Littlehighlanderschildcare.com



Little Highlanders Childcare Center Parent HandbookAPPLICATION PROCESS/REGISTRATIONParents/legal guardians will pay a $30 for one child, or $55 for family, non-refundable registration fee.? All registration forms and medical forms must be on file before the child can begin day care.? A one-week prepayment is also required prior to your start date.At least two week notice is required for giving your desired start date. The director or owner will preapprove the date.Parents should schedule a tour (by phone or email) and meet with the Director and/or Owner prior to enrollment to become familiar with the Center’s policies.? We strongly recommend that the parent and child visit the program. Unannounced visitors will not be permitted a tour until making an appointment for one.Your child will not be able to start care until all the required paperwork is completed.Your child’s start date is a “trial day”. If your child attends on this day and you decide not to continue with our program for any reason, your one-week prepayment will be refunded in full.If the room that you wish your child to attend is full, you will be placed on a waiting list. There is no fee to be on our waiting list and the Director or Owner will call your family when a spot opens for your child to attend.Little Highlanders Childcare Center offers a “holding fee” per week (see pricing below) if there is an available spot in one of our rooms and your child is not yet ready to begin care until a particular date. Or if a family may need to remove their child/ren for a period of time for extenuating circumstances. While this is not mandatory, we suggest that families that may fall into these particular situations choose to partake in our “holding fee” agreement in order to ensure their child’s spot is waiting for them when they are ready to start. Without this fee, we will not be able to guarantee a spot. “Holding fees” may not exceed 1 month, but if possible, consideration will be given to those requesting an extended holding period. This will be based on our current availability and cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to hold a spot for longer than this, please speak to the Director or Owner.Holding Fees-Infant Room: 5 days- $90.00, 4 days- $80.00, 3 days- $70.00, 2 days- $60.00Toddler Room: 5 days- $80.00, 4 days- $70.00, 3 days- $60.00, 2 days- $50.00Preschoolers: 5 days- $70.00, 4 days- $60.00, 3 days- $50.00, 2 days- $40.00Before/After School: 5 days- $35.00, 4 days- $25.00, 3 days- $15.00, 2 days- $5.00School-Aged Summer Program: 5 days- $60.00, 4 days $50.00, 3 days- $40.00, 2 days- $30.00RIGHT TO DISMISS/REFUSE ADMISSIONLittle Highlanders Childcare Center reserves the right to refuse admission or dismiss any child at any time with or without cause. Possible reasons for the refusal of admission include but are not limited to: The need to maintain compliance with licensing/ratio regulations. Staff determines the child is too ill to attend. Domestic situations that present a safety risk to the child, staff or other children if the child were to be present at the center. Parents’ failure to maintain accurate, up to date records. Parents’ failure to complete and return required documentation in a timely fashion. Reasons Little Highlanders Childcare Center may choose to dismiss a child enrolled, but are not limited to:Child’s behavior threatens the welfare of the staff or other children at the Center.Families that fail to comply with the Center’s policies.Payment has not been paid or has gone unpaid for more than one week.If it is deemed that the child requires more care than the staff can accurately provide without compromising the care of the other children.The Center believes child is too ill to attend and staff cannot provide proper care to ensure that child’s safety and health.Inappropriate parent behavior Parents will not be reimbursed tuition for days when their child is refused admission to the program.WHAT TO BRINGInfants:Large supply of diapersLarge supply of wipesDiaper creamBottles/baby food/formula PacifierSippy cupsA fitted crib sheetA small blanketChanges of clothingToddlers:Large supply of diapersLarge supply of wipesDiaper creamSippy cupsBreakfast (if would like to eat here), lunch, and a drinkA fitted crib sheetA small blanket/pillowChanges of clothingPreschoolers:Breakfast (if would like to eat here), lunch, and a drinkA fitted crib sheetA small blanket/pillowA change of clothingSchool Age:Breakfast, lunch, and a drink (during summer program and days off)A Change of clothesAdditional Summer Items:SunscreenTowelWater ShoesWater BottleBathing suitAdditional Winter Items:Snow ClothesSnow ShoesGloves and hats*Please label all items brought from home!DROP OFF/PICK UPWe are open from 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. If you would like your child to eat breakfast at school, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. We strongly encourage parents to arrive by 9:00 a.m. at the latest, so that children are included in greeting activities, do not miss out on lessons, and have time to calmly set their minds for the day ahead. Other people authorized to drop off or pick up your child must ring the bell and will be