702 Cole Avenue
Monroe, LA 71203
318-342-1913
fax 318-342-3358 cell 318-801-1546

ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
Welcome
Forward
Mission of the ULM Child Development
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Incident Report
Illness
Communicable Disease
Center
Program Philosophy
Program Goals
Goals for the child
Goals for parents
Goals for community
Educational Goals of the ULM Child
Development Center
General Developmental Goals infants: Six weeks – 1 st Birthday
Toddlers: 1 Year – 2 ½ years
Tots: 2 ½ years and 3 year olds
Preschool: 4 & 5 year olds
Enrollment
Enrollment Policies
Upon Entrance
Immunization Exemptions
Fees and Tuition
Termination of enrollment by parent
Termination of enrollment by center
Hours
Calendar
Holiday Celebration Policy
Program Overview
Primary Care
Curriculum
Routines
Schedule
Morning Arrival
Pick-Up Time
Late Pick-Up Charge
Departure Time/Third Party Release
Procedure
Custody Policy
Daily Schedules and Lesson Plans
Daily Activity Report
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Family Health Notification
Medication
Absences
Staff Policies and Procedures
Diapering Policy
Infection Control Practices and
Disease Prevention Policy
Safety Procedures Policy
Universal Blood Precautions
Rest Time
Feeding
Bottle and Breast Feeding
Guidance
Limits of Behavior
Biting Policy and Procedure
Outdoor Play Policy
Water Activities Policy
Off-Site Activities Policy
Transportation Policy
Emergency Procedures
Building Evacuation
Closings
Child Assessment Policy
Permission to Photograph/Video/Audio
Tape
Nutrition Guidelines
Open Door Policy
Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco
Policy
Prohibition of Alcohol, Firearms,
Tobacco and Other Toxic Materials
Substance Abuse and Drug Free-
Workplace Policy
Notification of Withdrawal
Family Evaluation
Transition to New Services
Organizational Chart Communication
License & Quality Rating System
Complaint Procedure
Child/Staff Ratio
Children’s Records
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Confidentiality and Security of Records 16
Non-Discrimination Policy Children
Abuse and Neglect Policy
Continuing Education of Staff
Therapist Release
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
Welcome
Welcome to the ULM Child Development Center family! We hope this family handbook will be a guide to help you understand our program, what you can expect from us, and what we will expect from you in meeting your child’s needs.
Working toge ther, we know your child’s experiences with us will be what you expect – challenging, exciting, loving and positive. Our center wants to provide a happy and comfortable environment for your child. Our educational program is designed to meet the developmental needs of each individual child in our program. We believe that children need experiences in all areas of development (physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language, and creative experiences) in order to become well-rounded individuals.
Forward
This handbook is a basic reference concerning policies and procedure, privileges and opportunities, and obligations and responsibilities affecting the children and families of the ULM Child Development Center. Information contained in this handbook does not create any contractual rights for enrolled families. Policies contained in this handbook do not increase or diminish the legally enforceable rights of the University. The misapplication or failure to follow any specific provision in this handbook should not be grounds for setting aside or modifying any enrollment decision when it has been determined by appropriate administrative authority that the decision was fairly made and in the best interest of the ULM Child
Development Center and the University. Because the ULM Child Development Center is the initiator of change and is subject to various external legal and regulatory forces requiring change, the information in this handbook will be revised as the ULM Child Development Center and the University determines that conditions warrant.
University of Louisiana, Monroe Child Development Center Mission
The ULM CDC is a laboratory setting providing quality care and education for young children. The center provides practical experiences to prepare professionals for various early childhood careers.
Program Philosophy
We believe that an early childhood care and education program should provide a safe, warm, secure and comfortable environment. We believe that each child should be respected and cared for individually through an attached relationship with a knowledgeable, caring, and responsive adult caregiver. We believe that a learning environment which allows children to explore with all their senses through play will help each child grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. This type of environment will encourage children’s independence; self control, and allow them to take responsibility for their actions. We also feel this environment will enable children to be problem solvers and develop communication skills which they will use throughout their lives.
Program Goals
Goals for the child:
1. To provide opportunities for being with other children in a setting conducive to development of wholesome social relationships.
2. To provide appropriate play experiences that contribute to the developmental needs of children in the areas of social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
3. To provide opportunities for meaningful play that is based on the child’s individual needs, interests, handicaps, and abilities, and that will build important foundations for future learning.
Goals for parents:
1. To provide opportunities to meet with and work with other parents and teachers who have as their common concern the interests and needs of their child.
2. To provide care for the child while the parents pursue their own work or other interests.
3. To provide parents opportunities to grow in the understanding of child development.
4. To provide parents with information about available community resources that will support their role as primary caregiver for their children.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
Goals for the community:
1. To help meet the needs of the community by providing a quality early childhood program that supports families by providing supplemental care and education for young children.
2. To contribute to the wholesome growth and development of the future citizens of the community.
3. To provide a setting where people of various religious and ethnic backgrounds can work together for the common interest of investing in the future of this community.
Educational Goals of the ULM Child Development Center
1. To serve as a model program, implementing a developmentally sound learning environment for children.
2. To provide college students with the opportunity to learn about how children grow and develop.
3. To prepare teachers of young children.
4. To serve as a resource center for parents and teachers.
5. To provide a healthy environment where both individual and group needs are met in a developmentally appropriate setting.
6. To provide parents with information regarding parenting skills and developmentally appropriate learning practices.
7. To meet the observation and participation needs of students from Family and Consumer Sciences, as well as other degree programs offered at the university.
The laboratory program attempts to provide development for the whole child while taking into consideration the physical/motor, cognitive, social, and emotional areas of development. Each child is a unique individual and the center strives to meet each child’s individual needs as well as that of the group as a whole.
ULM Child Development Center Program Goals for Children
The following goals are broad long range program and developmental goals that our center will endeavor to accomplish for the age groups that our center serves.
General Developmental Goals:
Emotional Growth and Social Growth
1. To build self-confidence and a sense of self-worth by allowing choices within limits and to build successful experiences.
2. To provide a warm accepting environment in which children can work and play in.
3. To encourage curiosity and a sense of wonder with emphasis on self-motivation.
4. To promote and instill a sense of caring for and sensitivity to others.
5. To give attention to individual differences, as well as recognizing the needs of small groups
Intellectual Growth/Language Development
1. To instill a sense of curiosity.
2. To provide an atmosphere where children discover and explore to teach independence through teaching how and where to find solutions.
3. To provide a wide variety of activities within a routine where cooperative play is encouraged. Through these activities, children are learning to be able to trust their own feelings as they learn, hear, see and do and to begin sharing these experiences with others.
4. To provide activities that encourages and develops problem solving, logical thinking, and symbolic thinking.
5. To provide opportunities to communicate through developing listening and speaking skills.
Physical/Motor Development
To provide children with opportunities to use their bodies in a variety of active ways through participation in fine and large motor activities both indoors and outdoors.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
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Program Goals: Infants 6 Weeks - 1st Birthday
1. To meet each child's physical needs.
2. To care for infants in a warm, affectionate way that lets each child know that he is a special person.
3. To implement strict sanitation procedures.
4. To support parents, encourage involvement, encourage open and honest communication.
5. To provide opportunities for exploring, learning, and social interaction through a variety of daily activities.
6. To prepare activities to stimulate the senses recognizing that infants learn through the use of their eyes, ears, fingers, sense of taste and smell.
7. To care for children in small groups; to prevent over-stimulation and disorder, and to provide opportunities for one to one interaction between children and staff.
8. To provide opportunity for the use of large and small motor skills and outdoor activity.
9. To establish awareness among staff that provides for a safe environment.
10. To provide a consistency between child care and home care practices that will be beneficial to the infant.
11. To maintain an observation and developmental assessment system.
12. To develop staff potential through proper supervision by making expectations clear, following through to see that expectations are met, and utilizing staff input and abilities.
Program Goals: Toddlers 1 Year - 2-1/2 years
1. To meet each child's physical needs.
2. To provide a loving, caring atmosphere.
3. To instill in each child a feeling of autonomy and a positive self-concept.
4. To support parents, encourage involvement, encourage open and honest communication.
5. To provide a joyful, enthusiastic and spontaneous approach with the children.
6. To establish the foundations for respect of equipment.
7. To establish the foundations for respect of others.
8. To provide for language development.
9. To make available a variety and quantity of materials on the shelves at the child's level
(manipulatives, dramatic play, pull toys, etc).
10. To provide a variety of activities that begins to introduce the curriculum areas of: art, science, cooking, social studies, dramatic play, manipulative activities, language, large motor, music and movement.
11. To maintain an observation and developmental assessment system.
12. To develop staff potential through proper supervision, by making expectations clear, following through to see that expectations are met, and utilizing staff input and abilities.
13. To develop self-help skills in order to create a feeling of independence and confidence in the child.
14. To provide care in smaller sub-groups, in order to give each child personal attention, to prevent under and over stimulation, to allow more freedom of choices and to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.
