University of Missouri–St. Louis



University Child Development CenterFamily HandbookRevised 10/6/17TABLE OF CONTENTSPROGRAM ORIENTATION Program Overview……………………………………… 5Philosophy and Goals………………………………… 5Standards of Quality…………………………………… 7Arrangement of Learning Environment……… 7Daily Schedules………………………………………….. 8Student Practicum and Observation………….. 8Developmental Assessment and Portfolios.. 9Confidentiality …………………………………………… 9Prohibited Substances ……………………………… 10PROGRAM POLICIESWaiting List……………………………………………….. 12Admission and Enrollment………………………… 12Registration Fee………………………………………… 12Minimum Attendance Requirement………….. 12Weekly/Monthly Fees………………………………… 13Payment of Fees/Late Payment…………………. 13Family Discount…………………………………………. 13Drop-In Hours…………………………………………… 13Schedule Change Request………………………… 14Withdrawal………………………………………………… 14Transportation Safety……………………..…………. 14Arrival/Departure……………………………………….. 15Authorized to Pick-Up……………………………….. 16Hours of Operation/Late Pick-Up………………. 16Center’s Days of Operation……………................ 16Notice of Absence……………………………………… 17 Emergency Procedures………………………………. 17Off Campus Evacuation ……………………………... 18Parental Visits/Observation……………................. 18 Celebrations…………………………………………….. 18Violence, Weapons, Super Hero Play………. 19Materials From Home……………………………… 20Meals and Snacks…………………………………….. 20Infant Feeding …………………………….…………… 20Sleeping/Napping …………………………………… 22Daily Logs ………………………………………………… 22Diaper Changing and Toilet Training ……23Hand Washing and Sanitation ……………... 23Outdoor Play Weather Policy………………… 24Animals/Pets…………………………………………. 24Field Trips ………………………………................... 25Unplanned School Cancellations…………… 25 Parental Discipline………………………………… 26Parental Conflict Resolution…………………... 26HEALTH POLICYHealth Policy………………………………………….. 29Immunization Requirements………………….. 30Special Considerations…………………………… 31Medication Guidelines…………………………….. 31GUIDANCE TECHNIQUESPhilosophy…………………………………………….. 35Preventive Measures……………………………… 35Problem Situations and Conflict…………….. 35PARENT INVOLVEMENTOpportunities for Involvement……………… 38Parent-Teacher Conferences………………….. 38Parent Areas…………………………………………… 39Center and Classroom Newsletters………… 39Parent Resources …………………………………… 39 I. Program OrientationA. PROGRAM OVERVIEWThe University Child Development Center is a campus-based child care center serving the UM-St. Louis and surrounding communities. The purposes of the Center are to provide high quality programs for children and parents; staff development and teacher training; a site for child study/research and practical experiences for UM-St. Louis students. The Center is located in Room 130 South Campus Classroom Building at the University of Missouri-St. Louis South Campus, 7800 Natural Bridge. Full-day and half-day care is provided for children who range in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. The program operates from 7:00am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday and is open all year with the exception of one week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and national holidays. The Center is also closed one day per year for staff professional development. The Center is administered, jointly by Dean of the College of Education and the Center Director, and Coordinator. The Director and Coordinator have the major responsibility for the daily operation of the program including the supervision of adults working and studying at the Center.B. PHILOSOPHY AND GOALSThe program encourages and supports each child to grow to his or her full potential in all areas of development, thus enhancing a positive self-concept and a strong foundation for succeeding in life. Our primary mission is to provide a rich, warm, supportive environment in which the child may develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.Our educational objectives are based on knowledge we share about children, and the way they develop. Children learn through play. As they interact with their social and physical environment they make new discoveries. These new concepts are interpreted with new words and sentences. In essence the children are constructing their own knowledge. With the use of carefully selected materials and equipment much learning happens incidentally and informally; other times, with respect for the nature of the child, teachers may elect to teach in a more direct manner.There are many opportunities in a day to engage in music, art, dramatic play, motor activities and logical thinking. In order to develop freely, children primarily use self-chosen materials and move through the classroom with spontaneity. This does not mean the child functions with no direction. The teacher's role is to encourage and guide the activity by making available a large variety of materials or props, showing an interest in what the children are involved in by asking open ended questions, which make the child think, and facilitating the child's play.SCREEN TIMEVery young children learn best by relating to real live people, but they also learn by?moving?and doing. Screen time detracts from children using their communication skills and having face to face interactions with their caregivers and peers. Without these interactions they may lose their ability and motivation to evaluate emotions and solve social problems. Young children who watch TV and DVDs or use computer games may be substituting these activities for free play. We believe that play is the ultimate “personalized educational curriculum,” with each child creating his own challenges and solutions as their caregivers provide support and conversation to scaffold their learning. Play teaches children to think abstractly about different situations and learn from other people’s perspectives, and it taps into their curiosity, motivating them to learn. Play provides children with opportunities for different types of learning – physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and language development — in a context they understand. Because of this, children are more likely to retain what they learn while playing. This is why child development experts insist that play is essential to social, cognitive, emotional, physical and moral development. In an ever increasing technological society, it is important to be intentional about providing the time and support for playTherefore it is our intent to provide your child with many opportunities to investigate the world around them with concrete, hands-on learning activities while in school. We feel that digital media time should be limited to give them ample time to explore using all of their senses and attention. We are not currently using