New Orleans District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers



Castle Kids Child

Development Center

[pic]

Parent Handbook School Year 2018-2019

October 2018

Table of Contents:

MISSION & GOALS 4

PHILOSOPHY 5

OPERATING HOURS 5

SERVICES 5

REQUEST FOR CARE 6

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY 6

CHAIN OF COMMAND 6

ADMISSION POLICY AND PROGRAM INFORMATION 7

WAITLIST PRIORITIES 7

FEES 7

HOLDING FEES 8

REFUNDS 8

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 8

ABUSE AND NEGLECT POLICY 8

WITHDRAWAL 9

DAILY SIGN IN/OUT 9

DRILLS, EVACUATIONS, INCLEMENT WEATHER, AND LOCKDOWNS 9

AUTHORIZED PICKUPS 9

DAILY SUPPLIES 9

MEALS AND SNACKS 10

SERVING TIMES 10

PROGRAM QUALITY 11

CURRICULUM 11

REST 11

TOILET TRAINING 12

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS 12

PROGRAM POLICIES 13

HEALTH POLICIES 13

HEALTH & SAFETY 13

ILLNESS EXCLUSION POLICY 14

ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS 16

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE MONITORING SYSTEM 17

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION 17

SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN 17

GUIDANCE POLICY 17

TOUCH POLICY 18

DRUG, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO POLICY 19

WALKING TRIPS 19

BIRTHDAYS AND OTHER SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS 19

PERSONAL BELONGINGS 19

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND RESOURCES 20

PARENT INVOLVEMENT 20

Program Information

Castle Kids Child Development Center 7400 Leake Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118

(504) 702 - 8525 office

Key Staff

Pearlie Harris Center Director

Phone: (504) 702 - 8525

Email Address: castlekidscdc@

Pearlissa Harris

Administrative Assistant & Training Specialist Phone: (504) 702 - 8525

Email Address: castlekidscdc@

Linda Britton

Child Care Coordinator Phone (504) 862 - 1132

Email Address: Linda.S.Britton@usace.army.mil

MISSION & GOALS

The Mission of Castle Kids Development Center (Center) is to provide every child enrolled in the Center every opportunity to reach their greatest potential. Our overall goals are to:

● Meet the individual needs of all children at the Center;

● Promote a positive separation from home and parent;

● Develop a positive self-image;

● Offer learning content in an age-appropriate manner;

● Encourage expression of positive and negative feelings in an acceptable manner;

● Promote an understanding of feelings of others;

● Develop expressive and receptive language skills;

● Encourage problem solving;

● Develop fine and gross motor skills;

● Assist families to meet child and family needs through the provision of information, resources, referrals, and supports.

Meeting the Individual Needs of Each Child is the Number One Goal

PHILOSOPHY

Castle Kids Child Development Center is committed to providing opportunities for young children to grow at their own pace. Our Program stresses high quality childcare and education, while nurturing the child’s natural desire to explore, discover and learn through developmentally appropriate activities.

Our goal is to help children become enthusiastic learners. We will foster an environment that promotes independence, a healthy self-image, and positive social interactions. Castle Kids will strive to maintain and strengthen the family unit by supporting their efforts to build good values in children. Children will be encouraged to gain an understanding of their community, country, and world and to develop an appreciation for diversity and uniqueness in others.

“Castle Kids is a place where learning is a royal occasion.”

OPERATING HOURS

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday 0630 - 1730 hours

(6:30 am - 5:30 pm)

Closed: Saturdays and Sundays All Federal Holidays

Command-Designated Family Days

SERVICES

The program offers high-quality care and education for children 6 weeks to 5 years old, Monday through Friday. All Department of Defense patron fees and charges are directed by annual DoD policy. When enrolling your child, you will be required to read and sign a detailed contract outlining specific information on weekly fees, late pick-up fees, and credits/refunds.

According to the Louisiana Department of Education, a child is not permitted to be in childcare for more than 10 hours out of the day.