screened at the door.? No one will be allowed in the Centers before 6:30 a.m.? Parents are required to bring their children into his/her classroom, sign them in, and make contact with the teacher before leaving.? Please assist your child with the removal and storage of outer garments.?Little Highlanders will be enforcing a 10 hour max between drop off and pick-up times to better improve ratios and staffing. Please make sure your pick up and drop off times are at 10 hour intervals at the most. A $5 in cash early drop off/late pick-up each half hour early or late fee will be required. The fee would go to the teacher coming in early/staying late. Accommodations on switching times or days a particular week can be made if possible and asked in advance. Bus transportation is provided to and from Paynter Elementary before and after school.It is the parents’ responsibility to take their children to school if they have missed their bus or are late.If your child will be absent for any reason, please take the time to call the Center and speak with the Director or Owner.? Please also call if your child will be arriving after 9:00 a.m.?Once a parent signs their child out, the parent is then solely responsible for supervising their child while on the property of Little Highlanders. Parents should directly exit the building once they have signed their child out of care.Parents will receive written “Today I…” reports at pick-up. The classroom teacher will be able to briefly discuss the report with you or other authorized adult at pick-up. However, should you feel it necessary to have an in depth discussion that may last longer than two minutes, it is most appropriate to schedule a meeting for a later date because the teacher is responsible for supervising the remaining children in the classroom. Our program ends at 6:00 pm. Parents who pick-up children after that time will be charged $5.00 for every five minutes late, to be paid in cash at the time of pick-up (total late fee will be calculated based on the clock on the wall in the classroom). If payment in cash is not possible at that time, it is to be paid at pick-up or drop-off the following program day. If balance is not paid, the child’s enrollment may be terminated without refund. All late pick-up fees go directly to the staff members who stay past their regularly scheduled shift. Therefore, payment must be in cash and cannot be combined with tuition payment. Should the staff contact a parent for any reason, and the parent is unable to pick up the child, it is then the responsibility of the parent to arrange for their child to be picked up by someone on the emergency list. We will require that the person who is picking up your child be authorized on the Emergency Contact Form. Before they can take the child off the premises they will need show their photo identification card. There will be no exceptions to this rule. All needed changes and/or additions to the Emergency Contact Form must be made in writing and be dated and signed. Only legal guardians have the right to make changes or additions to this form. Any messages for the parent will be kept in your child’s locker. Please make sure you check your child’s locker before leaving each day.FOOD/SNACKSPlease feel free to bring in any breakfast foods, or cereals that your child likes. Please label any food items that your child brings and we will store for them.Children must bring their lunch and a drink each day. We are able to heat up food in containers. A morning and afternoon snack will be provided.Please remember that this is a nut free environment!!PAYMENTS/TUITIONAll payments are due in advance of provided service. Weekly payments are due prior to or on Monday of that week; you may also pay every other week, which would be due every other Monday or before. We ask that you do not pay monthly unless you need a special exception for a particular month.Tuition is charged based on enrollment, not based on attendance. You will not owe payment for days that we choose to be closed (exception being National Holidays such as New Years Eve, New Years, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas). No refunds will be issued for absenteeism or for closings due to hazardous weather. Each family receives a one “free vacation week” per year. You can choose to use this anytime at your expense for any week that your child/children will not be attending. Your free vacation week will reset every Summer. If you do not pay tuition by the Monday that it is due, we will leave a reminder to pay form in your child’s locker. Failure to pay childcare for the week will result starting the following Monday in a $5.00 late fee for each day that childcare goes unpaid. You will be asked to leave the program if not successfully paying tuition for 4 consecutive weeksAll CCIS families will be expected to meet tuition prices if co-payment and CCIS payment does not cover weekly tuition.SCHEDULESAt Little Highlanders, we offer 5 full days of care, 4 full days, 3 full days, 2 full days of care, before and after-school, as well as Preschool Program only from 9am-12pm.Parents must receive pre-approval if they would like to change their child’s schedule or days attending. Children and families will only