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Dear Parents,
Thank you for entrusting your child’s care to Wee Pals Childcare and
Preschool Center. We are grateful for your confidence and belief in our
abilities. When you are a parent it becomes clear just how important the
quality of child care is to the overall development of your child. Many
families have many different reasons why they need child care… work,
school, volunteering, etc… Whatever your reason, you can be assured
that your child is safe and secure with us.
Recent research shows us that the early childhood years are the most
important years in our lives. A well-rounded, safe, nurturing experience
during that time forms the basis for how we learn and adapt the rest of our
life. Time spent at a child care center plays an important part in that
development.
We are proud to offer the following elements to our program:
-school based curriculum
Ongoing communication with parents, i.e. quarterly newsletter, weekly
posting of curriculum, parent-teacher conferences, infant and toddler
daily communication sheets
Wee Pals is founded on the cooperative efforts of the children, staff, and
the parents. To contribute toward the successful operation of Wee Pals,
we ask for parent awareness of, and cooperation with, the following
policies. If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, thank you for your trust.
Sincerely,
Marilee Pfarr, Executive Director
Office Phone: (507)451-8355
Email: Marilee.pfarr@weepalschildcarecenter.org
Website: www.weepalschildcarecenter.org
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Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
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Introduction…………………………………………………………………...4
Mission Statement
Philosophy
Who We Serve
History
Licensing and Site Information……………………………..……………..…..8
Licensing
Ratios
Days and hours of Operation
Utilization of Space
Personnel
Confidentiality
Admissions and Operations……………………………………………….9-13
Programs
Program Goals and Objectives
Eligibility
Enrollment
Annual Review Fee
Rates and Payment Policies
Tax Information
Transportation
Daily Arrival
Departures
Liability
Behavior Guidance
Permanent Withdrawal
Privacy/Personal Information
Publicity
Non Profit Status
Special Needs
Health and Safety………………………………………………………...14-17
Nutrition
Insurance
Evacuation and Emergency Shelter
Blizzards
Accidents and Injuries
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Emergencies
Medication
Illness
Health and Safety (continued)……………………………………………….16
Exclusion of Sick Children
Communicable Disease
Pets
Hand Washing
Parent Communication and Involvement………………………… …….....18
General Communication
Visitation
Conferences
Special Concern or Grievance
Parent/Family Volunteer Time
Program Assessment
Curriculum and Schedule………………………………………………...19-20
Program Progression
Curriculum
Schedule and Routine
Extra Activities
Special Events
Birthdays
Patriotic Parade
Annual Winter Holiday Program
Field Trips
Items To Send With Your Child……………………………….…………20-21
Appropriate Clothing/Footwear
Extra Clothing
Outdoor Clothing
Accessories
Food From Home
Toys From Home
Nap Time
Abuse Reporting…………………………………………………………..22-23
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INTRODUCTION
WEE PALS MISSION STATEMENT
OUR MISSION, as a non-profit corporation, is to provide high-quality child care
focusing on child development through a stimulating environment, ageappropriate activities, and opportunities for children to learn about themselves,
others and their world.
In accomplishing our mission, we seek:
and for others
affectionate and approving care
children to learn constructive behavior
succeed in their developmental goals
and to model appropriate behavior
p with the families of the children
Wee Pals does not discriminate regardless of Race, Color, National
Origin, Sex, or Physical ability.
PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of Wee Pals is based on the idea that children continuously learn
by acting upon, and interacting with the world around them. The process of
learning occurs naturally and within a nurturing and stimulating environment. We
will provide a program specifically based on individual needs and developmental
levels.
WHO WE SERVE
Wee Pals Childcare Center serves infants age 6 weeks through school age
children up to grade 4 on a full time, part time, and drop in basis. Wee Pals has a
fully integrated preschool and kindergarten readiness program. Wee Pals also
has a kindergarten program in the afternoon for those children that attend
morning kindergarten through the Owatonna Public Schools.
