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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Admissions Policy 2

Enrollment 2

Hours of Operation 3

Office Hours 3

Holiday/Closings/No School Days 3

Payment 4

Income Tax Statements 4

Daily Record Keeping/Health Checks 4

Late Arrivals 4

Late Pick Up 5

10 Hour Policy 5

Supervision 5

Children’s Supplies 6

Menu of Services 6

Children’s Dress Code 7

Older Toddlers & Potty Training 7

Philosophy of Discipline 7

Prohibited Children’s Behavior 9

Care of Acutely Ill Children 9

Communicable Diseases 10

Medication Policy 10

First Aid Kits 11

Emergency Phone Numbers 11

After School Pick Up 11

Prevention of Lost or Missing Children 12

Injuries/Illnesses Requiring Medical/Dental Attention 12

Evacuation Plan and Drills 12

Parent Parking 13

Authorized Caregivers 13

Staff Requirements 14

Letter from the Kitchen 15

Media Inquiries 16

Open Door Policy 16

Referrals 16

Grievances 16

Discrimination & Complaints 16

ADMISSIONS POLICY

Noah & Company Daycare and Preschool admits children from the ages of 6 weeks to 6th grade without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or ancestry. When the parent or legal guardian of a child identifies that a child has special needs, Michele Miller, the program director, and the parent or legal guardian will meet to review the child’s requirements. Noah & Company Daycare and Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of special needs. The program accepts children with special needs as long as a safe, supportive environment can be provided for the child.

To help the program staff better understand the child’s needs, the staff will ask the parent or legal guardian of a child with special needs to complete a “ Special Care Plan” in conjunction with the child’s health care provider(s). The program will attempt to accommodate children with special needs consistent with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act. If the program is unable to accommodate the child’s needs as defined by the child’s health care provider(s) or the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)/Individual Education Plan (IEP) without posing an undue burden as defined by federal law, the Director will work with the parent or legal guardian to find a suitable environment for the child.

ENROLLMENT

A file will be kept on each child that is enrolled in Noah & Co. In each file the state requires: signed enrollment contract, emergency contact form, a current health appraisal completed by your child(ren)’s doctor, and a signed food program agreement and enrollment forms. These forms must be kept up to date and parents are required to provide all this information in a timely manner.

We will also keep a development portfolio on your child(ren). Included will be observations, assessments, IEP/IFSP plans, and any other information we use to work with your child. Please fill out the enclosed form regarding IEP/IFSP paperwork. An observation/assessment will be completed within the first 45 days of enrollment. Your child’s teacher will share the results with you in a conference within the first 45 days of enrollment. The teacher will also complete observations/assessments in Oct and May and share the results with you in a conference. Please feel free to ask your child’s teacher at anytime to see how he/she is doing. Your child’s files may be released to you or to the elementary school upon your request, by filling out the “Authorization for Release of Information” form in this handbook.

During Parent/Teacher conferences, if the parent or teacher has a concern regarding a child’s behavior or social, cognitive, physical or emotional development, the director will be consulted and a referral made to the parents. Lebanon County has different resources that are available for families.

Prior to the child’s attendance, a conference with the parent or legal guardian and the child is required to acquaint each new family with the environment, staff, and schedule for childcare. During this visit, the parent or legal guardian will have a personal interview with Program Director and an opportunity to review the “Family Handbook” and other written materials maintained at the facility.

The following forms will be completed and submitted to the Director prior to the child’s first day of attendance. The information in these forms will remain confidential and will be shared with other caregivers only as required to meet the needs of the child:

1. ASQ, ASQ:SE/Getting to know you form completed by parent or legal guardian.

2. Child Care Health Assessment- This form must be completed and signed by the child’s physician before the child can start attending

3. Child Care Emergency Contact Information- signed by a parent or legal guardian for each child enrolled. These forms will be updated by a parent/legal guardian every 6 months and whenever the information changes. All emergency contact phone numbers must be current. If we cannot reach you in an emergency your child is the one who will suffer. If your child is taken to the emergency room and we cannot reach you social services will be called.

4. Special Care Plan – When the parent/legal guardian informs the facility staff that a child has a disability, a special care plan will be completed by the parent/legal guardian and/or health care provider(s) for that child. A parent or legal guardian may be asked to authorize release of information from providers of special services to help the child care provider coordinate the child’s care.

5. Child Care Agreement – completed by a parent or legal guardian.

6. CACFP forms – completed and signed by the parent/guardian.

7. Consent Forms- each item must be initialed and the bottom of the form signed by the parent/guardian

8. School Release Form – signed by the parent/guardian allowing us permission to speak to the child’s teacher, principal, nurse, secretary, etc at the elementary school.

All incomplete forms will be returned to the parent or legal guardian for completion prior to the child’s first day of attendance. Health care referrals will be provided when requested or needed. The parent or legal guardian will be given 4 weeks to obtain the required health services before the child is considered for exclusion from the program. When an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease occurs in the childcare facility, the parent or legal guardian may be asked to obtain special immunization. In the event of an outbreak all children whose immunizations are not up-to-date with the current recommended schedule to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Public Health Service will be excluded from child care until properly immunized.

Confidentiality of information about the child and family will be maintained. Enrollment forms and all other information concerning the child and family, compiled by the child care facility, will be accessible only to the parent or legal guardian, the child’s teacher(s), the child’s school district, the program director and the person designated by the Dept. of Public Welfare (DPW).