be permitted to make these changes when ratio and staffing can be regulated. Schedule changes would be final. Families cannot flip flop days that they need care from week to week. Your child can attend the days he/she has enrolled in. Toddler Room Schedule6:30-8 a.m.: Indoor Free Play (children can eat breakfast from home during this time)8-8:45: Outside Free Play or Indoor Gross Motor8:45-9:15: Clean up, diaper check, and bathroom break for toilet training toddlers9:15-9:30: AM snack (provided by center)9:30-10: Circle Time10-10:30: Planned academic activity 10:30-11: Indoor Free Play with Fine Motor choices11-11:15: Diaper check and bathroom break11:15-11:30: Clean up and wash hands for lunch11:30-12pm: Lunch12-12:30: Diaper check, bathroom break, and story time12:30-2:30: Nap Time2:30-3:15- Wake up time, diaper check, potty break, and quiet activities 3:15-3:30: PM snack (provided by center)3:30-4:30: Outdoor free play (if weather permits)4:30-4:45: Bring inside, bathroom break, and diaper check4:45-6pm: Indoor Free PlayPreschool Room Schedule6:30-8:30: Parent Drop Off/Indoor Free Play (Children may eat breakfast from home during this time)8:30-8:45: AM Snack (Provided by Center)8:45-9:00: Bathroom Break9:00-12:00: Preschool Lessons (Easy Breezy Preschool Curriculum)12:00-12:30: Outdoor free play (or indoor depending on weather)12:30-1:00: Lunch1:00-1:15: Bathroom Break1:15-2:45: Nap Time2:45-3:00: Bathroom Break3:00-3:30: PM Snack (Provided by Center)3:30-4:30: Stations (Such as work pages, coloring, play dough, board games, etc)4:30-4:45: Bathroom Break4:45-5:30: Outdoor Free Play (Weather Permitting)5:30-6:00: Indoor Free Play/Parent Pick-Up*Infant room schedules go by infants own individual needs.PRESCHOOL PROGRAMLittle Highlanders has chosen to integrate the Easy Breezy Preschool Curriculum in our Preschool Classroom Monday-Friday from 9AM-12PM. This includes PA approved 3 and 4 year old daily detailed lesson plans including reading, writing, math, art, music, science, and all things necessary to best prepare your child for Kindergarten. Certified Preschool teachers will be teaching the curriculum to our preschoolers. VISITATIONLittle Highlanders Childcare Center is always open for the parent/guardian to observe the daily activities of the Centers; however, please check in with the Director so that she and the staff are aware of your presence.PARENT’S RIGHT TO IMMEDIATE ACCESSParents of a child in our care are entitled to immediate access, without prior notice, to their child whenever they are in care at Little Highlanders Childcare center, as provided by law. In cases where the child is the subject of a court order (e.g., Custody Order, Restraining Order, or Protection from Abuse Order), Little Highlanders must be provided with a certified copy of the most recent order and all amendments thereto. The orders of the court will be strictly followed.In the absence of a court order on file, both parents shall be afforded equal access to their child as stipulated by law. Little Highlanders Childcare Center cannot, without a court order, limit the access of a one parent by request of the other parent, regardless of the reason. If a situation presents itself where one parent does not want the other parent to have access to their child, it is suggested that the parent keep the child with them until a court order is issued, since our rights to retain your child are secondary to the other parent's right to immediate access. Staff will contact the local police should a conflict arise. MANDATED REPORTING OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSEUnder the Child Protective Services Act, mandated reporters are required to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The employees of Little Highlanders Childcare Center are trained and considered mandated reporters, under this law, and are not required to discuss any suspicions with parents prior to reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities, nor are they required to investigate the cause of any suspicious marks, behavior or condition prior to making a report. Under the Act, mandated reporters can be held criminally responsible if they fail to report suspected abuse or neglect. Little Highlanders Childcare Center take this responsibility very seriously and will make all necessary reports to the appropriate authorities. The Child Protective Services Act is intended to protect the well-being and best interest of all children. As mandated reporters, staff cannot be held liable for reports made to Child Protective Services which are determined to be unfounded, provided the report was made in “good faith” and by legal responsibility. Causes for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect include, but are not limited to: Unusual bruising, marks, or cuts on the child’s bodySevere verbal reprimands Improper clothing relating to size, cleanliness, seasonTransporting a child without appropriate child restraints (car seats, seat belts, etc.)Dropping off or picking up a child while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol Failure to attend to the special needs of a disabled child Children who exhibit behavior consistent with an abusive situationCOMMUNICATIONWe are dedicated