television, computers or other digital devices in the classroom to provide maximum time for children to be engaged in play and exploration. Teachers will make an exception if the use of media will support children’s research during project work. Please reference this website for more information:. STANDARDS OF QUALITY The University Child Development Center abides by the rules of licensing published by the Missouri Department of Health, Bureau of Childcare Safety and Licensure. Centers affiliated with a University are exempt from regulation; however, the University Child Development Center became voluntarily licensed in January 1994. A copy of the MO licensing regulations is available for review upon request. Beyond the basic safety and health guidelines provided for in the licensing rules, UCDC strives to meet the standards for quality childcare established by the National Early Childhood Program Administration. The Center received accreditation from the National Early Childhood Program Administration in 2011.D. ARRANGEMENT OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENTWithin the Center, the youngest children (0-2 years) are grouped by age in three classrooms called the Infant Room (6 weeks to about 15 months), the Toddler Room (about 14 -24 months) and the Explorers Room (about 24-36 months). The older children (2 ?-5 years, using the toilet) are grouped in three classrooms called the Discoverers Room (about 2 ?-4 years) and Creators Room or Investigators Room (both about 3 ?-5 years). The adult/child ratio and group size varies with the age of the group as follows:GroupUCDC RatioState RatioMax Group SizeInfants1:31:49Toddlers1:31:49Explorers1:61:812Discoverers1:81:1016Creators1:81:1016Teachers maintain supervision of children at all times, keeping children within sight and sound. Only University staff is counted in the teacher/child ratios. UM-St. Louis student participants are above and beyond regular staff and are not counted in the ratio. On occasion, situations may result in higher teacher/child ratios. While we do not like to do this, ratios will never exceed state guidelines. We strive to maintain highly qualified staff according the National Early Childhood Program Administration and staff members participate in a variety of professional development activities throughout the year. E. DAILY SCHEDULEEach classroom has a daily schedule posted that includes times for group activities, interest centers, outside times, meals, personal hygiene, etc. All schedules are subject to change or vary from day to day based on the needs of the children. You may request a copy of the schedule at any time. There is some variance among classrooms; however, meals and snack are scheduled within the following blocks of time:MealTimeBreakfast8:00am-9:00amLunch11:00am-12:30pmSnack2:30pm-4:00pmF. STUDENT PRACTICUM AND OBSERVATIONUM-St. Louis early childhood students are required to gain practical experience as part of their course work. The students are assigned to a classroom area, within the Center, during the semester. Students are required to observe, plan activities, make learning materials and be involved in other ways at the Center. This is a great learning experience for everyone. The students are graded for their time at the center as well as the activities they have prepared and implemented. Students are never allowed to take children out of the Center for any reason. All activities are supervised, within the Center, by Center staff and/or the student’s course instructor. Some early childhood courses may only require observation of a target child. This involves the student observing different aspects of a particular child's day, including obtaining an audio language sample, over the course of the semester. Toward the end of the semester the student may administer a developmental screening tool to the child for experience only. In addition to students majoring in an education field, students from other University Programs (Nursing, Optometry, Physical Education, Social Work) also use the Center during their course of study. Students observe and participate to meet their course requirements or occasionally do research. Separate permission will be sought from parents for any special child study or research projects. G. DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT & PORTIFOLIOSAs part of our programming, teachers evaluate each child's development on an ongoing basis using daily documentation of skills and goals in order to appropriately plan activities. Their observations are documented and may be transferred to a formal developmental assessment, kept on file at the Center. (If you wish to review your child’s file, you may do so at any time.) Each year parents have the opportunity to schedule a parent-teacher conference to review these observations. Even though there are predetermined times of the year for conferences you may request one at any time with your child’s teacher.Our teachers use an online tool called Teaching Strategies Gold for purposes of curriculum, assessment, and family communication. A secure, password-protected portfolio of your child’s development is available to you through the Teaching Strategies Gold website. This portfolio depicts your child’s young life—their milestones, accomplishments and first “school” experiences. In addition, teachers are able to share photos, newsletters, and other pertinent information with parents through Teaching Strategies Gold. H. CONFIDENTIALITYThe University Child Development Center maintains student information and files in a confidential manner. Staff may discuss children in “in-house” professional meetings and on other occasions when necessary to support children. Parents must sign a release in order for the Center to share information with outside professionals.I. