RAINBOW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Parent Handbook
Michigan
The teachers and staff of Rainbow Child Development Center welcome you and your child. As a
parent, your input is important in helping us make the days your child spends with us safe and
happy. Rainbow is an exciting place in which to grow and learn.
Please read the Rainbow Parent Policy and Procedure Agreement carefully and keep it for
reference. Rainbow has an "open door" policy, feel free to visit and become an active part of our
center at any time.
PHILOSOPHY
Rainbow Child Development Center's program has been developed
to serve the needs of today's family. We answer the dilemma that
many parents face; where to find quality childcare.
As teachers and caregivers, our goal is to achieve a sense of continuity
between home and center. We believe it is important for children to
maintain a familiar and comfortable routine. Through parent/teacher
communication, we individualize each child's learning opportunities.
As a family oriented child development center, Rainbow Rascals assures
a quality "home away from home." We provide an atmosphere where
children are respected, the staff is responsible, and parents are always
welcome.
Our program enhances a child's development by offering a caring atmosphere
combined with a structured curriculum. The individual child's needs are of the
utmost importance. We share with the parents the belief that each child is a
precious gift.
Rainbows are a
symbol of hope
and children
are our hope
for the future....
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The Michigan ChildCare Licensing Division licenses our Center. A copy of our current license
is posted in a prominent location at our Center. To be licensed, our Center must comply with the
official licensing regulations. Our Center will have on the premises a copy of the statutes and
rules governing day care, which are available to interested parents for review. The Center
licensing records, including compliance reports and fire inspections, are also available from the
Michigan Department of Human Services. Should you have any concerns or questions, you may
call the toll free number listed on the license.
Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that an enrolled child has been or is being subjected
to any form of hitting, corporal punishment, abusive language, ridicule, harsh, humiliating or
frightening treatment, or any other kind of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation by any adult,
whether working at the center or not, is REQUIRED by State law to report the concern
immediately.
OPERATIONS
Rainbow provides childcare for children ranging in age from six weeks through School-age. The
Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the year, with
the exception of the following holidays New Years Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve 12:00
p.m., Christmas Day, and New Years Eve 3:00 p.m. Rainbow is also closed the Friday before
Labor Day for Staff Training. Please refer to your yearly school calendar for any changes or
additional closings. A full week's tuition is charged for weeks observing a holiday. Children are
enrolled on a first come, first serve basis, without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, or
handicap.
TUITION
The $50.00 application fee is non-refundable. One week of tuition will be held as a deposit for
each child enrolled, to be paid upon enrollment. The deposit will be applied to the last week
your child attends Rainbow Child Development Center. Tuition payments are due on Monday of
each week. A $20.00 late fee will be charged to each account if the tuition payment is not made
by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday of each week. Rainbow cannot reserve a child's placement unless
tuition is paid for the week. Checks returned for any reason will be subject to a fee of $30.00. If
two checks are returned, you will be required to pay by money order
Rainbow will have a yearly tuition increase every September. You will receive one month's
notice regarding the increase.
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ADMISSION AND STUDENT RECORDS
Each child who intends to enroll at Rainbow must have the following information on file at the
time of enrollment: an updated health appraisal, 2 child information cards, an application for
enrollment and the parents must participate in an orientation with the director. The child's file is
confidential, and will be shared with other staff members only as required to meet the needs of
the child. The parent must review emergency contact information, at least every 6 months for
accuracy. Medical records are required to be updated annually, or whenever the child's
immunization status changes.
SUPPLY FEE
Each child will be assessed a $50.00 supply fee annually in July. In the event that you enroll
throughout the year the supply fee will be prorated in accordance to your start date.
INFANT ENROLLMENT
Upon registration parent is required to commit to a specific start date for enrollment. If the child
does not start on the specified date, the parent must pay one-half of the tuition to "hold" the
child's spot until he/she starts. The child's security deposit and registration fee will be forfeited if
the parent chooses not to enroll after committing to attend the center.
PARENT ACCESS
Parents of children in care shall be permitted free access, without notice, throughout the center
whenever children are in care. In cases where Family Court or other legal entities have
established visitation or custody rights, a copy of the orders must be provided to Rainbow. The
court orders will be strictly followed unless the custodial parent requests a more liberal variation
of the court order in writing.
Visitors are allowed in childcare areas only at the discretion of the Center Director. A staff
member will accompany visitors at all times.