to maintaining a positive relationship between home and daycare.? It is very important to us that parents and teachers keep an open line of communication at all times.? Your child’s teacher will keep you in touch with your child’s daily activities, and we hope that you will keep us informed of any necessary information we should know about your child.We use the Remind App to stay in touch with parents throughout the day. We can send you reminders and updates regarding your child. You are also able to respond.Parent messages and other important information will be left in your child’s locker.? Please check your child’s locker during each pick-up/drop-off for these notes. Little Highlanders will not be held responsible if a parent fails to check their child’s locker and misses any important information in a timely manner. Our Parent Board is located on the bulletin board by the office. There you can find calendars, schedules, announcements, and any other important memos.If we are experiencing hazardous weather, Little Highlanders may choose to delay or cancel care. If Paynter Elementary has a two-hour delay, we will most likely still open at our regular time 6:30am. If Paynter has a cancellation, and Little Highlanders chooses to remain open, we will most likely have at least a one-hour delay and open at 7:30am. All delays and cancelations will be emailed to parents by 6:00am that morning. There will not be any reimbursements on days that we close due to weather and safety reasons. We do not provide all day care for school-aged children when Paynter Elementary is open. Child evaluations will be scheduled twice a year (mid Winter and Summer) for the Parents of our toddlers and preschoolers and will include an overview of the observations of the child while at the program. Topics will include the child’s strengths, achievement of developmental milestones, and social-emotional growth in a classroom environment. Parents are welcome to schedule a Parent-Teacher conference at any time to further discuss the evaluations, and are encouraged to communicate freely with their child’s teachers.During program time, staff members are usually not available to have long conversations. Parents are welcome to write notes, call or send e-mails to the Director, Owner, or other childcare workers. If you leave a message on the answering machine, we will return your call as soon as possible. Little Highlanders feels that most uncomfortable conversations (i.e. payment issues, simple misunderstandings, etc) are better to be discussed through written notes left in your child’s locker, e-mail or phone call to prevent the children or other outside parties to listen in, breaking confidentiality and leading to further complication. If for any reason, a parent or guardian wishes to speak about the issue in person they will need to schedule a meeting with the Director and/or Owner based on their schedule after program hours and without their child that is attending the program present.CONFIDENTIALITYConfidential and sensitive information will only be shared with employees who “need to know” in order to most properly and safely care for your child. Confidential and sensitive material about the center, other parents and/or children will not be shared with parents, as Little Highlanders Childcare Center strives to ensure everyone’s right of privacy. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: names, addresses, phone numbers, disability information, and health related information. Outside of Little Highlanders Childcare Center, personal and delicate information about a child will only be shared when the parent of the child has given written consent, except where otherwise provided for by law. BABYSITTINGLittle Highlanders approves of staff babysitting for our families in the Center, but only when gone through Little Highlanders.For example, if you wish to have a babysitter on a certain date, the Director or Owner will contact all staff that are not already obligated to their work schedule, to see if they are available and wish to commit. Payment will go directly to the worker who is watching your children and wages will be determined among the parents and teacher. This policy is strict to avoid complication and favoritism in the Center and any family that chooses to break this regulation may be terminated from Little Highlanders. CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ALLERGIESParents are required to provide a signed copy of the “Authorization for Emergency Care” on the Emergency Contacts and Information form, detailing any allergies, food or otherwise, from which their child suffers, at the time of enrollment or when the allergy is discovered. This form must be completely filled out by the child’s physician and parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and must be updated every six months, or more frequently, as needed. In addition to this form, parents must provide a copy of any additional physician’s instructions and procedural guidelines concerning to the avoidance and treatment of the child’s allergy. Any medication required to treat an allergic reaction must be provided in accordance with the Medication Policy. Due to the severe allergies of many