REQUEST FOR CARE

Parents requesting care at Castle Kids must complete a Waiting List Application. If there is a waiting list for care, Center Staff will call you when there is a space available for your child and you will have 72 hours to respond. If you have not responded within 72 hours or you decline services, you will be removed from the waiting list. If you would like to be placed back on the waiting list, you will be required to complete a new Waiting List Application and it will be placed back on the waiting list according to the date received by the Castle Kids Director. The waiting list is prioritized by Command and base policy. These priorities are based on the Army goal of establishing Child Development Programs which enhance Army readiness, sustain the mission, and contribute to the overall quality of life for the military members and families assigned to the installation.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Castle Kids does not discriminate against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income if derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income if derived from any public assistance program (not all prohibited basis apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center. To file a complaint of discrimination, write

USDA

Director, Office of Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington D.C. 20250-9410

(800) 795-3272 or 720-6382 (TTY)

CHAIN OF COMMAND

The most effective method to solve concerns is at the program level. However, sometimes situations arise which need to be referred through the chain of command. Please do not hesitate to use the chain of command to provide input about our services. If you are not satisfied with services, please do not leave the program without discussing your concerns to the chain of command, starting with your child’s primary teacher. Problems addressed on the spot are more readily resolved.

Chain of Command:

1.) Child’s Teacher

2.) Program Director- Pearlie Harris (504) 702-8525

3.) Child Care Coordinator - Linda Britton (504) 862-1132

4.) Contracting Officer (KO) - Ione Cataldo (504) 862-2882

5.) Major Jordan Davis, Deputy Commander, CEMVN-EN (504) 862-2349

ADMISSION POLICY AND PROGRAM INFORMATION

Eligible patrons of DoD Child Development Programs include Active Duty personnel, DoD Civilian personnel, Reservists & Air National Guard members on Active Duty or during inactive duty personnel training, DoD contractors, and community patrons. Prior to admission, parents must complete and sign a DA Form 4719-R Patron Registration and provide the child’s current immunization record. If your child has not received the required immunizations upon start date of childcare, he/she will not be admitted into the Center. Please see the Director for a list of required immunizations if you have any concerns or questions.

WAITLIST PRIORITIES

Priority One: Children of full-time active duty military or DOD civilian permanent employees, CAC holders, who are either: a) Single Sponsors, or b) whose spouse is employed on a full-time basis, is disabled, or is active duty military.

Priority Two: Children of full-time active duty military, or DOD civilian permanent employees, CAC holders, who’s spouse is either a) not employed full-time, is not disabled, or not active duty military b) a full-time student (12 credit hours or more) or full-time volunteer (30 hours per week).

Priority Three: Temporary employees, DOD Contractors, CAC holders, of the Corps. Priority Four: Other Federal Employees not assigned to the Corps.

Priority Five: Community Patrons

FEES

See Center office for Annual Fee chart

Weekly fees are based on Total Family Income (TFI) and are calculated in accordance with the requirements of DD Form 2652. Parents not wishing to disclose income data or who are unable to provide the required documents will be placed in the highest fee category. The agreement fee is based upon the standard DoD weekly fee and category of care enrolled. Tuition is drafted from the patron’s bank account two weeks in advance, prior to the service being received.

Community Fees, are fees for families not affiliated with the DoD. Center pricings may be obtained by contacting the Center and speaking with the Center Director.

HOLDING FEES

A non-refundable $25.00 waitlist deposit, per child, is due at the time the waitlist application is submitted. If you choose to submit your application electronically, you are required to send the deposit (check) by

U.S. Mail to the proper location. Upon receipt of both the completed application and the $25.00 deposit, the day the check is received will be the official date of entry on the waitlist. Once a family on the waitlist is offered admission, the $25.00 per child fee will be applied to the annual registration fee of $125.00.

REFUNDS

Credits will not be issued for closures due to inclement weather, unforeseen power outages or other unforeseen events that results in emergency closures.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Children who have been identified with a special need are provided services within the Child Development Center (Center) when reasonable accommodations can be met. Children with special needs require more than routine and basic care. This includes children with or at risk disabilities, chronic illnesses and/or physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions requiring additional health care, and/or related services. Prior to beginning care at the Center, the child’s developmental and/or medical documents are required to be reviewed by the Center’s Medical Advisor and a team of experts to include: the Center’s Medical Advisor, the Medical Group Exceptional Family Member representative (if necessary), the RM Chief, the Child Care Coordinator, the Training and Curriculum (T&C) Specialist, and others as determined by the installation and convene in order to determine if reasonable accommodations can be met.

