Cypress Fairbanks I.S.D.
Early Learning Center
Parent Handbook
2015-2016
Updated 5/29/2015
The licensed child care program is available for all regular full-time or regular part-time district employees.
We provide care for children from 6 weeks to eligibility for kindergarten. Our goal is to provide your
child/ren with an environment that is nurturing, safe, clean, and where children are encouraged to grow as
unique individuals. By offering developmentally appropriate activities, we allow children to learn at their
own pace and in ways which are best for each individual child. If you have any questions regarding our
parent handbook, please feel free to contact the director of your child’s center or the main office of
Community Programs.
Philosophy:
The Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. Early Learning Center Program is designed to create a safe, wholesome
environment where children may enjoy learning in a nurturing, caring atmosphere. Individuality is
recognized and used as a base on which to encourage children to reach their maximum potential.
Curriculum:
The program offers a curriculum committed to establishing and maintaining a positive and stable
environment for all children involved. Your child will learn more about themselves, others, and the world
around them. The program is sensitive to the needs of the children in all areas of development: movement,
language, cognitive, sensory, and social/emotional.
The curriculum is internally designed through the department and is based upon the essential skills provided
by the Texas Education Agency. In addition, we utilize the Scholastic Big Day for Pre-K curriculum for our
Pre-K classrooms, which is also curriculum of choice for CFISD’s Pre-K program. Our goal is to provide a
seamless transition into kindergarten.
We know our parents are wonderful resources and have an abundance of knowledge. If you would like to
share any information please contact the director of your center.
Enrollment Procedures:
All documents contained in the enrollment packet, along with the Parent Handbook are to be read and
completed as directed. Please return all required forms. In addition to the completed enrollment forms, the
following copies are required:
*a copy of your child’s birth certificate
*a copy of your child’s immunization records
*a physician’s statement of health
Please make sure to bring in copies of any updated immunizations throughout the year.
Parents will be notified in writing if there are any changes in guidelines or procedures, throughout the year.
Parent – Staff Relationship
We recognize that a positive relationship with the family is vital to the growth and development of the child.
Our staff members serve as resources for child development, in addition to instructors for the children. We
want you to feel comfortable sharing any ideas or concerns with the ELC Director at any time. In addition,
the staff members or director may ask to speak with you should concerns arise with your child participating
in the program. In the event a child’s needs or a parent’s expectations are greater than we can meet, the
ELCs may not be a suitable option for child care.
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PROGRAM OPERATION AND GUIDELINES
Overview of the Program
The ELCs are fee-based programs with two main locations, ELC 1 at 11711 Falcon Road, Houston, Texas
77064 and ELC 2 at 13935 Smokey Trail, Houston, Texas 77041. The main locations offer services for ages
6 weeks to children entering kindergarten per state guidelines.
In addition, we have four locations in portable buildings at:
 ELC Barker; 17522-B, Liner Lane, Houston, Texas 77095
 ELC Falcon; 11430 Falcon Road, Houston, Texas 77064
 ELC Eldridge; 7600 North Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas 77041
 ELC Telge; 11010 Telge Road, Cypress, Texas 77429
The Falcon and Eldridge locations serve children age 2 (by September 1st) to children entering kindergarten
per state guidelines. The Telge and Barker locations serve children ages 6 weeks to children entering
kindergarten per state guidelines.
The locations in the portable buildings offer the same program as the main locations, except for two details.
The children enrolled at the portable centers must bring a lunch daily, as the centers are not equipped with a
full kitchen. Because parents are required to send a lunch daily, the tuition rates are $8.00 less per
child/week.
All locations of the ELCs operate from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for all ages served. A separate calendar of the
days of operation for the current school year will be provided each August.
Parents must sign their child in and out daily. At the time of pick-up, children must remain with their parents
at all times and may not exit the building unescorted. Your child will only be released to the persons
authorized on the enrollment form. Please be sure to notify such persons that photo ID will be required.
