original container with the child’s name and date. Teachers may administer the medicine in the directed amounts and only to the child for whom it is intended. The medicine must be kept out of children’s reach. If it requires refrigeration, it must be refrigerated in a zip lock bag to avoid contamination of food.

HEALTH CHECK - A health check is a visual or physical assessment of a child to

identify potential concerns about a child’s health, including signs or symptoms of

illness and injury, in response to changes in the child’s behavior since the last date

of attendance.

Health checks are conducted by the teacher upon arrival at school. The teacher

conducts this check by greeting the child at the door and gathering information

from parent/guardian concerning sleep, eating, drinking, toilet habits, mood and

behavior at home. Health checks are documented by the teacher on the sign

in/out sheet daily.

ILLNESS

Children who have displayed one of the following symptoms in the past 24 hours may not attend Discovery Days Preschool:

• Fever

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Undiagnosed Rash

• Red eyes with discharge

• Nose with colored discharge that requires constant wiping

• Headache that will not respond to ibuprofen or acetaminophen

• Injury or condition that would restrict child from participating in daily activities

If your child develops any of these symptoms at school, you will be contacted and asked to pick up your child immediately. If you cannot be reached within one hour, we will call one of your approved contacts. A doctor’s written approval for returning to school may be required for some illnesses.

ANIMALS

When animals will be visiting the preschool or kept in the classroom for

observation, parents will be notified in writing. This notification will include the

day(s), date(s), type of animal, and how the children will be interacting with the animal. Children who have an allergy to pet dander will not be exposed to the animal.

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

SIGN-IN AND OUT

Parents must daily sign children in/out at the classroom door. Children will not be allowed in the classroom before 8:00 A.M. Children must be supervised by parents until school begins. We realize that the children are eager to arrive at school; however, we need time to prepare. The teachers arrive early to set up the rooms, gather supplies, and prepare for the day. Your teacher will keep the classroom door closed during prep time and will open the door at 8:00 A.M. Please wait until the door is opened before entering the classroom. Each teacher has cleaning to do at the end of the day that cannot be done in the presence of children. We ask that you respect teacher’s planning and prep time. If you need to talk with a teacher, please schedule a conference time.

SEPARATION ANXIETY

Do not worry if your child cries at the door. This is the age when separation anxiety really begins to surface. Separation anxiety is expected and can occur without warning even if it has never happened before. Once the children settle, they love being at preschool. It is important to drop your child off quickly and leave quickly. Your child will have trouble responding to the teacher if you linger at the door. Teachers are trained on how to redirect your child and help them overcome their anxieties. Over time, your child will learn to trust that you will return. The director will call you if your child does not calmly start the day after a few minutes. You are always welcome to call or come by anytime to check on your child.

RELEASING YOUR CHILD TO OTHERS

Written authorization is required to release a child to someone other than the parent. Parents must provide a written statement to add or delete someone from their pick-up list. If someone requests to pick-up the child and is not on the pick-up list, they will be referred to the office staff. All persons on the pick-up list must provide proper identification.

PARENT INVOLVMENT

VISITS AND PARENT TEAMS

Children and parents new to the program may take a pre-enrollment tour and visit in a classroom. Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom at any time. Parents are also encouraged to participate by signing up to help on a parent team such as school photo team, fundraising team, marketing team, room parent, special events team, and many more. All families are expected to help and participate in our annual Precious Picasso Art Show and Fundraiser.

PARENT ORIENTATIONS

Parent orientations will be held at the beginning of the fall semester. The director will present policies and procedures, introduce staff, review any policy changes, and review philosophy and purpose of this ministry with the parents. Parents will then meet the teachers in the classrooms. Children will not attend orientation. This will give parents and teachers the opportunity to address concerns without children present. All parents, even those with children previously or currently enrolled in the program, must attend the fall orientation before beginning the school year. Parents who are unable to attend the orientation will need to make an appointment with the director before their child can begin school.