If the child is identified with a special need after enrollment, the child’s developmental and/or medical requirements must be reviewed by the Center’s Medical Advisor and the team listed above within 45 days. If reasonable accommodations can be met, an Inclusion Action Plan will be developed to provide written instructions concerning how the program will meet the child’s needs, changes to the environment, specialized training, required staff to child ratios, etc. Annually, the Inclusion Action Plan is reviewed by the Inclusion Action Team (IAT) however if the needs of the child changes, the IAT will conduct the review earlier.

ABUSE AND NEGLECT POLICY

As mandated reporters, all Center staff shall report any suspected abuse and/or neglect of a child in accordance with LA R.S. 14:403 to the local Child Protection Agency: 1-855-4LA-KIDS

(1-855-452-5437).

WITHDRAWAL

A two-week written notice is required prior to withdrawing your child from the program. Payment is required for the two weeks, regardless if your child attends.

DAILY SIGN IN/OUT

Daily check-in procedures require that parents check their child in/out at the front desk using the computer (or paper sign-in, if the computer is not operating) and also sign them in/out in the child’s classroom.

Signing your child in is very important for accountability of all children present during regular program operations and in the event of an emergency. Provide any changes in emergency telephone numbers to the Director. Parents must accompany their child to and from their assigned room. This allows you to become better acquainted with your child’s teacher and ensure your child is safely settled.

DRILLS, EVACUATIONS, INCLEMENT WEATHER, AND LOCKDOWNS

During evacuations and drills, children may not be signed in or out of the program. This will allow for accurate accountability of children, parents and staff in the Center. All parents in the Center during a drill or evacuation must exit the building with the program staff and remain in attendance. During lockdowns, doors are locked and parents, children, and staff will not be able to enter or exit the facility.

During Inclement Weather, Castle Kids will follow the guidance of Orleans Parish Public School Closure.

AUTHORIZED PICKUPS

Sometimes delays occur, so it is necessary for you to authorize another person to pick up your child when you are unable to do so. It is the parent’s responsibility to inform the Castle Kids Child Development Center if someone other than those indicated on DA Form 4719-R will be picking up their child. Children will only be released to those names annotated by parents on DA Form 4719-R. All newly designated persons will be asked to show picture identification.

DAILY SUPPLIES

Children must arrive clean, fully dressed and with a dry diaper (if applicable). Parents of infants/toddlers are required to provide a sufficient number of wipes and disposable diapers for each day. Diapers are checked hourly and changed every two hours if wet or soiled, so please calculate the amount of time your child will be in the program and bring an adequate number of diapers and wipes. Parents of infants/toddlers are required to provide a sufficient number of bottles each day (if applicable) for their child. All bottles will be sent home daily for cleaning. Glass bottles are not allowed.

Please dress your child in clothing that is comfortable and will allow for play in a variety of environments to include dirt, water, and paint. Young children often need additional changes of clothes appropriate for weather conditions; children are required to play outdoors daily, weather permitting.

Extra changes of clothing are necessary in case of soiling or spills. Please ensure your child has extra clothing, shoes, and wipes. If your child does not have a change of clothing and requires a change, we will ask you to leave work to bring us the necessary items in order to keep your child comfortable. Children who are able to walk must wear a sturdy pair of closed-toed shoes. When infants begin to walk, your child’s teacher can recommend safe and comfortable shoes, which meet this requirement. Closed-toed/heeled shoes are required for safety reasons. Rubber-soled shoes are the safest for climbing and running.

All clothing, bags, shoes, lotions, and lip balms are required to be labeled with your child’s first and last name. Many items look alike and labeling will help us keep your child’s belongings organized. The Center cannot be accountable for items brought to the Center that are not clearly marked with your child’s name. Your child’s extra clothing and supplies must fit compactly in your child’s cubby. Lotions and lip balms must be given to program staff for safe storage. They cannot remain in your child’s bag or cubby.

The Center is not responsible for and will not provide diapers and wipes. If a child is low or has run out of diapers or wipes, the parent/guardian will be contacted to bring in more or pick up the child from childcare within (1) hour.

MEALS AND SNACKS

The Center participates in the United States Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program. We provide nutritious meals and snacks for all children in the Center during meal/snack times. Only food prepared at or for the Center is served for meals, snacks, and special events. Menus have been approved by a Registered Dietician and are posted on the Program Information Board as well as the Menu Bulletin Board. Menu changes may occur occasionally and are noted on the Menu. Children signed in the Center are offered all prepared meals and snacks.