Information concerning the child will not be made available to anyone, by any means, without the expressed written consent of the parent or legal guardian.

PART TIME CARE – If your child is scheduled less than 5 days per week we will need a schedule of the days they will be attending. If, upon registration, your child is scheduled for set days each week and you would need to change those days in the future; please be aware this may not be an option depending upon enrollment in that classroom. If you would need to change days we need 2 week’s notice) and then the first step is to contact the office and ask if this is possible. At that time, if schedule changes can be accommodated we will then discuss any tuition changes that may occur.

SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR FULL TIME CARE: Any time changes (15 minutes earlier for drop off and/or 15 minutes later for pick up) must be submitted to the office on the “Child Schedule Change” sheet, 3 days in advance.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Noah & Company Daycare is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

OFFICE HOURS

Office hours are from 9am until 2pm unless the director/ asst. director is needed in a classroom.

HOLIDAY/CLOSINGS/NO SCHOOL DAYS

Noah & Company will be closed on the following days; New Years Eve, New Years Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If we would close for any other day, a sign will be posted 2 weeks in advance.

Sign up sheets may be posted in each classroom for holiday weeks. If your child is not signed up, you bring them and a space is available for your child $40.00 per day per child fee will be charged to your account in addition to your regular tuition.

School age children (1st – 6th grade) who attend on no school days will be charged $10.00 a day in addition to their normal tuition and Kdg will be charged $5.00. A sign up sheet will be posted 2 weeks in advance of a no school day. This sheet will be posted for exactly 1 week. You must check the appropriate box if your child will attend daycare that day. If your child does not attend Northern Lebanon school district and you would like them to attend Noah & Company, you MUST call or email us at noahandco@ 2 weeks prior to the date of care. We must than give you a confirmation that we will have the space to accommodate your child. Any child who does not attend Northern Lebanon school district or does not regularly attend daycare here, will receive a $30 charge for a no school day. If your child is not signed up and we are able to accommodate them, you will receive an additional $40.00 fee. If we do not have the staffing for your child because they were not signed up, the child will not be able to attend that day.

In case of closings due to severe weather, please watch the television stations: WLYH 15, WHTM/ABC 27 & WGAL 8/NBC, CBS 21/CW 15 & WPMT/Fox 43. If we are on a delay, we will need to know the total number of children who will be attending that day one hour after we open. If you are not dropping off within the first hour we will need a phone call or email letting us know your child will be attending that day. If your child is not dropped off or you did not call/email within the first hour there may not be a space for your child that day. If there is a space there will be a charge of $40 per day per child.

PAYMENT

A one time registration fee of $25.00 per child or $30.00 per family plus first week’s tuition is required upon registration. This is a nonrefundable fee which will hold your child(ren)’s slot until they begin attending daycare. Payment is due each Friday by noon before week of service! Payment can be made in the form of check or money order. Cash payments are not recommended. If you pay in cash it is your responsibility to get a receipt. Any payments received after 12:00 noon. will incur a late fee of $10.00 per day. If payment is not made within 2 weeks the matter will be filed with the District Justice Office #52-3-03 in Lebanon.

There will be a $30.00 charge for any returned check. After 1 returned check, you will be asked to pay by money order or cash on all future tuition payments.

Payments may be made weekly. Bi-weekly or monthly payments are welcomed but need to be set up with the Asst. Director ahead of time. Her email is noahandco@

Checks must be made out to Noah & Co and placed in the payment box located on the opposite side of the office door as the parents sign in and out book. We do not give credit for sick days, holidays, or any other absences. We also do not refund any activity fees, fundraiser money, field trip money, etc…

Vacation time will be given after one year, full time enrollment and all tuition payments have been on time at Noah & Company Daycare. You will be able to use 1 week at half tuition in a calendar year. A 2 week written notice must be submitted by email or on the blue forms provided at the parent corner and you will receive a confirmation that your notice was received in the office. The definition of full time enrollment is: children that are enrolled Monday thru Friday and/or pay our full time rates for 12 consecutive months prior to the vacation week requested.

If at any time you wish to withdraw your child(ren), a two week written notice is mandatory (vacation can not be used towards the two week notice). YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT FOR YOUR LAST TWO WEEKS. No notice will be treated as nonpayment and the director will be forced to take legal action as described above.

If your child care is suspended at any time, there will be no reimbursement for tuition for the week that is being used.

CCIS & OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL AGENCIES:

If you are a CCIS family, your copay may be added to with the difference in what CCIS reimburses Noah & Company and what Noah & Company actually charges.

NACCRRA families – tuition is due each week in full. When the NACCRRA monies arrive your account will be credited and you will receive notice of the credit. You may then apply this money to your account.

Other agencies will be decided by a case to case basis due to each agency having their own set of rules/guidelines. Please check with the office you are receiving your benefits through to find out what their rules/guidelines are pertaining to any extenuating circumstances (ex. Vacations, medical leave, etc.)

INCOME TAX STATEMENTS

End of the year tuition statements will be available by the 2nd full week in January of the new year. Currently enrolled parents will receive their statements by email. Families that are no longer enrolled can: send a self-addressed stamped envelope or email us at noahandco@ for their statement. They will not be available for pickup or given over the phone/fax.