History and role in the community
Wee Pals Childcare and Preschool center was the first center-based childcare in
Steele County. Founded in 1970, Wee Pals was originally licensed for 20
children ages 3-5 and operated out of the basement of a church. By 1975, the
center license grew to 50 children ages 3-5 and moved into Grandall Hall in the
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former State School Building on the West Hills campus. In 1985, the center
moved to Merrill Hall and expanded its services to toddlers and school age
children. The center added infant care in 1989. Wee Pals is licensed for 105
children, however the target capacity is 84 children.
Wee Pals is known for its rich history of providing quality childcare and preschool
programs for families in Steele County. The onsite preschool is convenient for
parents; there is no need to leave work to transport children to an off site preschool program. The preschool curriculum focuses on developmental skills for
each age group, progressing to kindergarten readiness skills. Public school
teachers comment that children leaving Wee Pals are well prepared for
kindergarten.
Wee Pals is committed to strengthening children and Families. Wee Pals
partners with other organizations in the community to create strong early
childhood initiatives.
LICENSING AND SITE INFORMATION
LICENSING
Wee Pals Childcare and Preschool Center is licensed annually by the Minnesota
Department of Human Services. We serve families without regard to race, color,
national origin, disability, religion, sex or source of assistance.
Wee Pals Childcare and Preschool Center is mandated to follow the procedures
outlined in the Minnesota Department of Human Services Division of Licensing DHS
Rule 3 (Child Care Centers), parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0170. A copy is on file in the
office.
RATIOS
Our teacher to child ratio is equal to or better than the state requirements listed
below:
Infants 1:4
Toddlers 1:7
Preschool 1:10
School Age 1:15
DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
Wee Pals is open from 6:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday all year except
specific holidays, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and other possible holiday
related days.
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UTILIZATION OF SPACE
Wee Pals is located in the historic Merrill Building of the West Hills campus. Wee
Pals occupies:
Level: Kitchen and Cafeteria, Gross Motor Room, Storage
PERSONNEL
Staff is qualified teachers, assistant teachers, and child care aides. Lead
teachers have Bachelor degrees with strong experience in early childhood care
and education. Assistant teachers have post secondary education and
experience in early childhood care and education. Child care aides have a strong
passion for working with children and are currently in high school or have
graduated with a high school diploma or GED. All staff members are required to
participate in on-going training designed to ensure consistency with our mission
and pro-gram goals.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Please maintain confidentiality of identity when talking with your child’s activities
and place of care. We expect the same of parents that we do our staff; that
conversations outside the center not identify children and families to others
ADMISSIONS AND OPERATIONS
Programs: Wee Pals’ licensed capacity is 10 Infants,18 Toddlers, 65 Preschool,
and 37 School Age children in the following programs:
The Teddy Bear Corner
Our staff provides a nurturing and stimulating environment
for babies in our care. We excel at communicating with
Infant Program
parents on each baby’s individual needs. Our staff helps
Ages 6 weeks—17 months each infant to learn by interacting with the world around
Staff/Child Ratio 1 to 3/4
him/her.
The Yellow Room
Preschool Transition
Program
Ages:18 months - 33 months
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to 7
The Green Room
Preschool Program
Ages: 33 months - 46
months
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to 9/10
This is a transition period for young toddlers and younger
preschoolers. The children are becoming more independent
and more social, but they still need a lot of staff attention and
individual time. This is also an exciting time where children
begin to learn shapes, letters, counting, and more.
Children in the Green Room continue to build on their
preschool skills. Our teachers emphasize decision making,
independence, and more accountability by the children. The
children are much better able to interact, choose their own
play area, accomplish a task, and pick up their areas before
moving on to the next activity.
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The Rainbow Room
School Readiness Program
Ages: 46 months - 1st day of
Kindergarten
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to 9/10
The Kinder Pals Room
School Age Program for
Children in Kindergarten
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to
10/15
The Big Pals Room
School Age Program for
Children in 1st - 4th Grade
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to
10/15
In the Rainbow Room we focus on preparing children for the
next chapter in their educational careers—Kindergarten!
