Hours of Operation



THE ARK EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER IS A PEANUT FREE FACILITY.MissionA ministry of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church, The ARK Early Childhood Learning Center will provide safe and loving Christian-based education and care in a fiscally responsible manner.As a first priority, the ARK will prepare children, ages birth through preschool, for future learning and growth in faith, intentionally utilizing Christian curriculum.As a second priority, families who connect with The ARK will find a supportive community that promotes positive relationships.As a third priority, The ARK will maintain financial sustainability with fees similar to comparable centers, wise use of resources and receptivity to the stewardship priorities of Trinity Heights UMC.Description of ServicesThe ARK includes a child care program for infants, toddlers, twos, and preschoolers. These programs include flexible scheduling options and are developmentally appropriate with activities, curriculum, and learning materials geared for each group. PhilosophyThe ARK is designed to promote quality child development in a setting where Christian values and principles are observed.A goal of The ARK is to provide children with experiences that build a good self-image, fosters creativity, and develops an awareness of all persons as children of God. We believe that through a wide variety of experiences the child can become friendly, considerate, and loving.We strive to provide an atmosphere that fosters critical and creative thinking as well as self-respect, self-reliance, and self-discipline. A child’s spiritual growth is promoted by modeling and teaching Christian attitudes and values.The ARK serves as both a resource and a support system to parents. Open communication is one of the most important ingredients in a quality program. As partners in “parenting” we welcome your comments and concerns.Hours of OperationThe ARK offers services to children five days a week, Monday through Friday. The hours for childcare services are 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. Full days are considered more than 6 hours per day; half days are considered to be 6 hours or less per day. Snow DaysThe Ark Early Childhood Learning Center will ONLY close for snow if Northern Arizona University is closed. However, if FUSD calls a snow closure, The ARK will open at 9:00am. This is to ensure that the parking lots and sidewalks are clear and safe for staff, parents and students. If FUSD calls a snow delay, the director will determine the status of an ARK delay. Doors will not open until 9:00am, as teachers need to get classrooms ready. Snow delays or closures will be announced on KAFF and KMGN radio as well as on our Facebook page @ARK.THUMC. There will also be a message on the office phone as to the status of the day.To check on an FUSD closure or delay go to and click on snow day status. The ARK is also signed up with REMIND. This is system to create a computer generated text message and will be used for snow days, emergencies and lock downs. You will be given a code at the time registration with instructions on how to sign up. I highly encourage all parents to sign up as this will give another form of communication in case of emergency. Enrollment and WithdrawalRegistration will be considered throughout the year on a space available basis. Summer registration will be held the end of February, fall registration will be held in March.Parents may pick up a registration packet from the child care office to reserve a spot for their child. At the time of registration, a non-refundable registration fee will be collected. Prior to being admitted, the following forms must be completed and returned: A.D.H.S. Blue Immunization Form and Emergency Treatment Authorization.The ARK is in session for twelve months of the year, following a typical business calendar. Tuition is charged on a monthly basis and is due on the first day of each calendar month. A late fee of $25.00 will be added to the amount due if paid after the 5th of the month. Checks should be made payable to The ARK . If a check is returned by your bank for any reason, a returned check fee of $30.00 will be assessed by The ARK. If registration occurs at any time other than the first, tuition will be prorated for that month. Tuition is charged based on a 20 day month. All ARK closures are already worked into the monthly tuition. Tuition is based on the space reserved, not the amount of time your child attends. If a child is absent due to illness or vacation, his/her tuition must be paid in order to hold his/her place in the school. No reductions, refunds or alternate days will be given in the case of children being out for any reason, this includes parents’ convenience, vacations, trips, or school closures etc. In cases of extended illness when hardship is involved, an adjustment may be made by talking with the director.It is understood that a child who is admitted is enrolled for the entire year. The parent or guardian is required to give a 30 day notice to the school prior to withdrawal of the child. A withdrawal without a 30-day written notice will result in a full month’s tuition charge. Parent initiated changes to a child’s schedule must be approved by the director at least 2 weeks prior to the change. Children will periodically, at the discretion of the director, change