PARENT CONFERENCE

The first parent/teacher conference meeting will be held in October each year. The specific date will be given by the director. Teachers will be responsible for posting a conference schedule outside their door. The schedule will have information regarding available times, parent and child names, and contact numbers. The teacher will help parents choose a time for their conference. Topics to be discussed during the conference will be the beginning of the year student skills evaluation regarding child development, progress, accomplishments, discipline, curriculum, and home life. Teachers will be provided a substitute teacher on conference days to conduct the class.

A second parent/teacher conference will take place in April of each year. The teacher will discuss the end of the year student skills evaluation, progress, accomplishments, discipline, and home life during the April conference. Parents will complete a survey of the program at the spring conference.

PORTFOLIOS

A portfolio is kept for each child during the fall and spring semesters. The portfolio will contain samples of artwork, class work, digital photos, drawings, writing samples, stories the child has dictated, evaluations, and other evidence of progress in childhood development. At least one item per month will be saved for the child’s portfolio. The portfolio will be organized in a logical way so teachers can refer to the saved items during conference time. All items will be dated and labeled. All portfolio items will be given to the parents during parent/teacher conferences at the end of the school year, with the exception of student assessments. Future teachers will use the student assessments for comparison of the child's development between years. Portfolios will not be maintained during the summer semester.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline will be individualized and consistent for each child, appropriate to the child’s level of understanding, and directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control. Teachers may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance. Acceptable forms of discipline and guidance are as follows:

• Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior.

• Daily reminding a child of behavior expectations by using clear, positive statements.

• Redirecting behavior using positive statements.

• Time-out, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.

CLASS SCHEDULES

Teachers will provide parents with a copy of the class schedule. A copy of the class schedule will be displayed in the classroom and in the main office. Schedules will include time for outside play, nap, snack, lunch, class instruction, centers and activities, diaper changing, hand washing, etc.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Discovery Days Preschool has an active emergency plan. The following steps listed below are implemented for transitioning and accounting for children.

• Children are accounted for by the director or assistant director before re-entering the building by checking the emergency notebook, which contains contact information for all enrolled students.

• Infants are transported to locations in a four-seated stroller.

• Toddlers thru Twos are transported by holding a rope with handles.

• Threes and Pre-K children walk in a line to the location.

• All classes are directed by teachers and office staff.

Fire drills are conducted monthly. Fire drills are signaled with three long bells. Staff and children will meet in front of the church, on the sidewalk in front of the playground.

Severe weather drills are conducted every three months. Bad weather drills are signaled with a long – short – long bell. Classes in C100, C101, C102, and C103 will go to the nook of their rooms (door closed) and get in severe weather position. Classes in C104 thru C107 will meet in hallway and get in severe weather position (door closed). We will follow the HISD lead in closing early for bad weather. In the event of a hurricane, Huntsville may be without power. Discovery Days will reopen when power to the church is restored. Please check the DDP door for important posted information regarding school openings. Tuition and fees will not be refunded for bad weather days. Teachers will be instructed to keep contact with parents by cell phone if possible.

Evacuations are signaled by three long bells. For evacuation, staff and children will walk from sidewalk to the parking lot of the adjacent Sycamore Villas I, 2401 Sycamore Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77340.

Lockdowns are signaled by one ten-second bell. Staff will close classroom doors and no one will be able to enter or exit the facilities or classroom. Parents should not try to enter the facility during a lockdown and may be kept away from the preschool until authorities determine it is safe. In the event there is an escaped convict or other threatening outside situation, Discovery Days will lock down the facility.

Injury & Medical Emergencies

When minor injuries occur at school the parent will be notified with an accident

form. The staff in charge will make two copies of this form. The original is given

to the parent, one copy is kept in the teacher notebook, and the other copy is

placed in the child’s file, kept in the front office. Parents will be asked to sign both

forms kept by Discovery Days Preschool. If an injury occurs that requires medical

attention the parents will be notified immediately. EMS will also be called if

needed.

POLICY CHANGES

If it becomes necessary to make a policy change for Discovery Days, the director will notify the parents in writing and, if necessary, hold a parent meeting to communicate the policy change.

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