Children will work with more advanced materials, learn to
read books, complete worksheets, and participate in other
activities that leave them well prepared for elementary
school the following year.
We offer an afternoon Kindergarten enrichment program for
children who attend morning Kindergarten through the public
schools. Our Kinder Pals teacher works closely with the
school district to develop a curriculum that continues to
advance the skills of our children.
The School-Age program operates before and after school,
and full days when school is not in session. Our Big Pals
teacher will reinforce areas where children may have
difficulties in school. Especially throughout the summer,
there are many fun activities planned daily!
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Program Goals
development of each child.
child’s cognitive, social, language, and motor skills activities.
and behavior of individual children.
Care giving Objectives
In order to meet the program’s philosophy and goals, the following care giving
objectives have been established:
and the program environment.
and individual.
child’s activities. They are welcome to observe
the program and to share ideas.
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ELIGIBILITY
All children 6 weeks of age through 4th grade will be considered for admission. Wee
Pals does not discriminate against children or parents for admission, regardless of race,
color, national origin, or sex. Children’s names may be placed in a waiting list and
admitted as vacancies occur.
ENROLLMENT
Pre-Admission: Before a child starts, a visit is required to acquaint parents and child
with the new surroundings and staff. This is a time to discuss any questions or concerns
with the Director, and to receive forms for enrollment, along with informational material.
Enrollment Forms: The following must be submitted to the office prior to attendance:
(1) Emergency and Authorization form, (2) Enrollment forms, (3) Immunization form,
and (4) Registration fee.
Registration Fee: For new families entering the program, there is a registration fee for
each child due with enrollment forms.
Health Summary: A health summary form signed by a physician is required within 30
days of initial enrollment. This form is included in the enrollment pack-age. A new health
summary is required whenever a child moves into a new age/ rate category in our
program.
ANNUAL REVIEW FEE
For families already enrolled, there is an Annual Review Fee due by September 15
each year. If a family enrolls after June 1, the Annual Review Fee will be waived for that
year only.
RATES AND PAYMENT POLICIES
Rates for each room are detailed on the Rate Sheet which can be picked up in the
office. Rate changes generally occur January 1st, but changes may occur at any time
upon a 30-day written notice.
Payments are always due the Monday of the week of care. A late fee will be assessed if
payment is not received by the following day. Payment is expected for all 52 weeks
minus one week of vacation for full time families. Vacation slips must be approved
prior to use of non-paid days (may be used when your child is sick).
Wee Pals observes the following holidays; New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas and 1 other floating holiday.
We are happy to work with families who have third party assistance in payment of their
child care costs. It is the responsibility of the families to maintain current contracts with
their counties and to pay the difference in tuition fees received from the county and what
Wee Pals charges.
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TAX INFORMATION
Taxpayers wishing to claim the child tax credit or dependent care exclusion through
Flexible Savings Account (FSA) should ask the director to prepare for them a statement
of fees paid in the tax year. We are a tax-exempt, non-profit entity. The Federal ID
number for Wee Pals is 41-0966862.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from Wee Pals must be provided or arranged by the parents. Wee
Pals will assist parents with arrangements for busing school age children.
DAILY ARRIVAL
Our doors open at 6:30am. Parents are required to undress their child (coat, snow
pants, boots, etc.), bring their child into the room, and acknowledge their child’s arrival
to staff. (TBC and Yellow Room Parents: Please allow enough time to fill out your child’s
daily report for staff).
Medicine, treats, and/or special items should be brought to the office. Parents should
notify the Wee Pals office and their child’s teacher if their child will arrive earlier or later
than usual, or will not attend on a given day.
DEPARTURES
Parents must make contact with their child’s teacher before leaving the premises. Wee
Pals staff will not allow a child to leave with anyone other than the parent unless written
authorization has been completed by or with the office staff and left in the office. Any
person being given permission to pick up a child must identify himself or herself in the
office, sign the non-parental departure slip, and take the slip to get the child.