Program Goals: Tots 2-1/2 years and 3 year olds
1. To provide a wide variety of age appropriate activities, within a routine, that draws from the curriculum areas of: art, math, science, cooking, music and movement, large muscle, practical life, social studies, dramatic play, language arts, and manipulative arts.
2. To provide a nurturing, flexible, and calm atmosphere where self-concept is enhanced, independence is encouraged and expectations are made clear.
3. To develop staff potential through proper supervision, by making expectations clear, following through to see that expectations are met, and utilizing staff input and abilities.
4. To support parents, encourage involvement, encourage open and honest communication.
5. To establish awareness among staff so that a safe environment is present, both indoors and out.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
6. To meet each child's physical needs while setting the stage for future independence in self-care.
7. To provide ample opportunity for the use of large motor skills and outdoor activity.
8. To provide an atmosphere where the foundation of respect of others is established.
9. To encourage social development through cooperative play.
10. To establish respect for the equipment and materials.
11. To maintain an observation and developmental assessment system.
Program Goals: Preschool 4 & 5 year olds
1. To provide each child's physical needs while encouraging independence in self-care.
2. To provide an atmosphere in which children have respect for others.
3. To establish respect for the equipment and materials.
4. To provide a relaxed, loving, and calm atmosphere where self-concept is enhanced, independence and choices are encouraged, and self-discipline is gained in an environment where the child knows the limits and expectations.
5. To provide a wide variety of activities within a routine, where cooperative play is encouraged. These activities are drawn from the curriculum areas of: art, math, science, cooking, music and movement, large muscle, social studies, practical life, dramatic play, language arts, and manipulative activities.
6. To develop in the child an active curiosity about the world in which he/she lives and an enthusiasm for learning that stimulates exploratory behavior and creativity.
7. To develop in each child an appreciation for beauty and nature.
8. To provide ample opportunity for the use of large motor skills and coordination through physically active play in either indoor or outdoor activities.
9. To establish room awareness among staff so that a safe environment is always present both indoors and out.
10. To maintain an observation and developmental assessment system.
11. To support parents, encourage involvement, encourage open and honest communication - while using tact and discretion.
Enrollment
Enrollment Policies
1. Parents must submit a ULM Child Development Center Preliminary Application to the Department of Family and
Consumer Sciences or the ULM Child Development Center with application fee of $10.00. Upon receipt of this application, the child’s name will be placed on the waiting list. ULM faculty, ULM Child Development Center staff, siblings of currently enrolled children, staff, students, and alumni are given preference in that order and others as space permits. Full-time faculty, staff, and students will be give preference first then part-time.
2. Once a child is accepted as an infant he/she is eligible to continue in the program through their preschool senior group year.
3. The program will strive to have gender balance.
4. If parents address or telephone number changes during the time the child’s name is on the enrollment list.
Parents have the responsibility to update the application by calling or writing the ULM Child Development Center at 342-1913 / 702 Cole Ave. Monroe, LA 71203. Or faxing changes to the Child Development Center at 342-3358.
Upon Entrance
Each child enrolled must have a completed master card and copy of the following on file social security card, birth certificate and current immunization record prior to attending the center.
DOCUMENTATION OF EXEMPTIONS AND EXCLUSION OF CHILDREN WHO LACK IMMUNIZATIONS
Exemptions from the requirement for up-to-date immunization made for religious or medical reasons shall be documented in the child's record. A child whose immunizations are not kept up-to-date shall be excluded after three written reminders to parents over a 3-month period. If more than one immunization is needed in a series, time shall be allowed for the immunizations to be obtained at the appropriate intervals.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
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FEES and TUITION
The ULM Child Development Center is operated by the department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of
Arts and Sciences. The center is located on the ULM campus at 702 Cole Ave. This program is available for children of
University faculty, staff, students, employees and others as space permits. Positions will be filled in order of application receipt.
Fee to place on waiting list:
$10.00 application fee
Fees after acceptance into program:
$25 non-refundable registration/enrollment fee (paid once a year at time of enrollment)
$100 supply fee (includes supplies, t-shirt and book bag, and nap mat paid once a year at the beginning of fall
Semester)
Tuition: $125 per week ($25 per day infant/toddler) $100 per week (Preschool Jr. and Sr. Group) tuition paid monthly in advance by the first day of the month. A $15.00 late fee will be charged if the fee and/or payment envelope is not received by the 3 rd of the month.
Parents are responsible for co-payment as designated by the Department of Social Services for Children
receiving Child Care assistance.
Parents who’s children qualify for LA4 preschool are responsible for weekly meal and snack expense of $4 per
Day. LA 4 will pay the daily balance of $16 per day for tuiton.
Payment schedules for child care (which are made in advance) must be adhered to! Failure to meet any scheduled payment can result in removal from the program. After 1st check returned, for any reason, cash payment in the form of a money order will be required. NSF check charge $25.00. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! Should you allow your account to go unpaid 5 days past due, your child can be dismissed from the program and will be placed at the end of our waiting list and will have to complete a new enrollment process including payment of enrollment fees.
We cannot credit you with absences since your child's place is reserved for him/her and our expenses continue although he/she is not present.
Termination of enrollment by parent
A written notice must be given two weeks in advance of withdrawal, should such an event occur, or pay the difference.
This allows time to enroll another child.
Termination of enrollment by center
Termination of the child’s place/participation in the ULM Child Development Center program normally may occur at the request of the parent. If the Director identifies a problem for which the center/staff can not make effective resolution, parents ’ conferences will be held. If, after parents and staff have worked toward a solution, both parties agree that is in the bes t interest of the child to remove him/her from the program, the child’s enrollment will be terminated.
Documentation will be provided on Parent/Staff Conference Form.
The ULM Child Development Center reserves the right to terminate enrollment for the following reasons/but not limited to the following reasons:
 The center can not meet the physical, mental, or emotional needs of the child
 The child threatens the safety, health and /or well-being of others
 A formal parent conference is not attended (one requested by director)
 Tuition is late
 On the advice of a physician or child psychologist
 Enrollment was under fraudulent circumstances
 Parents ignore center guidelines, and/or cause undue stress to center staff or operations
 Repeated tardiness in picking up a child at closing time
 Enrollment/immunization records are incomplete and /or not updated
 Parent/Guardian threaten the safety of the children and/or staff
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
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HOURS
Time: 7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday Fall and Spring Semesters
7:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday 7:15 – 12:00 Friday Summer I and II Semesters
The center is closed in conjunction with ULM’s scheduled holidays and semester breaks.
Holiday Celebration Policy
At the ULM Child Development Center, holidays and celebrations are viewed as an important part of many lives, but in different ways for different reasons. We do not have holiday parties in the traditional sense. We schedule special activities, for example at Halloween, we are invited to the President, Deans, and Administrative offices for treats, at
Valentines we decorate heart cookies and share cards, at Easter we dye eggs and have an egg hunt. If you have a special tradition you would like to share with us, please notify your child’s lead teacher/primary caregiver.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
Program Overview
Primary Care and Providing Continuity
Primary caregiving ensures that every child has a “special” person and every parent has a primary contact. Primary caregiving is based on building relationships with each child an d the child’s family. Continuity of care means that the same primary caregiver will be caring for your child for several years. This helps children develop familiarity and trust.
Continuity and consistency are essential components of quality care for infants and toddlers. At the ULM Child
Development Center we have the better of two worlds. We have a primary care giver/lead teacher assigned to our infant/toddler class and our preschool class. The relationship formed between the lead teacher and your child helps your child feel safe and secure and enables the lead teacher to become an expert on your child’s growth and development so that the teacher can evaluate and plan cur riculum that will help meet your child’s individual needs.
Curriculum
Through the active, meaningful engagement and experimentation with objects and people, children can begin to construct their knowledge, logical reasoning and develop social relationships. This happens most easily through children’s play and socialization experiences. These experiences are integrated throughout the day during daily activities such as centers, small group discussions and large group class meetings. The ULM Child Development Center utilizes the Louisiana
Department of Education Standards for Programs Serving Four Year Olds, Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum, and
Grade Level Expectations (GLE’s) as resource tools in planning for our preschool senior group. We are using the
Louisiana Early Learning Guidelines and Program Standards: Birth through Age Three. The Creative Curriculum is a commercially produced and state approved curriculum framework that we also use a guide in setting up our environment in all classrooms.
Routines
A predictable routine helps children develop a sense of competence and involvement in their world.
The daily schedule in the preschool building is posted. The daily schedule for the children is a guide. It provides a framework for planning and organizing the daily routine and activities for the children. The daily routines for children may be a little different based on the age of your child. Adjustments to the schedule are made as your child gets older and his/her needs change. The daily schedule below is an outline of a typical day for children in our care. Please note that this daily schedule is flexible based on the needs of the children, the weather, and any unexpected learning activities.
