Family Handbook



Family Handbook

[pic]

______________________________________

16900 Holly Road Accokeek, Maryland

(301) 283-0333

info@



The Ashton Early Learning Center

Family Handbook Acknowledgement

___________________________________

Student Name (Please Print)

This Family Handbook was created to promote an understanding of the policies and procedures at TAELC.

The information in this Family Handbook applies to all activities occurring on center grounds and during any school related activities. It is important that parents and guardians are familiar with these policies and procedures.

Please remove this page, sign it, and return it to the Director. It will be added to your child’s permanent file. Your signature means you have received this Family Handbook understand and agree to the policies and procedures of TAELC.

I have read and understand the policies and procedures in the Family Handbook. I agree to abide by them as will my child.

________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date

________________________________________________________________

Director’s Signature Date

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Family Handbook Acknowledgement………………………………......2

Welcome Letter……………………………………………………………..4

Philosophy…………………………………………………………………..5

Vision Statement……………………………………………………………5

Values…………………………………………………………………………5

Curriculum………………………………………………………………..….5

Staff…………………………………………………………………………....7

Enrollment &Tuition Guidelines………………………………………….7

Operational Policies & Procedures………………………………………9

Safety & Security…………………………………………………………...12

Health & Medical……………………………………………………………13

Family Involvement………………………………………………………...15

WELCOME

Welcome to The Ashton Early Learning Center (TAELC). We are honored you have chosen our center for your child. We are a family owned and operated center committed to strengthening families and providing children with a nurturing, safe learning environment that meets their social/emotional, cognitive, physical, and language needs.

The Ashton Early Learning Center is a center built on a solid foundation of love. Over forty years ago, Clara and Bernard Scott, the grandparents of the owners, Danon and Cori Ashton, lived in this house and raised over forty foster children. They have since passed away, but their legacy lives on. To honor them, Danon and Cori decided to turn their home into an early learning center for young children. With the support of their wives, Akyva and Stacy and many family members, the home of Bernard and Clara Scott is now a place where children can learn and grow.

Parents are the lifeline to every child’s academic and social development. At The Ashton Early Learning Center, we encourage active participation and community involvement. We expect parents to collaborate with their child’s teachers and take an active role in their child’s learning experience.

The Ashton Early Learning Center was designed and decorated with the child in mind. Each classroom is designed with age-appropriate furniture, toys and instructional materials. Teachers are carefully selected and fully qualified to provide your child with the quality learning experience he or she deserves.

If you decide to enroll your child, we think you will be making the right decision. Please carefully review the contents of this packet and jot down any questions you may have. We want to make sure you are comfortable with your decision before you enroll your child.

Again, welcome to The Ashton Early Learning Center. A place designed with the child in mind.

[pic]

PHILOSOPHY

We believe children learn and grow at their optimal level when their basic needs are satisfied. Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is the philosophy we subscribe to in developing a well-rounded child.

Children, especially young children have five basic needs which Maslow identified in a hierarchical pyramid. At The Ashton Early Learning Center, we structure our teaching and learning to meet these needs.

• Physiological

• Safety Need

• Belonging

• Esteem

• Self-Actualization

We believe all children can learn and it is the responsibility of each staff member to promote a learning environment that takes advantage of every opportunity for children to explore, imagine and find their own greatness.

We believe if you set high expectations for children they will rise to the task. It is our job as educators to create classrooms that engage children and foster an inquisitiveness that makes them love learning.

VISION STATEMENT

• TAELC is a place where children are valued for their greatness, curiosity, perspectives, and ability to lead their own learning.

• Educators create a learning community where the children come to know that the group is valued, the individual is respected, and that each person has a responsibility within the class.

• At TAELC, we support each other, sharing the same vision and encouraging the same goals for each child.

VALUES

Honesty, Trust, Passion for Excellence, Love of Learning and Innovation

CURRICULUM

We decided to use Creative Curriculum in conjunction with a theme-based approach as the framework for teaching and learning. Creative Curriculum has done extensive research in age-appropriate objectives for children’s learning and sets high standards for what teachers should know and be able to do in order to teach children what they need to know.

Our curriculum is designed with the child in mind. We are keenly aware that children develop at different paces and stages. This is a time when children are exploring new concepts, learning about themselves, gaining independence, and interacting with others and their surroundings. With that in mind, we have divided our curriculum into four areas of development.

• Social/Emotional: This area of development is a time when children are learning how to socialize – how to get along with others. Creative Curriculum states “it’s the process by which children learn the values and behaviors accepted by society.” We will focus on three goals: achieving a sense of self, taking responsibility for self and others, and behaving in a prosocial way.