LIABILITY
Wee Pals assumes responsibility for the welfare of a child between drop off (check in)
and pick up (sign out). Our liability begins when a child is signed in and staff is notified
of the child’s arrival. Our liability ends when a child is signed out and taken from our
staff. (Exception being when a child participates in an-other activity during our program
hours, such as: Owatonna Park and Rec. activities.) We will not assume liability during
the time they are scheduled into and participating in another activity.
BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE
Maintaining control of the children in a positive manner is imperative to ensure the
safety and protection of each child. Children at Wee Pals will not be allowed to hurt
feelings, people, or property.
Wee Pals’ methods of discipline are a non-punitive, re-directive type. This enables the
children to be responsible for their own actions.
a. No child shall be handled roughly, such as shoving, hair pulling, and ear pulling, or
shaking by staff.
b. No child shall be hit in any way, such as slapping or spanking.
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c. No child shall be humiliated, shamed, or labeled.
d. A child shall not be punished or caused to feel disgraced for lapses in toilet training.
e. Meals shall not be used as a form of punishment.
f. No disciplinary action shall be delegated to another child.
The specific methods used at Wee Pals are as follows:
(1) Clarification of guidelines and expectations
(2) Reiteration of guidelines and expectations
(3) Redirection of child (child’s choice)
(4) Direction of child to specific play area (staff choice)
(5) Placement of child away from problem area— the child will be
expected to comply with staff request and be in control before
returning to the activity. This exclusion time shall be geared to
the age of the child and will be spent with staff or in individual
play area away from the conflict.
(6) Removal of child (with staff) from program room if disturbance is
too distracting or other children, or if child needs time alone to
regain control.
Disciplinary Dismissal: Occasionally a child may experience difficulty in adjusting to
our setting and/or abiding by certain rules of behavior in the room. If a child is
experiencing some difficulty, the Director will notify the parent, and a conference will be
scheduled. The Director and teachers will then work closely with the parent to see if the
problem or problems can be resolved. As a last resort, we reserve the right to ask
parents to withdraw the child from the Center.
*Please reference our Behavior Management Policy Sheet for more
details.
PERMANENT WITHDRAWAL
Please notify Wee Pals as soon as possible. A two-week written notice is required to
avoid a charge for an additional week. Please use the “Permanent Withdrawal” form
available in the Office.
PRIVACY/PERSONAL INFORMATION
When a request is made to Wee Pals staff for information concerning a child’s family
(names and phone numbers for birthday invitations, etc.), this request will be directed to
the Office and contact will always be made with the parents involved before giving out
any information.
PUBLICITY
Written parental permission will be obtained for any specific paid public advertising in
which we use your child’s picture. Occasionally we may also videotape in the
classrooms. These videos will remain in the Center and will be used mostly for teacher
training and continuing education.
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NON PROFIT STATUS
Wee Pals is a private, non-profit, child care program licensed under Rule #3 by the
Division of Licensing, Department of Human Services, State of Minnesota (612-2963971). The business of Wee Pals is the responsibility of a volunteer Board of Directors
who employs an Executive Director to administer the program.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Wee Pals enrolls children with special needs on a case by case basis. In these
situations a healthcare plan must be on file. If a child currently enrolled in the center
develops signs of special needs, our staff will recommend available re-sources to
parents for the diagnosis of the condition. We will work with the parent to implement
therapies to the best of our abilities. In the unlikely event we can no longer adequately
meet the individual needs of the child, the director will set a date for termination of
services and will offer the parent information about alternative resources.
Wee Pals works with Owatonna Early Childhood in making referrals as requested upon
by the parent or teacher (with parent permission) to the Early Childhood Education
department when observations of a child are made that may require more specialized
attention.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
NUTRITION
Wee Pals serves food in compliance with CACFP guidelines. We provide breakfast,
lunch, and an afternoon snack for children in attendance during those hours. Menus are
posted on the hall bulletin board and on our website (www.weepalschilcarecenter.org).