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TIME
7:15 – 8:00
8:00 – 9:00
9:30 -10:40
10:40 -11:30
11:30 – 12:00
12:00 – 2:00
2:00 – 3:00
3:00 – 3:30
3:30 – 4:30
4:30 -5:00
TIME
7:15 – 8:20
8:20 – 8:30
8:30 – 9:00
9:00 – 9:30
9:30 – 10:30
10:30 – 11:00
11:00-11:15
11:15 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:00
12:00 – 12:15
12:15 – 12:30
12:30– 2:30
2:30 – 3:00
3:00 – 4:15
4:15 – 4:30
4:30 – 5:00
ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
Note this schedule is only a guide we tailor our care to the needs of the infant so their schedule is very flexible and varies from child to child. Infants diapers are checked a minimum of every two hours and infant feedings are on demand.
Arrival/Centers/ Morning Visual Check / Diaper Changing
Wash hands / Breakfast / Wash hands
Outside Play/ Morning Rest for non mobile infants /Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside
Centers
Wash hands / Lunch / Wash hands
Nap (everyone) / Diaper Changing as children awake
Centers
Wash hands /Afternoon Snack / Wash hands
Outdisde Play /Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside
Centers / Departure
Arrival/Wash hands/Centers
Diaper Changing & Bathroom/Wash hands / Clean up
Wash hands / Snack /Wash hands
Center/Brush Teeth/ Music
Outdoor/ Diaper Changing & Bathroom/ Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside
Center Time
Clean up/Wash hands
Story time
Lunch
Diaper Changing & Bathroom/ Clean up/Wash hands
Prepare for nap
Nap
Diaper Changing & Bathroom /Wash hands /Snack /Wash hands
Centers
Clean up/ Diaper Changing & Bathroom
Outdoor/ Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside /Departure
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
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7:15 – 8:15
8:15 – 8:25
Arrival /Wash hands /Centers
Clean up
8:25 – 8:40
8:40 – 8:55
Morning Circle
Bathroom /Wash hands / Snack /Wash hands
8:55 - 9:10
9:10– 10:10
Group Time Thematic Discussion
Centers
10:10 – 10:20 Clean up/Bathroom/Wash hands
10:20 – 10:30 Music
10:30– 11:30 Outdoor / Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside
11:30 – 11:40 Bathroom/Wash Hands
11:40 – 12:10 Lunch / Wash Hands
12:10 – 12:25 Brush teeth / Bathroom /Fine Motor
12:25 – 12:35 Story time
12:35 – 2:30 Nap
2:30 – 2:50
2:50 – 3:05
3:05 – 3:45
Bathroom / Wash hands /Snack / Wash hands
Character Education /
Talk about day
Centers
3:45 – 3:55 Clean up/Bathroom/Wash Hands
3:55 – 4:50 Outdoor /Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside
4:50 – 5:00
TIME
Clean up/Departure
7:15 – 8:10
8:10 – 8:25
Arrival/Wash hands/ Sign In /Centers
Clean up
8:25 – 8:45
8:45 – 9:00
Morning Circle
Bathroom / Wash hands /Snack / Wash hands
9:00 – 10:00 Centers
10:00 – 10:10 Clean up / Rhyme time
10:10 – 10:20 Music
10:20 – 11:20 Outdoor / Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside
11:20 – 11:30 Shared Reading
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ULM Child Development Center
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11:30 – 12:00 Wash hands /Lunch /Wash hands
12:00 – 12:20 Brush teeth / Bathroom / Wash hands /Fine Motor
12:20 – 12:35 Story time
12:35 – 2:10 Nap
2:10 – 2:30 Bathroom /Wash hands/ Snack /Wash hands
2:30 – 2:40
2:40 – 3:45
Character Education
Centers
3:45 – 4:45 Outdoor /Wash hands upon re-entering the building from outside
4:45 – 5:00 Clean up/Departure
Morning Arrival - Children must be signed in upon arrival.
Your family’s arrival and your leaving your child in the morning can sometimes be a hectic and stressful transition for both parent and child. In order to facilitate this drop off each morning, we suggest you establish a regular routine for saying good-bye that you will do every day. For example: Enter building s ign child in , and put child’s things away in cubby , share any important information with teacher only then can we accept responsibility for your child . Walk your child to the bathroom to wash their hands. Get a hug and a kiss, tell them to go to the window for a good-by wave, blow them a kiss, flash car lights or what ever, you get the idea!
Sometimes your morning routine may not go as planned and your child may need help from the teacher. You may have to give your child to a teacher to hold as you depart. Your child may cry when you leave. If you are uncomfortable, you can call the center when you get to your office/class to see how your child is doing. Usually children stop crying and get involved in an activity fairly soon after the parent leaves.
Pick-Up Time – Children must be signed out upon departure.
A child will not be able to leave the center with anyone other than a designated family member or other designated adult .
Pick up time is a transition that is often overlooked and can be difficult. Children must now make the transition from the center back to mom, dad, or babysitter. They often greet parents with confused emotions: “I am so happy to see you” is expressed along with “I am angry that you left me,” or “Why did you come so early?” These emotions can be manifested in tantrums, refusal to cooperate, indifference to parents, a sudden need to do all the puzzles again, etc. Parents often feel confused and upset by their children’s behavior especially if they expected the child to race into their arms and tell them happily what fun they had, and how much they missed them. This can be a difficult part of the day and needs to be given thought and planning. You may want to plan a few extra minutes when you pick up your child so that they can show you something they are proud, excited about or something they just enjoy doing.
Pick-up time can be a very dangerous time of the day with cars pulling into the parking lot. Please talk to your children about being safe leaving the building. They must remain inside the building until you come in to sign them out.
Please hold your child ren’s hands or keep them near when leaving the building and walk them to your vehicle. DO NOT
LET THEM PUSH THE GREEN EXIT BUTTON BY THE DOOR – YOU ARE TEACHING YOUR CHILD HOW TO
ESCAPE INTO A BUSY PARKING LOT!
Other parents may be pulling in to pick up their children and not see your children if they run ahead to your car. Help us keep your children safe. Please be prompt and pick up your child before the center closes at 5:00. Our teachers have commitments and responsibilities (such as night classes) at the end of the day, just like you do.
Late Pick-Up Charge
Families picking up children after closing time will be charged $10.00 for any portion of the first fifteen-minute period, then
$1.00 per minute thereafter. Late charges must be paid in cash at the time of pick-up. This late fee is assessed due to the necessity of having two employees in attendance with your child.
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ULM Child Development Center
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Departure Time/Third Party Release Procedure
All centers must be very careful about releasing children. Children can only be released to those people listed on the consent form. Only staff may release children . If an adult we do not recognize or someone other than those on the list comes to pick up a child, we ask for identification. If parents ask a question concerning their child, parents are referred to the director/lead teacher . The teacher has been with the child the whole day while an assistant has only been with the child for a short period of time.
Due to the fact that everyone can not verbally let us know if they do not know the person picking them up we require you to provide a copy of each persons drivers license that will be picking your child up that you have listed on your third party release list.
Only those persons listed on the Emergency Information Sheet as "Persons authorized to pick up child at any time" can pick a child up from the center. If anyone other than those authorized on the Emergency Information Sheet is to pick up a child, written permission must be given to the center by the registering parent/guardian.
In case of an emergency, persons listed in the "To be called in an emergency' list can pick up a child if the center cannot reach the parent/guardian and the center calls these persons to pick up a child. In a non-emergency situation, persons on the "To be called in an emergency" list cannot pick up a child without written permission from the parent guardian.
Every child enrolled in the center must have an Emergency Information Sheet on file. The family is responsible to inform the center of any changes on this form.
The center will not release a child at any time to a parent or designated individual who is visibly impaired due to alcohol consumption or substance abuse (either prescribed or illegal). In the event that a parent or designated individual is impaired, the center's administrative staff will telephone individuals from the third party release form to arrange for an alternative adult to pick up the child. If a parent or designated individual is impaired and insists that their child be released in his or her custody, the center's administrative staff will immediately telephone the appropriate law-enforcement officials.
Custody Policy
In the event of a change in custodial arrangements for a child, both parents are asked to notify the Director in writing of the specific changes. The ULM Child Development Center is legally obligated to release a child to either parent unless a court decree is on file at the center.
Daily Schedules and Lesson Plans
Schedules and lesson plans shall reflect Developmentally Appropriate Practices. Plans and schedules are important in helping to give each class structure and organization. Weekly lesson plans will be posted, allowing for flexibility and change. Lesson plans and schedules shall be adhered to with reasonable closeness, but shall meet both the individual needs and the differences among the children. The schedule shall provide time and materials for both vigorous and quiet activity, for children to share or to be alone, indoor and outdoor play, and rest. Time shall be scheduled for routines such as washing hands, lunch, rest, snacks, and putting away toys. Active and quiet periods shall be alternated so as to guard against over-stimulation of the child.
Daily Activity Report
Activity reports are a very important part of our program. Reports will be completed daily in infant/toddler classroom and sent home. Daily reports help families feel like they have been a part of their child's day. Reports are to reassure parents and communicate the caring and interaction of the staff with the children.
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Communication
The building of a relationship between parents and teachers is the foundation for the child’s positive experiences at the center. We encourage you to talk openly with teachers in order to establish this relationship. Continuity between home and the ULM Child Development Center is essential to providing a meaningful experience for your child. That you tell us about any changes or special activities at home is important. The more familiar we are with your family, the more understanding, supportive and helpful we can be.