PARENT PARTICIPATION AND CONFERENCES
We offer the opportunity to participate in and observe the activities of each of our centers.
Parents wishing to participate in activities (such as field trips, family nights, parties, etc.) or
operations of the center, should discuss their interest with the director.
A roster of the names and telephone numbers of parents of children in each class is available.
Parent’s names will be excluded if they request upon enrollment.
Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice each year for all classes from Toddler on up.
Conferences are held during the months of November and April, with specific dates being set by
the Director for his/her school. Teachers must make evening appointments available to the
parents on at least one night. The "Assessment of Developmental Progress" is used for all age
groups. This information is kept confidential and will be placed in the child's file upon
graduation.
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A Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is essential to the communication between everyone at
your center. Optimally, the committee is made up of parents and staff with the parents acting as
the governing unit. The parents will take minutes, set agendas, propose projects, etc. The Parent
Involvement Committee should meet once a month and minutes from the meetings will be
published in a newsletter.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
You or an authorized person must accompany your child into the Center, sign your child in, and
place him/her under staff supervision before leaving the premises. No child is released from
Rainbow Rascals to anyone other than parents or an authorized person without advance written
consent using the alternative escort form. Proper identification from these parties is required.
There is a $1.00 per minute charge after our 6:00 p.m. closing time per family. Please arrange to
arrive at Rainbow with enough time to get your child ready to go home before 6:00 p.m. If a
staff member must remain in the center after 6:00 p.m., the late charge will also apply. Please
notify us if an emergency prevents your arrival on time. At the end of each day, please sign out.
Check your child's cubby for notices, artwork, and any special projects.
RELEASE OF CHILDREN
For the protection of all the children, Rainbow maintains a strict release policy. Our enrollment
forms require two names of individuals to whom the child may be released. In addition to the
names, we require advance notice that someone other than yourself will be picking up your child.
You may notify the director in writing using the alternative escort form. Rainbow will not
release any child without advance notice. A piece of photo identification will be required at the
time of pick up.
EXTENDED ABSENCES & VACATION
To maintain our quality program and licensing regulations, we are required to engage staff based
on the number of children enrolled. The Center is not responsible to reduce or refund tuition for
daily absences due to weather, holidays, illness, or vacation. It is not our policy to allow for
"make-up" days. Please inform Rainbow by 9:00A.M. any time your child is going to be absent
and when he or she is expected to return.
For children attending the Center full-time (4 or 5 full days), vacation time is available. The
parent will be responsible for paying one-half of the weeks tuition each time the child is absent
for five consecutive days. There will not be a pro-rated or discount rate if the child is absent for
less than five consecutive days. This vacation time is unlimited throughout the year provided the
parent pays 50% of the tuition.
If your child is out of the center on an extended leave (due to medical reasons, parent's maternity
leave, extended vacation...) the parent will be responsible to pay for half of the weeks tuition in
order to maintain the child's spot within the classroom. If one-half of the week's tuition is not
paid, his/her place will not be guaranteed upon return. Once a two-week notice is given, all
vacation time is forfeited.
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Any time a child withdraws from the program, someone may fill his/her place on the waiting list.
For a child to be re-enrolled, an opening must be available. An application fee will be charged if
the child does not return within two months.
WITHDRAWALS / SCHEDULE CHANGE
We require two weeks written notice if you intend to withdraw your child from the program.
Your security deposit will apply to your final weeks tuition. If the Director does not receive two
weeks advance written notice, whether you have started or not, your deposit will be forfeited. If
you intend to reduce the number of days your child attends Rainbow, we require a four-week
written notice. Rainbow reserves the right to withdraw a child who has developmental,
behavioral, health, or discipline problems which cause him/her to harm other children or disrupt
the program. At any time during a child's enrollment, Rainbow Rascals has the right to withdraw
a family for the best interest of the center. Habitual absenteeism or failure to pay fees will also
result in termination of enrollment. Once a two-week notice is given, all vacation time is
forfeited.
SICK CHILD POLICY
It is Rainbows' policy to temporarily exclude children from care who may be infectious or who
demonstrate physical symptoms that require continual one-to-one care.
