Parent Handbook
Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center
1400 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD, 21228
410-747-4581
410-744-5168(FAX)
www.cpcfccc.org
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Table of Contents
A Vision for Children and the Church
Welcome
Our Goal
Our Philosophy
Programs Available
Our Child Care Center Staff
Policy
1. Admissions
2. Registration
3. Waiting List
4. Tuition
5. Program Change Form
6. Arrivals and Departures
7. Emergency Pick-Up Procedures
8. Contact Persons
9. Babysitting Policy
10. Illness of Children
11. Policy on Children with Allergies
12. Medication Administration Policy
13. Medical Emergencies
14. Holiday Closings
15. Inclement Weather Closings/Delays
16. Parking
17. Fire Regulation
18. Toys
19. Media
20. Birthdays
21. Clothing
22. Parent/Guardian Communications
23. Outside Conferences
24. Suggested Child Abuse/Neglect Procedures
25. Curriculum
26. Snacks/Lunch
27. Field Trips
28. Easing Adjustment
29. Rest Time
Babysitting Release Form
Parent Handbook Acknowledgment (signed & returned)
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A Vision for Children
And The Church
Because we affirm that
all children are a gift from God, created
by God and created good;
all children are a gift to the whole of
the human community;
all children have real faith and gifts for
ministry;
all children have the right to be
children;
and all children are not just tomorrow,
they are today.
We believe that
all children depend upon adults for
safety and security in a world that
does not always value children;
all children are affected first and most
deeply by those things that work
against health and wholeness;
where there is disease,
children sicken and die;
where there is homelessness,
children sleep on the streets and in
other dangerous places;
where there is war,
children are frightened and without a
safe place;
where the air and water are polluted,
children feel the effects in their bodies
and in their futures;
where there is shame,
children’s spirits are wounded.
Therefore we hope for a world
where all children find a safe place;
where all ages, races, genders, creeds
and abilities are recognized, valued and
celebrated;
where all adults hear the voices of
children and speak with as well as for
them;
where all children have “first call”
on the world’s resources and first place
in the minds and hearts of the worlds
adults.
Because
Jesus welcomed children and
encouraged us to welcome them in his
name;
Jesus lifted up a child as an example
of what the realm of God is like.
Therefore
We hope for a child care center
where we take seriously our vow to
nurture all children committed to our
care;
where we bring good news to all those
places where children are in need.
Adapted from a vision statement for children as approved by the
1993 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.)
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Welcome!!
Among the dreams that began to grow during Catonsville Presbyterian Church’s
centennial year of 1980, was our congregation’s reaching out in new ways of ministry to
children. This dream was strengthened by the work of our “Year of the Child”
committee, and again, when our Woman’s Association studied the book, Loving and
Caring for All of God’s Children.
The early months of 1980 were devoted to identifying needs in our community for child
care and exploring ways of providing a quality child care program in a Christian
environment. A program for before and after care also became one of our priorities as
we became aware that as many as 70-80% of Baltimore County school age children
returned to empty houses at the end of the school day. The Center has experienced
healthy growth since it opened its doors in September 1981. It has enjoyed the
enthusiastic support of our congregation in meeting the vital and growing need for
quality child care in our community.
The Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center is a community outreach
program operated under the authority and direction of the Session, the church’s
governing body. The Child Care Center Council, comprised of church members, is an
appointed committee of the Session and is responsible to it. The Director is employed
by the Session. The remaining Child Care staff is employed by Council with the approval
of Session. The Council and Director are responsible for the development and the
administration of the Center’s policies and programs.
Enrollment in the Center is open to children aged two to twelve years, and we welcome
all without regard to race, creed, gender, or national origin. Education students from
nearby universities participate in the Center’s programs for their field experience. The
Center is licensed through the Office of Child Care, a division of the Maryland State
Department of Education.
We welcome your family to our program, and we hope that working together, we can
provide a variety of meaningful learning experiences for your child.
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Our Goal
The Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center program was designed to
provide quality child care as a service to the community, and also as an expression of
our Christian Education Ministry. As such, it continues to be the concern and direction of
the Child Care Council that the heritage of the Christian faith be specifically expressed
within the curriculum, as well as through the day by day relationships between teachers
and children. It is the Council’s hope that the Center will serve as a space where
Christian values are demonstrated and where children are nurtured in the story of God’s
love in the midst of meaningful learning experiences.