The daily schedule varies for each classroom according to developmental requirements. We encourage each
parent to view the daily schedules to be familiar with the center’s procedures. The schedules are posted in
each individual classroom.
Please do not allow your child to bring personal games or toys, as staff members will not be responsible for
lost items. Children have a designated space to keep belongings that are appropriate (i.e. change of clothes,
sleep blanket/small pillow). This does not apply to show-and-tell activities or special event days related to
the lesson plans.
Parents are allowed to visit the program at any time to observe their child, the center or the activities;
however, they must sign in as a visitor and put on a visitor badge. It is not recommended for parents to
“hang out” in the program, as it may hinder the independence and growth of the child. In addition, the center
is best observed as a place of learning. Relatives are also allowed to schedule a visit to see the program, but
should not plan on spending time within a classroom without becoming a district volunteer and going
through ELC orientation. This would include lunch visits and similar.
We do not allow any pets at the center, unless it is part of a specific planned activity with notice to all
involved. Please do not bring pets up to visit or during drop-off/pick-up for health reasons and licensing
compliance.
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Classrooms are referred to by the following terms:
Infants (6 weeks to 12 months, and walking)
Toddlers (12 months to 24 months)
2’s (2 by September 1st)
3’s (3 by September 1st)
Pre-K (4 by September 1st)
Children are assigned to their classrooms by age/developmental level for the Infants through Toddlers rooms.
For the 2’s classroom and older, children are assigned based upon their birthdate by September 1st of each
year. For example, the 2’s classroom is for children who are age 2 by September 1st of that current year.
The center will not place a child in a classroom if the child does not meet the age requirement.
In the portables, there may be a classroom (on one side of the building) with two classes held together;
however, the children are separated by age according to the above guidelines for the academic portions of the
daily schedule.
Parents pay tuition according to the room their child is assigned. In the event their child changes room midyear (infant to toddler rooms), due to age or developmental level, then the tuition amount would change.
Capacity
All ELC locations will operate at or close to capacity and with ratios according to the Texas Child Care
Licensing guidelines. For specific information regarding your child’s center, please visit with the director.
Volunteers
In the event a person wishes to volunteer at one of the Early Learning Centers, spend time regularly in the
center, or assist with activities, he/she must complete our volunteer process. The process includes a volunteer
application, a background check and a brief orientation to the center with the director. Volunteers are not
allowed to be responsible for a group of children and are never left alone with a child. They can be utilized
as an extra support to the regular on-goings of the center.
Staffing
Each center is staffed with a director, who serves as the licensed center director according to state guidelines.
The director supervises the staff and curriculum of the center. In addition, ELC 1 and 2 have an ELC
Manager. The ELC Manager serves as a co-director for child care licensing and supervises the daily
schedule of the center.
Each classroom is staffed with a lead instructor and/or a child care aide. Part-time staff members may work
at the centers in addition to the regular program staff to ensure all ratios are maintained, assist with the
cleanliness of the center and support the instructors. It is possible for part-time staff members to be added to
the center, in order to ensure ratios are covered, since drop-off/pick-up times vary throughout the year.
All ELC staff members are CFISD employees and meet CFISD qualifications, along with Child Care
Licensing guidelines.
ELC staff members are employees of CFISD and, as such, are school officials who have access to CFISD
child records. The ELCs are not part of the CFISD academic program and, as such, student records reviewed
by ELC staff will be utilized for reference only.
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The ELCs strive to hire a diverse staff and encourage parents to get to know the personnel working at their
child’s center. Customer service is important as we know you have a choice in child care centers. The ELCs
do not plan on staff changes, although recognize that changes may be made at any time to either
accommodate the program, and/or adjust for staff resignations/hirings.
Community Programs
The ELCs are part of the Community Programs department. All registration and tuition fees are processed
through this office. Community Programs is housed at the Cy-Fair Annex building located in between
Arnold Middle School and Cy-Fair High School off the Hwy. 290 access road.