Deciding when a child is infectious is sometimes a matter of opinion; however, the guidelines we
have established have been done under consultation with several health care advisors and to be in
compliance with licensing regulations. These are the guidelines we will use, even if they differ
from the opinion of your pediatrician. Although we are sensitive to the fact that as a working
parent you have responsibilities at work, we must make our first priority safeguarding the health
of all the other children at the Center. Remember, if you bring your sick child in today so you
can go to work, next week five or six other employees will have to take time off to be with their
sick child who caught it from yours. The child care environment we provide is intimate, and in
spite of all the health procedures we employ, the most effective means of minimizing the spread
of infection is to exclude children from care who may be infectious.
The center director has the final decision on the exclusion of children.
GUIDELINES FOR EXCLUDING CHILDREN
1. FEVER- A temperature of 100 degrees or more is usually an indication of infection.
Do not send your child in to the Center with a fever. If you suspect your child is not
feeling well, please take his/her temperature before coming to the Center. Do not try
to bring the child's fever down with aspirin or Tylenol and then bring the child to
Rainbow Rascals. If he or she is ill and infectious, lowering the body temperature
will not change that fact.
2. NASAL DISCHARGE ACCOMPANIED WITH ANOTHER SYMPTOM- Nasal
discharge that is thick with a yellowish or greenish color usually indicates an infection.
3. VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA- Children who are vomiting and/or have
diarrhea should not be in the center, not only because they may be contagious, but also
because it is embarrassing and uncomfortable for the child. A child can return to group
care 24 hours after vomiting and/or diarrhea has STOPPED! Do not bring a child in
5
in the morning and tell us, "he threw up twice during the night, but seems fine now."
That is not enough of an interval to decide if the child is truly well.
4. EYE DISCHARGE- Eyes that are bloodshot, watery and/or discharging are often
infectious.
5. RASH- Any unidentified rash should be investigated by a physician to determine the
cause. Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease characterized by a skin eruption
featuring crops of darkened, raised spots which blister and then become scabs. A
child with chicken pox can spread the disease to others from 1-2 days before the onset
of the rash to 5-6 days later when all spots have dried up as scabs. Any moist sores are
contagious, as well as the discharge from coughing, sneezing and blowing the nose.
6. COUGH- A cough that is excessive or hoarse should be investigated by a physician.
A sore throat should be investigated as well.
Additional examples of health symptoms that require exclusion from the program include, but
are not limited to:
1. Severe pain or discomfort particularly in joints, abdomen, or ears.
2. Jaundice (yellow) skin or eyes.
3. Difficult or rapid breathing.
4. Swollen joints, visibly enlarged lymph nodes, or stiff neck.
5. Blood/pus from ears, skin, urine or stool.
6. Unusual behavior characterized by listlessness, loss of normal appetite, or confusion.
7. Symptoms of impetigo, lice, scabies or strep throat.
WHEN A CHILD CAN RETURN:
Usually a child can return to group care under any of these circumstances:
1. The child's temperature has been below 100 degrees for 24 hours without Tylenol or
aspirin.
2. The child has been on antibiotics for a full 24 hours.
3. It has been a full 24 hours since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
4. The nasal discharge is not thick, yellow or green. If the child has been on an antibiotic
for 24 hours this does not apply.
5. Eyes are no longer discharging.
6. Rash has subsided or the physician has confirmed through written communication
that the rash is not contagious.
7. The child has a note from their physician stating they are not contagious.
We will adhere to Michigan Childcare Licensing standards on communicable disease and
exclusion times. The communicable disease chart is located in a conspicuous place in the center.
In cases of certain communicable diseases, Rainbow Child Development Center is required to
file a report with the Department of Health within 24 hours so that control measures can be used.
We ask the parents/guardians and staff members to notify Rainbow Child Development Center
within 24 hours if a child or family member has developed a known or suspected communicable
disease. If a child has not been fully immunized for some of these diseases, he/she will be
excluded from school during an outbreak of a vaccine preventable illness as directed by the State
Health Department. All parents will be informed in writing if a communicable disease is
reported. Examples of "Reportable Disease" include, but are not limited to:
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Measles
German Measles
Lyme Disease
Whooping cough
Tuberculosis
Salmonellosis
Rubella
Giardiasis
Spinal Meningitis
Mumps
Hepatitis A
Shigellosis
TEETHING, ALLERGIES and VIRUSES
TEETHING: When a child has a temperature over 100 degrees, it is probably not caused by
teething or allergies. Teething does not cause a thick nasal discharge. Teething may cause a
low- grade fever, loose stools, diaper rash, drooling or crankiness in some children. However,
we must sometimes exclude children who seem uncomfortable and possibly infectious, until we
can be sure that they are well enough for group care.