children, we are asking that you do not bring peanut butter or any other peanut or tree nut product into our facility. We are completely peanut and tree nut free. COMMUNICABLE DISEASESPlease do not send your child to the Center if the following symptoms are present: Fever of 100 degrees or above (within the past 24 hours)Needs fever-reducing medication to maintain a normal body temperature (exception- teething babies)Vomiting for any reasonDiarrheaChronic CoughExcessive mucus coming from nasal passages or eyesNeeds cold medicine to suppress sneezing, coughing, or runny noseHas an unexplained rash which has not been treated by a doctorAny other symptoms of communicable disease When a doctor prescribes a child an antibiotic, parents must wait 24 hours after the first dose of medication before sending the child to daycare. Parents are obligated to pick up an ill child within 45 minutes of notification by phone. If a parent is reached, but cannot pick his or her child up within 45 minutes, it becomes the parent’s obligation to arrange for alternate pick up with someone listed on the child’s emergency contact form. Children will be excluded from participation in the program if they display symptoms of any communicable disease. They will not be permitted to return to the program until they are no longer contagious. Guidelines for determining the contagious period for a specific illness are based on the recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children must present a doctor’s note stating they are no longer contagious and can return to the program if necessary. Little Highlanders Childcare Center holds the right to decline a child to return if staff believes the child to be too ill to participate in the program. If your child will be absent due to illness, we request that you notify the center director or owner as soon as possible. This enables our faculty to keep track of any illnesses, which may occur at our Center. DISPENSING MEDICATIONLittle Highlanders Childcare Center will only dispense over-the-counter and/or prescription medication that is in original, labeled containers, and is accompanied by a doctor’s note with explicit dosage and administration instructions. Parents are required to sign-off on the final page of the Parent Handbook agreeing that medication is to be dispensed by your request only. One doctor’s note per course of treatment for prescription medication is required. If a child, for example, is to be given a course of antibiotics for 10 days, the doctor’s note must identify the dates that the medication is to be given. DISCIPLINEStaff will encourage children to respect other people, to be fair, respect property, and learn responsibility for their actions. We will use the following techniques in doing so: planning ahead to prevent foreseeable problems consistent clear encouragement of appropriate behaviorpositive guidance redirectioninvolving children in problem solving techniques“Time-out” will be used if other practices are unsuccessful. The time period will be based on the child’s age and will be converted into minutes, which will be just long enough for the child to regain self-control. Staff will observe the effectiveness of “time-out” and provide open communication with parents to use the most effective and appropriate means of discipline. Little Highlanders Childcare Center acknowledges that young children go through numerous stages of development. Certain behaviors are indicative of age. However, a child may be given a 1-5 day suspension from our the program if we feel they cause continual, deliberate physical or emotional harm to other children to the point with the other child/children involved is at risk when attending, if the child requires more care than the staff can adequately provide without compromise to the other children, or the continually disrupts the class to the extent that activities cannot be completed, as well as receiving 3 annual suspensions Little Highlanders will discontinue child care services. BITING POLICYBiting is a natural developmental stage that many children go through. It is usually a temporary condition that is most common between thirteen and twenty-four months of age. The safety of the children at the center is our primary concern. The center's biting policy addresses the actions the staff will take if a biting incident occurs.??Toddlers bite other children for many different reasons. A child might be teething or overly tired and frustrated. He or she might be experimenting or trying to get the attention of the teacher or his peers. Toddlers have poor verbal skills and are impulsive without a lot of self-control. When flustered with another child’s behaviors, a toddler may bite because biting may be easier and more natural than explaining their feelings verbally. Sometimes biting occurs for no apparent reason. The center will encourage the children to "use their words" if they become angry or frustrated. The staff members will maintain a close and constant supervision of the children at all times.?The following steps will be taken if a biting incident occurs at our center:??The biting will be interrupted with a firm "No…we don't bite people!" Staff will stay calm and will not overreact. The bitten