DAILY RECORD KEEPING/ DAILY HEALTH CHECKS

For each child an enrollment/attendance/symptom record will be completed daily. The teacher will complete the enrollment/attendance/symptom to log attendance and any illness/injury the child is known to have. The enrollment/attendance/symptom log will be reviewed by the program director to identify patterns of illness.

LATE ARRIVALS

If your child will be arriving after 9am you MUST CALL. If your child is not here by 9am, and you have not called, we will consider your child absent for the day. Staffing at that point may change, depending on numbers, and staff may be given a personal day (To keep tuition from being raised this is what I HAVE to do).

If your child arrives after 9am and you did not call, you will be charged $45 for the day if we have the space for your child. If staff have been given a day off and we do not have the staff for your child then they will not be allowed to stay.

Lunch is also affected by late arrivals. Lunch numbers are collected at 9am. The exact portion of food is then made for the number of children present at 9am.

Please, just give us a quick phone call first thing in the morning when you know your child will be arriving late (late is defined as more than 15 minutes later than their average drop off time). If no one answers or we are not open yet, leave a message- we do check the machine each morning.

LATE PICK UP

If at any time you are called to pick up your child you will have exactly 1 hour. The time will begin with the first phone call the staff place to you. If the phone goes to voicemail, the staff will leave a message with the time they are calling and this is when the 1 hour begins. If the phone rings and is not answered or does not go to voicemail the teacher will document the time of the phone call and the 1 hour begins. Please make sure your child’s teacher is able to contact you immediately by providing current phone numbers. If you do not pick up within the 1hour you will be charged $10.00 per every 5 minutes per child after the time limit. If this would happen again, the second time will also result in a one week suspension.

If any child is left after 5:30 p.m. a $10.00 per 5 min. per child fee will be assessed.

At 6:00 p.m. the police and Children and Youth will be called for child abandonment.

After the 2nd time this happens, you will get a note letting you know the next time this happens the fee will double.

The front doors are locked at 5:30pm sharp. If you are late to pick up, you will need to call in for a teacher to open the door. We will try to watch for you to arrive but, we may be busy closing down and keeping your child(ren) occupied until you arrive. We do this for the safety of all persons who are still in the building.

Please note, the time we are using is per cell phone satellite time.

10 HOUR POLICY

No exceptions will be made to this policy. Children may be here no longer than 10 hours per day. A late fee of $10.00 every 5 minutes per child is applied to your account after the 10 hours. If you are over the 10 hours and your parent schedule you will be charged both fees ($20.00 per 5 minutes per child). If you are over both of these and it is past 5:30pm you will be charged all three fees ($30.00 per 5 minutes per child).

SUPERVISION

No child will be left unsupervised while attending the program. Caregivers will directly supervise infant, toddler, preschool and school age children by sight and hearing at all times, even when the children are sleeping. Children will never be left without a caregiver in the same room as the children.

Caregivers will regularly count children to confirm the safe whereabouts of every child at all times. Counts will be done before the group leaves an area and when the group enters a new area. Staff will assess the environment for opportunities to improve visibility and hearing of child activities.

A. CHILD: STAFF RATIOS:

Child: staff ratios followed by this program will always comply with the following requirements according to state regulations 3270.51.

Age Child: Staff

6 weeks – 12 months 1:4

13 months – 24 months 1:5

25 months – 35 months 1:6

3 years – 5 years 1:10

Kdg -6th grade 1:12

.

B. SUPERVISION OF ACTIVE (LARGE MUSCLE) PLAY

Observation of active play in indoor and outdoor spaces will be as follows:

1. High-risk play areas (i.e., climbers, slides, swings and water play) will receive the most staff attention.

2. All children using playground or indoor play equipment will be supervised. No children will be permitted to go beyond a caregiver’s range of direct supervision.

3. A written schedule will be prepared by the program director and used to assign staff to supervise high risk areas.

4. When swimming, wading or other gross motor play activities in collected water are part of the program, there will be a 1:1 supervision of infants by adults, 2:1 supervision for toddlers, 5:1 supervision of preschool age children and 6:1 supervision of school age children. Pushing, forced submersion of a child, or running shall be prohibited. Children shall not be allowed to bring non-water toys and flotation devices into the water play area.

C. FAMILY/STAFF COMMUNICATION

The facility will promote communication between families and staff by using written notes as well as informal conversations. Families should leave written notes or emails with important information so all the caregivers who work with the child can share the parent’s communication. Caregivers will write notes for families on a daily basis for infants & toddlers. School age teachers will post daily messages on the white board at the head of the classroom. Staff will use these notes to inform families about the child’s experiences, accomplishments, behavior, sleeping, feeding, and other issues related to personal care such as wet diapers and bowel movements for infants and toddlers.

Each family has a folder in your child’s classroom. Please check this folder daily. You are responsible for the information in the folder. The folders are under the child’s last name. Any information we are able to email, such as classroom newsletters, we will email to you.

CHILDREN’S SUPPLIES [pic]

INFANTS- blankets, bottles, formula (if using brand other than Parent’s Choice), diapers, diaper wipes

TODDLERS - sleeping bag, book bag and a complete change of clothing

PRESCHOOL- sleeping bag, Noah & Company book bag, a complete change of clothing including shoes & their Noah & Company T-Shirt for all field trips

SCHOOL AGE (SUMMER)- children and parents will be notified at summer registration what items they will need

If your child has a food allergy a written doctor’s note must be given to the director/asst. director or your child will be served what is on the menu.