Community Programs
22602 Northwest Freeway, Suite 1
Cypress, Texas 77429
281-807-8900.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Questions regarding tuition and registration should be directed to the Community Programs department. Any
questions pertaining to the actual centers or the programs should be directed to the directors of each center.
ELC 1 – Jessica Perez
ELC 2 – Gloria Perroni
ELC Falcon – April Nelson
ELC Eldridge – Jennifer Carlton
ELC Barker – Rochelle Bell
ELC Telge – Tammy Mathis
Tuition and Fees
 A $25.00 fee will need to be paid in advance to secure a place on the waiting list; this will be
subtracted from your registration fee upon enrollment into the program.
 An annual registration fee of $75.00 per child/$100 per family is due at the time of enrollment and is
non-refundable. This fee covers administrative costs.
 An annual supply fee of $25.00 per child will be due by October 1st.
 A late pick up fee will be assessed at the rate of $1.00 per minute per child, beginning at 5:31 pm.
Continued non-compliance with our pick-up guidelines may result in a review of your child’s
enrollment.
 The initial registration fee and the supply fee must be paid by check or money order only. Cash or
temporary checks will not be accepted.
 Tuition is paid on a monthly or twice per month basis through automatic deduction from a parent’s
checking account. A Tuition Deduction Form will be included with the registration packet
authorizing CFISD to deduct a specific amount. The parent will have the option to have their
payment deducted once or twice per month. These deductions will occur on the 1st and/or 15th of
each month. Special payment arrangements can be made by contacting the main office of community
programs.
Updated 5/29/2015
Tuition Rates are as follows:
Room
ELC I & ELC II
Infants
Toddlers
2’s
3’s
Pre-K
$166
$156
$151
$146
$139
Room
Infants
Toddlers
2’s
3’s
Pre-K
Portable Locations
$166
$148
$143
$138
$131
The children, excluding infants, enrolled at the four locations in portable buildings (ELC Barker, ELC
Falcon, ELC Eldridge and ELC Telge) receive an $8/week discount, as lunch is not provided. The
discount is already reflected in the table above.
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In the event a check is returned insufficient, the parent will be responsible for a returned check fee of
$30.00 plus any applicable sales tax. The returned check fee is handled by Paytek Solutions and the
parent must call them directly at 1-800-641-9998.
Should more than one check be returned as insufficient, the Community Programs main office will
notify the parent via letter that checks will no longer be accepted as a form of payment for any tuition
or fees. From that point, money orders will be the only form of payment allowed for six months
following notification. In the event a parent must use money orders, tuition must be paid once or
twice per month by the 1st and/or 15th with applicable late charges of $20 if not received by the
scheduled date. Tuition is ONLY paid at the main Community Programs office.
When multiple children from the same family attend the center, there will be a 10% discount off the
tuition of the oldest child.
Two weeks notice in writing must be turned into the Community Programs main office, either in
person or via email (kelly.simmons@cfisd.net), in order to withdraw your child from the center.
Parents are responsible for the tuition for those two weeks, regardless of whether or not the child
attends.
Each year, the school calendar is analyzed and the number of program days may change, based on the
teacher work days. For the 2015-16 program year, the ELCs have a calendar of 191 days of service. This
year it does not divide evenly for a set number of weeks. Please note, the weekly rate you are assigned will
be divided by 5 to determine a daily rate. Then, this daily rate will be multiplied out by the number of days
to determine your child’s full tuition.
The tuition may be deducted per your direction from paychecks August through June. Parents can choose to
divide their payment with several options. A few examples are listed below:
Example 1) A parent may choose to have tuition paid August through June and twice a month (1st and 15th)
to make each deduction low
Example 2) A parent may choose to have tuition paid September through May and once per month on the 1st
(to not have to pay in August or June), but each amount will be higher
Example 3) A parent may choose to have tuition paid September through June and once a month on the 15th,
to not effect her other bills paid on the 1st
Parents complete a Tuition Deduction Form as part of their enrollment packet to indicate directions for
payments. This form is turned in to the Community Programs department.