ALLERGIES: Children with allergies sometimes develop symptoms that mock infections. If a
child has symptoms that are similar to other children in group care who have been ill or are
different or atypical for that child, we may send the child home until a physician has determined
that the cause of the symptoms is definitely allergies.
VIRUSES: Viruses are contagious. Just because the doctor does not prescribe an antibiotic, it
does not mean that the child is not infectious. Refer to the section on when to come back.
In the event of illness, it is best if you have a relationship with a pediatrician which will enable
you to consult with him/her and get your child seen and treated as soon as possible. This will
help to minimize your loss of time from work. Time off from work with sick children is a fact of
life for working parents. You may want to have an alternative plan, which will enable you to
take your child home when we call you. This is a difficult situation for the sick child and for the
Center since it takes the child and one caregiver away from the group. You can help us by 1)
arranging for your child to leave as soon as possible (certainly within one hour) and 2) not
bringing in a child whom you know to be sick, only to be sent home.
MILDLY ILL CHILDREN
If a child becomes mildly ill, you (the parent) will be notified of the symptoms. If the child's
illness progresses you will be asked to pick up your child. Also, if your child arrives at school
with mild symptoms, the director has the discretion to not admit your child for the day.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
All staff is trained in their staff orientation with the director on hand washing and disinfecting
procedures.
A licensed physician, RN, EMT Ambulance Instructor, or a Red Cross Instructor will train all
staff in C.P.R./First Aid. The communicable disease chart is located in the center. Please use this
for your reference.
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MEDICATION
REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION: A daily medication form must be
completed and signed in order for Rainbow to administer medication. This procedure is the
same for all prescription and over-the-counter medications. Powders, creams, diaper wipes
containing alcohol, vitamins, etc. are all examples of items that require a completed medication
form. Rainbow will follow all over the counter medication instructions. For example, if the
bottle states "under age three, consult a physician," we will need a physician's signature in order
to administer the medication if your child is less than three years of age. All forms must state a
specific time the medication is to be administered, "when needed" or "give if fever" are not
acceptable. Medication forms are located at the sign in table as well as in the kitchen.
WHERE TO STORE THE MEDICATION: The refrigerator in the kitchen has a designated
medicine bin for refrigerated medicines and all others are stored in designated areas of the child's
class labeled specifically for medicine. Please store all medications in these locations.
LABELING MEDICATIONS: The medication form must be labeled with only one child's first
and last name. Siblings require separate medications. Medications must arrive in the original
container. Prescription medications must be properly labeled including the physician's name,
pharmacy and phone number, medication name, and instructions for administering. Changes in
prescription or over-the-counter dosage level require a new label on the container or a signed
note from the child's health care provider. Medications must be taken home each day, and
expired medications must be discarded.
MEDICAL RECORDS
A health history and record of immunizations are required from a licensed physician certifying
that your child's health is satisfactory for attending Rainbow. Infant and Toddler physical
evaluations made within the three months prior to enrollment are acceptable. Physical
evaluations made for children two and a half years and older made within 12 months prior to
enrollment are acceptable. Medical records for all children must be on file at Rainbow Rascals
within 30 days of initial attendance. A certificate of immunizations must be on file on the first
day of initial attendance. An updated health record for each child is required every year.
If your child contracts a communicable illness, please notify the Center immediately. We must
post any incidents of contagious illness to alert other parents. Upon the return of a child absent
due to a contagious illness, a signed statement from a licensed physician stating they are no
longer contagious must be provided.
A child who becomes ill during the day will be separated from the other children and cared for
until he/she can be taken home. You are asked to pick up your child within one hour. Parents
must make arrangements in advance to have a friend, relative, or baby-sitter available in the
event you cannot pick up your child.
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SAFETY
CLASSROOM AND PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION
While in the care of Rainbow Child Development Center, no child will be left without adult
supervision, regardless of whether the children are sleeping, playing, eating or otherwise. This is
the most important rule of all playground and classroom supervision.
Classroom supervision specifically encompasses, but is not limited to, the following areas:
* Children engaged in arrival, departure, center activities, free choice activities, rest time,
snack, and lunch times, indoor walks or any other time the child is with Rainbow
Rascals staff and their parent or guardian is not present.