rooms due to their age and ratios for the classroom. Parents will be notified in advance in order to begin the transition.Parent-Helper Rates are given to parents that sign up for a regularly scheduled time to assist at The ARK. You must sign up for 2-5 hours per month, depending on your child’s class and there are limited spots for this discount.Families who have been active members of Trinity Heights UMC for two months can receive a 15% discount on their tuition. An active member is one who attends church 2 of 4 Sundays a month and has officially joined or is in the process of joining the United Methodist Church. Our budget is based on class occupancy; therefore, our policy regarding late and/or delinquent accounts states that if your account is not paid by the 10th of the month, special arrangements need to be made with the director. Accounts that are delinquent for 30 days or $200.00 in arrears must have payment immediately, or the child/children will be unable to attend The ARK until the outstanding amount is paid in full. A 25.00 late fee may be assessed for account 30 days past due. If special arrangements are made with the director and the criteria for payment are not met, the account will be turned over to a collection agency. There are no refunds for withdrawal without 30 days written notice to the director.Child Admission and ReleaseParents or other authorized adults (must be 18 years or older and designated on the registration form) must sign the logbook with a signature and time of arrival and departure every day. Parents or authorized adults not known by the teachers will be asked for identification. If another adult will be picking up your child, please make sure your child’s teacher has a note with the name and phone number of the person picking up your child. If it is an emergency situation, please call the office with the information. Any adult picking up your child who is not on the Blue Emergency Form or that we have not received prior permission from you, will not be able to pick up your child until we have talked to you in person regarding this matter. You must escort your child to their room. Do not arrive more than 5 minutes prior to the start of the session. Also, children become upset if parents are late picking them up--please be prompt. Children should be picked up by 5:30pm. After 5:30pm if you are late you will be given a late notice the first time, after that you will be given a late charge. Circumstances and situations change and come up, (I.E. traffic jam, accident, etc. If you are going to be late, the protocol to avoid a late charge is to call the office at 714-0667 ext 227 and either speak to Dana or leave a message. This is for the occasional time. If you are calling numerous time during the week, you will be assessed the late charge. At 5:30 Dana and Mary Margaret are usually not in the office. If now one answers the phone, you must leave a message on the phone for your child’s class. Dial 714-0667 and use the extensions below. You must leave a message in your child’s classroom as the phones do not ring in the actual room. A $1.00 per minute late fee will be charged for EACH minute that a child is left past the regularly scheduled pick-up time. If a child is not picked up by 6:00pm, and all attempts have been unsuccessful to contact all parties on the Emergency Information Sheet, Flagstaff Police will be called and asked to handle the situation. We abide by all legally served court orders. If there are custody restrictions, we must have a certified court order on file in The Ark office.Classroom Extensions:Little Roos- 223 Caterpillars-228 Heffalumps-217Lion Cubs-226 Busy Bees-225 Pre-K-224Mary Margaret-231 marymargaret@ Dana (Office Assistant)- 227 dana@ No child should enter or exit the building without being accompanied by an adult. Also, the children are not allowed to open the doors ( this includes classroom doors as well Only parents and teachers are allowed to open doors. This is for the safety of your child as well as other children in the facility.Drop offPlease park in designated parking spots and not next to the curbs. These lanes are used by all who come into the facility but also by emergency vehicles. Parking next to the curb results in backed up traffic as well as emergency vehicles no being able to get where they need to be.Doors open at 7:00. Please do not attempt to drop off children earlier than that. If staff are here, they are getting their rooms ready for the day. If a need arises on a special occasion that you need to drop off early, please speak with your child’s teacher as well as Mary Margaret to see if an arrangement can be made. When dropping off your child/ren in the morning we have found that dropping off and leaving is the best for both parent and child. It’s easier to get the child to calm down and bond with the teachers if parents leave right away. If your child is having a problem it is always better to hand them off to a teacher then to try to stay in the room with them. I know it might be difficult but we all want what’s best for your child/ren. Being positive every morning about school will also help with ruff mornings. If you have any concern or questions please come see the Director or the lead teachers in the classroom.Security and SafetyThere is only one unlocked door for entrance into the ARK. All other doors are locked during ARK business hours. Anyone other than