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Absence Policy
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the center staff. If your child is ill, you should notify us of
the nature of the illness, particularly if it is contagious. Per health guidelines, specific illnesses are reportable
to the health department and/or to other families of the center. Specific personal information is not shared.
Meals and Snacks
For all ELC locations, snacks are included in your tuition rate. This includes breakfast (for those children
arriving before 8 a.m.), a morning snack, and an afternoon snack.
Lunches are provided at the two main locations, ELC 1 and ELC 2. On Fridays the children have a tradition
of bringing lunch in their lunch boxes, but this is optional. After reviewing the posted menu, you always
have the option of sending a lunch with your child on any day; however, discounts are not given on tuition.
The portable locations do not have the required facilities to provide lunch. Children must bring their lunch
daily, which does not require refrigeration. Because lunches are not regularly provided, tuition is decreased
for the ELC portable locations, with the exception of infants.
For safety reasons, glass containers are not permitted at any ELC location.
Peanut or peanut products are not allowed at any of the ELC locations, the main centers or the
portables.
In the event a child has a special dietary need, the parent must visit with the center director to discuss
reasonable accommodations and ensure the accommodations can be met within the center’s regular routines.
In the event a child does not have a lunch at the locations in the portables, the parents will be contacted to
bring a lunch. If the parents are unable to be contacted or unable to bring a lunch, staff members will have to
make special arrangements to obtain a lunch and the child’s account will be charged $6.00 per lunch.
Security Code
The front door to the center remains locked during business hours. At the portable locations with more than
one building, each building will remained lock. Families must utilize the key pad to gain access to the center,
as doors will not be propped open. Each family will receive a five digit code they will be required to use to
enter the building. You will need to enter your family’s code followed by the * or # symbols, depending on
the center. You will then have ten seconds to enter the building.
Please allow each individual family to enter their own code and do not hold the door open for people behind
you, without some sort of identification method. As our buildings do not maintain a reception area, we
utilize the codes to determine who has access to the buildings.
Gang-Free Zone
Under the Texas Penal Code 71.028 and 71.029 any area within 1000 feet of a child-care center is considered
a gang-fee zone.
School Holidays Observed
Please refer to the CFISD school calendar. The ELCs are closed on the same holidays as the campuses;
however, the ELCs are open on professional days.
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Weather-Related Closings
On days when CFISD is closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. On days when
CFISD is delayed, the centers will also be delayed for the same amount of hours from the regular opening
time of the center. For example, if the district is delayed two hours, the centers will be open at 8:30 a.m.
instead of 6:30 a.m.
Recess/Outdoor Play Guidelines
Children will rotate between indoor and outdoor play in order to experience a variety of settings. Child Care
Licensing guidelines require outdoor time to be included daily for a child’s optimal development. All ages
participate in outside playtime at our six locations, including infants.
The length of outside time is based upon the weather/ozone conditions of the area. Outside times will vary
from ten minutes to thirty minutes depending upon the conditions. The scheduled outside time may also
vary if the temperature is optimal at a later time (cooler months) or earlier time (hotter months).
For winter weather, the staff members utilize the following guideline:
In the event the wind chill/temperature is 45° F or below, children are to remain inside. If the wind
chill/temperature is above 45° and outside conditions are sunny, children may participate in outside
activities – only if they are wearing appropriate clothing/coat. The centers will keep extra coats on
hand; however, we strongly encourage parents to keep their child’s backpack prepared so their child
can fully experience the center’s schedule.
For warmer weather, the staff members utilize the following guideline:
In the event the heat index/temperature is 95˚ or higher, children will not be taken outside.
If the heat index/ temperature reads from 90˚ to 95˚, children may be taken outside for 5 - 10 minutes,
with water provided before and after going outside. Parents are encouraged to send hats and
sunscreen lotion or wipes (no spray) for children to utilize when playing outdoors.
Regardless of the temperature, the ELC directors or their designee will utilize personal judgment as to
whether children will be comfortable outside and how long children should actually be outside.