Playground supervision specifically encompasses, and yet is not limited to, the following areas:
* Children engaged in free play on the playground, group activities, walks, anytime the
children are on any of the play structures or any time the child is on Rainbow Rascals
play space and their parent or guardian is not present.
General Playground Rules
1. No more than 10 children should be on the climber at one time.
2. No child should be on the climbers without an adult present.
3. When on the swings, teachers should not be giving "underdogs."
4. Teachers should be evenly distributed on the playground so that no one area is left
without adult supervision.
EMERGENCY FIRE/FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES
1. In case of a fire, a staff member will activate the alarm system. Monthly fire drills will
be conducted at each facility.
2. The head teacher of each classroom will calmly gather all the children in the class and
line up at the emergency exit, or safest exit, and do a quick head count.
3. Once everyone has been accounted for, the head teacher will lead the class outside to
the designated safe area, or the safest area, at least 100 feet away from the building.
4. Meanwhile, the teachers assistant will check the bathroom, retrieve the attendance book
and follow at the end of the line.
5. The Director will check the entire building.
6. The teachers will take attendance outside. Once outside, the Director will check with
the teachers about the accountability of all children.
7. The Director will let everyone know when it is safe to return to the building.
** The staff always have immediate access to a working telephone.
** There are no aerosol cans permitted in the facility.
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ACCIDENTS
MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLANS
In the event of a medical emergency, the following steps will be taken:
1. A supporting staff member will call 911 for an EMS team to come to the center while
the primary caregiver will attend to the injured child and initiate basic first aid.
2. Once EMS has been called, the supporting staff will contact the injured child's parents
and make arrangements for meeting at the closest or pre-chosen place of care.
3. The child's medical records and Emergency Care Authorization will accompany the
child to the emergency care site.
4. The child will not be left alone at any time. The staff member accompanying will
remain with the child until the child's parents assume responsibility for the child.
5. In the event of a staff member having to leave the center to accompany the
injured child, a substitute will be called in to replace that person.
6. If the injury results in the child being admitted to a hospital, an accident report will
be filled out within 5 days of the accident.
PLAN FOR HANDLING MINOR INJURIES
1. The head teacher will attend to the injured child immediately, and apply basic first aid
procedures.
2. Comfort the child until soothed.
3. Attending staff person prepares/writes an accident report, stating the child's name, date
and time of injury, type of injury incurred and exact location, the first aid applied and
explanation of circumstances. Attending staff will sign the report, and it is then given
to the Director. The Director will review and sign the report, and it is then given to the
parents to read and sign. One copy of the report is for the parents and one copy
of the report is placed in the child's file.
4. For any type of head injury that may occur, the parents are notified immediately,
regardless of the severity of the injury.
5. For bites, parents of both the biter and the bitee will be notified.
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GUIDANCE POLICY
Rainbow maintains a "positive" approach as a method of guidance and discipline. The authority
of the teacher is replaced by individual self-discipline in the child. We stress the importance of
both consistency and the development of a strong, positive self-image.
Discipline guidelines are as follows:
* The methods of guidance and discipline used shall be positive, consistent with the
developmental needs of the children and applied with full knowledge and understanding
of the parent(s).
* There is no corporal punishment such as hitting at Rainbow Rascals.
* Discipline does not consist of ridicule, abusive language, or harsh, humiliating or
frightening treatment, or any kind of child abuse/neglect/exploitation.
* Discipline shall not be associated with rest, toilet training or food.
* Children are never isolated without staff supervision.
* Discipline is not associated with the withholding of emotional responses or stimulation,
and shall not require the child to remain silent for long periods of time.
* Good behavior is encouraged and praised.
* When enforcing disciplinary actions, patience and understanding is used to help the child
learn positive self-discipline.
* Rules for proper behavior in the classroom and on the playground are taught and
reinforced.
* If the rules are continuously broken, the child may sit in a chair away from the group
until he/she feels able to rejoin the group and cooperate (the child is never left without
staff supervision).
* If uncontrollable behavior persists and becomes disruptive or harmful to other children,
parents will be contacted.