ARK families dropping off or picking up children must stop by the office and check in. Security cameras are placed outside in various areas around the building for observation of outside activities. The ARK is required to have routine fire drills once a month. These will be conducted for both the church and the ARK. All fire drills will be conducted spontaneously. In the event of a true evacuation from the facility, the staff of both the ARK and the church will evacuate the children as we are taught and proceed to the “safe” location based on the type of evacuation and we will proceed from there as to the next step. Parents who hear about the evacuation from other than an ARK staff person please adhere to the following procedures:PLEASE DO NOT COME TO TRINITY HEIGHTSPlease wait to be contacted by ARK staff for information of when and where to pick up your child.Facebook and Remind will be used to keep you informed. PLEASE DO NOT CALL YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER, TRINITY HEIGHTS OR THE ARK. We ask you maintain clear phone lines so the ARK staff and emergency personnel can make contacts as need.THE SAFEY AND SECURITY OF YOUR CHILDREN IS OUR NUMBER ONE CONCERN. In the event of a Lock Down: follow the same protocol as above. DO NOT COME TO TRINITY HEIGHTS OR ATTEMPT TO CALL THE ARK. The safety of the children is our first priority. We will secure the children before making contact. You will be notified of the situation as soon as possible and will continue to get notification as information is given to us. Again, we will make contact through Facebook, Remind or by staff. Please remain calm and know that policies are in place to provide the most secure and safe place for your children. CLASSROOMSInfantWe accept infants at 6 weeks of age. We understand that this can be a very difficult time, so we are here to help you transition. Ask us whatever questions you may have; there is a wealth of knowledge in the infant room. To help make your transition a bit easier, here are some things you need to know: each child will have their own crib and a bin to put diapers, food, bottles, extra clothes (marked with your child’s initials) and any other item you need to leave here. This will eliminate the need to bring a diaper bag back and forth. We can administer medication, so we ask you to provide Tylenol, ibuprofen, gas drops, teething tablets, etc. You will need to fill out a Medication Consent Form for these items. We have plenty of blankets, sheets, bibs, burp cloths and toys. Laundry is done on a daily basis. To be accepted for the waiting list in the Infant Room, you must pay a $300 fee. This fee ensures your child priority when an opening becomes available. You will be called as soon as that occurs. When you are notified of an opening, a registration fee of $100.00 will be due at that time, as well as an actual start date for your infant. You may start your infant up to a maximum of 2 weeks after the original anticipated start date without incurring any tuition charges. If you choose to start at a later date, you will be responsible for the tuition whether your child attends or not. Tuition is collected in advance of attendance. Once you have a spot, the $300.00 will be applied to your 7th month infant tuition or the first month in the toddler room. If you are on the infant waiting list and do not have a secured infant space by the time your child turns one, you may enroll him/her in the toddler room, have the $300.00 applied to the first month’s tuition, or you may choose to receive a refund on your deposit. FOR NURSING MOTHERS: We have access to a freezer, so you may bring frozen breast milk. You are also welcome to come in at any time to nurse, just let us know so we don’t inadvertently give your child a bottle. On that note: Please make sure your child drinks from a bottle prior to attending The ARK. It makes things a lot easier, not only for the infant staff but also for you. Many times, when newborns start in the infant room, if they are not used to drinking from a bottle, their day can be miserable. Avoid the distress of wondering whether your little one is getting enough fluid, and start them on a bottle early. They are amazing in the fact that they will do both, nurse and take a bottle. We can have 15 infants in that room with three to four teachers, so the room can get very noisy and busy at times. Sleeping can be interrupted if your child is used to sleeping in a dark/quiet room at home. Let your baby take naps in the living room while the radio or television is on, vacuum, run the dishwasher, get them used to sleeping through noise and in a well lit room. This way, they will be used to strange noises when they come to the infant room and will be able to sleep. We have two infant rooms. The first room is a 6 week to 9 month or crawling room, and the second is a 9 month to 15 month or walking room. The second room is really a transition room to the toddler room. We will begin to transition your child to the schedule of the toddler room. Snack, lunch and naps will coincide with the toddler room to ensure your child is ready for that room. We will work on specific skills such as feeding themselves, drinking from sippy cups, gross and fine motor skills and beginning communication skills. ToddlersThe toddler room is for children ages 15 months to 24 months. They need to be drinking from a sippy cup, eating finger