• Physical Development: This area of development focuses on developing fine (small muscle) and gross (large muscle) motor skills. Children begin to learn about how their bodies move and grow as they gain a sense of self-confidence in their physical abilities. We will focus on two goals: achieving gross motor skills and achieving fine motor skills.

• Cognitive Development: This area of development focuses on the mind and how information is processed and comprehended. This is an important area of development as children are learning about how they learn, and use what they learn to interact with the world around them. We will focus on three goals: learning and problem solving, thinking logically, and representing and thinking symbolically.

• Language Development: This area of development focuses on understanding and communicating through words. Children experience a variety of settings that require them to listen, read, write or speak. These communication tools are critical skills that help children develop and gain a self-extending system. We will focus on two goals: listening and speaking and reading and writing.

Theme-based Curriculum

Two and three year olds will experience a theme-based approach to learning. Four year olds will experience a theme-based approach with academic connections to reading, writing and math extensions to prepare them for kindergarten. Activities and lessons will be age appropriate and creatively designed to engage every child.

The Learning Environment

The learning environment or the use of space in the classroom is also a part of the curriculum. When organized appropriately, the learning environment allows children to explore, work independently as well as interdependently, and become confident learners. According to Creative Curriculum, the following learning centers are appropriate for our children.

• Blocks

• Dramatic Play

• Toys & Games

• Art

• Library

• Discovery

• Sand & Water

• Music & Movement

• Cooking

• Computers

STAFF

Our director and teacher qualifications meet or exceed the Maryland State Department of Education requirements for licensed early childhood facilities. We strictly adhere to the child/teacher ratio to ensure the safety of every child.

Our staff will continue to seek professional growth and development by attending monthly professional development workshops provided by TAELC or through other professional enhancement opportunities. Staff members hired by TAELC agree to and accept the philosophy and vision we have for our children.

ENROLLMENT AND TUITION GUIDELINES

Enrollment

When enrolling your child you are required to complete the Enrollment Registration Information packet. This packet includes important forms about your child. All children must be current with their immunization records before being accepted to the center. All forms must be completed and submitted to the director for review before your child’s first day. A $75.00 (per child) non-refundable or transferable registration fee is due at the time of registration.

Tuition

When completing the Enrollment Registration Information packet you will be required to complete information pertaining to your child’s primary and emergency contacts, profile, medical information and enrollment agreement. The enrollment agreement identifies terms and conditions related to tuition and fees, daily procedures, absences, holidays, and closings, and TAELC policies.

Tuition payments are due in full on the first day of each attendance week. TAELC does not accept partial tuition payments. If the first attendance day falls on a holiday and the center is closed, tuition is due the next day. Tuition must be paid in the form of check or money order. For safety reasons, cash is not accepted for tuition payments.

Tuition Program Rates

Two Year Olds……………………………………………………………………………$210/weekly

Three Year Olds………………………………………………………………………….$195/weekly

Four Year Olds…………………………………………………………………………...$185/weekly

Before & After Care (school-age)………………………………………………………..$110/weekly

Activity Fees

TAELC will offer opportunities for children to participate in in-house field trips and learn from exciting guest speakers. These activities may include music programs, art classes, and storytellers. As a result, families are expected to pay an annual $25.00 activity fee due at the time of registration.

Late Fees

Tuition payments not paid on/before the due date will incur a late fee of $35.00 per week the tuition is late. If the account is not current by the end of the second week, I may be asked to withdraw my child until my account is made current. TAELC can not guarantee

your child’s spot will be held due to non-payment. Any unpaid tuition fees will be sent to a third collection agency.

Returned Checks

If you write a check that is returned to us for any reason, you will be charged a $36.00 returned check fee and have to pay any additional fees incurred by the bank. If you write two checks to TAELC that are returned for any reason, within a three-month period, you will be required to make payments via money order or cashier’s check for the next six-months. No exceptions.

Child Absences

If your child is going to be absent for any reason (family emergency, illness, etc,), please notify us. No allowances, credits, refunds, or make-up days will be granted for occasional absences or tardiness for any programs. Tuition must still be paid in full.

If you have a child that attends our Before & After Care program that will be absent from elementary school for that day, you must inform us as soon as possible. Before & After care will not be provided for the following reasons: suspension or expulsion from school, illness, or any other time when school is regularly in session, but the child is not in attendance.