Child Abuse
As required by law, child care workers are trained annually in recognizing and reporting child abuse and
neglect. This reporting is required by law should a staff member have cause to believe that a child’s physical
or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse, neglect, or is a victim of indecency with a
child by any person. The call is typically made immediately, but must be made no later than 48 hours after
the time the staff member first suspects the incident. Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400 or
https://www.txabusehotline.org
Children with Special Needs
While the ELCs do not provide special education services, staff members at the center work closely with the
CFISD Special Education Department to ensure children with special needs receive the services and
resources they need. Children are eligible for special education services beginning at the age of 3. Children
who have hearing and vision disabilities may receive services from birth.
To be eligible for special education services, children must meet eligibility requirements as a child with an
orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, auditory impairment, visual impairment, diagnosis of
deaf/blind, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, learning disability, speech impairment, multiple
Updated 5/29/2015
disabilities, autism, non-categorical early childhood, or traumatic brain injury. If a parent believes their child
is in need of support they may contact the Special Education Department at 281-897-6400 to learn more
about the referral process.
Behavior and Guidance
Behavior management is an important element in our child care facility. We strive for a classroom setting
that provides children with opportunities to explore their environment within consistent, age-appropriate
limits. In this atmosphere, most behavioral issues are prevented; however, if behavioral issues occur, we will
use the following progressive guidance techniques:
1. Classroom Management: This technique involves modeling and reinforcing appropriate behavior,
maintaining consistent supervision, setting reasonable expectations for children’s behavior based on their
developmental levels and individual differences, and providing interesting, challenging, and age-appropriate
things to do.
2. Re-teaching: Teaching children appropriate behavior expectations for a variety of settings is part of the
preschool goals. Daily, our staff members spend time teaching, and re-teaching expectations for behavior.
This is done through songs, modeling, practicing and games. If a child is struggling with behavior, staff
members may spend time re-teaching the concept and using praise for compliance.
3. Ignoring: Sometimes negative behavior is produced by a child to gain attention. It can be stopped when
it does not get the attention desired. We will utilize this technique unless a safety issue is involved.
4. Redirection: We will offer alternatives to children engaged in undesirable behavior by offering a
different toy, suggesting a new activity, engaging the child in an activity with a teacher or another child, or
by suggesting independent play.
5. Verbal Intervention: The teacher explains to the child the inappropriate behavior, and shows him/her
the appropriate way to handle the situation.
6. Logical Consequences: The teacher helps the child understand the logical consequences of his/her
actions by removing an object, activity, etc. that is causing the problem or having the child “make up” for the
issue the behavior caused (i.e. cleaning up if making a mess or helping a friend that was hurt).
7. Time Out: The child is separated from the group, to allow him/her to relax and calm down. At this time
the child would be assisted to an area in the room where he/she can be supervised at all times. The child will
not have access to activities and materials while in the designated area.
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If “time out” occurs two or more times in one day, parents will be notified when the child is picked
up at the end of his/her day.
The child may return to the group as soon as the negative behavior stops or is significantly
reduced.
“Time out” will not be used for children under the age of 12 months; instead, redirection or
distraction techniques will be used.
Time out will not last longer than one minute per year of the child’s age. If the behavior has not
stopped during that time, other techniques will be utilized.
(If the above mentioned techniques are not working effectively, a parent/teacher/director conference will
take place to determine the next step that will be taken to stop the undesired behavior. In the event a
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child’s needs are greater than can be met within the CFISD Early Learning Center, a child may be
removed from the program.)
Custody
Children will be released only to parents as specified on the enrollment record or as specified in a custody
order. We cannot deny a parent pick-up rights unless there is a legal order on file, which would prohibit pickup for a particular day or if a restraining order has been provided for the child’s file.
Health Precautions
A statement signed by a licensed physician is required stating that your child is able to participate in the child
care facility activities. In order to protect the health of the other children, please keep your child at home if
you notice the onset of any contagious disease. Children must be kept at home if they have experienced any
of the following symptoms during the past 24 hours. Also, parents will be called to pick up their children if
these symptoms occur while the child is in care. Your child must be picked up within an hour from the time
called. Children that are ill may not return to the ELC until they are free of all symptoms for 24 hours. ELC
will not administer medication to regulate a fever.