Please inform teachers of any changes(e.g., one parent has to take a trip, illness in the family, moving-even a short distance, parents changing jobs, etc.) before they happen. Changes at home often lead to changes in behavior at the center. We can care for and work better with your child if we are aware of the changes at home. That you notify the director/lead teacher of any changes in address, phone numbers at home and at work, caregivers or emergency numbers is of the utmost importance.
Parent conferences will be held twice a year. One in November prior to the end of the fall semester and April prior to the end of the spring semester. Please feel free to arrange additional meetings as needed.
We are lucky to get to see you each day as you drop off and pick up! Often we share information at this time. The Bug
Book will be another communication tool for us to share information. This is how it works. Some items in the book you will remove each week and keep at home, other items will stay in the book each week.
Bug Book Contents:
 Front Pocket – Important notes and papers for my grown ups to read – remove and read these each week and keep at home.
News fro m the “Jr. Warhawks”– This is a weekly newsletter about the center.
 Bug Book Title Page – Leave in folder do not remove
 Staff Contact Page – Leave in folder do not remove
 Class List - Leave in folder do not remove – This list will have each each child’s picture, name, mother and father’s name and home phone number – If you do not want your phone number included please notify the director in writing
 Mail for my teacher – This is to send money or notes back to school as you need to for field trips etc.
 Calendars and Schedules This will have the daily schedule we follow and calendar will have upcoming events/holidays etc. Leave in folder do not remove.
 Menu leave in folder do not remove this is for entire semester. We will log any changes on menu in the entrance area.
 Homework - Remove these each week work with your child on the activity and keep at home. Home varies per class.
 Parent teacher communication Date and sign each week. You can share comments or observations you have made about your child and how they are growing and developing. Or you may have a question you have been meaning to ask. Leave this sheet in the folder, do not remove it.
License
The ULM Child Development Center is a Class A licensed facility through the Department of Social Services for the State of Louisiana. As a licens ed facility, we are prepared at all times for scrutiny of our staff’s qualifications, child-adult ratios, meal service, positive discipline measures, and other quality indicators. Licensing reviews are on file in the offices as well as sanitation and fire marshal inspections. Parents are welcome to review these at any time.
Louisiana Quality Rating System
In recognition of the need to build and support an increase in the quality child care options available to children, the
Department of Social Services - Office of Family Support has been working with community leaders, stakeholders, providers and advocates across the state to design a quality rating system (QRS) for child care. This rating system is known as "Quality Start." Participating centers are eligible for school readiness tax credits.
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The School Readiness Tax Credits are a comprehensive effort to support the quality rating system for child care centers through tax breaks to families, child care providers, child care teachers and directors and businesses that support child care, as follows:
Families with a child under age six enrolled in child care will be eligible for a refundable tax credit based on the star rating of the center their child attends.
Child care providers participating in Quality Start will receive a refundable tax credit based on the number of stars they earn and on the number of children they serve in the Child Care Assistance Program or children in foster care.
Child care teachers and directors will be eligible for a tax credit if they teach in centers participating in Quality Start. This credit will be based on the level of their education.
Businesses that support quality child care will also be eligible for a tax credit based on the star rating of the center. These credits may include businesses that construct, renovate, or expand a child care center, purchase equipment for a center, maintain or operate a center, or subsidize child care for their employees. Businesses may also receive a tax credit for donations made to Child Care Resource and Referral agencies.
As of July 1, 2009 our center has the rating of 5 stars.
Complaint Procedure
The ULM Child Development Center is operated by the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Should you at any point during your c hild’s enrollment, have concerns about your child’s care or safety, we encourage you to speak immediately to the center director. If the problem is not resolved, please contact Dr. Rene’ Jackson, Department
Head, ULM Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at 342-1903. Should you have any significant, unresolved licensing complaints, please call or write the Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing at:
Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing
PO Box 3078
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Office: 225-342-9905
Fax: 225-342-9690
Child/Staff Ratio
The Louisiana Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing states that the following adult: child ratios are met for
Class A licensed centers.
Ages of Children
Infants under 12 months
1 year olds
2 year olds
3 year olds
3 year olds
4 year olds
LA Dept. of Social Services
1:5
1:7
1:11
1:13
1:13
1:15
1:19
NAEYC Accreditation
Group of 8
– 1:4
Group of 8 – 1:4
Group of 8 – 1:4
Group of 10 – 1:5
Group of 14
– 1:7
Group of 16 – 1:8
Group of 16 – 1:8
ULM Child Development Center
In the infant/toddler rooms we will have a
1:4 adult child ratio + student assistants
In the preschool rooms we will have a
1:10 adult child ratio + student assistants
5 year olds
Children’s Record
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According to the Louisiana Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing a record for each child must be kept on file at the center containing, but not limited to the following information:
 General information master card including child’s medical history
 Updated immunization record
 Authorization to release of child to third party
 Authorization for emergency medical treatment
 Authorization for off-site activities
 Authorization for medication administration, if applicable ( This is not applicable we do not administer medication at the ULM Child Development Center)
 Authorization for water activities
 Authorization for transportation
 Infant/Toddler bottle feeding authorization, if applicable
 Special diet/current feeding schedule, if applicable
Chil dren’s records must remain of file for a minimum of five years from termination or discharge for review by the
Louisiana Department of Social Services. At the completion of one year they will be destroyed per ULM records management plan.
Confidentiality and Security of Records
The Director will supervise the maintenance and have custody of all records for staff and children. Records may be released only to custodial parents. All records are the property of the center and will be in a locked cabinet to secure them against loss; tampering or unauthorized use.
The center shall maintain the confidentiality of all children's records. Employees of the center shall not disclose or knowingly permit the disclosure of any information concerning the child or his/her family; directly, or indirectly, to any unauthorized person.
The center shall obtain written informed consent from the parent prior to releasing any information or photographs from which the child might be identified, except for authorized agencies.
Non-Discrimination Policy Children
The ULM Child Development Center does not discriminate against children based on race, color, creed, sex, national origin, handicapping condition, ancestry or children being breastfed.
Abuse and Neglect Policy
If staff members suspect abuse or neglect of any child at our center, they must immediately notify Local Child Protection and the center director. The director will call and report this action the Department of Social Services Bureau of
Licensing. As mandated reporters, all center staff shall report any suspected abuse and or neglect of a child in accordance with R.S. 14:403 to the Local Child Protection Agency. The local number for child protection is 362-5417.
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Continuing Education of Staff
The Director shall provide opportunities for continuing education of staff through attendance at childcare workshops or conferences to enhance the ability of staff to meet the individual needs of children enrolled. Some college courses also provide continuing education of staff. The Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing mandates the following training:
1. The childcare staff shall obtain 12 clock hours of training per center's anniversary year in job-related subject areas. (CDA hours can count for this college courses in child development can count for this)
2. Infant/child CPR, and pediatric first aid
3. State approved health and safety training – 3 clock hours (CDA state approved health and safety training hours can count for this)
Therapist Release
In order to grant permission for a therapist to come into the center to work with your child through a community or
independent agency you will be required to sign a therapist release form. Therapist are required to provide the center
with a copy of their criminal background check.
Incident Reports
An incident log is filled out each time a child is involved in an accident/incident. Any accident/incident is immediately reported to the Director or the on-duty designee. This will assure that appropriate child intervention and family notification is initiated.
Parents or designated person shall be notified immediately in the following situations per the Department of Social
Services Bureau of Licensing:
 Blood not contained in adhesive strip
 Head injury
 Human bite which breaks the skin
 An impaled object
 Broken or dislodged teeth; or
 Any injury requiring professional medical attention
 Allergic Reaction
 Skin Changes e.g. rash, spots, swelling, etc.
 Unusual breathing
 Dehydration
 Any temperature reading over 101
 Any illness requiring professional medical attention
A minimum of one staff member in each room (usually two) trained in pediatric CPR and first aid is on the premises at all times in accordance with Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing.
Illness
A child who manifests symptoms of illness will be separated form the group and taken to the Director’s Office. An adult will remain with this child until a parent comes to take the child home. The cot used for this child will be cleaned and sanitized after use (using the bleach solution). If your child is sick please call and let us know they will be out. (342-1913 or 801-1546)
Daily Morning Visual Health Check
A daily evaluation on each child will be conducted for any indication of illness, injury or abuse and record on Morning
Visual Check Form. If your child has a bruse, cut, injury please inform the teacher how they received it so they can document this on the Morning Visual Check Form. F orms are reviewed by the director daily. Forms will be filed on each child in the Director's office for one year.
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All illnesses, accidents, unusual behavior, etc. must be logged.
Illness/Infection Symptom Should child/staff stay home? When can child/staff return to center?
