Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Child Care Center Handbook
2015-2016
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
1951 Plymouth, SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Child Care ~ 241-4633 ext. 204
Contacts
Child Care Director: Mrs. Lynda Davis ~ 241-4633 ext. 204 (ldavis@ihmschoolgr.com)
Principal: Mr. Michael Thomasma ~ 241-4633 (principal@ihmschoolgr.com)
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Lori Brecken ~ 241-4633 (lbrecken@ihmschoolgr.com)
Immaculate Heart of Mary School ~ 241-4633
Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Care Center
Parent Handbook
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Table of Contents
Mission Statement and Beliefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Hours/Days of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Policies (Admission, Drop-Off/Pick-Up, Withdrawal, Removal)
4
Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Emergency Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Student Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
• Nutrition
• Illness
• Medication
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Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Health Care Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
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Infectious/Contagious Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Registration, Scheduling, Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Full Day Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Half Day Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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Our School Mission Statement
Immaculate Heart of Mary School, immersed in the teachings of the Catholic Church, is
dedicated to providing excellent spiritual and academic formation in the development of wellrounded individuals centered in Christ.
Our Beliefs
We Believe In...
o Preparing children to live their Catholic faith by nurturing their love for Christ.
o Assisting them in understanding their unique God-given talents and gifts.
o Encouraging children to develop their talents and self-esteem based on Catholic values and
academic excellence.
o Nurturing each child's desire to continue learning beyond the classroom.
o Cultivating student's awareness and respect for all members of the global community.
o Developing collaboration among students, parents, staff and the parish community.
o Motivating students to value and participate in Catholic Ministry as a way of life.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School Child Care Center
Our Child Care Center serves Immaculate Heart of Mary School families who need a fun, safe,
structured environment for their children before school, during the school day, and/or after school.
The IHMS Child Care Center is located in the Early Childhood Building. The preschool rooms,
playground, and gym are utilized.
We provide an atmosphere where children are encouraged to grow socially, creatively, emotionally,
intellectually, spiritually and physically. Both teacher-led and child-led activities as well as indoor
and outdoor activities are included. Free choice activities include games, puzzles, manipulatives,
literature, arts and crafts, discovery, drama, large and fine motor activities, and music. After school
homework assistance is available, if needed.
Hours/Days of Operation
Immaculate Heart of Mary School’s Child Care Center operates between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6
p.m. on all full and half days that IHM School is in session (see latest school calendar). When school
is closed, child care is closed unless a large group of parents request care in advance. If the school
starting time is delayed, child care will be available as soon as the morning teacher can safely arrive.
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Admission Policy
Attendance at Child Care is limited to those students currently enrolled in IHM School, Preschool
through 8th Grade. Children are admitted into the child care program upon completion of all regular
school forms and fees plus the following Child Care Center forms to be completed prior to enrollment
and updated annually:

Registration (including $10 fee)