Children eat in their rooms with their caregivers in a family style setting. Children are encouraged to serve themselves and we encourage the children to try some of everything prepared. Caregivers model good table manners and conversation skills. Parents are invited to join their child for breakfast, lunch, or snack at any time. Please notify the front desk staff if you will be joining us for a meal or snack so extra food can be prepared. The Center will also have special programs and events that parents are encouraged to attend.

SERVING TIMES

Breakfast 8:00am-8:30am

Lunch 11:30am-12:00pm

Snack 2:00pm-2:30pm

Outside food/drinks are not permitted in the Center. The only exceptions are breast milk, infant formula, infant cereals and infant jarred foods. In this case, breast milk must be brought in plastic bottles with the lids. The bottle must also be labeled with the child’s first and last name, date and time milk was expressed, and the label “breast milk”. Formula must be brought to the Center pre-made in bottles, labeled with the child’s first and last name, date bottle was prepared and labeled “Formula”. Infant cereals must be brought to the Center in premade containers labeled with child’s first and last name, date of preparation and labeled “cereal”.

Jarred foods must be brought in factory sealed containers and labeled with the child’s first and last name.

All unused breast milk, infant formula, infant jarred food and infant cereals will be sent home daily. The Center asks that parents only bring enough food that is required for the day.

PROGRAM QUALITY

CURRICULUM

The Child Development Center Staff plan and implement activities that are aimed at developing your child’s cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and language skills. A strong emphasis is placed on

child-initiated play and experiences, so that the child learns through discovery methods. Daily activities and schedules are tailored to meet the needs and interests of the children. The curriculum is sensitive to individual learning styles and respects the range of differences within each child.

Infants are provided individual schedules that best suit their needs; including diapering, eating, and rest times. Infants are exposed to a multitude of experiences that provide auditory, visual, tactile stimulation, and required daily outdoor time. Infant teachers have received training in infant and toddler stimulation and development. These teachers work closely with the Training and Curriculum Specialist to ensure that they are fostering each child’s growth and development.

Toddlers are provided experiences and materials that enhance the development of positive self-concept. Toddlers learn by exploring their environment and through active play. The curriculum stresses communication skills, fine and gross motor skills, and self-help skills appropriate to this stage of development.

Preschoolers are provided learning experiences through the curriculum, based on individual and abilities. Activities provide social interactions and problem-solving skills that build self-esteem while developing a positive feeling toward learning.

Children of the Child Development Center will be screened using Ages & Stages Questionnaire.

REST

A quiet rest period is provided for children following lunch. The Center provides individual cots or mats with sheets and blankets for the children. However, parents may bring one fitted sheet and one blanket from home for rest (Toddlers or Preschool children only) instead of using the Center-provided bedding. All personal bedding items will be sent home for washing every Friday.

A quiet area, soft music, stories and back patting contribute to relaxation. Children who choose not to sleep are provided opportunities for quiet time activities. For health reasons cribs, cots, and mats are placed at least two feet apart unless the cribs have closed ends. Infants nap according to their individual schedule.

All young infants have their own labeled crib while the older infants use both labeled cribs and cots for napping. No additional items are added into the cribs to protect from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

TOILET TRAINING

Our toilet training practices are based on current knowledge of child development and Early Childhood Education. Toilet training should not be rushed. When the child begins to show signs of readiness (i.e. wakes up dry after nap, seems to be aware of bodily functions, etc.), is when toilet training should be initiated. If your child does not show an interest, the training will be postponed until an interest is shown. When signs of readiness are evident, a cooperative effort will be made between parents and caregivers to assist in developing healthy toileting habits. Childcare staff will assist the toilet training parents are practicing at home.

Some children have difficulty toilet training in pull-ups because of their similarity to a diaper. If this becomes an issue, caregivers will ask you to bring your child in underwear/training pants only. Children under the age of three should have many changes of clothes each day, children over the age of three should have at least two changes of clothes, in case of accidents. Wet or soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag and tied. For health reasons, caregivers will not rinse dirty garments.

STAFF QUALIFICATIONS

The key to quality care in the Child Development Center is by providing thorough and comprehensive training to the staff. These professionals are dedicated to the well-being of your child. Our New Employee Orientation Program is designed to ensure the staff enter the classroom ready to interact positively with the children and ensure their growth and development.