foods and napping ONE time per day (preferably between 12:00 and 3:00). This room will continue to work on fine and gross motor skills, following directions and routines, sharing and interacting with other children. We provide sippy cups, bowls and utensils for the classroom. The children will be served milk at snack time. If you want your child to have milk at lunch, please provide it with their lunch. Please do not send juice boxes or pouches. Children will also be offered water throughout the day. TwosThe two year olds are divided between two classrooms, 24 months to36 months. Potty training will happen when you feel you and your child is ready. At the point in time, please speak with your child’s teacher and follow their advice. We are here to help you through the process and hopefully, potty training will be as stress-free as possible. Potty training can only happen if both the parent and teacher are on the same page. Please communicate what is working well with your child as well as what is not. Consistency is key. Your child can only transition to the preschool room once they are completely potty trained (no pull ups during nap and regular bowel movements on the toilet). Accidents happen and we will definitely address these, however, they should not happen on a regular basis. Both classrooms will work on skills needed for your child to move to preschool. Language and literacy, thinking skills, self-control and self-confidence skills will be integral parts of classroom activities. The twos classrooms will also participate in chapel time twice a week with one of the pastors from the church. Preschool and Pre-KChildren who have turned three by August 31st and are completely potty trained can enter preschool. Our preschool classroom will continue to work on the skills needed for the child to enter pre-kindergarten and ultimately kindergarten. Academics are important and are part of our everyday activities. Through centers and play the children master their academic skills. We also emphasize the social and emotional skills needed to be successful not only in kindergarten but throughout your child’s elementary education. When a child can sit still, listen, follow directions, problem solve, treat people with respect, verbally interact with others and has self-control, their kindergarten year tends to be exciting and less stressful. Our goal is that your child will leave The ARK with all the self-help skills needed to make their elementary education a huge success. Preschool and pre-k children will participate in chapel time twice a week. You may sign your child up for Tippy Toes as a separate activity for your child and a separate cost. NappingThe Heffalumps, Lion Cubs, and Busy Bees all nap in the Celebration Hall from 12:30pm-3:00pm every day. Crawlin Caterpillars nap in their room from 9:00am-10:00am and then again from 1:00pm-3:00pm to get ready for the toddler schedule. The Little Roos sleep in their room based on the child’s own schedule. We provide all the sheets, blankets, and mats that are needed for every child. We ask that if you need to pick up or drop off you either do so before nap or after nap so we do not disturb the children that are sleeping. The ARK does not swaddle children unless we have specific parental permission. Napping still happens at the preschool level. Preschool naptime is from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the music room. Children do not have to fall asleep; we do, however, expect them to lay quietly and rest for this period of time (and most of the time, they fall asleep). As children get closer to kindergarten, we will have conversations about cutting back and eliminating naps. Our goal with nap time is to make sure your child is rested for you at the end of the day so that you may spend some quality time with them when you get home. We have also noticed that children who don’t have a rest time each day usually have a difficult time as the week goes on, as we are very active.Discipline GuidelinesThe ARK uses a positive approach for discipline. We strive to establish positive behavior, showing appreciation for each child and his/her uniqueness. The purpose of discipline is to help children learn appropriate behavior and develop self-control. Our staff helps the child to understand predictable limits and consequences of their actions. Our staff models appropriate behavior, and fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect.The rooms are designed to facilitate the development of acceptable behavior through arrangement, toy/material selection and quantity, daily routines and schedules, and developmentally appropriate expectations from our caring staff members. Consideration is given to each child’s developmental level and experience. Room rules are set with regard to health and safety issues. We develop respect for the human body and an appreciation of other people and property. Through helpful guidance, the staff utilizes the following options:Encourage the child to verbalize feelings and think of alternative solutions.Focus on the act, not the child. “Hitting hurts. Use your words to tell her what you want.”Redirect the child. “You may play with the puzzles or paint at the easel.”Ignore inappropriate behavior if possible, while giving attention to desirable behavior.Employ natural consequences. A child who spills her drink is encouraged to clean it up.If a child is having difficulty