Chicken Pox
Cold
Yes
No (without fever)
Yes (with fever)
No
When all the blisters/pox have scabbed over
Refer to fever
Coxsackie (hand, mouth and foot disease)
Diarrhea (two or more stools or over and above what is normal for child
Ear Infection
Fever of unknown origin (100 degrees) and some behavioral signs of illness
Fifth Disease
Yes
NO (with doctors diagnosis)
YES
Diarrhea is resolved
Free of fever for 24 hours and reducing medications have not been given in the past 8 hours or on prescribed medication for 24 hours.
Refer to fever
Giardia
No (without fever)
Yes (with fever)
Yes
Hib Disease
Hepatitis A
AIDS (or HIV infection)
Impetigo
Lice
Meningococcal disease
Pink Eye
Undiagnosed generalized rash
Ring Worm
Roseola
Rota virus
Severe Cold (with fever, sneezing, and nose drainage)
Thrush
Any child with a sudden onset of vomiting, irritability or excessive sleepiness
Yes
Yes
Yes
No (keep area covered)
Yes (with fever)
Yes
Yes
No (should seek treatment)
Yes
When diarrhea subsides or Doctor approves readmission
Well and proof of non-carriage or cleared by physician
One week after illness started and fever is resolved
Until child’s health, neurological development, behavior, and immune status is deemed appropriate (on a case by case basis)by qualified persons, including the child’s physician chosen by the child’s parent or guardian and the Director.
When treatment has begun
When 1 treatment has been given
Well and proof of non-carriage (Neisseria
Meningitis)
24 hours after treatment has begun
Well or cleared by child’s physician as non- contagious
See fever
24 hours after treatment has begun and fever free
Refer to fever
Evaluated and cleared by physician
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
1. Report any case or suspected case of a communicable disease to the Director.
2. A child will be sent home if: a. The child does not feel well enough to participate comfortably in the usual activities of the center b. The caregiver cannot care for the sick child without interfering with the care of the other children c. Keeping the child in the center poses an increased risk to other children or staff in the center, as determined by the Director or, If necessary , a local health official d. T he child has a fever of 101° or higher within the previous 24-hour period
3. A parent or designated adult shall be notified immediately if a child becomes ill, has an accident or exhibits unusual behavior while at the center. Notification shall be documented on the accident/illness/injury form.
4. A staff member will supervise the child in the director’s office, or another area of the center separate from other children, until the parent arrives to pick up the child.
INFORMATION SHARING ON FAMILY HEALTH
Families shall be asked to share information about family health (such as chronic diseases) that might affect the child's health.
For example if a child with invasive H. influenzae type b (Hib) infection has been in care, we will inform parents of other children who attend the facility, after consultation with the health department, that their children may have been exposed
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Revised August 2009 to the Hib bacteria and may have greater risk of developing serious Hib disease if their child is unimmunized or incompletely immunized. The facility shall recommend that parents contact their child's health care provider.
Local and/or state public health authorities shall be notified immediately about cases of H. influenzae type b (Hib) infections involving children or child care providers in the child care setting. Facilities shall cooperate with their health department in notifying parents of children who attend the facility about exposure to children with Hib disease. This may include providing local health officials with the names and telephone numbers of parents of children in classrooms or facilities involved.
Other examples of all parent notification are:
HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B (Hib)
STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE
NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS (MENINGOCOCCUS)
PERTUSSIS
GROUP A STREPTOCOCCAL (GAS) INFECTION
TUBERCULOSIS
VARICELLA-ZOSTER (CHICKENPOX) VIRUS
Medication
The ULM Child Development Center does not administer medication. Parents may come during the day and administer medication to their child. Parents must fill out the medication administered by parent log on the back of the daily sign in sheet each day they administer it. Parents must also provide the center a copy of the prescription print out from the pharmacy stating side affects.
Absences
Child Care Assistance Attendance for children that qualify for Child Care Assistance
The Department of Social Services pays for 22 days of care per month for children receiving child care assistance. DSS will pay for 5 absences per month including center closure days. If your child is absent over 5 days per month including center closures then you will be charged the whole amount of tuition for days that the center is open and your child is not in attendance.
LA 4 PreK Attendance for children that qualify for LA 4 funds
Parents and students are reminded that:

All students should be in school EVERY DAY that school is in session, unless there is an acceptable excuse for being absent.

Students should be in school for the DURATION OF TIME EACH DAY, as required by the program. (This means that students are not to be checked in late or checked out early.)
The following procedure will be used concerning absences for PreK students:
Excused Absences:
When illness occurs and a child receives medic al treatment, a doctor’s excuse will be turned in to the child’s
teacher within 48 hours after the student returns to school. Dates listed on the doctor’s form will be excused.
Unexcused Absences:
Students are considered unexcused when a medical excuse is not turned in to the child’s teacher. The following
procedure will be used concerning unexcused absences:
ABSENCES NUMBER 5-10 : The teacher will contact the home by phone.
ABSENCES NUMBER 11-15: The teacher will contact the home by phone and a letter from the school will be
sent informing the parent of the status of absences.
ABSENCES NUMBER 16-18: The school and teacher will continue to contact the home by phone calls and
letters. Additionally, the PreK supervisor/coordinator will be informed about the child’s chronic absenteeism.
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ABSENCES NUMBER 19-20: The school and teacher will continue to contact the home by phone calls and
letters. Additionally the PreK supervisor/coordinator will contact the parent.
ABSENCE NUMBER 21 and every absence after that: Parents will meet with the PreK supervisor/coordinator
and principal to discuss possible removal from the PreK program.
Policy and Procedures
The following are policies and procedures that staff must follow to ensure the health and safety of children in our care:
Diapering Policy
DIAPER CHANGE PROCEDURE
The following diaper changing procedure shall be posted in the changing area, shall be followed for all diaper changes, and shall be used as part of staff evaluation of caregivers who do diaper changing. Child caregivers shall never leave a child alone on a table or countertop, even for an instant. A safety strap or harness shall not be used on the diaper changing table. If an emergency arises, caregivers shall put the child on the floor or take the child with them.
Step 1: Get organized. Before you bring the child to the diaper changing area, wash your hands, gather and bring what
you need to the diaper changing table:
· Fresh diaper, clean clothes (if you need them);
· Wipes for cleaning the child's genitalia and buttocks removed from the container or dispensed so the container
will not be touched during diaper changing;
· A plastic bag for any soiled clothes;
· Disposable gloves
Step 2: Carry the child to the changing table, keeping soiled clothing away from you and any surfaces you cannot easily
clean and sanitize after the change.
· Always keep a hand on the child;
· If the child's feet cannot be kept out of the diaper or from contact with soiled skin during the changing process,
remove the child's shoes and socks so the child does not contaminate these surfaces with stool or urine during
the diaper changing;
· Put soiled clothes in a plastic bag and securely tie the plastic bag to send the soiled clothes home.
Step 3: Clean the child's diaper area.
· Place the child on the diaper change surface and unfasten the diaper but leave the soiled diaper under the child.
· If safety pins are used, close each pin immediately once it is removed and keep pins out of the child's reach.
Never hold pins in your mouth.
· Lift the child's legs as needed to use disposable wipes to clean the skin on the child's genitalia and buttocks.
Remove stool and urine from front to back and use a fresh wipe each time. Put the soiled wipes into the soiled
diaper or directly into a plastic-lined, hands-free covered can.
Step 4: Remove the soiled diaper without contaminating any surface not already in contact with stool or urine.
· Fold the soiled surface of the diaper inward.
· Put soiled disposable diapers in a covered, plastic-lined, hands-free covered can. If reusable cloth diapers are
used, put the soiled cloth diaper and its contents (without emptying or rinsing) in a plastic bag or into a plastic-
lined, hands-free covered can to give to parents.
· Remove gloves rolling them inside each other and put them into a plastic-lined, hands-free covered can.
· Use a disposable wipe to clean the surfaces of the caregiver's hands and another to clean the child's hands, and
put the wipes into the plastic-lined, hands-free covered can.
· Check for spills under the child and clean as needed.
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Step 5: Put on a clean diaper and dress the child.
· Slide a fresh diaper under the child.
· Note and plan to report any skin problems such as redness, skin cracks, or bleeding.
· Fasten the diaper. If pins are used, place your hand between the child and the diaper when inserting the pin.
Step 6: Wash the child's hands and return the child to a supervised area.
· Use soap and water, no less than 60 degrees F and no more than 120 degrees F, at a sink to wash the child's
hands, if you can.
· If a child is too heavy to hold for Wash hands or cannot stand at the sink, use commercial disposable diaper
wipes or follow this procedure:
· Wipe the child's hands with a damp paper towel moistened with a drop of liquid soap.
· Wipe the child's hands with a paper towel wet with clear water.
· Dry the child's hands with a paper towel.
Step 7: Clean and sanitize the diaper-changing surface.
· Clean any visible soil from the changing surface with detergent and water; rinse with water.
· Wet the entire changing surface with the sanitizing solution (e.g. spray a sanitizing bleach solution of 1/4 cup of household liquid chlorine bleach in one gallon of tap water, mixed fresh daily)(3).