Before any new employee is allowed to work alone with children they must participate in a briefing that includes safety and emergency procedures, sanitation and health practices and guidance techniques. The new employee is then assigned to work with an experienced caregiver in each age group. After these steps have been accomplished, the new caregiver will be given the responsibility for a group of children. In our center, staff wearing red shirts have had their local and state background checks cleared, and their federal checks initiated. Staff will always work in the line of sight of a fellow staff member who has successfully completed all local, state, and federal background checks. Those staff members wearing green shirts have

successfully completed all mandatory checks. Staff in blue shirts are Lead Teachers and have successfully completed all mandatory checks. Shirt colors allow quick and easy identification of cleared staff.

Training is an ongoing process. The Army has designed 15 comprehensive and developmentally appropriate modules in child development to enhance the caregiver’s skills and provide the opportunity to learn new ones. The program assistants have 18 months to complete all 15 modules. The 15 Program Assistant Certification Training (PACT) modules include:

Keeping Children Safe

Promoting Good Health and Nutrition

Creating and Using and Environment for Learning Promoting Physical Development

Promoting Cognitive Development Promoting Communication Promoting Children’s Self-Esteem Promoting Social Development Providing Positive Guidance Working with Families

Being an Effective Manager

Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse

Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse in Center Settings

Additionally, the staff participates in training each month that focuses on child growth and development, classroom management, curriculum planning, or professional and personal development. The Director, Assistant Director, Training and Curriculum Specialist, outside resource persons, or staff members who are certified and have particular area of expertise, conduct these training sessions.

PROGRAM POLICIES

HEALTH POLICIES

Caregivers will visually check each arriving child for signs of illness. If your child appears unhealthy, or has symptoms of a communicable disease he/she may be refused admittance or be required to bring a note from a medical authority/clinic stating that the child is well enough to participate in all activities and is not contagious. If a child develops signs of illness after being admitted, the parents will be contacted and required to pick up the child within (1) hour. Children unable to participate in activities should be kept at home until they are well enough to be involved in all aspects of the program. It is very important to inform us if your child becomes ill with a communicable disease and has attended the Child Development Center at any time during the incubation period. As required, we inform parents of other children who were exposed to the illness so they can be alerted to symptoms which may appear in their own child.

In order to help prevent the spread of illness throughout the center, we ask that all children, adults, and visitors wash their hands upon entering and exiting the classrooms. This will cut down on the spread of germs and help up provide a healthy environment for your child.

Outdoor play is very important for children. Each classroom is scheduled to go outside twice a day. Please dress your child according to the weather. Children will only be kept inside during inclement weather, such as rain, hail, thunderstorms, etc.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Castle Kids Child Development Center is committed towards maintaining a healthy environment. We will be taking every precaution with our staff and physical environment to ensure the safety of your child.

While we recognize that accidents are sometimes unavoidable, we understand that preventive measures are necessary to eliminate many accidents. The Center will continue to observe all areas of the Program for any potential hazards.

Hand washing is one of the most effective methods of reducing germs. It is the most important thing we can do to keep our children healthy. All staff are trained on proper hand washing techniques and children will be taught and encouraged to practice good hand washing procedures.

ILLNESS EXCLUSION POLICY

If your child becomes ill while in the Center’s care, you will be called to come and pick him or her up immediately (within one hour). If you cannot be reached, one or more of the people listed as an emergency contact in your child’s file will be notified for pick up within one hour.

Parents/designees that do not to pick up their child within one (1) hour of notification will be required to conference with the director before the child is accepted for care the next day. Recurring offenses will result in services being denied for a minimum of 24 hours and possible permanent suspension from the program.

Fees will not be reduced for a child’s absenteeism due to illness/injury. Patrons may request, in writing, an exception to policy for an extended (one week or longer) hospitalization or immediately following the onset of a documented serious illness/injury of the child (one week or longer).

Ill children will be removed from the classroom and taken to the Director’s office, for isolation purposes, with direct supervision until a parent or emergency contact arrives.

When a child is sent home due to a possible contagious illness, (rash, green mucus, drainage from the eye, etc.) the child needs to be physically seen by their pediatrician. We cannot accept over the phone diagnosis. A written note stating the ailment is required in order to be readmitted into the Center. This policy is in place to protect other children and staff members from contracting a possible illness and to avoid further outbreak within the Center.

Always check with the Director to make sure your child may return to the Center. Children will not be accepted for care if any of the below symptoms are present or have been present within the last 24 hours. If your child is sent home due to illness, he/she must meet the criteria listed in the table below before returning to the facility.