acting in an acceptable manner, separation from the group may be necessary. The length of time that a child may be removed from the group will not exceed 1 minute per each year of the child’s age.Corporal punishment is strictly forbidden and is contrary to the policies of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church and The ARK.The ARK is under strict guidelines by the Arizona Department of Health Services: Office of Child Care Licensing that if child abuse or neglect is suspected, we are required to notify CPS immediately. CleaningThe ARK staff cleans every night from 5:30pm -6:00pm Monday- Friday, as well as several times though out the day, and each classroom has a couple days throughout the week that they do a deep clean and laundry. Every night the toys in all classrooms are sprayed with disinfectant/sanitizer that is safe for children as well as tables and counter tops. Mats are swept, cleaned, all floors are either swept and steam mopped or vacuumed. Bathrooms are cleaned every night and deep cleaned at least once a week. Deep cleaning includes but not limited to washing sheets, blankets, and mats, washing toys/chairs in the holbort (a huge dishwasher that washes and sanitizes), and washing walls. Each classroom will disinfect and sanitize toys, door handles, floors, and any other surfaces children touch. The products we use are a combination of Pursue disinfectant/sanitizer that is safe to use around children and DoTerra On Guard essential oils that “provide a natural and effective alternative for immune support, it protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system. It can be used on surfaces throughout the home as a non-toxic cleaner and again is safe for children.” We will occasionally use bleach, however, bleach is not safe to have around children at it dissipates quickly. TransportationParents are responsible for transporting their child to and from The ARK. Please only park in designated parking spaces. Parking along the sidewalks is not permitted as it inhibits the flow of traffic. Field TripsOccasional field trips may take place throughout the year. A permission slip will be required for each child to participate. Parent ResponsibilitiesTeachers should communicate throughout the year with you regarding the progress of your child/ren. You may request a parent teacher conference at any time. Teachers may also request a parent teacher conference if there are specific situations or concerns we need to discuss with you about your child. We will only inform you of behavioral issues that become consistent or that we do not feel we can continue to work with. All children in attendance during lunchtime will need to bring a sack lunch. If the lunch needs to be kept cold, please use a freezer pack in your child’s lunch box as refrigerator space is limited. Also, due to safety issues we are not allowed to heat food. Please use a Thermos or insulated container to keep food warm. Please note that peanut butter or any other peanut products are not allowed in our peanut-free facility. Please provide healthy lunches for your child. We encourage healthy eating practices. If you have questions about items to bring, please ask your child’s teacher. We have a few children who have very severe peanut allergies. Your child will be provided with milk or water for snacks and lunches. If you provide a drink, please use a pop top or screw top bottle as the juice boxes tend to leak.Parents are invited to participate in their child’s class by celebrating a child’s birthday with the class, chaperoning a field trip, or by joining in for a class project. Since The ARK is a peanut-free facility, please do not bring in any birthday treats for your child’s class. We have birthdays listed in each of the classrooms. The ARK will provide cupcakes to celebrate you child’s birthday. Parents are encouraged to work as assistants in the classrooms on a regular basis. This parent education program helps us maintain our high standards of individualized attention and allows parents to earn a discount off their child’s tuition. To be eligible for this discount you must sign up with the child’s teacher for a regularly scheduled time and devote two to five hours a month assisting The Ark. The parent helper program is available to all classrooms and will be limited to 10 parents per year. These spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in this program, please see the director. Updating Blue FormsPlease come talk to the Office if you are changing anything on your Blue Forms such as phone numbers, change of address, adding/removing persons allowed to pick up, allergies, or any other updated information. It is very important to give us any updated information as soon as possible so we can get it in our system and to the classrooms. We have had instances where parents tell one teacher a change of information and amongst the daily routine they forget to tell the office or other teachers, so please make sure you come change your information on the forms. Description of Activities and ProgramsThe ARK provides experiences to enhance children’s physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual growth. To do this, our activities revolve around the following:ArtMotor developmentMusicDramatic playScience through the natural worldMath skills Social skillsLanguage skillsSpiritual developmentAll of these activities are presented through