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCESThe University of Missouri–St. Louis is tobacco-free on all indoor and outdoor campus properties, which include university-owned and university-leased buildings, parking garages, parking lots, outdoor grounds, sidewalks and vehicles. The tobacco-free policy?applies to faculty, staff, students, contractor and consultant employees, performers, visitors and the general public.In addition, all illegal substances are prohibited in the University Child Development Center. No firearms may be brought into the University Child Development Center. II. Program PoliciesA. WAITING LISTThere is a one time, non-refundable fee to be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list is maintained about 1 ? years in advance. Space is offered, as it becomes available, based on the needs of the classroom. Requests for full-time space and/or currently enrolled families with other children, and UCDC staff with children will be contacted first.B. ADMISSION and ENROLLMENTThe order of admission to any of the Center's programs is "first come, first served", modified by the needs of the individual programs. A waiting list is maintained once all classroom slots are occupied. When a vacancy occurs, group needs are assessed and the vacancy is filled with a child suited by age, schedule and other group needs. The date on the waiting list form determines the order for contacting parents of children who meet these requirements. Parents will be contacted at least two weeks prior to date of vacancy either by phone or mail. Once you have accepted the offered space you will need to pay a registration fee, plan a visit to the Center, pay 2 weeks tuition (non-refundable) in advance and complete a packet of enrollment forms. Once completed your child may begin attending. Admission to UCDC is available to all children without regard to race, age, color, national origin, sex, or disability. C. REGISTRATION FEEOnce your child's schedule is firm you will be required to pay a non-refundable annual registration fee of $50.00. This fee is renewed each year in September. If you enroll in June, July or August you will be charged an intermediate registration fee of $10.00. The annual fee of $50.00 will then be charged in September.D. MINIMUM ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTThe least amount of time a child may attend is 2 times per week. This may be 2 half days or 2 full days, but must be 2 different times per week. Special consideration may be given when only one day is available for attendance.E. WEEKLY/MONTHLY FEES The childcare fee is determined by the number of half days or full days attended each week. This weekly fee is multiplied by the number of Mondays in the month to arrive at your monthly fee. For instance, if September 2 and September 30 fall on Mondays there will be 5 Mondays in the month of September in which you will be charged for. The 5th week ending October 4 would be included on this statement. October charges would begin on Monday, October 7.Your fee statements will be emailed to you on the 1st of each month and fees are due in full by the 15th. Parents are required to pay for any time reserved for a child, whether or not the child attends. F. PAYMENT OF FEES/LATE PAYMENTPayment for the current month's fees is due by the 15th of the month. Failure to pay your account balance in full by the 15th of each month will result in a $15 late fee assessed. If you need to make other payment arrangements such as weekly or bi- weekly, we are happy to accommodate you. However, failure to make a scheduled payment will also require a late fee to be assessed. Additionally, any account balance that has not been paid in full by the last day of the month will incur a 1.5% finance charge on the past due balance each month until paid in full. Payments may be made with check or cash. A receipt must be obtained for all cash payments. G. FAMILY DISCOUNTFamilies with more than 1 child enrolled at the Center are entitled to a discount of 10% off all older children’s tuition amounts. This discount is not available with drop-in hours.H. DROP-IN HOURSParticipants enrolled at the Center less than full-time may attend extra days or hours, as needed, providing space is available. I. SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUESTOnce a schedule is established with the Center, those days and times are reserved for your child. If you find that you must change this schedule, you can fill out a "Request for Schedule Change" form. This form must be completed and returned to the office two weeks prior to the date of the requested change. Changes resulting in less time at the Center can be easily arranged. However, requests for more days/hours at the Center are subject to space availability. You will be notified when your change has been approved.J. WITHDRAWALIf you find the need to withdraw your child, you must inform the Center two weeks in advance, in writing, that you will be terminating your enrollment. If you wish to withdraw your child for a semester, your child will be placed on the waiting list for his/her age. If you do not give a two week notice you will be charged for two weeks of attendance whether the child comes or not.The Center also reserves the right to discontinue the enrollment of any child if:Parents fail to cooperate reasonably with the Center in the provision of education services to their child, in the payment of established tuition fees, or in picking up their child promptly.The child is dangerous to him/herself or others, is destructive of Center property, or impairs the education of other children. The child requires another educational setting more appropriate to his/her needs.The director believes family participation in the program is detrimental to the operation, routines or goals of the program, or policies and procedures are not being followed. K. TRANSPORTATION SAFETYThe Child Development Center is on a busy campus so, there is always traffic. Please make sure that your child is exiting on the “curb-side” of the car and that you are there to take their hand as they exit the car. Do not leave young children, including siblings unattended in the car for any reason. Cars should not be left running on the curb. Please limit children playing in the grassy area near the curb during drop-off and pick-up times. The traffic is heavy and it is hard for drivers to see small children. (If you need to speak with another parent, please make sure that children are far away from the curb and that you are next to them.) Parents need to hold hands with their child as they leave the Center – this is a hand holding zone. While safety belts offer excellent protection for adults, they are not designed to keep children safe in the event of a?motor vehicle accident. Missouri law states:Children should stay in a rear-facing child safety seat until 1 year old?and 20 lbs.A child less than 4 years old or weighing under 40 lbs. must be secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child.A child 4 through 7 years old, who also weighs at least 40 lbs. must be in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat until they are at least 80lbs or 4 feet 9 inches tall.Children 8 years old and older or at least 80lbs, or more than 4 feet 9 inches, may ride fastened in a seatbelt.All children under 16 years old must be properly secured in a vehicle. L. ARRIVAL/DEPARTUREUpon arriving at the Center you may stop your car on the white curb marked "PICK-UP ZONE" for approximately 15 minutes without