Child Information Record

Parental Statement Re: Health & Well-Being of Child

Parent Notification of the Licensing Notebook

Childcare Placement Agreement

Sibling Release (optional)
Drop-off/Pick-Up Policy
We require that all parents bring their child(ren) into the building and see that s/he is(or they’re)
under supervision before leaving the premises. This contact with the teachers provides a time for
communicating any special needs a child might have for the day. A sign will be posted on the main
door when the staff and students leave the child care room for the elementary school playground or
building.
We also require that all parents come inside to personally sign in/out their child. Notification is
requested if anyone other than the normally scheduled person will be picking up the child. We cannot
release your child to a new pick-up person unless the pick-up person is listed on your Child
Information Record or we have been notified, via a signed note or email by a parent. Please
inform this new pick-up person that we will ask to see picture identification before releasing the
child to their care.
Withdrawal Policy
Parents are free to withdraw from IHM Child Care at any time. A minimum two-week notice is
appreciated. An Exit Interview may be conducted with the withdrawing family so as to determine
where IHM Child Care might improve service.
Removal Policy
If a family’s Child Care account is not kept in good standing, a child’s attendance at Child
Care may be limited or barred.
Removing a child from the IHM Child Care Center is enacted by the IHM School administration in
consultation with the Child Care staff and Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish when there is a
repeated, prolonged, and open disregard for center rules or authority, or where circumstances of
crime, scandal, morality, safety, or disruption necessitates this extreme disciplinary action.
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Staff
IHM Child Care Center is a state licensed center providing care for enrolled students according to the
provisions of the Michigan Administrative Code. Our staff is trained in CPR and First Aid. All staff
members are screened with criminal background checks and Central Registry Checks before having
contact with children in the care of IHM CCC. No person having been convicted of child
abuse/neglect and/or a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual will be hired.
Screening documentation shall be kept on file and updated every two years. In addition, each staff
member has been carefully screened for their love of children and their ability to positively interact
with children on a daily basis.
Volunteers
All volunteers of IHMS Child Care Center (IHM CCC) must be screened with criminal background
checks and Central Registry Checks before having contact with children in the care of IHM CCC. No
person having been convicted of child abuse/neglect and/or a felony involving harm or threatened
harm to an individual will be accepted as a volunteer. Screening documentation shall be kept on file
and updated, if applicable, every two years.
Discipline
Children function best in an environment
that is loving, supportive, and stable. The
staff employs methods of discipline
which encourage self-control, selfdirection, and self-esteem. Our staff
will keep a consistent daily schedule
and an orderly classroom. Simple
limits will be set for the child's safety
and will be explained and enforced.
When a child's behavior becomes
unacceptable, he/she will be told why
and encouraged to change it. If a child's
behavior could hurt someone, damage something in the room, or continually disrupts the class it may
be best to remove him/her in order to think about the behavior displayed. The child is then welcomed
back to the group to join in the present activity. Appropriate parent contact will be initiated by the
staff following discipline issues and students may be referred to the principal or other administrator.
Students will be reminded that the School Discipline Policy and procedures also apply at the Child
Care Center.
Dress Code
Students in grades 1 through 8 are expected to follow the IHM School dress code (listed in the Family
Handbook and on the school website). Exceptions may be made in warm weather periods and school
break periods. Parents and students will be notified of any exceptions. On halfdays, students may change into dress-down clothes (following school
guidelines). Preschool and Kindergarten are expected to follow their classroom
guidelines for dress code. Children are allowed to change into play clothes after
school hours at the discretion of the Child Care Center staff.
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Emergency Procedures
Fire, tornado, lock-down and evacuation drills will be practiced throughout the school year. In the
event of severe weather, we advise parents not to pick up their children until the severe weather has
passed. In the event of an emergency, we ask that you follow these procedures:

Turn on your radio or television. We will try to keep the media informed of emergency
information.

Please do not call school. Our telephone lines must be kept open to respond to the emergency.
We will contact you with any change in the time/location of pick-up.