If a child required a special diet, arrangements must be made with the director, and a
physician’s statement will be required.
For infants in the Teddy Bear Corner, please discuss your feeding preferences with the
Office and the Teddy Bear Corner Staff. Wee Pals will work with nursing mothers to
store milk or make accommodations for nursing moms to come to Wee Pals to nurse on
breaks from work. If parents prefer infant formula, Wee Pals will supply Parent’s Choice
(Wal-Mart brand) infant formula. When babies are ready for solids, Wee Pals will work
with parents on the transition.
Wee Pals is operated in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy,
which does not permit discrimination because of race, color, sex, age, handicap, or
national origin. Wee Pals is reimbursed for a percentage of its food costs based on the
Family Size and Income Data Sheets completed by parents each September. This
information is kept confidentially in the Office. Any person who believes that he or she
has been discriminated against in any USDA-related activity should write immediately to
the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250.
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INSURANCE
Wee Pals carries a $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate comprehensive
general liability insurance policy.
EVACUATION AND EMERGENCY SHELTER
In case of a tornado warning, the children will be taken to the basement of our building.
Should the building have to be evacuated during a time of inclement weather or fire, the
children will be taken to the City Council Chambers in the City Administration Building
and parents will be notified.
BLIZZARDS
Should a severe storm hit during the night, parents should listen to area radio stations
for announcement of Wee Pals closing. Should a severe storm hit during the day, Wee
Pals will not close until parents pick up all the children, or sati-factory arrangements
have been made.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
If a child sustains a minor injury during the day, parents will receive the information
when they pick up their child. All injuries are documented in an Incident Report to be
reviewed by the parent. We will wash an injury with only soap and water and apply a
bandage. If the injury appears to need medical attention, we will call the parent,
encourage them to take their child in for medical treatment, and assist with
arrangements. The expense will be the family’s responsibility. A written report will be
filed with the State whenever medical treatment is required.
EMERGENCIES
The parent will complete an emergency and authorization form at time of
enrollment. If parent’s address and/or phone number changes, the Center should
be notified of change immediately. It is extremely important that the Center have
your current work and home phone numbers and that the Center is notified daily
of any temporary change of contact for the day.
In case of severe emergency, 911 will be called, parents will be notified, and a
staff person may accompany the child to the emergency room at Owatonna
Hospital. Any expense in getting emergency treatment will be the family's
responsibility.
In the event of accidental poisoning, with written permission on the enrollment
forms, and when advised to do so by the poison control center or a physician, our
Center staff will administer Syrup of Ipecac.
MEDICATION
All medication must be in their original container with their original label that is
legible, and must give age-appropriate directions. The label must contain current
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date and/or expiration date. All medications must be brought to the office and
authorization form completed.

If a child must be given prescriptive oral or surface medication at Wee
Pals, written instructions by a doctor or dentist must be provided (generally
this information is on the prescriptive label) and a Wee Pals authorization
form must be signed by the parent.

Wee Pals staff will also administer fever reducer and/or cough medicine if
provided by the parent and the parent completes the Wee Pals written
authorization form.
 Wee Pals staff will administer non-prescriptive sunscreen, insect repel-lent,
hand sanitizer, and petroleum jelly products, as needed, when parents
have signed written authorization on the enrollment forms.
ILLNESS
We strive to prevent the spread of illness, and parent cooperation with our policies
regarding this will be of tremendous help. If a child has a fever, diarrhea, or other
symptoms of a contagious illness, in all fairness to other children, parents should keep
them at home and notify Wee Pals.
Since minor respiratory problems are common and the danger is minimal, we do not
require that a child stay home due to a cold. Should a child become ill while at Wee
Pals, we will always phone the parent to make them aware of their child’s condition; we
may require that a parent come pick up their child.
We believe it is important for each child to go outside when weather permits. We
believe if a child is well enough to attend Wee Pals, the child should be able to go
outside. When special arrangements must be made, parents are required to talk with
the Director in the office.