Extended Absence Fee

If your child is going to be absent for a full week (i.e., vacation) an extended absence fee of 50% of your regular week’s tuition will be granted for each absence of one full week (Monday-Friday), with a week’s advance notice to the Director. The Extended Absence fee must be taken in full week increments (Monday-Friday).

Multiple Child Discounts

When multiple children from the same family attend the center on a full time-basis, a 10% discount will be granted for the lower tuition rate.

Enrollment Termination

In certain situations, it may be necessary for TAELC to discontinue a child’s enrollment. While every effort will be made to rectify the situation, it is TAELC’s priority to ensure the safety of every child and staff member. Therefore, TAELC reserves the right to terminate the enrollment of a child at any time for any reason.

Termination may result from (but not limited to) the following:

• Abuse of other children, staff, or property by child or parent/guardian;

• Continued violation of policies by child pr parent/guardian;

• Chronic disruptive or dangerous behavior by child or parent/guardian;

• Non-payment of tuition and;

• TAELC’s inability to meet the child’s needs or parent/guardian expectations.

Withdrawal

If you decide to withdraw your child from TAELC you are required to give us written notice two weeks in advance. If written notice is not received, you will still be liable for all tuition and fees for the two weeks regardless if your child attends the center or not. Re-enrollment depends of availability at the time and providing all outstanding balances have been met. If an outstanding balance existed when your child withdrew, your account must be current before we can re-enroll your child. At the time of re-enrollment, a new non-refundable registration fee of $75.00 is due. Extended Absence fee may not be used during the final two-week withdrawal period.

OPERATIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Days of Operation

TAELC is open Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. all year long. We are closed in observance of the following holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Thanksgiving Day

Memorial Day Christmas Day

Independence Day

If your school-age child is enrolled in our B/A care program and their school is closed on a day TAELC is open, your child may attend TAELC for the day, provided we have space. Children will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. An all-day fee of $35 will be charged.

No allowances, credits, refunds or make-up days will be made for holidays, early closing or late opening due to inclement weather or emergency closings. Tuition must be paid in full. If the center is closed for three days or more due to inclement weather, emergency closing or some unforeseen situation, your tuition will be pro-rated by fifty percent for the week.

Weather Closings

TAELC takes the necessary precautions to ensure your child’s safety while at school. In the event of inclement weather, we follow Prince George’s County Public School closings. Please watch your local news station to determine if we are closed for the day, having a two-hour or one-hour delay.

Meals

Children will be provided a light breakfast, lunch, and a light snack. All meals include foods which meet daily nutritional needs, as well as state licensing requirements. Our menus are posted in the kitchen and will be made available to you in your weekly parent newsletter.

Providing our children with a healthy and safe environment is important. Therefore, our policy does not allow food to be brought into the school. If there are religious reasons, special dietary concerns or allergies that would prevent your child from eating what we serve, please discuss this with the Director. TAELC is a NUT FREE facility. Peanut products of any kind are strictly prohibited in the center. No exceptions.

Breakfast is served from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. daily. If your child arrives after 8:30 a.m., please make sure he/she has had breakfast. Lunch is served from 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. If your child arrives after 12:30 p.m., please make sure he/she has had lunch.

Nap Time

Napping is an important part of the day. Our schedule incorporates a balance of structured learning, active play and nap/rest time. During this time all children are encouraged to take a nap for two-hours. If a child is unable to fall asleep, he/she will be required to rest quietly on the cot in respect of those children who are sleeping. Parents are required to bring a small blanket and a stuffed toy (if needed). No pillows please. Blankets will be washed every Friday courtesy of TAELC.

[pic]Potty Training

If your child is not potty trained, staff members at TAELC will work with you to successfully potty train your child. Parents enrolling two-year olds will be provided with additional information on the process of potty training.

Appropriate Clothes

Please dress your child in clothes that are appropriate for the weather and comfort. We encourage you to send your child to school in clothes he/she can get dirty – either outside or with art activities. We go outside every day and have art activities every day. Children must wear closed-toe shoes with a rubber sole. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.

Change of Clothes

Accidents happen. Your child should have a labeled Ziploc bag that includes the following clothing items: underwear, undershirt, socks, pants/skirt, top/shirt. These items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name and appropriate for the season. For two-year olds who are being potty trained, please provide two changes of clothing items.

[pic]Birthdays

Children may celebrate their birthday within their classroom. A simple store bought treat such as brownies, cookies, or miniature cupcakes and a small juice box is allowed. Homemade items or items containing nuts/nut products are not allowed. TAELC will provide a Happy Birthday hat or sticker for the birthday boy or girl for the day. Please make arrangements for birthday celebrations at least one week in advance with the Director. Distributing birthday invitations at TAELC for a party off-site is not allowed.