· Put away the spray bottle of sanitizer. If the recommended bleach dilution is sprayed as a sanitizer on the
surface; leave it in contact with the surface for at least 2 minutes. The surface can be left to air dry or can be
wiped dry after 2 minutes of contact with the bleach solution.
Step 8: Wash your hands according to the procedure and record the diaper change in the child's daily log.
· In the daily log, record what was in the diaper and any problems (such as a loose stool, an unusual odor, blood in the stool, or any skin irritation).
Policies and Procedures Regarding Infection Control Practices and Disease Prevention
SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE WASH HANDS
All staff, volunteers, and children shall follow this procedure for Wash hands at the following times: a) Upon arrival for the day or when moving from one child care group to another; b) Before and after:
· Eating, handling food, or feeding a child;
· Giving medication;
· Playing in water that is used by more than one person. c) After:
· Diapering;
· Using the toilet or helping a child use a toilet;
· Handling bodily fluid (mucus, blood, vomit), from sneezing, wiping and blowing noses, from mouths, or from sores;
· Handling uncooked food, especially raw meat and poultry;
· Handling pets and other animals;
· Playing in sandboxes;
· Cleaning or handling the garbage.
WASH HANDS PROCEDURE
Children and staff members shall wash their hands using the following method: a) Check to be sure a clean, disposable paper (or single-use cloth) towel is available. b) Turn on warm water, no less than 60 degrees F and no more than 120 degrees F, to a comfortable temperature. c) Moisten hands with water and apply liquid soap to hands. d) Rub hands together vigorously until a soapy lather appears, and continue for at least 10 seconds. Rub areas between fingers, around nailbeds, under fingernails, jewelry, and back of hands. e) Rinse hands under running water, no less than 60 degrees F and no more than 120 degrees F, until they are free of soap and dirt. Leave the water running while drying hands. f) Dry hands with the clean, disposable paper or single use cloth towel. g) If taps do not shut off automatically, turn taps off with a disposable paper or single use cloth towel.
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Revised August 2009 h) Throw the disposable paper towel into a lined trash container; or place single-use cloth towels in the laundry hamper; or hang individually labeled cloth towels to dry. Use hand lotion to prevent chapping of hands, if desired.
ASSISTING CHILDREN WITH WASH HANDS
Caregivers shall provide assistance with Wash hands at a sink for infants who can be safely cradled in one arm and for children who can stand but not wash their hands independently. A child who can stand shall either use a child-size sink or stand on a safety step at a height at which the child's hands can hang freely under the running water. After assisting the child with Wash hands, the staff member shall wash his or her own hands.
If a child is unable to stand and is too heavy to hold safely to wash the hands at the sink, caregivers shall use the following method:
· Wipe the child's hands with a damp paper towel moistened with a drop of liquid soap. Then discard the towel.
· Wipe the child's hands with a clean, wet, paper towel until the hands are free of soap. Then discard the towel.
· Dry the child's hands with a clean paper towel.
Policies Regarding Safety Procedures
Healthy children require a safe physical environment in, which to eat, sleep, and play. Staff members are charged with maintaining the following:
1. Check rooms and outdoor play area for hazards before children arrive and/or play in the area daily.
2. Damaged equipment or broken toys must be removed from the classroom and reported to the Director.
3. Keep objects smaller than one and one quarter inches in diameter away from young children who are likely to mouth objects. Avoid toys, stuffed animals, and dolls with parts that could break off or be pulled off by little hands.
4. Watch children at all times.
5. Always attend a child on a diaper changing table. Strap children in high chairs.
6. Walk around and keep ears and eyes alert to monitor children when playing outside.
7. Only custodial parents and designated adults listed on the Release Form can pick up a child at the center. If a caregiver is unfamiliar with a designated adult, a photo will must be checked before the child can be released.
Parents and/or designated adults must sign the child in and out on the Daily Sign In & Out Sheet.
8. All cleaning materials and supplies shall be stored in original containers and kept in locked cabinet.
9. Electrical outlets shall be covered.
10. Smoking is not permitted on premises.
11. Any pesticides, including fire ant treatment, shall be applied when children are not on the premises.
12. Open containers such as mop bucket shall not be left unattended.
13. One staff member must be supervising the playground any time it is in use. The staff member will be charged to take periodic head counts of the children. The staff member also must take 2 nd phone handset outside with them to intercom with other staff personnel inside the building.
14. Only regular staff members may release children.
15. Outdoor equipment will be formally monitored on a monthly basis by Director. Any staff member identifying broken, splintered, or otherwise hazardous equipment must notify Director immediately. Children will be permitted to use equipment only after repair has been verified by Director.
16. All staff and lab student backpacks and purses must be stored away in locked cabinet in cubby room.
17. Before any soap, wet wipes, lotion, toothpaste, etc. or any commercially purchased materials are set out you must read label to determine if it is hazardous, toxic, or not to be left in the reach of children.
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Universal Blood Precautions
Universal blood precautions must be observed as follows:
1. Disposable latex gloves must be immediately available and worn whenever there is a possibility for contact with blood, including but not limited to:
1. changing diapers where there is blood in the stool
2. touching blood-contaminated body fluids
3. treating cuts that bleed
4. wiping surfaces stained with blood
5. any other situations where there is: potential or actual contact with blood
2. Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use.
3. If blood is touched accidentally, the exposed skin must be thoroughly cleansed with soap and running water.
4. Surfaces that have been blood stained must be wiped with Bleach solution.
5. In an emergency, a child's well-being must take priority. A bleeding child must not
be denied care because gloves are not immediately available.
6. Any oozing cuts or sores on children or staff must be covered.
7. Blood-containing clothing or other material shall be wrapped or disposed of in plastic bag with a
secure tie.
Rest Time
During rest time staff will:
1. Each child is assigned a cot or crib.
2. Teachers rest infants on demand.
3. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), always place infants on their back to sleep.
Infants can only be placed on their stomachs, placed on a boppy or incline of foam, or swaddled to sleep if written permission is obtained from the child’s physician and parent.
4. Cribs and cots are spaced at least 18-36 inches apart when in use with a head/toe arrangement so that no two children's heads are adjacent.
5. Teachers sit with children who are resting and/or sleeping on their cots. Teachers pat backs and play soft music to help children relax.
6. Staff ratio is maintained at nap time.
7. Record time child rested on Daily Activity Report.
8. Diapers are checked before and after naps.
9. See that parents will take blankets home every Friday to wash and return on Monday.
10. I nfant's bedding is washed daily.
11. During rest time teacher’s maintain visual contact with all areas of the classroom.
Feeding
Staff will:
1.
2.
Hold infants in arms while feeding.
Cover food label with child's name if a child is sleeping during lunch, and keep in a refrigerator.
3. Be prepared for some fussiness at lunchtime since it occurs right before rest time. Some children may need to sleep now and eat later.
4. Give children spoons and encourage them to use the utensil. Be patient.
5. Children's food and bottles do not need to be hot –warm is best.
6. Provide milk at lunchtime for those children who are able to have it.
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7. Sit at the table and eat the meal or snack with the children. This is a great time for talking and relaxing. Talk with the children about the concepts of color, quantity, number, temperature, texture and taste of the food. Talk about acceptable eating behaviors and the events of the day.
8. Encourage, but do not force children to eat any food.
9. Monitor children closely to be sure that food is not being shared.
10. Provide younger children cups with a sippy lid, but work towards drinking without the lid by putting smaller amounts of liquid so that spilling is not a problem.
11. Not allow children to eat when walking, running, playing, lying down, or riding in vehicles.
12. Not allow children to bring food from home to be eaten at the center. Unless it meets the criteria listed below from
licensing.
1.
13. Parents are asked to notify the center if they want to have a birthday party. Please try to limit the amount of sugar in the treat. Party items must be commercially made in a commercial kitchen.
Bottle and Breast Feeding
Staff will:
1. Feed infants on demand unless the parent provides written instructions otherwise.
2. Follow current feeding instructions provided to the center by the parent. These instructions, from the parent or physician, shall be kept on file and followed.
3. Infants shall either be held or be fed sitting up for bottle-feeding. Infants unable to sit shall always be held for bottle-feeding. We do not prop bottles or allow children to carry bottles around with them.
4. We do not place an infant/toddler who can hold a bottle in a crib with the bottle.
5. Warm bottles for feeding with a bottle warmer or under warm running water. Staff check temperature of milk on their wrist.
6. Bottles of breast milk and formula that are left at the center over night are dated.
7. All bottles shall have caps and shall be labeled with the child's name, and date and used only for the intended child. All pacifiers should be labeled also.
8. See that all filled bottles of breast milk or iron fortified formula shall be refrigerated until immediately before feeding. Any contents remaining after a feeding shall be discarded.
9. Keep expressed breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for 48 hours and in the freezer for 2 weeks. Frozen breast milk shall be thawed under running cold water or in the refrigerator.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
The ULM Child Development Center will follow the following policies:
Guidance
The purpose of guidance in our Center is to help children learn acceptable behavior and develop inner controls. When redirecting or guiding a child's behavior, the age, intellectual development, emotional make-up and past experiences will be considered, and consistency will be maintained in setting limits for each child.