EXCLUSION OF SICK CHILDREN
A child with any of the following conditions or behaviors is a sick child and must be
excluded from our Center. If the child becomes sick while at our Center, the child must
be isolated from the other children and the parent called immediately. A sick child will
be supervised at all times. Wee Pals must exclude a child:




With a reportable illness or condition that the commissioner of health deter-mines
to be contagious and a physician determines the child has not had sufficient
treatment to reduce the health risk to others;
With chicken pox until the child is no longer infectious or until the lesions are
crusted over.
Who has vomited 2 or more times since admission that day;
Who has had 3 or more abnormally loose stools since admission that day;
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
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




Who has contagious conjunctivitis or pus draining from the eye;
Who has a bacterial infection such as streptococcal pharyngitis or impetigo and
has not completed 24 hours of antimicrobial therapy;
Who has unexplained lethargy;
Who has lice, ringworm, or scabies that is untreated and contagious to others;
Who has a 100 degree F auxiliary or higher temperature of undiagnosed origin
before fever reducing medication is given;
Who has an undiagnosed rash or a rash attributed to a contagious illness or
condition;
Who has significant respiratory distress;
Who is not able to participate in child care program activities with reasonable
comfort; or who requires more care than the program staff can provide without
compromising the health and safety of other children in care.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
If a child in the Center has a diagnosed communicable disease (complete list posted in
the Office), the parent must notify the Center within 24 hours of diagnosis’s. However,
some communicable diseases may not require parents to notify the Center. Under these
medical confidential situations, if the Center is notified, persons aware of the condition
will be limited to those who need such knowledge to properly care for the child. When
required, the Center will notify the other parents of diagnosis within 24 hours when
possible. Wee Pals uses Steel County Public Health as its consultant.
HANDWASHING
Wee Pals is committed to minimizing the spread of communicable diseases. Good hand
washing techniques are taught and practiced with children and staff. Every child and
staff member will wash hands after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and
before snack times. With signed permission by the parent, children may be given hand
sanitizer after coughing or sneezing.
PETS
Occasionally animals may be brought in for a special activity or nay be cared for at Wee
Pals. When we plan for a pet visit, notices will be posted ahead of time so parents can
inform us of any concerns or allergies.
PARENT COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT
Acknowledging that the most important adults in a child’s life are the parents, we will
make every effort to keep parents informed about their child’s daily experiences,
verbally and/or on written reports. We will send home Wee Pals newsletters, and post
information on the bulletin boards, on outside doors, and/or outside rooms. Check your
child’s cubby daily for notes being sent home.
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VISITATION
Parents are welcome at any time! No advance notice is required. This is your child’s
environment and we would like you to share it. If there is a specific reason you would
like to join the program, we encourage you to discuss your interest with the office or
room teacher so we can best accommodate your wishes.
CONFERENCES
Staff prepares development and progress checklists twice each year, and a conference
time is provided to discuss these with parents. If a parent wants a conference at another
time, one may be requested at any time. This is the child’s environment for part of
his/her life and we want parents to feel comfortable with it and us.
SPECIAL CONCERN OR GRIEVANCE
At any time, if you have a question, concern, or difference of opinion regarding your
child’s individual care or Center operations, please do not hesitate to contact the
Executive Director. If you do not receive a satisfactory response within two weeks, you
are encouraged to bring your concern or grievance to the Wee Pals Board of Directors.
A list of Board members is available in the Wee Pals Office. The longer a parent delays
in discussing the matter, the more dissatisfied he/she becomes. Remember that we
can’t resolve problems unless we know about them!
PARENT/FAMILY VOLUNTEER TIME
Since we operate as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) and our goal is to provide the best quality of
care and early childhood education your child deserves, we occasion-ally need to ask
parents and families to help volunteer their time for special events. These special
events allow us to raise money to keep rates as reasonable as possible. Besides, this is
a prime opportunity for you to get to know the staff even more and see how Wee Pals
works behind the scenes!
PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
We conduct an annual parent survey to assess our program. We look forward to
hearing your positive feedback and constructive thoughts. Comments are kept
confidential and used only by the Director and Board of Directors to help us grow our
program.
CURRICULUM AND SCHEDULE
Once a child is enrolled into our program, we will plan for the child’s natural progression through
the rest of our age groups. We will discuss all changes with parents ahead of time.
CURRICULUM
Each teacher develops lesson plans for the classroom that meet our curriculum goals.
SCHEDULE AND ROUTINE
Children rely on routine and consistency. Purposeful organization and expectations give
children a stable environment. Sufficient time allows children to progress at their own
rate of speed without hurrying. Some changes in routine are desirable—special events,
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birthday’s holidays, etc. The daily schedule varies slightly based on age level. This
schedule is most applicable to 3-5 year olds.
6:30-8:30 Free Play
8:30-9:00 Breakfast/Bathroom
9:00-9:30 Group Time (Calendar, helpers, songs, colors, numbers, phonics, names,
story time, etc.)
9:30-10:30 Centers/Art
10:30-11:15 Outside/Large Muscle Play
11:15-11:30 Bathroom, Lunch Preparation
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:00-12:15 Bathroom Break/Nap Time Preparation
12:15-2:30 Nap Time
2:30-2:45 Bathroom/Free Play
2:45-3:00 Afternoon Snack
3:00-3:30 Group Time
3:30-5:30 Outside Time/Free Play until pick up
EXTRA ACTIVITIES
Because we understand that working families have very full schedules, here are some
ways we try to help. In addition to notices we post about our own activities and
schedules, we will try to keep parents informed of other activities (Owatonna Park and
Rec., swimming, etc.) in which parents may want their child involved. We will indicate
when we can provide supervision to and from these activities, generally during the
summer months. It is always the parent’s responsibility to enroll their child into these
activities, and we request as much advance notice as possible. It is very difficult to
make last minute arrangements. If parents are aware of an activity in which more
children may enroll, please notify us so we can post this information for other parents.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Wee Pals has annual traditions and holds a variety of special events throughout the
year. Look for information from your child’s teacher on what is planned for the weeks
ahead.
BIRTHDAYS
We plan to make children’s birthday’s a special time for them. If parents would like to
send treats to be shared, they will be welcome, but not necessary—your child will still
have a special day. As noted in our food policy, any treat brought from home must be
bakery prepared or store purchased. We appreciate as much advance notice as
possible when you child will be bringing treats to share.
PATRIOTIC PARADE
Around the 4th of July holiday, the children and staff put on a parade in the lower north
parking lot for parents, friends, and family. The children sing patriotic songs, and dress
in red, white, and blue. This is a fun tradition for families!
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ANNUAL WINTER HOLIDAY PROGRAM
One evening in December the children from Wee Pals put on a holiday program for
parents, relatives, and friends.
FIELD TRIPS
Our Toddlers through Big Pals (school age children) go on non-transported outings
during the summer. Occasionally they may use transportation provided by the
Owatonna Bus Company or Steele County Area Transit. All children may go for walks
within the West Hills primary area without advance notice.
ITEMS TO SEND WITH YOUR CHILD
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR
In general, children’s clothing should be chosen for the development of self-help skills
and for comfort. Clothing should be appropriate for physical activity such as climbing,
swinging, etc.
Shoes are mandatory at Wee Pals in all program rooms (bare feet are not allowed
except with younger infants). Please consider the child’s daily activities and
environment when choosing shoes. Shoes with only toe straps ARE NOT ALLOWED
(i.e. thongs, sandals, jellies, clogs, etc.) Thongs, sandals, and jellies must be secured
with an ankle strap to allow your child to play safely.
When boots are necessary to go outside, parents must bring an extra pair of shoes for
indoor wear.
EXTRA CLOTHING
Occasionally there are spills or accidents that require a change of clothing. Children are
more comfortable in their own clothing, so parents should provide Wee Pals with a
complete set of clothing (top, bottom, underwear, and socks) labeled with the child’s
name. We have a very limited selection of Wee Pals clothing to use. If Wee Pals
clothing is used for your child, please launder it and return it the next day.