play. We choose developmentally appropriate tasks for children to participate in.Liability InsuranceThe ARK maintains insurance in compliance with the Arizona Office of Child Care Licensure. Specific information regarding liability insurance is available upon request.Medical ProceduresThe health department requires that any child showing signs of illness be confined at home. If your child becomes ill while at The ARK, we will call the numbers on the registration form beginning with the parents until we find a suitable person to come pick up the child. Children sent home with a fever of 100.4 or higher, no matter what the reason, cannot return to school until they have been fever free for 24 hours without medication. Also, the child may be sent home at the teacher’s and director’s discretion if the child exhibits any sign of illness. While we realize this may create a hardship, we are not doctors and do not have the ability to determine if a child is contagious or not. A child who is ill and possibly contagious is much better at home and will heal faster. This also decreases the amount of exposure for the other children and especially the teachers. When starting a new school/daycare be prepared for a lot of sick days at first and it is a good idea to have a backup plan when your child does get sick. Medication can be administered by the director or administrative assistant, however, state licensing prefers we do not. Due to the high liability risk when administering medication the following protocol will be followed: medication can be brought in for use due to fever or teething. The proper consent forms must be filled out with the proper dosage. We do not have a scale so we cannot weigh your child. If the dosage chart for the specific age says “do not use” we cannot administer even with a doctor’s note. If the dosage chart states “ask a doctor” we will require a doctor’s note with the name of medication and dosage amount to give. Prescription medicines must be in the original container. All medication must have the child’s name written on it and the dosage they can receive. CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CARRY MEDICATION. Medicine will be kept in the director’s office unless it is an epi-pen which will be kept in a medicine box in the child’s classroom. Before medication is given, even though we have a medical consent form, we will attempt to contact the parent to get verbal permission as well as confirmation of dosage amount. If a parent cannot be reached, we will refer to the medical consent form. Please update these forms as needed throughout the year. Any parent who wishes to administer medication to their own child may do so at any time.All products that are to be applied to your child, i.e., sunscreen, Chap Stick, lotion, etc. must be given to the teachers with a Medication Consent Form. Children should not carry these items in their bags or backpacks. Emergency Medical ProceduresA CPR and First Aid trained person will be on site during the hours of operation for The ARK.*Children with minor injuries will receive basic first aid treatment, and you will be informed of the injury at dismissal time.** First aid will be administered when a child sustains a more substantial injury or an injury on their head or face and the parent will be called. If you cannot be reached, a message will be left as to what happened. In a situation that warrants the child go home, the parent will be called. If the parent cannot be reached, we will notify the next person on the blue form until we find someone who can come care for the child. ***Life threatening injuries or emergencies will result in an immediate call to 911. One adult with first aid training will stay with the child and administer necessary first aid, while another adult communicates with the 911 operator. You will be contacted immediately.Inspection and LicensureThe ARK is regulated by the Department of Health Services. Information about licensing requirements can be obtained by calling. Inspection reports are available upon request.Daily RoutineIn general, the following activities will occur throughout The ARK program:Exploration: Upon arriving in the room, children are allowed to select from various activities and move freely around the room. Adults interact with the children to facilitate/model social and language skills.Group Time: The children and the staff meet together for songs, finger plays, and stories for language skill building, social interaction, and motor development.Learning Centers: Child-centered activities enhance gross and fine motor, cognitive, daily living, social, and communication skills. Children choose to participate in a variety of open-ended activities in learning centers. Some of the skills and concepts developed through active learning centers are science, pre-math, pre-reading, language, social studies, prewriting, problem solving, art, and music.Snack Time: Children practice using table manners, making requests, and trying a variety of nutritious foods. Outdoor Play or Movement Time: Students are provided with a variety of opportunities to exercise large muscles. Coordination and gross motor skills are developed through climbing, swinging, riding bikes and other outdoor activities. The staff supervises the children, facilitating social and play skills.The Importance of PlayEarly childhood research indicates that play is the single most