Any child whose illness is not described in the below excludable listing will be observed individually, and the parent will be notified of any concern. If a child is too ill to participate comfortably in routine program activities including outside play, then he/she is too ill to be left at the Center. PLEASE NOTIFY THE CENTER IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOUR CHILD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL AND WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS ILLNESS

(e.g., measles, mumps, chicken pox, strep throat, conjunctivitis, ringworm, impetigo, scarlet fever, etc.) so we may take the proper precautions in relation to the other children at the Center. In these cases a physician’s note stating that the child has sufficiently recovered will be required before your child may return to the facility.

|Illness/Symptoms |Requirements to Return to School |

|FEVER (temperature of 101 or higher) |Fever free for 24 hours (without aid of fever reducing medications - i.e. |

| |Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, etc.) |

|VOMITING (two or more times; once if accompanied with other signs of |Free for 24 hours or evaluated and cleared by child’s physician. |

|illness) | |

|DIARRHEA (two or more loose stools or over and above what is normal for |Free for 24 hours or evaluated and clear by child’s physician. |

|that child. This also includes diarrhea induced by antibiotics) |Diarrhea must be controlled (contained in diaper or toilet). |

|PURULENT CONJUNCTIVITIS (Pink eye; |MUST be seen by child’s physician and must return with a doctor’s note |

|bacterial & viral. Pink, red, water, or puffy appearance of eye(s) with |stating the child is not contagious. |

|white or yellow discharge that is unusual for that child) |24 hours after medical treatment begins and once discharge has ended and |

| |eyes are no longer pink. Note: If your child develops an eye irritation |

| |that is not attributed to pink eye, then a physician’s note is needed, and |

| |it must state the specific diagnosis and that the child is not contagious. |

|RINGWORM (skin rash appears flat, growing and ring-shaped. Edges of the |24 hours after medical treatment begins and a physician’s note stating the |

|circle usually are reddish and may be raised, scaly and itchy) |child is not contagious. |

|HEAD LICE |24 hours after treatment begins and the empty box or receipt verifying |

| |proof of medication purchase is needed. |

|CHICKEN POX (skin rash accompanied with a mild fever. The rash appears with|Six days after onset of rash or until all lesions have dried and crusted |

|small or red bumps on the stomach or back and spreads to the face and |over completely and a physician’s note is required for readmission to the |

|limbs) |Center. |

|IMPETIGO (skin infection starting oozing at an injured spot on skin (e.g., |24 hours after treatment begins, lesions are no longer weeping and a |

|insect bite, cut, or burn). The rash looks oozy, red, and round; may have |physician’s note stating the child is not contagious. |

|flat, honey-colored crust) | |

|HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE/ |Free for 24 hours and must be cleared by child’s physician. |

|HERPANGINA/ ROSEOLA (causes fever and blister-like eruptions in the mouth | |

|and/ or a skin rash) | |

|ILLNESS THAT REQUIRES ANTIBIOTICS |24 hours on medical treatment and physician’s note stating the specific |

| |diagnosis and the child in not contagious. |

| |Note: We will not administer the first dosage of medication. |

| |Medication must be administered by the parent within 24 hours. This allows |

| |time for any reactions to be monitored at home. |

|SUDDEN ONSET OF VOMITING, IRRITABILITY, PERSISTENT CRYING, UNCONTROLLED |Evaluated and cleared by child’s physician. |

|COUGHING, WHEEZING, DIFFICULTY BREATHING, EXCESSIVE SLEEPINESS, OR OTHER | |

|UNUSUAL SIGNS. | |

All children returning to the Center after absence for illness must be cleared by the Center Director on duty prior to returning to the classroom. Please be advised that any child missing three consecutive days due to illness must inform the Center of the child’s sickness and must be cleared by the child’s pediatrician.

ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS

● Castle Kids Child Development Center will administer only medications prescribed by a medical authority.

● Prior to administer medication, the parent or guardian must complete a Medical Permission Form (Form) and the parents must give daily written permission. If parents fail to provide written permission, the medication will not be administered unless the Center staff contacts the parents for approval by phone, fax, or email. The parent must still sign the Form at pick-up.

● Prescription medication shall be in the original container, stored according to instruction, labeled with specific child’s name, name of medication, dosage strength, and stop date, along with instructions for use and the physician’s name and date of prescription. The prescription must be current (within the year).