All children are required to participate in rest time. School age children may bring a book or a quiet activity approved by the teacher.

All bedding must be taken home at least one time per month and washed.

All children must wear a jacket or coat to participate in outdoor play when the temperature is 65* or lower. We go outside every day! If your child does not wear a jacket or coat they will still be required to go outside.

MENU OF SERVICES

• THIS IS IN ADDITION TO REGULAR DAYCARE CHARGES.*

• THESE CHARGES ARE FOR USING OUR SUPPLIES

NAP STUFF $5.00 per day/per child

o This includes, but not limited to: crib sheets, sleeping bags, blankets

o Please remember every time you borrow our items, we have to wash all items and dry them

T-SHIRTS $5.00

o Every time we have a fieldtrip, this includes bowling and your child does not have their t-shirt, we will provide them with one so they can participate.

o The t-shirt will then be yours to keep. My suggestion is to keep their t-shirts in their bag, along with a pair of socks)

SWIMSUITS

o We can NOT provide one for them; they will then have to sit at the pool during swim time. We have NO other option.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

✓ You will be called to bring in extra clothing/ or pick-up

DIAPERS $5.00 per day

DIAPER WIPES $1.00 DAY

✓ If we have spares to provide

✓ If we do not, you will be called and need to provide them

Parents—We are implementing these costs due to a large number of children that are coming to daycare without. To keep the quality of daycare at the level we desire, this is the only way we can make sure your child has what he/she needs on a daily basis. I do not feel it is fair for children to “miss” out on things, this is the only way we can make sure they don’t.

CHILDREN’S DRESS CODE

All children must wear socks and sneakers. This allows the child to run safely. The shoes must have backs. The child will not be allowed to stay for daycare if they are not dressed appropriately. If girls wear skirts or dresses, they must have shorts on underneath. Half shirts and belly shirts are not allowed. The shirt must be long enough to cover the belly when the child puts both arms straight up above their head. Clothing that has writing must have suitable words/sayings to be worn in the childcare setting. School age children must adhere to this policy year round.

OLDER TODDLERS & POTTY TRAINING

When the time comes to begin potty training, an agreement will be sent home for you to read and sign. Potty training time will be agreed upon by both the parents/guardians and the teacher. Also, a list of items will be provided by the teacher to ensure the successful completion of potty training for each child.

PRESCHOOL & POTTY TRAINING

For a child to enter the preschool room they must be fully potty trained. Fully potty trained is defined by Noah & Company Daycare as: having 2 or less accidents per month. We will not enroll a new child into preschool that is not fully potty trained. Pull ups are not an option in the preschool room except possibly at naptime and the child must be able to change themselves.

If your child has an accident and we call you, you must come to change/pickup your child. It isn’t fair to the other children to miss instructional time for your child to be changed. The next time this happens we may suspend your daycare services until your child is fully potty trained

PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE

Caregivers will use positive guidance, redirection, and the setting of clear-cut limits that foster the child’s own ability to become self-disciplined. Caregivers will encourage children to respect other people, to be fair, respect property, and learn to be responsible for their actions. Discipline involves teaching character and self-control. Because people differ in how they approach discipline, families and caregivers must discuss the goals of discipline and the methods that will best achieve the goals for the child. However, caregivers will not use physical punishment or abusive language, as these approaches teach children to respond in the same manner.

Caregivers will guide children to develop self-control and orderly conduct in relationship to peers and adults. Aggressive physical behavior toward staff or children is unacceptable. Caregivers will intervene immediately when a child becomes physically aggressive to protect all of the children and encourage more acceptable behavior. Caregivers will show children positive alternatives rather than just telling children “no”. Good behavior will be encouraged and praised.

Caregivers will use discipline that is consistent clear, and understandable to the child. Where the child understands words, discipline will be explained to the child before and at the time of any disciplinary action.

PERMISSIBLE METHODS OF DISCIPLINE

For acts of aggression and fighting (i.e., biting, hitting, etc…):

a. Separation of the children involved.

b. Immediate comfort for the individual who was injured.

c. Care of any injury suffered by the victim involved in the incident.

d. Notification of parents or legal guardians of children involved in the incident.

e. Review of the adequacy of caregiver supervision and appropriateness of facility activities, and administrative corrective action if there is a recurrence.

Caregivers will utilize redirection and other techniques recommended by early education professionals for the developmental level of the children involved. For children with significant behavior problems, other techniques may be used if they are documented and approved by the child’s pediatrician or other health care professional for the child’s behavior management.

If these behavior management techniques are ineffective, “time away” or removal of a child from the environment may be used selectively for children over 18 months of age who are disturbing others or at risk of harming themselves. The period of “time away” will be just long enough to enable the child to regain control of himself or herself. As a general rule this period will not exceed one minute per year of age. Use of “time away”, will be adapted to the developmental level and the usefulness of “time away” for the particular child. During “ time away”, the child will be visually observed by a caregiver.

Caregivers will monitor the effectiveness of “time away” and seek the help of a mental health consultant, or require the parent to consult their pediatrician for help when approved behavior management strategies do not seem to be effective.