Field Trips

Off-site field trips are a part of our curriculum for children in the four year old program. You are required to complete a Field Trip Permission Slip authorizing your child to attend the field trip. The Field Trip Permission Slip will identify the type of trip, date, time, departure time from center, arrival time back at the center, items to bring, and number of chaperones needed.

Field trips begin and end at the center. You may not drop your child off at the field trip site and we will not release your child to you while on a trip; all children must return to school before being released to their parents/guardians

Behavior Expectations

All children are expected to follow the rules at TAELC; however we know at this young age children are learning what is and what is not appropriate behavior. To help your child grow toward self-discipline and self-control, the staff at TAELC will treat every child with dignity and respect while providing clear and consistent routines, limits and consequences.

By doing the following, the staff at TAELC will encourage positive behavior and re-direct negative or inappropriate behavior.

1. Posting kid-friendly age-appropriate behavior expectations in the classroom;

2. Serve as role models for acceptable behavior;

3. Set clear limits and remind a child of behavior expectations;

4. Redirect inappropriate behavior and use positive statements; and

5. Designate an area in the classroom (in view of the teacher) as the “Quiet Zone” allowing the child time to regain composure and return to the group. Time in the “Quiet Zone” is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.

Every classroom will use the “Traffic Light” system to monitor appropriate and inappropriate behavior. All children begin every day with their clothespin on the green light. If they receive more than three warnings for the same inappropriate behavior, they will move their clothespin to the yellow light. If the same behavior continues or a new behavior arises, the child will move his/her clothespin the red light. At this time, the child will be escorted to the office and the parent will be contacted. Consequences and next steps for the inappropriate behavior will be determined based upon the nature of the incident. There may be times when your child will be sent directly to the office without warning (i.e. biting, hitting, etc.)

In the event your child is having difficulty regaining composure, he/she will be sent to the Director’s office for further action. Depending on the severity of the behavior, you may be asked to pick up your child early or keep him home for an extended period of time. If the behavior continues, a parent conference will be required. At this time, a Behavior Plan will be developed outlining specific behavior goals for your child. The plan will be monitored over a two-week period. If the behavior still does not change, TAELC has the authority to terminate the enrollment agreement without notice.

Corporal punishment of any type is not allowed. Children will not be verbally or physically abused, shamed, belittled, spoken to with a sarcastic tone, shaken, ridiculed, or rejected.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

[pic]Security System

TAELC is equipped with a security entry system to protect children and staff. Exterior doors will remain locked at all times.

Drop-Off

From 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m., you will use the door at the rear of the center to drop off your child. Upon entering the center, you must sign in, accompany your child to the “Gathering Room” (yellow room) and let the teacher on duty know your child has arrived. If you drop off your child after 8:00 a.m., you must enter through the front office door as the rear door will be locked.

[pic]Pick-Up

If you are picking up your child between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., you will need to use the front office door. After 4:00 p.m., all pick-ups must occur using the door at the rear of the center. Please remember to sign out, let the teacher on duty know you are leaving, check the Parents’ Information board, and check your child’s cubby for important papers and artwork.

We know unforeseen situations occur and there may be times you will be late picking up your child. If you are going to be late, please call the center immediately. A late fee of $2 per minute will be assessed for arriving at the center after 6:00 p.m. Late fee payments are due that day upon pick-up. If your child is not picked up by 6:30 p.m. and we have not received a call from you, we may be required to release him/her to the local authorities. Staff members are not allowed to take children home with them for any reason.

If you are going to be late dropping off your child, please provide the center with a courtesy phone call.

Fire Drills

TAELC conducts monthly fire drills. Staff, children, and parent volunteers will not be notified of drill dates as this will assess the effectiveness of our fire and emergency evacuation plans. In the event of a real fire/emergency situation, the Director will inform the staff that the center will be evacuated at which time staff will follow the emergency evacuation plan.

Emergency Preparedness

Our staff has been trained in emergency preparedness. An emergency evacuation plan is posted in every classroom and a Parent/Child Reunification form is on file for every child. Staff has been given instructions on how to manage crisis, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lockdown procedures: maintain an emergency bag that contains key information and first aid supplies; and designate one or more appropriate evacuation sites.