● If an over the counter medication is prescribed, the guidelines above are required to administer the medication.

● Program must have parental permission to apply sunscreen, insect repellant, lip balms, diaper ointments, hand sanitizer and over-the-counter lotions and staff will follow the policies and procedures in the Child Care Services Topical Application Instructional Guide. Parent permission must be given annually.

● Medication will only be administered by trained staff members (Director, Director Designee, Training and Curriculum Specialist, or Front Desk Staff).

● Parents must administer the first dosage of medication and wait at least twenty minutes before the child may be signed it.

● Medications will be administered according to directions.

● Medication times will be as follows:

○ If medication is to be dispensed once while at the Center. It will be given at11:30am.

○ If medication is to be dispensed twice while at the Center, it will be given at 10:00 am and 2:00pm.

● Medication must be taken home daily.

● If your child receives immunizations, they will not be able to attend the Center for a total of 24 hours after receiving immunization.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE MONITORING SYSTEM

Our facility is equipped with a video surveillance monitoring system to ensure the safety and security of the children. Cameras are located in each room and a sign stating that the facility is monitored by video surveillance is posted upon entrance of the building.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

Keeping children safe is everybody’s business. Parents ensure their child’s safety regardless of the setting. Staff are trained annually on Child Abuse and Neglect Identification and Reporting Procedures. All staff are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse/neglect. Staff observing signs of child abuse or suspecting child neglect may report their concerns directly to the Child Abuse Hotline or to the Center Director or Assistant Director who will contact the Child Abuse Hotline immediately.

SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN

Parking spaces are available in the front of the Center for your convenience. Vehicles left unattended while running with children in them pose an extreme danger and will be reported immediately to Base Security. To ensure the safest environment for everyone involved, parents must always take all children out of their vehicles and turn off the vehicle before entering the facility.

GUIDANCE POLICY

The goals of the guidance policy are to assist children in developing self-control and engaging in socially acceptable behaviors. Care providing staff will model, coach, and encourage techniques of discipline that are fair, consistent, and respectful of children and their needs.

Acceptable guidance techniques include but are not limited to:

● Reinforcement of positive behavior by using encouragement and words of praise;

● Anticipation of situations that may trigger behavior issues; keeping expectations to a child’s level; solicitation cooperation; involving children in rule setting;

● Calling attention to appropriate behaviors using expressions such as “thank you” and “please”;

● Involving children in discussions on how to handle inappropriate behavior; providing several alternatives to undesirable behavior; guiding children in problem solving; applying natural/logical consequences;

● Affording each child a chance to regroup or regain control in a quiet area of the room

● Temporary removal from stressful situation;

● Limiting the child’s participation in some activities.

Unacceptable guidance techniques include any humiliating or frightening punishment are strictly forbidden. These include but are not limited to:

● Spanking, hitting, slapping, pinching, shaking, or giving any form of physical punishment;

● Verbal abuse, threats, or derogatory remarks about the child or his/her family;

● Binding, trying to restrict movement or placing in a confined space such as a closet, locked room box, or similar place;

● Withholding or forcing meals, snack, or naps. Children may never be punished for lapses in toilet training.

Discipline techniques may not be delegated to older children or peers.

Should a child reportedly behave in a way that is detrimental to themselves, other children or adults, staff will inform the Director and the Training & Curriculum Specialist. An Intervention Plan will be initiated which begins with a meeting between staff and the parents. The plan will be based on observations, a daily log of behaviors, and input from parents. The Plan is flexible and designed to meet the needs of the child. Parent participation is required in order to ensure all possible solutions have been incorporated. Not all children thrive in large group care settings. Some children require one-on-one care or smaller group care. After (4) weeks on the Intervention Plan, a formal review will be conducted and a report provided to the Center Director and to the Parents of the child offering a recommendation for the type of care service/environment which may best suit the child.

TOUCH POLICY

Positive physical contact is a significant part of the Center’s approach to childcare and is essential to a child’s emotional/social growth. Warm, positive adult relationships help children develop a sense of trust and security in the world and directly affect children’s self-esteem.

Appropriate touching is touching that creates a positive emotional/social growth in the child touched and affects the safety and well-being of the child (i.e. holding the child’s hand while crossing the street). Appropriate touching includes hugs, lap sitting, reassuring touches on the shoulder or hand, and naptime back rubs for a tense child.