Corporal punishment is prohibited in the center.
No child shall be subject to verbal abuse, threats, cruel, severe and/or unusual punishment. Derogatory remarks shall not be made in the presence of children about family members or about the children themselves. No child or group of children shall be allowed to discipline another child. No child shall be deprived of meals or any parts of meals for disciplinary reasons.
The following is a list of alternate forms of positive guidance that will be used in the Center:
1. Tell the child what they CAN do.
2. Establish eye contact when speaking with the child.
3. Give choices whenever possible, but only when the child really has a choice.
4. Encourage children to solve their own problems, and work out conflicts whenever possible.
5. Redirect the child to another activity.
6. Hold a child until they gain control of themselves.
7. Remove a child from the situation.
Action steps for all ULM Child Development Center staff to use in guiding behavior to a desirable level of self control.
Step 1 – Give verbal reminder by asking student what type of behavior they should be
exhibiting.

Example: What type of voice do we use inside? Child replies Good, we need to remember to use our inside voice.
Step 2 – Give verbal warning and state that they will be redirected to another area to
Work if desired behavior is not exhibited.

Example: Greg, Mrs. Williamson asked you with my words to use an inside voice – are you doing that?
Child replies. Greg I am giving you a “warning” if you choose to continue to use your outside voice in the building you will have to clean up this center and move to (name a center, you may want to choose a quiet center or one that Is not being used)
Step 3 - If Greg continues to talk in a loud outside voice redirect him to another area.

Example: Greg, Mrs. Williamson asked you with my words to use an Inside voice. Did you do that?
Child replies What did Mrs. Williamson say would happen when she gave you a warning? Child
Replies I need for you to clean up this area and move to the (name another center). If you continue to use an outside voice you will have to come and sit with me so we can think about this behavior and how we can correct it.
Step 4 – If Greg moves to another center and continues to talk in an outside voice then
He will need to come and think it over and talk it over with the caregiver.

Example: Greg, Mrs. Williamson asked you with my words to use an inside voice, I have given you a warning and moved you to another area. What did Mrs. Williamson say we would have to do if you continue to talk with an outside voice? Child replies. I need for you to clean up and come sit with me at the round table. Seated at the table ask , ” Greg, why did you have to come and sit with me at the table?
” I want you to think about what you need to do so that you can use your inside voice. Wait a
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ULM Child Development Center
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Revised August 2009 minute or two. Greg, what do you need to do? Child replies. I want you to think about how you will do that. Wait a minute or two. Greg, do you think you can work in centers without using your outside voice. Child replies. Show me that you can use your inside voice. You can return to work.
Limits of Behavior
Limits of behavior for the children in your care:
1. You may not hurt others.
2. You may not hurt yourself.
3. You may not damage equipment.
Biting Policy and Procedure
If a bite occurs, remove the child who was the biter. Wash the bite wound with soap and water and cover with a bandage if necessary. When you are finished administering first aid, check the child's immunization records to see if the child that bit or was bitten has an up to date tetanus shot. Neither AIDS nor hepatitis A testing of the biter or bite victim is recommended. Ordinary mouth germs can cause local bacterial infection from bites, but viral infections rarely result. The incident will be documented and parents of both children will be notified (Immediate notification if skin is broken).
Outdoor Play Policy
Weather permitting, all children, including infants, will spend from 15 minutes to two hours per day in daily outdoor play. It is necessary that children have freedom of movement, so it is requested that children are dressed accordingly. Shoes and socks are required. As we encourage children to explore, there may be times when he/she may become messy or rumpled. For this reason, we request that parents send one complete change of clothing to remain at the center. Parents are to be sure to label all articles of belongings.
Children will be outside unless the temperature is below 38 degrees, weather conditions permitting. Accommodations cannot be made for children to remain indoors if they are feeling "under the weather." A child too sick to be outside, is probably too sick to be around other children.
Water Activities Policy
Water Activities are defined as a water-related activity in which children, under adult supervision, are in, on, near, or immersed in a body of water such as swimming pools, wading pools, water parks, lakes, rivers or beaches, etc. Wading pools with a depth of less than 2 feet shall not require staff to have Community Water Safety training. The ULM Child
Development Center does not participate in the above listed activities without parent permission.
Water activities used at the ULM Child Development Center include the use of water tables, sprinklers, and water spraying devices .
Off-Site Activities Policy
Occasionally we will take official field trips approved by parents. Each family will be notified about the trip, the price (if any), and how the child will be transported. Each child will be required to have a signed permission slip. Walking field trips may be taken on campus, the family will be asked to sign a blanket permission slip during the enrollment process to cover campus based walking field trips.
Off site activities will include at least one staff member in attendance and accessible to children at all times who has documented current certification in infant/child/adult CPR and pediatric first aid. In addition to the adult/child ratio regularly employed by the center, an additional adult shall be added for off-site activities.
Children shall be under the direct supervision of staff at all times, during the off site activity.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
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Transportation Policy
The ULM Child Development Center does not transport children from home to center, center to home, or from school to center. Occasionally we will take official field trips approved by parents. Each family will be notified about the trip, the price
(if any), and how the child will be transported. Each child participating in the trip will have to have e a signed permission from parent. Permission may not be given over the telephone to participate in a field trip.
Transportation will be provided for field trips or vehicles owned by staff and parents will be used. The following rules regarding transportation vehicles must be adhered to:
1. All drivers and vehicles shall be covered by liability insurance.
2. The driver shall hold a valid appropriate Louisiana driver's license.
3. The vehicle shall have evidence of a current safety inspection.
4. There shall be first aid supplies in the vehicle.
5. There shall be information in each vehicle identifying the name of the Director and the name, telephone number and address of the center for emergency situations.
6. Transportation arrangements must conform to state laws, including seat belts and child safety restraints.
7. At least two staff, one of whom may be the driver, shall be in each vehicle unless the vehicle has a communication device and child/staff ratio is met in the vehicle.
8. At least one staff in each vehicle shall be currently certified in CPR and trained in pediatric first aid.
9. Children must be under the direct supervision of staff at all times. Staff shall not leave the children unattended in the vehicle at any time while transporting children.
10. Each child shall board or leave the vehicle from the curbside of the street and/or shall be safely escorted across the street.
11. Good order shall be maintained on the vehicle.
12. The staff shall check the vehicle at the completion of each trip to ensure that no child is left on the vehicle.
13. The vehicle shall be maintained in good repair.
14. The use of tobacco in any form, use of alcohol and possession of illegal substances or unauthorized potentially toxic substances, firearms, pellet or BB guns (loaded or unloaded) in any vehicle while transporting children is prohibited.
15. Children shall not be transported in the back of a pickup truck.
16. The driver of the vehicle must use a hands free communication device when transporting children. If hands free device is not available then the 2 nd adult in the vehicle will be required to man the communication device.
Documentation shall consist of a checklist that all transportation rules were followed along with a copy of the driver's license, and proof of insurance, signed and dated by the driver and /or staff member in vehicle and the Director.
Fire Drills:
Fire Drills will be held monthly at varying times of the day and must be fulfilled to the highest degree of seriousness by everyone.
Procedure:
1. The fire alarm signal (fire move to the door).
2. The first person to reach any door should keep the door open until all people have cleared the room. Children's
hands MUST be held at all times.
3. Walk rapidly BUT do not push or run or scream.
4. Move as quickly with the children you have to the arranged meeting place.
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ULM designated area to meet: ULM Police Department
5. EVERYONE will be required to leave the building during a fire drill.
The person in charge during the fire drill will:
1. Time the drill (time of first signal until everyone is out of the building.)
2. Make sure all exits are clear enough for everyone to exit.
3. Make sure that roll book is carried out of building.
4. Fill out Fire Drill Form when drill is completed.
5. If necessary call fire department at 9-911.
Tornado Drills
Tornado Drills will be practiced monthly at various times of the day. No alarm will sound in the school. The command
"TAKE COVER" will be issued verbally. As soon as the command is sounded you must take immediate action. These actions may save your life and the children's life.
Procedures:
1. Children and staff are to move to the hall in an orderly fashion.
2. Children with all adults will sit down on knees and cover heads.
3. EVERYONE will stay down and covered until the all clear is given.
4. Head teacher or student teacher is to hold the roll book while in the
covered position.
5. REMINDER: stay away from windows, outside walls and all doors.
Building Evacuation
In the event of a major building evacuation children will be taken on the bus across campus to Fant Ewing Coliseum.
If the entire university campus is evacuated children will be taken on the bus to our secondary site North Monroe Baptist
Church at 210 Finks Hideaway Road Monroe, LA 71203 (318)343-6152.
In the event of flooding, snow, ice or other unusual weather please listen for announcements from the media about school closings. If the University is closed the Child Development Center will be closed.
Child Assessment Policy
Children attending the ULM Child Development Center shall be involved in an ongoing assessment process conducted by their primary caregiver/lead teacher. The assessment shall include, but is not limited to: anecdotal records; rating scales; checklists; work samples; informal notes; and observations. The assessment will be conducted in order to compile a portfolio for each child. Families may be asked to contribute to the assessment and portfolio contents. The contents of the portfolio will always be made available to the children and their families.