important activity through which children learn. Through play, children develop cognitive and language skills, engage in meaningful interactions, discover cause and effect, role-play, problem solving skills, and learn to follow rules and directions. They learn the responsibility of cooperating in a community by interacting with peers and the environment. Classes are developmentally appropriate with activities, curriculum, and learning materials geared for each age group. Parents are always invited to visit the classes at any time as “partners” in the nurturing of children.Appropriate dressWhen possible and appropriate, even during the winter months, all of the children play outside. Please follow these guidelines to ensure your child’s health and safety. During the summer months, children should wear closed toe shoes. Sandals are discouraged, but if your child wears them, please make sure they have a back strap to ensure the sandals stay on his/her feet. For girls who wear dresses, shorts are required underneath and t-shirts under spaghetti strapped shirts. They are climbing, running, riding tricycles and sitting cross-legged on the floor. We want to create a modest, embarrassment free atmosphere. Please do not allow your child/ren to wear costumes (princess or Halloween) to school. Apply sunscreen before your child gets here. We will apply more as needed. During the spring and fall, make sure you send lightweight jackets, as it does get chilly in the shade and when the wind comes up. During the winter, coats, hats, gloves and boots should be sent to school every day. The children need fresh air and when the weather is cooperating and it is decent outside, we will go outside. If your child forgets any items, they will still go outside. We will use something from our extra items for them. Send your children in clothes that is ok to get dirty. We love to go outside, paint, and let your child be independent and feed themselves and that means that your child’s outfit may not stay clean all the time.All items sent in should be marked with your child’s name. We have lost many items because they are not marked. How was my child’s day?I know everyone wants to know what went on all day with your child, and it’s a good question to ask, but let me explain that we are not going to tell you every fit that they have had or whenever they hit another friend. We are going to tell you they had a great day, because at the time that the fit was being thrown or any other situation arise we will deal with them at that point, we want your child/ren to have a great night with you at home. If there is a serious on-going issue then the Lead teacher or the Director will sit down with you and talk about a solution, but remember they are kids and each child has a different way of expressing themselves, for example it is very common for biting and fighting in the toddler and twos room. EMPOWER PROGRAMThe ARK is part of the Empower Program though the Arizona Department of Health Services. There are ten standards we will incorporate into our daily schedule to encourage healthy habits. Provide at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, limit screen time to less than three hours per week and less than 60 minutes of sedentary time. (please note: the ARK does not allow screen time in the roos, caterpillar, heffalump or lion cub rooms. Screen time will be allowed in the twos and preschool rooms on an occasional basis during bad weather days and holiday times but will be limited to less than two hours).Practice Sun SafetyProvide a breastfeeding-friendly environmentParticipate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program if eligibleLimit serving fruit juice to no more than two times per week (the ARK does not provide fruit juice. Only milk and water are served. Water is available at all times throughout the day to all children).Meals will be family style and food will not be used as a punishment or reward. Provide monthly oral health educationStaff will receive at least three hours of training on Empower topics. (All staff are required to attain 18 training hours during their employment calendar year)Ashline education material is available at all times outside directors officeMaintain a smoke free environment. (smoking is not permitted within 20 feet of any entrance of the ARK and any staff who take smoke breaks will change cloths before entering their assigned classroom) MISCELLANEOUS ITEMSDo not allow your child to bring toys to school. Toys can be a distraction and usually get lost or broken.Superhero shirts are not allowed to be worn in the Twos and Preschool rooms.Please do not send juice boxes in your child’s lunch, pop-top bottles are the best.We sincerely thank you for trusting your little miracle to us. Your children are such blessings and even though we are the teachers, we learn so much from them than they will ever know. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication for and to your families. You are appreciated and YOU ARE LOVED! I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Parent Handbook. Parent Signature_________________________ Date___________Our main priority at The ARK Early Childhood Learning Center is your child and the other children who attend this facility. We have become more and more aware of the severity of the peanut allergy in children. We have children who attend The ARK that are fatally allergic to peanuts. We have established a policy that states we are a “Peanut Free Facility.” We would ask that you refrain from sending any kind of food with your child that contains peanut butter or peanuts. I understand and agree to the “peanut free” policy.Parent Signature__________________________ Date__________Detach the bottom half and return to The Ark Daycare.