child will be comforted.?Staff will remove the biter from the situation. The wound of the bitten child shall be assessed and cleansed with soap and water.? If a biting incident occurs from the same child three times then more serious measures will need to be taken. This will be decided by the owner, director, and staff depending the circumstances and what we find to be appropriate. The parents of both children will be notified of the biting incident. Appropriate forms will be filled out (Incident Report).? Note: If a bite requires medical treatment, a copy of the incident report must be mailed to the licensing consultant within 7 calendar days. See Child Care Requirements Licensing Guidelines Section .0802 (d) EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARENAP TIMELittle Highlanders Childcare Center has “nap time” for our toddlers and preschoolers. Parents are required to provide a sheet, blanket, and optional pillow or stuffed animal to sleep with if desired for their child. Please take home your child’s bedding each Friday or last day of childcare and provide clean bedding for the following week on Monday. If possible, please do not call the Center during these hours. We try to maintain a quiet and calming environment during nap times.Each child will have their own assigned mat/cot.Each child is required by the Office of Children and Family Services to have an afternoon nap/rest period.? Our policy requires a minimum 1 hour rest period.? A designated quiet area will be provided for those children who are unable to nap after the 1st hour.? APPROPRIATE CLOTHINGPlease dress children in comfortable, washable clothing each day.? They partake in many activities, which require the capability to move about freely.? Some of our projects also may be messy.?Little Highlanders feels that one of our most appealing qualities is our immense and variety of outdoor space. Saying this, we go outside daily, weather permitting (temperature above 32 degrees).? Please make sure your child has appropriate clothing for all seasons and provide sunscreen and a bathing suit and towel for sunny days.? It is very important for children to get fresh air even in the winter months.Each child is required to have a minimum of two changes of clothing including socks and underwear.? All of the child’s clothing must be labeled.? When wet or soiled clothing is sent home, please replace it the next day. Parents are also required to provide diapers and wipes for Infants and Toddlers.TOYS FROM HOMELittle Highlanders allows, but prefers that children do not bring in toys from home. We understand it can make the transition from home to Center easier for some children, so if the parent believes it to be necessary and it does not cause but eliminates potential issues then we are happy to permit toys from home.? Please keep in mind that we are not responsible for any items lost or broken (including electronics) and may ask to stop brining in toys if it becomes excessive or raises problems between other children.? We are, of course, sensitive to the needs of a child who is very dependent on a security toy. ELECTRONICSParents that allow children to bring electronic devises such as- iPad, cellphone, Tablet, etc must be aware that Little Highlanders is not responsible for these expensive devices and it is your chid’s responsibility to look over their device. If you send your child with their electronic device, it has to have some sort of effective child lock or parental settings so that students can only enjoy and expose others to appropriate games and videos. We have a strict ‘no photos, videos, or face-timing’ policy with student devices in order to protect other children for confidentiality reasons. If your child abuses this rule their cell phone/electronic will be taken from them until parent pick-up. GUIDELINESLittle Highlanders Childcare Center reserves the right to change any policies and fee schedules to meet the needs of the Centers to ensure the best quality care for the children.Little Highlanders Childcare Center holds the ability to determine full and part time attendance availability.? Part time enrollment is subject to change with a two-week notice to the parent.?Little Highlanders Childcare Center reserves the right to dismiss any child with or without reason or warning.The center will be closed on National Holidays such as New Years Eve, New Years, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.Employees are prohibited from working in any capacity for Little Highlander’s clients while employed by our center (including caring for children at the center before opening or after closing time and being paid directly by a client) unless the circumstance is through Little Highlanders Childcare Center.? Additionally, employees are prohibited from driving any of the children to or from the center.Last updated: July 2019I ____________________________________ the parent of _______________________________________________________ agree to abide and follow Little Highlanders Childcare Center’s policy to the best of my ability and understand all terms and conditionsDate:Email:Signature__________________________________________ ................
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