Please do not come early to pick up your child unless you are requested to do so.
Student Care
Nutrition
The children enrolled in IHM Child Care bring their own snacks for the morning, afternoon, and after
school – depending upon what times they are enrolled to attend. Children staying for lunch must bring
their own sack lunch and drink (unless water from the drinking fountain is acceptable). We encourage
healthy foods (especially to be eaten first) and discourage candy and pop. Please provide your own
utensils.
Illness
If your child is running a fever or is ill with a cold or flu, it is not in his/her best interest to be in
school or child care that day. A parent contact will be initiated in this circumstance and, if we are
unable to contact a parent, another emergency release person will be notified. Some symptoms
requiring pick up include but are not limited to:
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If a child has a fever over 100 degrees F.
If a child has more than one episode of diarrhea on any given day.
Vomiting for any reason.
Any undiagnosed rash.
Medication
Medication will be administered to a student during the school day only if a medication form has been
completed and signed by the child's physician. All medication must be sent to school in its original
container or prescription bottle. Medication must be clearly labeled with the student's name, date,
doctor's name, and completed instructions for administration. All medication should
be given to the secretary staff (school office) immediately upon a student's arrival at
school. Non-prescription medicine cannot be administered without written
instructions from your physician. For medicine administered after school hours,
please see the Child Care Director for a Child Care Medication Permission form.
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Accidents
In case of an accident at school, emergency first aid will be administered. Every effort will be made
to contact the parent(s)/guardian(s). In case of failure to contact the parent/guardian (either at home
or their place of work), the authorized person on the child's Emergency Form will be contacted. It is
important that your children know your schedule (i.e. work, golf league, classes, etc.). If your child
requires any special medical attention, please alert our school office through the Emergency Form.
Bumps, bruises, or minor cuts may be cleaned and/or ice/band-aids may be applied and/or
parent(s)/emergency contact called.
If a serious injury occurs the following procedure will be followed:
• Check child for needed medical care
• Call 911 if emergency medical care is needed
• CPR, First Aid, Ice pack, Band-aids, hugs will be applied as needed
• Incident/Accident/Ouch report(s), a phone call(s), and possibly email will be completed as
needed
Health Care Policies
Children attending IHM CCC will be taught and reminded of proper hand washing procedures. All
children and staff of IHM CC will practice hand washing before and after eating, after utilizing the
restroom, after activities, and whenever else appropriate.
The following procedures are considered best practice for hand washing:
• Have a clean paper towel available.
• Turn water on to a comfortable temperature (between 60 degrees F to 120 degrees F).
• Moisten hands with water and apply soap.
• Rub hands together until a soapy lather appears and continue for at least 10 seconds
• Rub areas between fingers, around nail beds, under fingernails, jewelry, and the back of
hands.
• Rinse hands under running water until they are free of soap and dirt. Leave the water running
while drying hands.
• Dry hands with a clean, disposable paper towel. Turn taps off with the paper towel.
• Dispose of the paper towel in a lined trash container.
Staff of IHM CCC undergo Blood Borne Pathogen Training prior to employment and annually
thereafter. Latex gloves are available for staff to use in the event of possible exposure to bodily fluids
(blood, vomit, urine, etc.) Should bodily fluids be present, children will be removed from the area
until fluids are cleaned up and area is disinfected.
We use precautions when handling potential exposure to blood, nasal discharge, and bodily fluids and
when handling other potentially infectious fluids. Soiled clothing and/or personal belongings will be
placed in a plastic bag and returned to parents.
All equipment, toys, and other surfaces of IHM CCC undergo cleaning and sanitizing throughout the
school year with rigorous methods applied at the beginning and end of the school year. Toys are
cleaned seasonally; sleeping cots are cleaned daily; table tops are cleaned after each use.
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The following steps are to be followed for cleaning and sanitizing:
 Wash the surface or article with warm water and detergent.
 Rinse the surface with clean water.
 Submerge, wipe, or spray the surface or the article with a sanitizing solution.
 Let the article or surface air dry.
Infection and Contagious Diseases
Should your child contract an infection or a contagious disease, please keep your child at
home, seek medical help, and contact IHM CCC immediately. IHM CCC shall then contact the
Health Department (DEQ) and notify parents that the children may have been exposed to a contagion.
Children enrolled in IHM CCC need to be able to blow and wipe their own noses, try to cover