being ticketed. THERE IS NO PARKING ON THE RED OR YELLOW CURBS. When you enter the Center remember to “sign-in” your child in their classroom. Please go to the bathroom and wash your child’s hands. Take your child into his/her classroom or to the area where his/her class might be (i.e. outside, bathroom, etc). Make sure a teacher is aware your child has arrived. Parents of Infants should complete the top portion of the daily log. This provides information helpful to the child's teacher. Parking for pick-up is the same as drop-off. Pick your child up from the classroom or area where they might be. Always let a teacher know you are taking your child from the premises. Be sure to “sign-out” before leaving the Center with your child. DO NOT allow your child to play in other classroom areas. The items in other classrooms are not appropriate for your child, and it is very disruptive if class is in session. DO NOT allow your child to run out of the Center ahead of you. This is a Center rule. Children must stay in the Center until their parent is ready to go out the door.M. AUTHORIZED TO PICK UPUCDC staff will not allow your child to leave the Center with any unauthorized person. A “pick-up authorization” form will need to be completed each time someone other than the parent will be picking up. Teachers have these forms available in the classrooms. Unfamiliar adults will be asked to present identification before children are released.N. HOURS OF OPERATION/LATE PICK-UPThe Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 5:30pm. If you or the person you designate to pick up your child(ren) arrive after 5:30pm (or 12:30 if your child is enrolled in the morning only) you will be charged a fee equal to $1.00 per minute, per child, that you are late. For example, if you have 2 children and you are 8 minutes late you will be charged $16.00. You will have to sign a late pick-up fee form that a staff member has prepared for you. You may pay the fee on the spot, otherwise it will be added to your child care fees. Excessive lateness could result in termination of childcare.URGENT NOTE: If your child is not picked up by 6:30pm and reasonable attempts to reach you or your emergency contacts have failed, the University Police Department will be called. They will take whatever steps necessary to assure the well-being of the children until the parents can be located. This could include calling Division of Family Services and/or placing the children in protective custody. Please don’t let that happen!O. CENTER’S DAYS OF OPERATIONThe Center is closed the following times: Christmas Day through New Year's Day. Holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving as they are all legal holidays for the University and are not deducted from any child care fees. Routine weekly rates apply. The center is also closed one day per year for staff professional development. This is usually the Friday before the Labor Day Holiday but could change. The only day there will be a scheduled early dismissal is December 24 if this is not a holiday. In addition, the center may experience EMERGENCY CLOSURE DAYS due to inclement weather; power outages; or other unsafe conditions. Decisions to close the center will be made jointly by the center director and Dean of the College of Education. P. NOTICE OF ABSENCE DUE TO VACATION/ILLNESS/DAY OFFEach family is eligible for one week, consecutive days of absence, at no charge, annually, from January to December. Please inform the Center in writing during the month prior to desired absence to insure proper billing.University Faculty, Staff and Students are eligible for one additional week of absence, consecutive days, at half the normal weekly rate. Your child must be absent to receive either credit.If your child will be out on a scheduled day, for any reason, please notify the Center of the absence. Your child’s teachers and the cook really appreciate it!Q. EMERGENCY PROCEDURESWhen an accident or sudden illness occurs, staff will administer first aid. In the event of a minor accident or injury, an accident/incident report form will be filled out providing details and care given to child. Decisions regarding further care will be left to the parent, in accordance with our health policy. In the case of extreme emergencies, the child will be taken to the closest hospital for necessary treatment. UCDC staff will remain with the child until a parent arrives.Major emergencies such as FIRES, SEVERE WEATHER OR EARTHQUAKES are handled as needed. Plans for evacuating the Center are posted inside the front door of the Center, in each classroom, and near other emergency exits. We strive to practice emergency evacuation procedures for fires, tornadoes and earthquakes on a monthly basis.R. OFF CAMPUS EVACUATIONIn the event of a serious matter in the South Campus Classroom Building or South Campus of the University, the children of UCDC will be evacuated to the Millennium Student Center. Children will be transported by the University shuttle buses. Center staff will remain with children until parents arrive to pick them up. Parents will be notified of the exact room and the number where they can reach the Center once children have been moved. Center phones will be forwarded to the new number. Should phone service be lost the center will contact parents via personal cellular phones or campus security. Parents will be expected to sign their children out before leaving with their child. S. PARENTAL VISITS/OBSERVATIONParents are welcome to visit the Center at any time. If you would like to take your child to lunch or join your child's class for lunch, teachers will gladly accommodate this. T. HEALTHY CELEBRATIONSThe University Child Development Center is committed to providing a culture of wellness for the children in our care. As part of our initiative to promote healthy eating and physical activity, we ask that families do not bring cake, cupcakes, candy or other sugary foods or drinks to school as a birthday treat. Healthy alternatives, such as, smoothies, fruit salad or frozen yogurt would be welcome. (Remember that UCDC is a nut free establishment.) We also encourage families to celebrate their child’s birthday with special non-food focused activities. For Example, your child could bring their favorite book to share, families could come in and have a dance party with the class or families could donate a ball, jump ropes, hula hoops or frisbees to be used on the playground. If you have another idea that would celebrate your child and support our healthy eating initiative, please discuss it with your child’s teacher. Please see the list below of acceptable healthy celebration snack ideas. All food items need to be store-bought:Low-fat yogurt products100% Fruit popsiclesCheese and crackersSmoothies (Can be made in class if you bring ingredients and blender)Fruit kabobsFruit traysYogurt parfait with fresh fruitRaisins/other dried fruitsString Cheese Tortilla roll-upsHummus or yogurt dip with VeggiesCuties/Clementines (The kids have fun peeling these)Individual fruit cups/applesauceVeggie strawsRoasted chickpeasKale chipsFruit with sunbutterAny celebration held at the Center will be bound by the following restrictions:Commercially prepared or individually wrapped food is OK.