Permission to Photograph/Video/Audio Tape
At various times throughout the day/week/year, we will be taking photographs, video, or audio tape for the following purposes:
1. To display on bulletin boards, use in activities, label items at the CDC.
2. To illustrate a child or children participating with caregiver in a particular activity
or the Child Development Center at meetings/training/conferences.
3. To use for public relations and student recruitment.
4. To use for individual assessments and documentation of child’s growth and development.
5. To use in ULM Child Development Center weekly newsletter or on the ULM Child
Development Center web site.
We require permission from the parent and/or guardian to photograph, video, or audio tape for the above stated purposes.
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ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
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Nutrition Guidelines
The ULM Child Development Center aims to provide children with nutritious snacks and meals, while establishing good eating habits that nurture healthy development and promote life-long well-being. Staff and families shall work together to exchange information regarding family eating patterns, introduction of new foods, food intolerances and preferences, special dietary requirements for each child, and the feeding requirements of infants, toddlers, and children with special needs.
Nutritious morning and afternoon snacks and a daily hot lunch are provided for each child. Meal patterns, food components, and serving sized shall be in accordance with the guidelines as set forth by the United States Department of
Agriculture.
Food will never be used as punishment or reward. Each child shall be encouraged, but not forced to eat or taste his or her food. Sufficient time shall be allowed for each child to eat. As developmentally appropriate, opportunity will be provided for the involvement of children in food-related activities.
Food from Home
Louisiana Department of Social Services Bureau of Licensing does not allow any food products to be brought into the center at any time. Exceptions are granted for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays, with prior approval from the director. When foods are brought to the facility from home or elsewhere, these foods shall, to the extent reasonable, be limited to whole fruits (like apples, oranges, or pears) and commercially packaged foods.
Meal Guidelines – Ages 1-12 Updated 8/03/05
Source: Child and Adult Care Food Program, USDA Food and Nutrition Service ( www.nal.usda.gov/childcare/Cacfp/index.html
)
BREAKFAST
Ages 6-12 1
Food Components
1 milk fluid milk
1 fruit/vegetable juice,2 fruit and/or vegetable 1 grains/bread3 bread or
Ages 1-2
1/2 cup
Ages 3-5
3/4 cup 1 cup
cornbread or biscuit or roll or muffin or
cold dry cereal or
hot cooked cereal or
pasta or noodles or grains
1/4 cup 1/2 slice 1/2 cup 1/2 slice 1/2 cup 1 slice
1/2 serving 1/2 serving 1 serving
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
1/3 cup
1/4 cup
3/4 cup
1/2 cup
1/4 cup 1/4 cup 1/2 cup
LUNCH OR SUPPER
1 milk
fluid milk
2 fruits/vegetables juice,2 fruit and/or vegetable 1 grains/bread3 bread or
1/2 cup 3/4 cup 1 cup
cornbread or biscuit or roll or muffin or
cold dry cereal or
hot cooked cereal or
pasta or noodles or grains
1 meat/meat alternate meat or poultry or fish4 or
alternate protein product or
cheese or egg7 or
cooked dry beans or peas or
1/4 cup 1/2 slice 1/2 cup 1/2 slice 3/4 cup 1 slice
1/2 serving 1/2 serving 1 serving
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
1/3 cup
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
3/4 cup
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
1 oz.
1 oz.
1 oz.
½
1/4 cup
1½oz.
1½ oz.
1½ oz.
¾
3/8 cup
2 oz.
2 oz.
2 oz.
1
1/2 cup
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ULM Child Development Center
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peanut or other nut or seed butters or nuts and/or seeds5 or yogurt6
2 Tbsp. 1/2 oz. 4 oz.
3 Tbsp. 3/4 oz. 6 oz.
4 Tbsp. 1 oz. 8 oz.
1 milk
fluid milk
SNACK: Choose 2 of the 4 components
1/2 cup
1 fruits/vegetables juice,2 fruit and/or vegetable 1 grains/bread3
1/2 cup
bread or
cornbread or biscuit or roll or muffin or
cold dry cereal or
hot cooked cereal or
pasta or noodles or grains
1 meat/meat alternate meat or poultry or fish4 or
1/2 slice
1/2 serving
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
alternate protein product or
cheese or egg7 or
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz. ½
cooked dry beans or peas or
peanut or other nut or seed butters or nuts and/or seeds5 or yogurt6
1/8 cup
1 Tbsp. 1/2 oz. 2 oz.
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
1/2 slice
1/2 serving
1/3 cup
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz.
1/2 oz. ½
1/8 cup
1 Tbsp. 1/2 oz. 2 oz.
1 cup
3/4 cup
1 slice
1 serving
3/4 cup
1/2 cup
1/2 cup
1 oz.
1 oz.
1 oz. ½
1/4 cup
2 Tbsp. 1 oz. 4 oz.
Open Door Policy
Families are appreciated and have an open invitation to visit the center at any time. We encourage parents to drop by just to say “hi” during their break, or join their children for lunch. Keeping an open line of communication between the center and families insures that the best interests of the children are served, both at home and at the center.
An open door policy for families, university faculty and staff, and the community to visit at anytime shall be maintained. If a parent needs to discuss a problem or needs more detailed conversation, we ask that a conference time be setup with the director/lead teacher.
Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Policy
Caregivers serve as role models for young children. Smoking or the use of smokeless tobacco is not permitted in the center, on the grounds of the center or in the center vehicle
Prohibition of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco or Other Toxic Materials
ULM Child Development Center prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco, and use or possession of illegal substances or unauthorized potentially toxic substances, fireworks, firearms, pellet or BB guns(loaded or unloaded) in the center, on the playground, and on any sponsored field trip.
Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace Policy
The use or possession of illegal substances is not permitted in the center, on the grounds of the center or in the center vehicle.
Notification of Withdrawal
If a family wishes to withdraw completely from the program anytime during the semester, a two-week notice is required.
After a withdrawal, the family may request to be placed on the waiting list for future semester, but will not receive priority as a currently enrolled family and will also have to pay another enrollment and supply fee.
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ULM Child Development Center
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Family Evaluation
Families will be asked to fill out a written evaluation of the ULM Child Development Center program. This shall be done annually in order to help center staff evaluate the quality of services being provided and to ensure the ULM Child
Development Center is meeting the needs of the ULM community.
PLNNING FOR CHILD'S TRANSITION TO NEW CLASSROOM OR NEW SERVICES
In late March or early April each parent is sent home a transition plan and program evaluation. On they transition plan they are asked to state their intent for their child’s education for the upcoming school year. If a child is moving and the parent indicates on the form that th ey need assistance with the next step of their child’s education then we will assist.
During the month of May and June we discuss with our children the process of going to a new classroom. If we have any children with behavioral issues such as difficulty transitioning in the classroom then we will work with the family to begin moving that child up to the next age level by themselves during the month of June so that they can have more time to acclimate to the change and change in environment. This gives that child the opportunity to settle into the new environment and routine so they will be secure before the rest of their class moves up in July.
In July we begin the transition with the Flyer class. We move the flyer class along with their teacher to the pre-k four room where both teachers will team teach during this week so the teacher that is familiar can assist the new teacher in getting to know each child individually. The next week the pk-3 teacher will go back to her classroom and the crawler class and teacher will move up to the Pk-3 class. Then the following week the toddler teacher will return to their room and the infants will transition up.
Our goal is to have everyone situated and bonding with their new teacher by the end of June so that when school starts back in August and their parents have hectic back to school schedules their child’s schedule will not be crazy at the same time.
If a parent requests assistance with the transition process from the facility to a public school or another program, the designated care or service coordinator at the facility shall review the child's records, including needs, learning style, supports, progress, and recommendations and shall obtain written informed consent from the parent prior to sharing information at a transition meeting, in a written summary, or in some other verbal or written format.
The process for the child's departure shall also involve sharing and exchange of progress reports with other care providers for the child and the parents or legal guardian of the child within the realm of confidentiality guidelines.
The facility shall determine in what form and for how long archival records of transitioned children shall be maintained by the facility.
FORMAT FOR THE TRANSITION PLAN
Each service agency or caregiver shall have a format and timeline for the process of developing a transition plan to be followed when each child leaves the facility. The plan shall include the following components:
a) Review and final preparation of the child's records;
b) Identification of potential child care, educational, or programmatic arrangements.
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Organizational Chart
Infant
Teachers
Student
Workers
ULM Child Development Center
Parent Handbook
Revised August 2009
President: Dr. Cofer
Provost: Dr. Richters
Dean of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Cass
Family and Consumer Sciences Department Head
Dr. Jackson
ULM Child Development Center Director
Emily Williamson
Toddler
Teacher
Student
Workers
Preschool
Jr. Group
Teacher
Student
Workers
Preschool
Sr. Group
Teacher
Student
Workers
Floater and
Sr. Gr.
Assistant
Student
Workers
32