Our Philosophy
During the formative years of children’s lives, it is important to provide them with an
environment that will help them to become physically strong, emotionally stable,
intellectually curious and spiritually aware. It is the time when they grow as whole
persons, unique and individual. They discover themselves, their skills and talents, their
rights and limits, and in a Christian environment, their worth as children of God. In an
atmosphere of understanding, they become independent and confident. They grow in
happy and trustful relations with others, and develop a sense of responsibility. It is our
purpose to help children to develop to the best of their individual abilities and grow in
their understanding and appreciation of God, and of themselves as members of the
Christian community. To achieve these goals we will seek to provide opportunities for
each child to:
 Play and work in a small group with peers.
 Express feelings, make decisions and follow interests.
 Develop reasoning and thinking skills by interacting with a wide range of
materials and a variety of people.
 Develop the language skills of listening, speaking, writing and reading that build
a strong foundation for school learning.
 Enjoy and verbalize, in an age and developmentally appropriate way,
experiences, mysteries, marvels and wonders of the natural world.
 Plan and carry out activities involving creative materials, drama, music, and
indoor and outdoor play equipment.
 Experiment with continually developing physical skills.
 Distinguish between right and wrong through meaningful experiences.
 Respect the rights of others.
 Worship both personally and with the group in a meaningful manner.
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Programs Available
School Year Programs
 Full Day Preschool
Hours: 7 am- 6 pm
Ages: 2 to 5 years
The Center’s age cut off is Sept 1st (of the school year)
Koalas: 2 by Sept. 1st
Turtles: 3 by Sept. 1st
Hoppers: 3 or 4 by Sept. 1st
Dragons: 4 by Sept. 1st
Otters: 4 by Sept. 1st
Schedule: 10 month program which follows the Center’s holiday closings.
Snow Days: The Center will be open whenever possible.
 Before and After School Care
Ages: 5-12 years
Before Hours: 7 am- 9 am
After Hours: 3 pm- 6 pm
Schedule: Late August through mid June
Snow Days: The Center will be open whenever possible.
Late Openings and Early Dismissals: The Center will be open as announced in
either circumstance. Tuition will be charged accordingly.
Other Closings: There will be an extra tuition charge for Before/After school
children who attend when the Center is open and public/ private schools are
closed. These rates are different according to the child’s enrollment. See tuition
rate sheet.
 Half Day Preschool Program (Pandas)
Ages: 3 and 4 years must be 3 or 4 by Sept. 1st of the school year
3 year olds: 2 days (Tuesday & Thursday)
4 year olds: 3 days (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
Hours: Mornings 9am-12pm
Snow Days: When Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) are closed, the Panda
Preschool program will be closed. If BCPS opens late, the Pandas class will
resume it’s normally scheduled start time.
Summer Program
 Full Day Program
Ages: 2 to summer after fifth grade
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Hours: 7 am- 6 pm
Schedule: Begins the Monday following the closing of BCPS and concludes two
weeks prior to the opening of BCPS. The Center is closed July 4th for
Independence Day.
Optional Programs
We offer extra-curricular programs for an additional cost. These programs are offered
during the morning for Preschool classes. The registration forms for these programs are
available in front of the Administrative office.
Our Child Care Center Staff
Our Child Care Center Council has a strong commitment to quality child care, and has
set high standards for our staff which exceed the Office of Child Care requirements for
child care center personnel. All staff members have educational preparation, skills and
experience appropriate to their particular responsibilities with children. The Center
requires staff members to pursue continuing education opportunities each year and
provides them with financial support for professional development.
Policy
1. Admissions
 Enrollment is open to all children, aged two to twelve years, regardless of race,
creed, national origin or gender.
 Prior to admission, each child must submit the health inventory report by his/her
own physician of a physical exam performed three months prior to entry into the
program.
 All other licensing and administrative forms must be completed before the child
begins his/her first day at the Center.
 Each child must be toilet trained. *Exception 2’s class.
 The Center Director reserves the right to place a child in a classroom deemed
appropriate to his or her age and stage in development.
 Each child is accepted on a ninety- day probation period. The child’s progress will
be shared with the parent during the first ninety days.
 Prior to the child’s enrollment, a registration form, signed by the parent/
guardian is required.
 A two- week written notice is required if the child is withdrawn from the
program. Tuition is due for this two- week period.
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 Vacancies that occur during the school year are filled based on the waiting list
and then on a first- come, first served basis.
2. Registration
 Each year the Center will have registration for the upcoming fall and summer
programs in mid- January. Families that are enrolled in the program will be
allowed to register on the first day, the second day is registration for church
members and families on the wait list, and the third day of registration is open to
the general public.
 A schedule of fees for various programs is available from the Center office.
 There is a reduced registration fee for children enrolling in the Summer and Fall
Programs.
 There is a separate registration fee for children enrolling for the summer
program.
3. Waiting List
 When no openings are immediately available, the child’s name will be placed on
a waiting list for a small fee.