An ill child must not be admitted for care if one or more of the following exists:
1. The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in child-care center activities including
outdoor play;
2. The illness results in a greater need for care than the staff members can provide without
compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children;
3. The child has any of the following, unless medical evaluation by a health care professional indicates
that you can include the child in the child care center’s activities:
a. A temperature of 100 degrees and accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or
symptoms of illness;
b. Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing,
uncontrolled diarrhea, two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours, rash with fever, mouth
sores with drooling, behavior changes, or other signs that the child may be severely ill; or
c. A health-care professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable disease, and the
child does not have medical documentation to indicate that the child is no longer contagious.
In the event your child is diagnosed with a communicable or a contagious disease, please notify the center
immediately so proper precautions can be taken. A written release from a physician must be presented
before a child is allowed back in school after a contagious disease, extended illness, or surgery and the
child must be able to fully participate in the child care center schedule upon return.
Emergency Procedures
In case of the onset of a critical illness or injury:
1. Parent will be notified or contact will be made with names provided on the enrollment form.
2. The child will be taken to the nearest emergency room or clinic, or an emergency vehicle will be
called if deemed necessary.
3. Children will be given first aid treatment or CPR if necessary.
*please note, that in some circumstances the child’s health will be attended to first, before contacting
the parent. Staff members are to assess the situation to determine priority in steps.
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Evacuation Procedures
All staff members are trained in handling incidents and monthly drills are conducted in severe weather
procedures, fire procedures, secure the building, and lockdowns.
In the event of an evacuation of the building, the children will be relocated to the nearest transportation
facility or to the nearest elementary school. In the event this occurs, program staff move the children first and
then, provide notice to the parents via emails or phone calls, depending on the available method. Please
know the children are our first priority in emergency situations.
Medication
The ELCs have a no tolerance policy regarding possession of medication of any kind at any time
(prescription or non-prescription) for children attending the center. All medications brought by parents for
their child(ren) must:
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6.
Be in original container.
Be labeled with the child’s full name and date.
Include directions to administer the medication. (Physician’s note may be needed.)
Dosage will only be given in amounts according to the label directions.
Include the name of physician prescribing the medication.
Provide directions for administering and physician’s signature on prescription form or letterhead
stationary for any sample medicine which has been dispensed by the physicians.
7. Complete and sign the Medication Authorization Form located next to the sign in/out sheet.
8. All medication will only be administered at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
*Infants are given medication as prescribed, or as needed for specific conditions such as teething.
**Medications necessary for a specific medical condition can be given on an as prescribed or as needed basis
(i.e. asthma inhaler, breathing treatment, epi-pen, or similar)
Due to budgetary, staffing and programmatic restrictions, the ELCs do not maintain a school nurse or other
health care professional on staff. The ELC staff members are trained in administering medication, First
Aid/CPR and defibrillator use.
Immunizations
Each child enrolled or admitted to child-care centers must meet applicable immunization requirements
specified by the Texas Department of Health Immunization Requirements in Texas Elementary and
Secondary Schools and Institutions of Higher Education.
In accordance with state law, parents must provide the center director with a dated record that the child has
been immunized. The health and immunization form must be completed. There must be a record with a
rubber stamp or signature of the physician or health personnel. Under special health conditions the parent
must provide a certificate or affidavit signed and dated by a physician duly registered and licensed to practice
medicine in the United States, stating that the required immunization would be injurious to the health and
well-being of the child or a member of the child’s family or household. If immunizations conflict with
religious beliefs, parents must sign an affidavit. Please bring any updated shot records.
To View Required Immunizations By Age Group, visit www.ImmunizeTexas.com.