their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and be able to use the bathroom without help.
Please use parental discretion regarding your child’s attendance when s/he is not feeling well.
Children experiencing the following symptoms should be kept home: fever over 100 degrees with or
without medication, vomiting, diarrhea, any undiagnosed rash, lice, and any suspected contagious
illnesses.
When a child shares, over a period of time, or indicates that s/he is not feeling well, a call will
be made to the parent(s). Medication may be given to a child by school staff only when/if parents
follow school medication procedure(s).
Registration, Scheduling, Fees
•
Registration will begin every spring for the following school year. Child Care packets will be
available by August for the upcoming school year.
•
Families are required to schedule attendance at least one week in advance and preferably two.
Unfortunately, IHMS CCC is unable to function as a drop off center. If your schedule is not
turned in on time, we have the right to refuse your child’s attendance. A legal teacher:child
ratio is required of us. If extra days are needed, check with the child care director. If there is
space available, we will be glad to accommodate you.
•
Parents will be charged a late fee for late payments.
•
Parents will be charged $10 for every 15 minutes (or fraction thereof) when their child
remains at the Center after 6:00 PM.
•
We request a two week written notice when withdrawing from the program.
Fees
Annual Registration - $10
First child - $4 per hour
Each additional child - $4 per hour
$1 for each quarter hour after the first hour
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Full Day Daily Schedule
(Subject to flexibility in order to meet the needs of the children)
7-7:30
7:45
8:00
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:15
12:15
12:30
12:50
1:15 – 2:30
2:00 +
3:15
3:30-5:30
5:30
Greeting, Free Choice
K-8 Send Off
Pre-K Send Off, Prayer, Sharing, Discovery, Art
Stories
Restroom Break, Wash Hands, and Snack
Sensory, Math
Outdoor Play, Indoor Large Motor, or Music & Movement
Wash Hands, Say Grace, Lunch, then Free Play
Young 5’s Send Off
Group Game Inside or Out + Free Play
Restroom Break, Wash Hands, Story Time & Prayer
45 min. Rest Time within this time block (Longer for sleeping children who need it.)
Free Play (Snack Time at will at designated cleaned tables and after washing hands)
Greet Y5-8, Wash hands, Prayer
Homework at designated areas for those with homework
*Teacher led and child led Free Choice Activities
Clean Up
*Indoors and Outdoors (weather permitting) with supervisor.
Activities may include arts & crafts, dramatic play, writing, experiments, sensory activities, large
puzzles, group or board games, and more.
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Child Care Schedule on Elementary School Half Days
(Subject to flexibility in order to meet the needs of the children)
7-7:30
7:45
8:00
9:00
9:30
10:00
10:30
11:15
12:50
1:15 – 2:30
2:00 +
3:30-5:30
5:30
Greeting, Free Choice
K-8 Send Off
Pre-K Send Off, Prayer, Sharing, Discovery, Art
Stories
Restroom Break, Wash Hands, and Snack
Sensory, Math
Outdoor Play, Indoor Large Motor, or Music & Movement
Greet K-8, Wash hands, Prayer, Lunch, then Free Play
Restroom Break, Wash Hands, Story Time & Prayer for preschoolers
45 min. Rest Time within this time block (for preschoolers)
Quiet Time for everyone else
Free Play (Snack Time at will at designated tables after washing hands)
*Teacher led and child led Free Choice Activities
Clean Up
*Indoors and Outdoors (weather permitting) with supervisor.
Activities may include arts & crafts, dramatic play, writing, experiments, sensory activities, large
puzzles, group or board games, and more.
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Resources
We can all use help from time to time. Immaculate Heart of Mary School employs a part-time
counselor who is available to all students and their families. Contact school administration if you
need to schedule an appointment. Listed below are some groups that can help families.
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Kent County Children’s Protective Services: 616-247-6000
National Drug & Alcohol Treatment Hotline: 1-800-622-HELP
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information: 1-800-729-6686
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD
National Council on Child Abuse & Family Violence: 1-800-222-2000 (24 hours) Provides
information and referrals on child abuse and other types of family violence.
Parent Help Line: 1-800-942-HELP
National Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-HIT-HOME
National Mental Health Association: 1-800-969-6642
National Maternal & Child Health Clearinghouse: (703) 821-8955, X-254
WIC (Women Infants and Children): 1-800-26-BIRTH
Helps moms get nutritional food for their children under age five.
Legal Aid: (517) 346-6300 Call the Michigan Bar Association or look in the yellow pages for
local offices near you. Provides legal assistance to low income people.
Office of Family Advocate (OFA): (517) 373-2101 Reviews complaints about DHS and
other public and private agencies.
(Office of Children’s Ombudsman OCO): 1-800-642-4326 Investigates complaints about
DHS cases.
Updated August 2015
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