Inappropriate touching is touching that creates an improper/negative emotional effect of the child and is a touching that violates the law and societal norms. Inappropriate touching may involve coercion or other forms of exploitation of a child solely for the satisfaction of adult needs, attempts to change child’s behavior with adult physical force, is often applied in anger and physically striking a child to solve a problem. Inappropriate touching includes forced kissing, corporal punishment, slapping, pinching or striking, prolonged tickling, fondling, or molestation.

DRUG, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO POLICY

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco are not allowed in the Center or grounds.

WALKING TRIPS

Staff take accountability of the children before and after leaving the building. Infants are transported in strollers, while pre-toddlers are transported in our wagons. These trips last no longer than 15 minutes for infants and toddlers. Preschoolers will walk and can be out of the facility for more than 15 minutes.

Parents will sign permission for walking field trips as part of the Enrollment Packet.

BIRTHDAYS AND OTHER SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS

Parents are always welcome to contribute and participate in any special celebration held at the Center. Due to health and food regulations, food prepared outside of the Center is not allowed. Party favors are not permitted and will not be passed out to other families through the program. Families can participate in many ways with their child and we are always interested in new ways to include family traditions and cultures into the curriculum. Please share your ideas with your child’s caregiver, Training & Curriculum Specialist, or Director. If you are interested in taking photos or making a videotape of special activities, please advise your child’s caregiver in advance. Written permission from each child’s parents must be secured before any photographs and/or videotaping is allowed on the Center’s premises.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

All children will need additional changes of clothing in the event of an accident. All clothing must be labeled with the child’s first and last name. Many items look alike and this will aid in keeping your child’s belongings organized. Closed-toed shoes with backs are required for safety reasons. Remember to label all items brought into the Center. We make every effort to keep a child’s belongings together but sometimes items are misplaced or may be taken home by the wrong child. If the child’s name is permanently marked on each article, items can be found more readily and returned to the proper owner.

Children are discouraged from wearing jewelry, bringing toys, money, food, gum, and other possessions to the Center. We realize how difficult this may be for some children, but keeping these items at home is the best way to ensure these possessions are not lost or broken. With prior arrangement from the child’s caregiver, it is permissible to bring books or other possessions to the Center to be shared during group time on Friday. Speak with your child’s teacher for more information. The Center is not responsible for lost or damaged items but we will make every effort to keep all items safe.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND RESOURCES

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Communication between parents and the Center staff enhances the care for your child. It is important that you give the desk clerk and the caregivers as much information about your child as possible. Any suggestions or concerns should be brought immediately to the attention of the Director

or Director Designee. Get to know the people who care for your child. Let the caregivers know about such things as a TDY, illness, visiting relatives, or other events that might affect your child’s behavior.

We encourage you to be actively involved in the Center program. Parents are encouraged to share their hobbies, skills, expertise and talents within the programs. The Center’s objective is to establish a partnership with the parents of the children for which we provide care. Strong parent involvement correlates with quality childcare and our parents are welcome in the Center at any time. The following are suggestions for parental involvement in the Center Programs:

● Become a Parent Advisory Board Member and/or participant

● Volunteer for classroom activities or special events;

● Attend social gatherings such as open house, luncheons and picnics;

● Share a particular interest or skill, or even an aspect of their cultural heritage;

● Assist in the classrooms; read to the children or help with a project;

● Volunteer to assist staff on “special cooking, science, art, or other activity with the children

● Read the monthly newsletter about the activities and events taking place at the Center;

● Attend Center training workshops throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to attend and to suggest training topics;

● At least annually, the Center will ask that you participate in a survey to help us evaluate all Center programs and assess the current community needs

● Attend parent conferences: In addition to daily communication, parents are offered an opportunity to meet on a one-on-one basis with their child’s primary caregiver to share the milestones your child has accomplished. The meetings are offered three times a year or anytime by request. We encourage your comments and suggestions, as well as your compliments. Cooperation and teamwork from parents, caregivers and Center management are needed to make the Center a success.

Elections for Parent Advisory Board positions (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) will occur each October. Elected parents may serve no more than (1) one-year term on the Board. This will allow more parents the opportunity to assume a leadership role within the Program that serves their family.

Thank you for choosing Castle Kids as your child’s Early Childhood Development Center.

*Parent Handbook may be revised in the future. If so, the updated version will be distributed.

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