The children are taught the rules of the center. The four basic rules can be summarized as: show respect to others, do not cause harm to yourself, do not cause harm to others, and do not cause harm to anything in the center. The children will follow these rules at all times. Parents are expected to ensure the children follow the same rules in their presence on the facility grounds.

When a rule is broken certain steps will be taken to discipline the child. The first offense will result in a verbal warning and redirection. The second will lead to removal of privilege and a written note to the parent. The third will require the parent to pick the child up from care within 1 hour and could result in suspension. The time will begin with the first phone call the staff place to you. If the phone goes to voicemail, the staff will leave a message with the time they are calling and this is when the 1 hour begins. If the phone rings and is not answered or does not go to voicemail the teacher will document the time of the phone call and the 1 hour begins. Please make sure your child’s teacher is able to contact you immediately by providing current phone numbers. If the child is not picked up within an hour care will be terminated immediately. If a fourth incident occurs the parent will pick up within 1 hour and care will automatically be terminated. The director reserves the right to suspend or terminate services to any family at any time if the child poses a danger to themselves or others around them. If services are terminated by Noah & Company, no refunds will be issued.

A. PROHIBITED PRACTICES (CHILD ABUSE):

If any staff member or person from the child’s family, while in the child care program, engages in a practice prohibited by the program, the Director will take necessary steps to assure that there is no reoccurrence of the practice.

1. Any type of physical punishment is not permitted. This includes hitting, spanking, beating, shaking, pinching, or other measures, which produce physical pain.

2. Withdrawal or the threat of withdrawal of food, rest, or bathroom opportunities is not permitted.

3. Abusive, profanity or derogatory language, including yelling and belittling, is not permitted.

4. Any form of public or private humiliation, including threats of physical punishment, is not permitted.

5. Any form of emotional abuse, including rejecting, terrorizing, ignoring, isolating, or corrupting a child is not permitted.

B. SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE

All observations or suspicions of child abuse or neglect will be immediately reported to the child protective services agency no matter where the abuse might have occurred.

The Director will call Children and Youth at 274-2801 to report suspected abuse or neglect. The Director will follow the direction of the child protective services agency regarding completion of written reports. If the parent or legal guardian of the child is suspected of abuse, the Director will follow the guidance of the child protective agency regarding notification of the parent or legal guardian. Staff who are accused of child abuse may be suspended or given leave without pay, pending investigation of the accusation. Parents or legal guardians of suspected abused children will be notified. Parents or legal guardians of other children in the program will be contacted by the Director if a caregiver is suspected of abuse so they may share any concerns they have had. However, no accusation or affirmation of guilt will be made until the investigation is complete. Caregivers found guilty of child abuse will be summarily dismissed or relieved of their duties.

PROHIBITED CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR

We at Noah & Company will not tolerate children hitting, biting, kicking or any other abusive, hurtful, or bullying behavior. Any type of threat to themselves, other children, teachers or parents will be treated very seriously. Using vulgar language will not be tolerated. We try to follow the same guidelines as Northern Lebanon School District. Consequences will vary according to the age of the child. The director’s decision is final on all consequences.

CARE OF ACUTELY ILL CHILDREN

A.     ADMISSION AND EXCLUSION

The childcare provider, not the child’s family, makes the final determination about whether the acutely ill child can receive care in the childcare program. Children will be excluded if:

1.      The child’s illness prevents the child from participating in activities that are planned for the day. They must be able to participate in everything offered, this includes outside time.

2. The illness requires more care than the teachers are able to provide without compromising the needs of other children in the group. An example would be the child wants to do nothing but be held by the teacher, crying because they do not feel well or they want to sleep during class time.

3. Keeping the child in care poses an increased risk to the child or to other children or adults with whom the child will come in contact with during the day

If the childcare staff is uncertain about whether the child’s illness poses an increased risk to others, the child will be excluded until a physician notifies the childcare program that the child may attend.

B. CHILDREN THAT GET SICK DURING THE DAY

If your child exhibits signs of illness during the day.(Fever, Vomiting, diarrhea, not being able to participate in our daily activities due to grogginess). You will be called and have 1 hour to pick up your child. The time will begin with the first phone call the staff place to you. If the phone goes to voicemail, the staff will leave a message with the time they are calling and this is when the 1 hour begins. If the phone rings and is not answered or does not go to voicemail the teacher will document the time of the phone call and the 1 hour begins. Please make sure your child’s teacher is able to contact you immediately by providing current phone numbers. If you do not pick up your child with-in 1 hour you will be charged a late pick up fee of $10.00 every 5 minutes you are late and this could result with your child care services being suspended or terminated. You will get a note that looks like this.

 

Dear _________________________ Date___________________

 

Your child was sent home on __________________ at___________. Our policy states that if your child was sent home due to diarrhea, vomiting, and/or fever: Your child may not return to daycare for 36 hours. Your child may return to care on _____________________.

; Michele Miller---Director

 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

The Director will immediately notify the Lebanon County Health Dept. The Director will plan and carry out communication with staff, families, children and the community as appropriate.