(2) No candles may be lit due to fire codes.(3) No balloons for children under three years old.*Because of food allergies, please check with teachers before bringing in any food item. We are a NUT FREE center. No nut products are allowed in the center. U. VIOLENCE, WEAPONS, SUPER HERO PLAYViolence, weapon play and super hero play are discouraged at the Center. Appropriate non-violent solutions are our goal, and each child is encouraged to think of non-violent solutions to problems they may encounter.V. MATERIALS FROM HOMEPlease bring items requested at time of enrollment and extra clothing.Please DO NOT bring: food, toys, candy, or gum. These items usually create problems among the children. If your child would like to share a book, a CD, or another item, you may arrange this with the teacher. Once again, be sure these items are labeled with your child's name.W. MEALS AND SNACKS*Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are served daily at the Child Development Center. Copies of our menus are provided to parents. USDA nutrition standards are used in meal planning. The menu reflects our commitment to early childhood nutrition providing a variety of foods to meet the dietary and nutritional needs of each child. The 5 or 6 week menu rotates usually over the course of a semester.Medical diets, dietary modifications or exclusions due to age, allergies, health needs or religious beliefs are accommodated whenever possible. Written, dated notification of food restrictions is required. *The CACFP is available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against should write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C15268756322400X. INFANT FEEDINGBreastfeeding mothers returning to work need ongoing support from their child care providers as they are juggling nursing, expressing milk and their infant’s changing schedule. The University Child Development Center is committed to supporting nursing moms, and we subscribe to the following policy.The University Child Development Center has an “open door” policy. Parents are welcome to come in and out of the Center at any time and we strongly encourage nursing moms to come and nurse their child during the day if they are able to do so. Breastfeeding mothers, including UCDC employees, are provided with a private, sanitary place to breastfeed their babies or express milk. This area provides an electrical outlet, comfortable chair, table and nearby access to running water.Breastfeeding mothers, including UCDC employees, may store their expressed breast milk in the UCDC refrigerator that is in the Infant Room or in the deep freeze in the kitchen. Mother’s should provide their own containers, clearly labeled with name and date. Infant Room staff will follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that breast milk is properly handled to avoid waste. UCDC staff are committed to providing ongoing support to breastfeeding mothers. This includes providing the opportunity to breastfeed their baby at any time, and staff will delay giving a bottle, when possible, if mom has communicated that she is coming to nurse. If the mother has provided expressed milk, formula and solid food will not be provided unless the mother has requested it. Babies will be held closely when feeding and bottles will not be propped. All Infant Room staff will be trained to watch for hunger and fullness cues, in how to “pace feed” an infant, as well as, the proper storage and handling of human milk. This training will occur upon hiring and annually thereafter. Guidelines for bringing expressed milk:Bring enough expressed milk for a feeding every 3 – 3 ? hoursBring a clean bottle for each feeding.Breast milk should be defrosted and ready to be warmed as needed.It is of the utmost importance that each bottle is labeled with your child’s name and the date each day. Bring 4-6oz of frozen breast milk to be kept in the deep freeze in the kitchen.Please communicate with our staff if you are planning to come and nurse during the day, so that we can make every effort to accommodate your schedule. UCDC employees shall be provided breaks to accommodate breast feeding or milk expression up to one year after the child’s birth. The time allowed would not exceed the normal time allowed for lunch and breaks. For time beyond normal lunch breaks, coordination with a supervisor is necessary and sick/annual leave must be used. Pregnant and postpartum women employees enrolled in the UM system medical insurance plan have access to comprehensive lactation support and counseling as well as breastfeeding equipment. Breastfeeding promotion information will be displayed in the Center and staff will provide information about resources should questions or a problem arise. Infant feeding routines follow the USDA recommendations aligned with the age of the child. Formula and baby food are provided by the Center, however if parents want their child to have a certain brand of food, they will have to provide it. Whole milk is provided for infants over 12 months and toddlers. Per USDA guidelines, we are unable to let children wait longer than 3-3 ? hours between feedings. This means that nursing mothers will need to provide three to four bottles of breast milk each day. Extra breast milk may be brought in to be stored in the deep freezer in the kitchen. If breast milk is unavailable we will offer formula.Y. SLEEPING/NAPPING In the infant room, children nap according to their own sleeping patterns as identified through collaboration by teachers and parents/guardians. Infants are always put to sleep on their back and soft bedding, pillows, and toys are not placed in the crib with the child.For the other children in the Center there is a common rest time when the lights are turned out and children are encouraged to rest on individual cots for one hour. If after one hour of rest time, a child has not fallen asleep, then he or she is allowed to engage in quiet activities.Z. DAILY LOGSIn the infant, toddler, and Explorers (2-year old) classrooms, parents are provided with a daily log of their child(ren)’s activity