OUTDOOR CLOTHING
We like to spend some time outside each day. Parents need to provide outdoor clothing
(boots, mittens, scarves, caps, warm coats, and snow pants or snowsuit) appropriate to
the weather and ground conditions. Be certain all items are labeled.
ACCESSORIES
Sunglasses, hats, jewelry are acceptable items for children provided they are used
appropriately and do not become toys. The child is responsible for the care of these
items.
FOOD FROM HOME
We request that parents do not bring food to the Center unless it is something to be
shared, and then please see that a staff person is aware of the arrival of the food. Food
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brought to be shared must be factory packaged or bakery purchased. We also
appreciate as much advance notice as possible when your child if your child will be
bringing food to share.
TOYS FROM HOME
We have more than an adequate supply of toys. Children are encouraged not to
bring toys from home, as they may be lost or broken. Arrangements should be
made ahead of time with the teacher and/or office staff if a child would like to bring a
book, CD, or video to share. Items brought in should be clearly marked with the child’s
name and given to the teacher/staff in the room.
NAP TIME
For nap time, children may bring one blanket, a pillow when age appropriate, and one
small, noise-free, soft and cuddly stuffed animal with which to rest. All items should be
clearly labeled.
ABUSE REPORTING
Any person who in good faith suspects abuse of a minor is obligated to report that
suspicion. Who Should Report Child Abuse and Neglect



Any person may voluntarily report abuse or neglect
If you work with children in a licensed facility, you are legally required or
mandated to report and cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to your
supervisor or to anyone else at your licensed facility.
If you know or have reason to believe a child is being or has been neglected or
physically or sexually abused within the preceding three years you must
immediately (within 24 hours) make a report to an outside agency.
Where to Report
 If you know or suspect that a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
 All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring in a
licensed facility should be made to the Department of Human Services, Licensing
Division’s Maltreatment Intake line at (651)297-4123.
 Reports regarding incidents of suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring
within a family or in the community should be made to the local county social
services agency at 451-9100 or local law enforcement at 451-8233.
 If your report does not involve possible abuse or neglect, but does involve
possible violations of Minnesota Statutes or Rules that govern the facility, you
should call the Department of Human Services, Licensing Division at (651) 2963971.
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What to Report
Definitions of maltreatment are contained in the Reporting of Maltreatment of
Minors Act (Minnesota Statutes, section 626.556) and should be attached to this
policy.
 A report to any of the above agencies should contain enough information to
identify the child involved, any persons responsible for the abuse or neglect (if
known), and the nature and extent of the maltreatment and/or possible licensing
facility, the report should include any actions taken by the facility in response to
the incident.
 An oral report of suspected abuse or neglect made to one of the above agencies
by a mandated reporter must be followed by a written report to the same agency
within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays.
Retaliation Prohibited
An employer of any mandated reporter shall not retaliate against the man-dated reporter
for reports made in good faith or against a child with respect to whom the report is
made.
The Reporting of Maltreatment of Minor Act contains specific provisions regarding civil
actions that can be initiated by mandated reporters who believe that retaliation has
occurred.
Failure to Report
A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe a child is in or has been
neglected or physically or sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor.
In addition, a mandated reporter who fails to report maltreatment that is found to be
serious or recurring maltreatment may be disqualifies from employment in positions
allowing direct contact with persons receiving services from programs licensed by the
Department of Human Services and by the Minnesota Department of Health, and
unlicensed Personal Care Provider Organizations.
Department of Human Services, Division of Licensing
1-612-296-3971
State of Minnesota, DHS
Human Services Building
444 Lafayette Rd
St Paul, MN 55155-3842
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560 Dunnell Dr
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-451-8355
507-455-9137 Fax
Marilee.pfarr@weepalschildcarecenter.org
Www.weepalschildcarecenter.org