MEDICATION POLICY

Prescription & Non-Prescription

 

 It is preferred that medication Not be given to children during the Daycare day. However, it is recognized that some children have special medical needs and that there are instances where medication may be required during the day. The use of certain types of medicines will be permitted and administered under the following conditions:

 

1. It must be approved through the Director or Asst. Director first. (Not the child’s teacher)

2. The properly completed form and medication must be delivered upon entry to your child’s teacher. The medicine must be clearly labeled with your child’s name, correct dosage and you must fill out a medicine log sheet for your child each day the medicine is to be given w/ your doctor’s note. A form must be completed for each medication (prescription and non-prescription).

3. A Physician signature is REQUIRED for all prescription and over the counter medicine.

4. Stamped physician signature or physician signature written by the physician’s designee (followed by the designee’s signature or initials) are acceptable on this form and on the doctor’s/facilities letterhead.

5. The medication must be in the original container and be clearly identified.

6. Unused medication needs to be taken home or we will discard it, it may not remain here, unless given on a long-term basis, with the proper doctor’s notes and with the med. log filled out each day.

7. Medications will be kept at the temperature recommended for that type of medication in a cabinet that is inaccessible to the children.

8. Medication will not be used beyond the date of expiration on the container or beyond any expiration of the instructions provided by the physician or other person legally permitted to prescribe medication. Instructions, which state, that the medication may be used whenever needed, will be renewed by the physician at least annually.

9. A medication log will be maintained by the facility staff to record: the instructions for giving the medication, consent obtained from the parent or legal guardian, amount, the time of administration, and the person who administered each dose of medication. Spills, reactions, and refusal to take medication will be noted on this log.

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

Request form for your child to receive medication during the childcare day

 

CHILD: ______________________________ BIRTH DATE: _______________

MEDICATION: _______________________

SIDE EFFECTS: _____________________________________________________

DIAGNOSIS: _______________________________________________________

DOSAGE: __________________ EFFECTIVE DATE: _________ TO _______

HOUR(S) OR TIME(S) TO BE GIVEN: __________________________________

 

DATE:_____________ REQUESTED BY: ________________________________

Physician/ Physician Designee Signature

 

____________________________________________________________________

Physician Address Physician Contact Phone #

 

As parent/guardian I hereby release Noah & Company Daycare and all its employees from any and all liability regarding the administration of medication and for the benefits or consequences of the medication (signature below).

 

______________________________________________

Parent/ Guardian Signature

FIRST AID KITS

First aid kits will be located in each room with a first aid sign to show its location. They will be kept inaccessible to children, and will be restocked following use to maintain the supply of items. An appropriately supplied first aid kit will be taken on trips (walking or bus) to and from the facility. The lead teacher in each room will check the contents of the first aid kits and replace missing or expired items monthly.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

The telephone numbers of: the fire department, police department, and poison control will be posted by each phone with an outside line. Emergency contact information for each child and staff member will be kept readily available.

The list of emergency phone numbers, and copies of emergency contact information and authorization for emergency transport will be taken along anytime children leave the facility in care of facility staff.

Emergency phone numbers will be updated at least every 6 months.

Emergency Contact Forms – parents need to inform us immediately in writing if there are any changes. These forms must be updated every 6 months as per DPW regulations.

SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

POLICY FOR AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP

Imagine this: your child comes out of school on time and it is 8 degrees out and snowing and all the children are lined up except 1, we wait for 10 minutes in this bone chilling cold and the child still doesn’t come out, I, one of two staff members now has to run into the school to see where this child is. He/She has already left with his/her mom, but we never received a phone call.

 

Scenario 2: Same situation, but this time it is pouring down raining. When I go into the building I find out that the child we are waiting on is still in his/her classroom messing around.

 

Now, is this fair to the other 15 children and staff……….If these children were riding a bus, they wouldn’t have the opportunity to “mess” around, they would miss the bus.

 

 The policy is as follows:

The walkers are dismissed at 2:55, at which time we line the children up, we will wait till 3 p.m. then, we will walk the children back to the daycare center. If your child is not out of the school by this time, they will be sent to the office and you will be called to pick your children up from the school’s office.

 . 

We need to know when you are picking up your children, whether they are sick or for any other reason. If you are taking your children to school and need us to pick them up you must call to let us know; otherwise we will assume they were not in school or you picked them up from school and we will leave without them.

  

PREVENTION OF LOST OR MISSING CHILDREN

To prevent lost or missing children, staff will count children frequently while on a field trip. A staff person will be responsible for performing a ‘sweep’ of the area or vehicle the children are leaving to be sure that no child is overlooked. Staff will identify and implement specific systems for speedy recovery of missing children, such as the children must wear the Noah & Company T-shirt they are given at registration. Staff will not make the child’s name visible to a stranger who might use the child’s name to lure the child from the group.

INJURIES OR ILLNESSES REQUIRING MEDICAL OR DENTAL CARE:

1. The caregiver who is with the child and who has had pediatric first aid training will provide first aid.

2. The lead teacher will activate the Emergency Medical Services system by dialing 911 when immediate medical help is required. The lead/asst. teacher will contact a parent or legal guardian or, if the parent or legal guardian cannot be reached, the alternate emergency contact person. Emergency transport is provided by the First Aid and Safety Patrol.

3. A staff member will accompany the child and remain with the child until the parent or legal guardian assumes responsibility for the child.

4. The teacher will complete an incident report form as soon after the incident as possible. The incident report will be signed by the parent or legal guardian. Copies will be distributed to the parent or legal guardian, the child’s record at the facility, the facility’s Injury Log, and if needed sent to the Dept of Public Welfare office.