at pick-up time. The log includes pertinent information about the child’s eating, sleeping, and diapering/toileting activities. Teachers also make note of children’s developmental learning, including such things as daily activities, likes/dislikes, social and emotional growth, and new discoveries. AA. DIAPER CHANGING AND TOILET TRAINING METHODSIn the Infant, Toddler, and Explorer rooms, diapers are changed every two hours or before if needed. Staff follows proper health and sanitation guidelines including the use of plastic gloves and hand washing, as well as sanitization of the changing table after each diaper change. Before transitioning to a preschool classroom, children must be toilet trained. Staff in the Explorers classroom (2-year old) support toilet training by encouraging comfort with using the toilet. Children who are still in diapers are allowed to sit on the toilet and assisted in using the toilet as they demonstrate interest. When the teachers and parents collaboratively feel that children are ready for full toilet training, the children are encouraged to come to school in underwear and the staff work with the children to help them learn to notice the signals of their body. Accomplishments are celebrated with praise and encouragement. Children are never disciplined or humiliated if accidents occur. BB. HANDWASHING AND SANITATION445340335433000Staff and children should wash their hands at the following times, and whenever hands are contaminated with body fluids:a)Before and after food preparation, handling, or servingb)After toileting or changing diapersc)After assisting a child with toilet use or toileting accident d)After removing disposable glovese)After coming into contact with bloodf)Before any food service activity, including setting the tableg)Before and after eating meals or snacksh)After handling pets or other animalsi)After blowing or wiping nosesj)Upon arrival into the classroomk)Upon reentering classroom from outdoor playThe preferred method of hand washing is with warm running water and liquid soap for 10-20 seconds; however, the use of hand sanitizer is an appropriate alternative to traditional hand washing for children 24 months and older.In addition, dishes, utensils, water bottles and cups, and eating surfaces are sanitized before use. Toys are also sanitized as needed. CC. OUTDOOR PLAY WEATHER POLICYAll children at the Center go outside, as required by the State, every day to allow gross motor activity as well as, a dose of fresh air.. All children go outside if the temperature or heat index is below 90 degrees F. The Infants (over 6 months) and Toddlers go outside if the temp. or wind child is above 32 F. The Explorers go outside if the temp. or wind chill is above 20 F. The Discoverers and Creators go outside if the temp. or wind chill is above 10 F. As the temperature nears the limits less time will be spent outdoors.In the summer you should provide sunscreen and a hat. In the winter you should provide hats, gloves/mittens, snow pants, boots and a heavy coat. Children will go outside even if you do not provide the appropriate protection. Requests to keep a child indoors will not be honored unless accompanied by a doctor’s note.DD. ANIMALS/PETSThe Center allows a variety of pets such as rabbits, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs and hermit crabs. It is the responsibility of the teacher to make sure the animals have adequate housing and care appropriate for the type of animal. Keeping the animal’s area clean and well maintained is important and children are occasionally involved in the care of the animals (i.e. feeding the fish, watering the crabs, etc).EE. FIELD TRIPSOccasionally students go on walks throughout the South Campus Classroom Building and on the UMSL South Campus grounds. The Center has a partnership with Litzsinger Road Ecology Center in Brentwood. Three to four times a year the preschool classrooms plan field trips to the Ecology Center. Students are transported by bus. In such events, parents will be notified in advance of the planned date, the time of departure, the anticipated time of arrival, and time of return to the center. Signed, written permission will be required for children to participate. Supervision during visits to Litzsinger Road Ecology Center is provided by UCDC staff in accordance with Center policies and teacher/child ratios are maintained.Our Explorer classroom (two-year olds) also takes trips to Litzsinger throughout the year. Parent participation is required. FF. UNPLANNED SCHOOL CANCELLATIONSUnplanned school cancellations or early dismissals could be due to bad weather, power outages, loss of heating/cooling system, etc. This is not an exclusive list.Personnel from University Marketing and Communications will notify five broadcast outlets: St. Louis Public Radio (KWMU, 90.7 FM); KMOX (1120 AM); KTVI (Channel 2); KMOV (Channel 4); and KSDK (Channel 5). These radio and television stations have reliable procedures to broadcast information on inclement weather.?Also, University Marketing and Communications will: send campus-closure messages (email, text and voice-mail) to faculty, students and staff via the UM System's Emergency Mass Notification System; post messages on Facebook [ ] and Twitter [ ]; and post a campus-closure announcement on the university's home page In addition, UCDC will send messages via Teaching Strategies and Remind 101, a text messaging service. ?The Child Development Center is closed if the University offices are closed. Occasionally the Center will close at the discretion of the director/dean even if the University offices remain open. Tuition is still charged on these days.EARLY CLOSING: If bad weather or other occurrence develops during the day, parents or emergency contacts will be notified. Please do not call campus offices or the University Police for information about possible closings. Information will be available on one of the hot line numbers listed below or on any of the radio stations listed above.LATE OPENING: On days when there is a considerable amount of snowfall or ice and the University is open, the Center will open by 9:00am. This will allow staff a sufficient amount of time to arrive at work since traffic and driving are extra hazardous and time consuming on these days. You may call the Center to see if any staff members are present and may certainly drop-off your child(ren) earlier than 9:00am if staff members are present.Hot line numbers: 516-INFO. Information is available after 6:00am each day. You can call the Center at 516-5658 or 516-6789 for a voice mail message.GG. PARENTAL DISCIPLINEAt UCDC we believe that positive discipline helps children