-209553683000I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Parent Handbook. Parent Signature_________________________ Date___________Our main priority at The ARK Early Childhood Learning Center is your child and the other children who attend this facility. We have become more and more aware of the severity of the peanut allergy in children. We have children who attend The ARK that are fatally allergic to peanuts. We have established a policy that states we are a “Peanut Free Facility.” We would ask that you refrain from sending any kind of food with your child that contains peanut butter or peanuts. I understand and agree to the “peanut free” policy.Parent Signature__________________________ Date__________Facility copyTUITION RATES 2017 New registration $100.00 Re-registration $50.00A $300.00 fee is required to hold a spot in the infant room. Please contact the director or office assistance for specific information on this policy. INFANT 6 wks. to 9 mo. 9 mo. through Pre-K5 full days $715.00 5 full days $680.00 4 full days $586.00 4 full days $558.00 3 full days $450.00 3 full days $428.002 full days $322.00 2 full days $306.00 Additional Day Rate = $50.00 Additional Day Rate = 45.00 Half Days will consist of 700am – 1230 pm or 1200pm to 530pm5 Half days = $429.00 infant, 5 Half days $408.00 others4 Half days = $352.00 infant, 4 Half days $335.00 others3 Half days = $270.00 infant, 3 Half days $257.00 others2 Half days = $193.00 infant, 2 Half days $184.00 others Additional Day Rate = $30.00 Additional Day Rate 27.00 NOTE: A half time schedule of 900-300 will result in an extra 10% half time charge as this takes a full time space. Parent-Helper Rates are given to parents that sign up for a regularly scheduled time to assist at The ARK. You must sign up for 2-5 hours a month depending on your child’s class. Tuition is charged on a monthly basis. Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. A late fee of $25.00 will be added to the amount due if paid after the 5th of the month. Returned check fee is $35.00. Checks should be made payable to Trinity Heights United Methodist Church.If a child is absent due to illness or vacation, his/her tuition must be paid in order to hold his/her place in the school. Tuition is based on the space reserved, not the amount of time your child comes. No reductions, refunds or alternate days will be given in the case of children being out for any reason, this includes parents’ convenience, vacations, trips, etc. All ARK Closures are accounted for in the monthly tuition. Tuition is based on a 20 day month. In cases of extended illness when hardship is involved, an adjustment may be made by talking with the director. Our budget is based on class occupancy; therefore our policy regarding late and/or delinquent accounts states that if your account is not paid by the 10th of the month, any special arrangements need to be made with the director. Accounts that are delinquent for 30 days or $200.00 in arrears must have payment immediately or the child/children will be unable to attend The ARK until the outstanding amount is paid in full. There are no refunds for withdrawal without 30 days written notice to the Director.23774400235458002010 ClosuresFriday, January 1, 2010 New Year’s DayMonday, February 15, 2010 President’s DayFriday, April 2, 2010 Good FridayMonday, May 31, 2010 Memorial DayFriday, June 11, 2010 Walk To EmmausFriday, June 18, 2010 Walk To EmmausMonday, July 5, 2010 Independence DayMonday, September 6, 2010 Labor DayThursday, November 11, 2010 Veteran’s DayThursday-Friday, November 25-26, 2010 ThanksgivingWednesday-Friday, December 22-24, 2010 Christmas002010 ClosuresFriday, January 1, 2010 New Year’s DayMonday, February 15, 2010 President’s DayFriday, April 2, 2010 Good FridayMonday, May 31, 2010 Memorial DayFriday, June 11, 2010 Walk To EmmausFriday, June 18, 2010 Walk To EmmausMonday, July 5, 2010 Independence DayMonday, September 6, 2010 Labor DayThursday, November 11, 2010 Veteran’s DayThursday-Friday, November 25-26, 2010 ThanksgivingWednesday-Friday, December 22-24, 2010 Christmas23774400235458002010 ClosuresFriday, January 1, 2010 New Year’s DayMonday, February 15, 2010 President’s DayFriday, April 2, 2010 Good FridayMonday, May 31, 2010 Memorial DayFriday, June 11, 2010 Walk To EmmausFriday, June 18, 2010 Walk To EmmausMonday, July 5, 2010 Independence DayMonday, September 6, 2010 Labor DayThursday, November 11, 2010 Veteran’s DayThursday-Friday, November 25-26, 2010 ThanksgivingWednesday-Friday, December 22-24, 2010 Christmas002010 ClosuresFriday, January 1, 2010 New Year’s DayMonday, February 15, 2010 President’s DayFriday, April 2, 2010 Good FridayMonday, May 31, 2010 Memorial DayFriday, June 11, 2010 Walk To EmmausFriday, June 18, 2010 Walk To EmmausMonday, July 5, 2010 Independence DayMonday, September 6, 2010 Labor DayThursday, November 11, 2010 Veteran’s DayThursday-Friday, November 25-26, 2010 ThanksgivingWednesday-Friday, December 22-24, 2010 Christmas ................
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