Parents must provide the following on a daily basis, as necessary for your child’s age:
*Bottles/Formula (must be pre-made with lids and labeled with child’s name)
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*Change of Clothing
*Baby Wipes
*Baby Food
*Pacifier (must be on a clip)
*Substitute Menu Items
*Bibs
*Diapers (must be individually labeled with child’s name or child’s initials)
Pertinent information about your child must be filled out on our daily sheet. Infant parents must
provide an updated feeding schedule once a month.
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All items must be labeled with child’s name: (i.e. clothing, pacifier, food, bottles, bottle caps,
blankets, toys, diapers, spoons, bowls, mat cover, etc.) Please note: glass bottles are not permitted in
the facility for safety reasons.
Parents may provide breast milk for their child. If you wish to breast feed your child, you may use
our Infant Room facilities.
Due to health reasons, children are not permitted to bring sippy cups to the programs or store used sippy cups
in their cubbies or refrigerators. Please keep these types of items at home. In the event a child has a special
dietary need, the parent must visit with the center director to discuss reasonable accommodations and ensure
the accommodations can be met within the center’s regular routines.
Bathroom
During the early years, there are many transitions regarding bathroom use and personal needs. ELC staff
members are trained to be sensitive to these needs and utilize consistent methods. If your child is not yet
potty trained, the staff members will continue to emphasize these skills at school. Although, we ask that you
send any needed personal supplies daily (wipes, pull-ups, etc.). Parents will receive a daily summary
informing them of their child’s bathroom habits until they are fully potty trained. In the event a child is not
responding to potty training, the instructor may ask to meet with the parent to put a specific plan into place
for the child to obtain this life skill.
Nap Time
State licensing guidelines requires a supervised rest or sleep period to be held after the noon meal. During
this time, each child is provided with a cot and is allowed a soft pillow and blanket/combination set. The
pillow/blanket combination set must be able to be folded in half and fit within the cot space. For examples of
appropriate sets, please see the director at your center. Cot sizes are:
Toddlers and 2’s are 42”x21”
3’s to Pre-K are 52”x21 ½”
Please label all items sent with your child, as we want to ensure they are kept separate. In the event a child is
not sleepy or is “growing” out of a nap, we are required to have them rest for at least one hour. After this
initial hour, if the child is not sleeping, he/she will be given an alternative quiet activity. The children must
remain on their cots even if not sleeping. We do ask that parents talk with their child about this needed rest
time and how rest is important for their growing bodies. We must comply with all state regulations and when
a child refuses to rest, it puts our center out of compliance.
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Dress Code
Please dress your child in clothing that is comfortable, seasonable, and manageable. Please make sure the
children are not sent in their best attire, as at times, art supplies may include paint. Staff members will do
their best to ensure clothing is protected from program supplies. Children must wear shoes that remain on
during center activities (i.e. closed toed shoes, tennis shoes, and similar).
Children must also have appropriate outdoor clothing for outside time and for fire drills when signaled.
Pajamas are not allowed unless part of a special center dress-up day. As we prepare children for entering
into grade school, ELC staff members will keep the CFISD dress code in mind. While children in the ELCs
are not required to follow the same guidelines, we will monitor dress for appropriateness. We do ask that
shorts are worn with any skirts or dresses and that all shorts are finger tip length.
A complete change of clothing must be provided to keep at school, no matter the age of your child. If we
must use the change of clothing, parents are required to send another the following day. Remember, children
grow very quickly. Please keep clothing that is seasonal in your child’s cubby.
Transitions from Room to Room
Children transition from classroom to classroom based upon developmental milestones, birthdays, and
availability in the next classroom. Some specific guidelines are necessary for care in regards to specific
rooms.
In the toddler room, children must be 12 months old, able to walk, and not use pacifiers or bottles. The
toddler room uses cots and sippy cups, provided by the center. In addition, it is our goal for children to be
potty trained prior to entering the 3’s classroom; however, we will work with families on a case-by-case
basis if a child requires assistance with restrooming.