learn to control their behavior. We also believe in supporting the family culture, traditions and parenting styles. However aggressive language, spanking or in any way striking a child will not be tolerated and can result in staff asking the parent and child to step out of the center until the situation is under control. If you are experiencing difficulties using positive discipline, feel free to speak with UCDC staff for suggestions about how to handle specific situations. HH. PARENT CONFLICT RESOLUTIONWe strive to meet all the needs of the children, parents, and staff at our center. Occasionally you might have a concern or conflict. In this situation, please speak with the lead teacher in your child’s classroom first if the concern is regarding your child. If you do not feel the issue has been addressed, then you should feel free to speak with the program coordinator or director. If your concern is regarding a center administrative policy, please feel free to speak with the director first. If you concern isn’t addressed, you can then speak to the Dean of the College of Education. If you have concerns about the program coordinator, you should speak to the director. If you have concerns about the director, you can speak with the Dean of the College of Education. III. Health Policy ImmunizationsMedication Policy A. HEALTH POLICY DAILY HEALTH SCREENINGTeachers should use the following checkpoints to screen each child as they arrive:1. Have there been any changes in behavior or appearance from the previous day?2. Are there any visible skin rashes or nits? Is the child scratching their skin?3. Are there any complaints of pain or not feeling well?4. Are there any other signs or symptoms of illness, including drainage from the eyes, vomiting or diarrhea?5. Have there been any reported illnesses or injuries in child or family member since their last day of attendance?If there have been changes from the previous day of attendance, please investigate further. Do a thorough check of the child and take their temperature. Please record your findings in the illness/medical log and contact the child’s parents or guardians. YOUR CHILD SHOULD REMAIN AT HOME WHEN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS OCCUR:1. Vomiting or diarrhea, two or more incidents2. Fever over 100 degrees oral, 99 degrees under the arm3. Unexplained rash4. General discomfort that interferes with a child's participationIf a child exhibits any of these symptoms during the day, parents will be contacted and asked to pick up the child from the Center in a timely manner. These policies were created to protect all children from contagious illness. We appreciate your good attitude and prompt response if your child needs to be sent home.YOUR CHILD MAY ATTEND SCHOOL WHEN THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE PRESENT:1. Mild fever due to teething or immunization reactions (under 100)2. Mild and/or infrequent diarrhea due to teething or allergies3. Mild rashes due to allergic reactions4. Mild rashes due to chronic, non-contagious skin disorders5. Infrequent coughing, sneezing, or runny nose due to mild cold or allergiesYOUR CHILD MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER MEDICAL TREATMENT AND/OR WHEN THE CHILD IS NO LONGER CONTAGIOUS*1. Ear infections, 24-48 hours on antibiotic2. Throat infections, 24-48 hours on antibiotic3. Childhood communicable diseases, check with physician4. Rashes, check with physician5. Impetigo, after treatment and sores are dry6. Pediculosis capitis (head lice), after treatment7. Conjunctivitis (pink eye), after 2 treatments and if yellow or green drainage has subsided8. 24 hrs after fever, diarrhea, or vomiting has subsided without the use of medicationDiseases or conditions not listed will be handled individually*Physician's note is required for child to return to school if symptom(s) are still present.B. IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTSEach child must have an immunization record on file at the Center prior to his or her first day. A MEDICAL EXAMINATION REPORT must be on file at the Center WITHIN 30 days of enrollment. This report must be signed by a physician stating that the child is up-to-date with all prescribed immunizations and is, at the time of the examination, free of contagious diseases--"a well child".The state of MO recommends the following immunization schedule:Parents may request notice at initial enrollment or any time there after whether there are children currently enrolled in or attending the facility for whom an immunization exemption has been filed. C. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONSA. Children with special needs are enrolled providing the Center's environment does not conflict with the child's developmental, educational, health or safety requirements.B. A letter, signed by a physician, should be on file stating that enrollment in our child care program will not be detrimental to the child's health, safety or development.Provide Individualized Education Program, if appropriate.D. MEDICATION GUIDELINESPRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONPlease remember, when at all possible, parents should administer medication. If there is no way to prevent medication being given during the course of a child's day at school, it will gladly be given, provided the appropriate form is completed. Prescription medicine will be given if the parent signs a Medication Request Form specifying the expiration date of the medication, the name and strength of the medication, the dosage, the heath care provider’s name and the time(s) and date(s) to be given. A separate form is required for each medication and each child. Medication cannot be shared between children. Prescription medication must be in the original container with a label that clearly shows the child’s first and last name, date the prescription was filled, name of the prescribing healthcare provider, name of the medication, the medication’s expiration date, instructions for administration and storage, and any information on possible side effects. Prescription medication cannot be transferred to another person for whom it was not prescribed. Siblings may not share prescription medication. Any side effects, restrictions or special precautions (such as refrigeration of medicine) must be noted on the Medication Request Form.Under all circumstances, as many doses of a child's medication as possible, should be given at home. If prescription medication is prescribed only once or twice a day the Child Development Center will not administer the medication. Parents should administer this medication at home. Special consideration will be given when