[pic]Parent Reunification Plan

The plan for contacting parents in the event of an emergency is as follows:

1. Contact the emergency phone numbers, in order as listed on the Parent/Child Reunification form.

2. Notify the parent or emergency contact of what the emergency is and what our immediate plan of action is.

3. Specify a meeting point and time, if possible.

Evacuation Plan

Specific action taken by TAELC will depend on the severity of the situation (i.e., level of threat and the advice or directive of local, state, and federal agencies.) The safety of children and staff is our primary concern in any decision. In the event, children and staff have to evacuate the premises; we have an agreement with the Accokeek Fire Department for the evacuation of TAELC. The following procedures shall be followed:

1. Notify the Accokeek Fire Department to verify the threat is not occurring there. If not, proceed to the location to seek safe shelter.

2. Take the red emergency bag (contents include: Parent/Child Reunification forms, medication for children, water bottles and non-perishable snacks), first aid kit, cell phone and evacuate.

3. Implement the Parent/Child Reunification Plan.

Custody and Visitation Policy

It is our policy not to interfere with the custody relationships of a child’s parents. TAELC assumes that both parents have equal rights to pick up/drop off, volunteer or receive/request documents about their child. If that is not the case, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide court documents and/or legally binding agreements stating the rights and responsibilities of the parents and/or guardians. TAELC will adhere to the last dated court documents, without prejudice to etiher parent/guardian. For the safety of the child and staff and other children at the center, TAELC asks that any custody issues be resolved outside of TAELC property. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in enrollment termination.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL

Immunization Requirements

All children must be up-to-date on their immunizations before being admitted to TAELC. Documentation for records of immunization must be approved by a physician or other health-care professional with a signature or rubber-stamp. Validated proof of immunization should be submitted as your child receives new immunization or booster shots. Failure to comply with the immunization requirements may impact your child’s enrollment.

[pic]Dispensing Medication

Medication may be provided to your child while in our care in accordance with TAELC policies, as well as state regulations.

The Parent/Guardian must:

• Personally deliver all medication to the Director only.

• Complete a Prescription (prescribed by a physician) or Non-Prescription (over-the-counter) Instructions, Consent and Waiver form, which will be kept in front office.

• Bring all medication in its original container (doctor’s name on label) labeled in a Ziploc bag with the child’s first and last name and directions to administer the medication.

The Director will record the name of the child to whom medicine was given; name of medication; date, time and amount given. The Director is the only staff member allowed to administer medicine. All medications will be stored in a locked area that is inaccessible to children. TAELC has the authority to refuse or discontinue administration of any medications.

Illness Policy

If your child will be out sick, please call the center. If your child becomes sick during the school day, we will call you at home or at work (phone numbers must be current). If your child must be picked up, by someone other than yourself, that person must be named in the Registration Information packet.

Please keep your child home if he/she displays symptoms that warrant it. If your child comes to school, he/she should be able to participate in all indoor and outdoor activities. Children are considered contagious if they:

• Have a fever of 100 degrees or higher;

• Have vomited or had diarrhea within 24 hours;

• Have consistent or colored mucus from nose or eyes;

• Has been diagnosed with any communicable sickness and has not been on prescribed antibiotics for 24 hours and;

• Have a cough that produces phlegm or causes a child to gag consistently

Please keep your child at home when they are contagious and/or on the first day of a cold. TAELC and the other healthy children thank you for your consideration!

Reporting Child Abuse

Staff at TAELC must immediately phone Child Protective Services if they have any reason to suspect the occurrence of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, child neglect, or child exploitation as required by law.

Emergency Medical Procedures

If your child becomes ill or incurs a minor injury, our staff will perform basic first aid to treat the illness or injury. If the illness or injury requires more than basic first aid, you will be contacted and asked to pick up your child. If your child’s illness or injury requires immediate medical attention, you will be contacted and asked to authorize TAELC to take your child to the nearest medical facility. TAELC will not assume any financial obligation or legal responsibility that may occur as a result of providing your child with immediate medical attention and/or taking your child to the nearest medical facility.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Parent Communication

TAELC supports home-school communication. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher or the Director with any questions, concerns, or praises.

Parent Conferences

Parent conferences will be held two times a year. The purpose of the conference is to inform parents on their child’s academic, social/emotional, physical, and language development.

Parent Information Board

The Parent Information board is located directly over the Child Sign In/Out Sheet. Parents are expected to check the board daily for important notices, updates and information.

Family Gatherings

TAELC enjoys family’s fellowshipping with each other. Special events and activities will be planned throughout the year.

Parent Volunteers

Parent volunteers are encouraged. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Director to set up a time.

[pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download