5. Dental injuries will be given first aid as in #1 above. If emergency dental care is required the parent or legal guardian will be called to pick up within 1 hour.

EVACUATION PLAN AND DRILLS

EVACUATION PROCEDURE:

1. Child:staff ratios will be maintained, and the children will be evacuated to the back of the preschool playground.

2. Children who cannot walk out of the building on their own will be evacuated as planned:

❖ Infants will be placed into 1 crib and wheeled out of the building.

❖ Children with disabilities – a plan will be created and decided upon by parents or legal guardians, the lead teacher and the Director.

3. Each staff member will be responsible for evacuating the children in their classroom, taking the book of Emergency Contacts, daily attendance sheet and First Aid kit, and turning off their lights and closing the door behind them as they leave the building.

4. Staff will count the children in each group being evacuated and count the children again when they reach the evacuation destination.

5. Staff will give children clear, simple instructions about exiting the facility. Children will stop their activities immediately at the sound of the alarm and proceed to the exit door.

6. The Asst. Director will carry the sign in/out book from the facility to the back of the playground and compare attendance to the attendance sheets of each classroom.

7. To assure complete evacuation has occurred, the Director will conduct a final, thorough ‘sweep’ in each part of the facility.

8. If reentry into the building is not possible, children will be evacuated to the Matthew’s Public Library. Staff should remain calm and speak to the children in a reassuring manner.

9. Families will be notified by telephone.

10. Evacuation procedures will be posted in the facility at the parent’s corner.

11. Evacuation drills will be held monthly. The timing of the drills will be varied to include early morning, mealtimes, and nap times. Children will be appropriately prepared for and reassured during drills. The director will complete the Evacuation Drill Log at the end of each drill. This Log can be found in the parent’s corner.

12. All new staff will receive pre-service training on the evacuation plan.

PARENT PARKING

Any parking out front is fine as long as you drop off your child and leave within a 5 minute window. If you intend to stay longer please park on the side of the building. This ensures that parents picking up or dropping off will be able to quickly and safely get their children into the center or their vehicle.

AUTHORIZED CAREGIVERS

A. DOCUMENTATION OF AUTHORIZED CAREGIVERS:

The Director will maintain in the files, written authorization by the child’s parent or legal guardian of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals whom the parent or the legal guardian have approved to care for the child, to pick up the child for them, and to take the child out of the facility on trips.

B. SIGN IN/OUT PROCEDURE:

Parents/Guardians who bring the child to, or remove the child from, the facility will sign children in and out of the facility. This policy will be provided to families at the time of enrollment and will be strictly enforced.

C. POLICY FOR HANDLING AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON SEEKING CUSTODY:

❖ The Director will contact the custodial parent or legal guardian named on the Application for Child Care Services.

❖ Telephone authorization to release a child to someone who does not usually pick up the child will be accepted only in concert with the Director’s approval.

❖ No child will be released without the presence or permission of the custodial parent or legal guardian.

❖ Any authorized person who is not recognized by the staff will be required to provide photo identification such as a driver’s license, work or school ID before the child is released.

❖ The Director or lead teacher will notify the state police in Jonestown if an unauthorized person seeks custody of the child.

D. POLICY FOR HANDLING PERSONS UNDER THE APPARENT INFLUENCE OF DRUGS/ALCOHOL AND PERSON WHO POSE SAFETY RISKS:

(Includes abusive parents or legal guardians and any adults who cannot take the child safely from the facility).

❖ The child will not be released to anyone who cannot safely care for the child.

❖ The Director will notify the state police by calling 865-2194 to manage an adult under the apparent influence of drugs/alcohol or an individual who poses a safety risk.

❖ The Asst. Director will contact the emergency contact person to make arrangements for the child’s transport to a place of safety. If no one is available to care for the child, the Director will contact child protective services for guidance.

E. SMOKING, PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES, AND GUNS

The indoor and outdoor environments are designated as nonsmoking areas. The use off tobacco in any form, alcohol, or illegal drugs is prohibited on the facility premises.

Possession of illegal substances or unauthorized potentially toxic substances is prohibited.

All childcare providers and staff will maintain sobriety while providing child care. Caregivers, staff, or other adults who are inebriated, intoxicated, or otherwise under the influence of mind altering or polluting substances will be required to leave the premises immediately.

No guns or other lethal weapons will be in a center.

F. BUILDING SECURITY

❖ One safety concern is that parents sign their child(ren) in and out on the sign-in sheet. Please do this; it may be our best way to account for all the children during an emergency.

❖ The next concern is the keypad at the front door. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE PUTTING IN YOUR CODE!! THEY SHOULD NOT KNOW THE CODE!! When the children are discussing their codes, it takes away from the security that is provided.

These are the consequences we have in place, if your child is using the keypad or is telling others your code.

1. WARNING & you will be asked to change your code

2. Childcare services will be terminated

WE WILL NOT PUT THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN AT RISK BECAUSE YOU COULD NOT SAY “NO” TO YOUR CHILD.

❖ Another issue with the front door, is we allow people to enter behind us. Please do not allow anyone in the door even if you know that they are parents or staff. If caught allowing entry to another person your child care services may be suspended or terminated immediately. Each family and staff member must put in their own code.