medication must be taken at meal times or specifically stated times of the dayNON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONNonprescription medicine; such as fever/pain reducer, cough/cold or allergy remedies will be administered if the Medication Request Form is completed by the parent.Nonprescription medicine must be in the original container with the manufacturer’s instructions clearly visible. The child's name should be written on a piece of masking tape and applied to the container so that it does not obscure the label.At no time, will the recommended dosage on the container be exceeded unless accompanied by a physician’s statement. Parents of Infants and Toddlers please note, most (if not all) over-the-counter medications are NOT dosed for children under two. This includes Infant Drops Tylenol and other non-aspirin pain relievers/fever reducers. Many medications are not labeled for children less than 6 years of age. Please read labels carefully and be sure to obtain a written physician's statement if your child needs to take that medication at school.Aspirin or any product containing aspirin WILL NOT be given.Please provide a medicine spoon or dropper to insure proper dosage. Please label.IV. GuidanceA. PHILOSOPHYMany guidance situations, which appear as problems, should be considered stages of growth and development. Some are characteristic of the age group, while others are individual opportunities to gain competence. Teachers observe behaviors and, if an unfortunate situation persists, the staff plans action for change.B. PREVENTIVE MEASURESGoals at the Center include keeping children's interests high and frustration low. Playing, learning, friendships, and respect for others are given positive attention while inappropriate behavior is redirected or dealt with in accordance with the incident.Rules:There are firm rules with regard to safety, health, and the rights of others. These are explained and consistently and firmly upheld.Rules concerning routines, procedures, and activities of the children are more flexible and responsive to changing individual and group needs.TEACHERS AVOID:Teasing, promises, comparisons, competition and unreal choices.All forms of punishmentC. PROBLEM SITUATIONS AND CONFLICT When a difficult situation or a conflict does occur, teachers utilize a typical sequence of responses: Staff will:Move physically close to the child's levelTouch the child; hold hand or embrace.Talk about the event or the expectations of appropriate behavior.Listen to the child's response.Redirect the child to another activityIf those are not effective the teacher may need to:Physically restrain the child.Observe or remain with the child after a difficult situation to assure conformity.Remove the child to calm or speak with the child.Reassure the child that he/she is accepted.Discuss with parents if necessary.Plan for future occurrences with other staff.Individual events are handled as they occur. Repeated events may require careful staff planning or a program of sequenced observation, intervention, and follow-up.Formal and informal parent discussions are an essential ingredient in child guidance and management.In some cases referrals for specialized help are discussed with parents, as well as termination of child care when it is in the best interest of all involved. V. Parental InvolvementA. OVERVIEW OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILY INVOLVEMENTInvolvement of all family members in our daily programming and special events is welcome. Both formal and informal opportunities are available. Formal opportunities include parent-teacher conferences, participation in the UCDC Advisory Committee, and attendance at parent meetings. More informally, parents are always welcome to visit the Center during the day, participate in field trips, come for lunch, share special talents or occupations, help with special projects, contribute materials to the classroom, or participate in other ways. Recognizing that working parents often have limited time and energy available, we try to accommodate various styles of participation. Please share ideas with your child's teacher about how you can best participate. Siblings enrolled in the Center are allowed to visit each other during the day as each child's schedule permits. A brother or sister could also be included for a special event such as a birthday party, if parents would like to make arrangements with the teachers. Grandparents also enjoy visiting the Center, and are always welcome to visit!Working as a team, UCDC staff and families can continually improve the Center environment for all involved. If you have a concern, be sure to inform either the classroom teacher or Center Director. We welcome your suggestions. B. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCESEach year parents have the option of scheduling a parent-teacher conference. Teachers will be prepared to review records of the child's development, and share observations of the child's typical behavior in the classroom. This information will be shared through Teaching Strategies, the online portfolio and assessment system we use. Parents will receive a summary form at the conference. Informal conferences will happen often. These may be scheduled as part of an IFSP or IEP, or may be scheduled at the request of the teacher or parent. Parent partnerships in education are a center focus. We encourage communication frequently. C. PARENT AREAS Each classroom has a parent bulletin area near the classroom that notes information important to that class, such as, lesson plans, upcoming events and sign-up sheets. General Center information will be posted at the sign-in table and on the Center doors by the front desk. Please check these postings frequently and use these areas to post information you would like to share. D. CENTER AND CLASSROOM NEWSLETTERSEach classroom publishes a newsletter at least quarterly featuring information on classroom activities for that age. A general Center newsletter is also published with information for parents in all classrooms. The newsletters are distributed through the Teaching Strategies platform. Copies are posted on the classroom and center bulletin boards. E. PARENT RESOURCESThe center has many resources that parents can borrow. We have books on many of the difficult parenting issues. We have literacy kits that parents can take home to use with their children. We also have connections to community resources that might assist parents in need. Please ask the classroom teacher or center director and program coordinator if you are in need of resources. ................
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