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BITING
WHY AND WHEN CHILDREN BITE: Data indicates that nearly half of all children enrolled in
childcare are bitten. Toddlers are bitten most often and more bites occur in the middle of the
morning and in August and September. These are times when children's activity levels are
usually high and transitions to new situations are occurring. Children bite because:
* it feels good, they need to exercise teeth and gums
* when children are teething they bite because it brings relief
* biting brings about an immediate response from the victim
* tastes good
* children explore through their senses (taste)
* toddlers are in an oral fixation stage of development
* children see it as a means to an end
* prior to attaining language skills, children communicate physically
PREVENTION: There are steps caregivers take to reduce the incidence of biting in the childcare
setting. All Rainbow Rascals staff is to follow them:
* constant supervision of children
* react quickly when children are in dispute over something
* tune into children who are going through a biting stage
* ask the director to observe chronic biters and make recommendations
* understand and meet the child's needs (primary caregiver shadow child, and give
child outlets for the biting behavior)
ONCE A CHILD BITES: Biting is a high frequency behavior with low risk of serious
consequences. The persistent biter needs behavior management. There is some evidence that if
we can keep a biter from exhibiting this behavior for two weeks, they will tend to lose that skill
from their repertoires. When a bite happens the following rules apply:
* console the victim, give the victim more attention than the biter
* wash the bite with warm water and soap
* apply ice to keep the swelling down
* watch the bite closely over the next 3-4 hours for changes
* document and inform parents
* if a child bites more than once a day for a week, a meeting will be arranged with
the director, parent, and caregiver to devise a plan to help curtail the behavior
KEEP IN MIND: Biting is one of the most emotionally charged situations for everyone involved
and should be dealt with as such. Biting will not just go away. It will happen in all centers, with
different children. If an extreme situation occurs, the child will be withdrawn from the center.
This would be the last resort and the child would be welcomed back once the biting phase is
over.
Worries about the transmission of the AIDS virus (HIV) by biting have not been supported by
any responsible medical authority. Transmission of HIV infection from one child to another by
biting has never been documented. HIV transmission requires the transfer of blood from an
infected person to an uninfected person or sexual contact with an infected person. Transmission
of Hepatitis B virus occurs when surfaces are contaminated by saliva or other body fluids or by
direct contact of body fluids. When young children carrying the virus are in childcare,
preventing contact with infectious fluids is difficult. Children in programs with Hepatitis B
carriers should be immunized against this disease. A new State law for all infants to begin
receiving Hepatitis B vaccine at or soon after birth should help control this disease.
The information and policies that have been researched were a publication provided by the
Information Exchange and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
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SUMMER PROGRAM
Summer at Rainbow takes on a different atmosphere. Our goal is to expose the children to
learning adventures different from the conventional school year. The children will be
participating in activities throughout the summer based on a theme. The center will have many
visitors and activities. Depending on the age of your child they may be participating in external
field trips as well. The summer program is an additional fee. Children in Preschool through
School-age participate. Some programs also include toddlers.
BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS
Rainbow will do its best to remain open regardless of weather conditions. Please call the Center
before leaving from home to ensure opening status. When the Center closes early due to
inclement weather conditions, you will be notified. Please come for your child as soon as
possible for everyone's safety. Rainbow is not responsible for refunding tuition when we must
close due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control.
ITEMS NEEDED
INFANTS: Upon enrollment infants are assigned a color. All items including food and bottles
must be color-coded for your child. You are also required to date all food and bottles.
Parents must provide:
- at least two Port-a-Crib sheets (or full size depending on your child's crib)
- several bibs
- diapers and wipes
- seasonal blankets
- all food, drink, and utensils required to serve food
- several changes of clothes
- optional items include, mobile (removed when a child can pull up in crib), or personal toys (to
be kept in his/her crib)
All linens are sent home every Friday to be laundered and returned Monday. Any powders or
ointments are considered medications; therefore, you must follow the medication procedures.
Bottles and caps will need frequent labeling and bottles must be filled at home.
TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS: Due to the number of children, all items brought to the
center need to be clearly labeled with your child's name. The following items are required at the
time of enrollment:
- a blanket or sleeping bag for nap time
- a full change of clothes (needs to be changed seasonally)
- meals must be provided daily in a labeled container
- oversized shirt or smock for messy projects
- diapers and wipes, and/or sets of underwear if "in training" (underpants and rubber pants
encouraged instead of pull-ups).
Appropriate outdoor apparel is needed daily as every effort is made to have outdoor time, even in
the winter. The Director reserves the right to exclude your child from school if he/she does not
have appropriate clothing. All linens are taken home on Fridays to be laundered and returned
Monday.