Repeating Classrooms (2’s through Pre-K)
Children are enrolled in the appropriate classroom according to their birthday. Children are not permitted to
repeat classrooms they have “aged-out “ of, regardless of circumstances. This includes repeating the same
classroom at a different ELC location.
Entering Kindergarten
Children who are eligible according to state guidelines to enter into kindergarten are not able to remain at the
centers for their kindergarten year. Parents who wish to have their child “held back” for personal reasons
must find alternative care. The ELCs are not able to provide a “bridge” class or accommodate the individual
needs of an older child, nor are they licensed to provide a kindergarten program.
Birthdays/Holidays/Celebrations
Birthdays are special times for our children and we want to help you make them memorable. We are happy
to replace one of our snack times with birthday items (i.e. cupcakes) and have a “mini-event”. Please inform
the teacher in advance if you would like to send a treat, if you are planning on being present and any other
thoughts you may have.
Please note, by district practice, parents/staff are not allowed to bring in homemade food items. All items
must be store bought.
In order to be appropriate to all involved, we ask that if you send favors to send one for each child in the
class. In the same line of thought, if you send party invitations, please send one for each child. For
Updated 5/29/2015
confidentiality reasons, we are not allowed to let parents go into a child’s cubby/backpack and place
invitations personally. Staff members will make sure to distribute them for you.
Throughout the year, we will have many celebrations. Teachers may place a sign-up list by the door, in
order to have parents send items specifically for the event. We encourage all of our parents to participate as
appropriate to support the events related to your child’s education.
Photographs
Throughout the year, ELC staff members will take photographs of the children participating in activities
and/or events. These photographs will be kept on site and utilized for end of the year events/items. The
photographs will be property of ELCs and will be stored at the end of the year, with all other records. In the
event a parent does not wish for his/her child to be photographed, they may indicate this preference on the
enrollment form.
Water Activities
At times the lesson plans may include water-table play or outside water play (sprinklers or splashing/wading
pools). You will be notified before these activities occur and asked to send the children in appropriate attire
per the director of your child’s center. The enrollment form includes a place for special permission for your
child to participate in water activities.
TB Tests/Vision and Hearing Screenings
Requirements for tuberculosis screening and testing vary across the state. If our regional TDH (Texas
Department of Health) requires TB testing, then we must have documentation to indicate each child in care is
free of active tuberculosis.
First time enrollees who are four years of age or older and all children enrolled in programs who are four
years of age by September 1 of each year will be screened for possible vision and hearing problems prior to
completion of the first semester of enrollment or within 120 calendar days of enrollment, whichever is
longest, or present evidence of screening conducted one year prior to enrollment. A licensed or certified
screener or a health care professional must conduct the screening.
Staff Relations
ELC staff members are to maintain a professional “educator to parent” relationship with all families served
by the centers. Staff members are not allowed to provide personal contact numbers to parents, as parents
may use the center’s phones or emails. Staff members are unable to provide babysitting services to children
from their own center. Staff members may share information with those from other centers in the event a
parent is seeking assistance.
Available for Review
 The Minimum Standards for Child Care Licensing. Also available at www.dfps.state.tx.us
 The most recent Licensing Inspection Report
Child Care Licensing Contact Number:
Childcare Licensing: 713-940-5200
Updated 5/29/2015
Parent Handbook Receipt
2015-2016
My signature acknowledges receipt of the ELC (Early Learning Center) Parent Handbook.
I recognize that it is my responsibility to read and review all sections of the handbook, as I will be held
accountable for abiding by the guidelines and procedures outlined.
I recognize that I will be sent a reminder, in the event I do not adhere to a guideline or procedure.
I recognize that I will be notified of any changes that occur throughout the school year and that I may request
a copy of the handbook at any time.
I recognize that should I choose not to comply with the ELC procedures or guidelines outlined in the Parent
Handbook, my child may be dismissed from services.
__________________________________________________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian
Date
______________________________________________________
Child’s name
Please circle location:
ELC 1
ELC 2
ELC Falcon
Updated 5/29/2015
ELC Barker
ELC Eldridge
ELC Telge