❖ We also ask that you do not give out your code to other people unless they pick up your child on a regular basis (1 or more times a week). If you have someone come to pick up your child not on a regular basis, instruct them to use the intercom on the left, someone will assist them at the door. They will need to show photo ID before they enter the building.

❖ All other doors to the center will be kept locked. When the children are on the playground in the afternoon there will be a sign up in their room. If you see they are outside please gather your child’s belongings and take them outside. The doors will be locked and you will need to walk around the building to get back inside. Please be aware as you exit the playground that the gates have latches on them to keep the younger children inside the gate. Please double check that the gate is locked.

STAFF REQUIREMENTS

Staff are required to have:

❖ criminal clearance

❖ child abuse checks

❖ FBI fingerprint clearance

ANNUAL TRAINING IN:

❖ Pediatric first aid

❖ Fire safety training

❖ 18 hours of child development training

❖ Bi-Annual physical with a TB test done at hire

❖ Water safety

The staff are required to complete this training outside of work time because of staff:child ratios. They do this willingly, to provide a quality, learning atmosphere for each child. The staff employed here, are here because of their love and dedication of children, not because of the low pay they receive. Childcare centers cannot afford to pay well without raising tuition payments to above what the average parent can pay.

LETTER FROM THE KITCHEN

1. A weekly menu will be posted at the sign-in sheet. The kitchen reserves the right to change the menu at anytime, due to circumstance beyond our control.

2. The young toddlers and 2 year olds may receive foods that differ from what the menu states, due to things they cannot or should not have.

3. If your child has any food allergies, WE NEED A NOTE FROM THE DOCTOR!!! Otherwise, I cannot give any substitutions. We do not make any exceptions for anyone.

4. For infants we will provide Parents’ Choice formula. Milk or soy-based. Any other formula you need to provide. Plus we will give them baby food.

5. When a child turns a year old, we will serve them menu foods, cut in very small sizes, however, I don’t want to serve any child a food for the first time. If you see the menu is offering a food your child has never had, you need to pack them a lunch.

6. If your child doesn’t like what we are having, you may pack your child a lunch, it must be in a clearly marked brown lunch bag, and given to the classroom teacher upon arrival, where it will be put in the refrigerator. Please be advised we can not serve your child their lunch and our lunch, it needs to be 1 or the other. Your child’s packed lunch must be able to be served cold. We do not heat up food that is packed.

7. In July every year, we will need you to fill out a food income eligibility worksheet & a child enrollment form. We are currently enrolled in the child and adult care food program through the state and follow all their guidelines. Whether or not your income qualifies we need these sheets filled out on any children that eat here. The money we receive from this program is what is providing us the income to serve hot home cooked meals.

8. Breakfast is served from 7am-7:45 am-if your child arrives after 7:45 am-they must have already eaten, they may not come in with their own food, at 8am everything will be cleaned up.  If there is a delay, and we only open at 8 am we will not be serving breakfast.

9. Lunch time will be from 11:15-12 depending on what classroom your child is in, if your child will be here for lunch and there are not here by 9, please call so we can include them in the lunch count, if you do not call you need to pack them a lunch. If your child arrives after 12 (and you had called or left a message before 9am that day), they must have already eaten lunch. They may not come in with their own food.

10. We serve a snack after nap time.

11. Do not send your child with sippy cups, please leave these at home, the state frowns on us having them, if your child does bring one, it must have their name in permanent marker on it and you must take it home at the end of the day, we will not wash them.

12. If you have a child on formula, you need to supply us with bottles. They must go home every night and be washed and brought back. Please make sure we have enough to give a clean bottle at every serving and an extra would be great. We may not reuse any bottles or cups through out the day. All belongings need to be clearly marked with your child name in permanent marker.

 

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Refer all media inquiries to Michele Miller, the Director. Do not allow access by the media to the facility during a crisis situation. Media access will be prearranged at times when staff and families have been informed and when such visits will cause the least amount of disruption.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

It is the policy of Noah & Company that any parent or guardian is welcomed to visit at any time without prior notice. During this visit the parent must stay with their child’s class and follow the rules and schedule of the classroom. No inappropriate language will be tolerated (swearing, using God’s name in vain, adult topics of conversation, etc..). Please take advantage of this policy.

REFERRALS

If you refer another family to Noah & Company and that family enrolls and stays for 1 month paying their tuition on time you will receive referral bonus check for $100.00.

GRIEVANCES

Questions or concerns should be addressed to your child’s teacher. If an inadequate response is received please take these questions or concerns to the Asst. Director or the Director. You may do this by setting up an appointment or by emailing us at noahandco@ or noahandcodirector@

DISCRIMINATION AND COMPLAINTS

Noah & Company Daycare U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services

120 North Center Street Office for Civil Rights

Fredericksburg, PA 17026 Suite 372, Public Ledger Bldg

150 S Independence Mall West

PA Human Relations Commission Phila., PA 19206-9111

Harrisburg Regional Office

Riverfront Office Center Dept of Public Welfare

1101 S Front St, 5th Floor Bureau of Equal Opportunity

Harrisburg, PA 17104 Room 223, Health & Welfare Bldg

Harrisburg, PA 17105

Please be aware if the Director or Asst. Director is not available to perform some of the duties listed in the handbook the next highest, ranking staff will be placed in charge. Your child’s teacher will be able to direct you to that person. Also, changes to this handbook can be made at any time.

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