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OUTDOOR PLAY
All children will be going outside daily (weather permitting). The state requires that children
must go outside when the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Children in attendance
must have proper clothing for outdoor conditions. Children well enough to be in attendance
must be well enough to go outside.
NUTRITION
Rainbow Child Development Center provides children with two snacks each day; a midmorning snack(breakfast) and a mid-afternoon snack. Parents must provide a nutritious lunch for
their child. Each snack consists of at least two of the four snack components required by the
Department of Child Day Care Licensing and the Health Department. The four snack
components are:
One serving of milk
One serving of juice or fruit or vegetable
One serving of meat or meat alternative
One serving of bread or grain alternative
Lunch menu’s will be posted on the family communication boards when applicable.
Staff supervision during the serving of lunch and snack promotes a pleasant and relaxed
atmosphere. A monthly snack menu will be displayed in the center. Please do not send candy or
gum to the Center. Special treats may be sent for birthdays and holidays. However, please make
arrangements with the staff before sending any food items to the Center.
CLOTHING
Please provide the Center with a complete change of your child's clothing. All articles of
clothing, including outerwear, boots, blankets, etc., must be clearly labeled with your child's full
name. Your child's clothing is changed when wet or soiled as needed. Your child should be
dressed in clothing appropriate for active play, ease in toileting, and for daily outdoor activities.
We also recommend sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. The Center is not responsible for damaged
or lost clothing. Water shoes are required for water play during the summer months.
PERSONAL TOYS
Except for days specially chosen by the teacher, we find it best if your child's personal toys and
books are left at home. If a personal item is brought to Rainbow, we cannot be responsible for
loss or damage.
REST TIME
There will be a quiet time in the Center each afternoon. Depending on their age, children are
expected to rest quietly on a cot or to engage in quiet activities, allowing those who need to sleep
the opportunity to do so. Rainbow supplies children with cots, but requires that you provide a
labeled child-size blanket and/or crib sheet. Blankets and/or sheets must be taken home every
Friday to be laundered and returned on Monday.
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FIELD TRIPS
You will be notified of all field trips involving your child's class. These excursions are optional.
Your child may not accompany Rainbow without a signed permission slip. Parents are welcome
to volunteer as chaperones. A licensed bus contractor will provide transportation arrangements.
PARENT REFERRALS
Rainbow believes that our families are our greatest source of advertising. For any family who
refers another to Rainbow and that family decides to enroll on a full time basis, the referring
family will receive one-week tuition credit for their oldest child. Referring families are eligible
for a tuition credit after the referred family has been enrolled for 30 days. This policy also
applies for staff members who are referred by a family of Rainbow. If the employee is hired,
he/she must complete their 90-day probationary period before the referring families account will
be credited.
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SOLICITATION AGREEMENT*
In consideration of Rainbow Child Development Center (RCDC) accepting my child for
enrollment, I, as a parent, agree I will not solicit directly or indirectly any employee or agent of
RCDC to enter into an employment contract or that of an independent contractor with myself for
six months after their employment with RCDC has ended. I acknowledge that this agreement is
applicable to employees of RCDC who work at the facility in which my child is enrolled.
I also acknowledge that Rainbow has incurred costs related to the recruitment, hiring, training,
supervision and other significant costs that factor into employing qualified staff
Thus, I agree that if I violate the Solicitation Agreement Clause, I agree to pay RCDC a
minimum of $1,500.00 plus any legal fees or court costs associated with this breech of violation.
*This agreement excludes evening and weekend employment provided by employees of RCDC.
AGREEMENT
Rainbow Child Development Center has outlined its duties and responsibilities, as well as your
obligations as parents of an enrolled child. These policies have been carefully explained in order
to ensure the comfort and protection of your child. We will do our best to provide your child
with a program to suit his/her needs and a physical environment in which he/she can feel both
secure and free to grow. Rainbow Child Development Center, Inc. reserves the unilateral right to
add, delete or amend these policies provided in this handbook. We extend our sincere thanks for
your interest and involvement in Rainbow Child Development Center.
As a parent of a child who is enrolled at Rainbow Child Development Center, I agree to abide by
and adhere to all policies set forth in this handbook.
_________________________________
Director Signature
_________________________________
Parent Signature
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