 Children will be accepted according to their place on the waiting list as openings
occur. Catonsville Presbyterian Church members and sibling of children enrolled
in the Center or previously enrolled in the Center will have priority.
 This wait list fee will be credited to the regular registration fee upon the child’s
acceptance into the program.
4. Tuition
 Monthly tuition payments should be made in advance and are due the first of
every month for the care rendered during the month. Additional charges
occurring during a month shall be added to the payment due the next month.
 There is a 5% discount, on the lesser tuition fee, for the first sibling, and 10% for
the second or more sibling.
 We prefer that all tuition be paid by check or money order.
 Returned checks will be assessed a $35.00 processing fee. If a second check is
returned within a twelve month period, payment will then be required by money
order or certified check.
 Checks are to be made payable to Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child
Care Center (CPCFCCC).
 Tuition payments are to be deposited in the designated box on the right hand
wall inside the Center’s main entrance. Tuition payments may also be brought to
the administrative office. Our teaching staff is instructed not to accept tuition
payments.
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 A late payment charge of $35.00 will be applied to any account not paid by the
10th of the month. A written notice will be given advising that if alternative
arrangements have not been made or payment received, the child care will not
be extended beyond the next month. Your balance must be paid in full, and
maintained as such, in order to ensure your continuance in our child care
program.
 All balances must be current in order to enroll for the following session.
 Payments are first applied to the current late payment charge, then to the
current month’s tuition, then to other outstanding amounts in reverse
chronological order, beginning with the past due late payment charge.
 We understand that payments cannot always be made on a timely basis due to
special circumstances. Should this arise, please discuss them with either the
Director or Bookkeeper so arrangements can be made on a confidential basis.
5. Program Change Form
Registration includes the entire program; either the school year or the summer. The
Child Care Center plans for attendance at the level indicated by the registration process.
We understand that during the school year changes may occur within a family which
may affect the need for child care. These changes in our program enrollment may then
have an impact on the care we provide to the other children. To assist in meeting our
objectives as a child care center, the Child Care Center Administration will be
responsible for approving any changes to a child’s enrollment after the program year
has begun. These decisions will be made on an individual basis. Due to our high volume
of enrollment, one change only is permitted during each program (fall or summer). If
you find a need to adjust your child’s attendance days at the Center, please obtain a
Program Change form from the Administrative office.
6. Arrivals and Departures
Children must be brought into the classroom and received by the teacher or assistant
teacher. No child may be left at the door. Children must be signed in and out daily on
the classroom forms. When leaving the Center, the children must be dismissed by one
of the staff members. Children are actively supervised until they are dismissed to an
authorized adult and then become the responsibility of the adult. If your child will be
absent or late, please call the Center at 410-747-4581. Please notify the Center if you
plan on picking up your child early.
Half Day Preschool Program: (Pandas)
 Please arrive at the designated time that your child’s program is to begin: 9am
 Please arrive at the designated time that your child’s program ends: 12pm
 Failure to pick up your child at dismissal can cause stress and anxiety in your
child.
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 There is a late charge of $20 per 10 min (beginning at 12:01) if you are not on
time. This charge will be billed separately and will be due with your next tuition
payment. The Center’s lateness policy is to be used in emergencies only. It is not
designed to be a service. After the third lateness the charges will be doubled.
Repeated late pick ups will result in the child’s dismissal from the program. If
parents have not contacted the Center by 12:01 p.m., a staff member will begin
to telephone emergency numbers in order to have the child picked up as soon as
possible.
Full Day Preschool Program
 We are open from 7am-6 pm. Families may drop off anytime between 7-9 am
and pick up between 3:30-6 pm.
 There is a late charge of $20 per 10 min (beginning at 6:01) if you are not on
time. This charge will be billed separately and will be due with your next tuition
payment. The Center’s lateness policy is to be used in emergencies only. It is not
designed to be a service. After the third lateness the charges will be doubled.
Repeated late pick ups will result in the child’s dismissal from the program. If
parents have not contacted the Center by 6:01 p.m., a staff member will begin to
telephone emergency numbers in order to have the child picked up as soon as
possible.
7. Emergency Pick-Up Procedures
As always, the safety of the children while attending the Center is of the utmost
importance. With this in mind, the following emergency pick-up procedures are in place
at the Center. Each parent is asked to do the following:
 Please make sure to list on the emergency card the names of individuals who
may need to pick up your child.
 Inform the morning staff in writing that someone different will be picking up
your child. Please provide the person’s name for identification purposes.
 If for some reason during the day you decide to have someone different pick up
your child, please call the Center to let us know his/her name.
 Please inform anyone picking up your child that he/she will be asked to provide a
picture identification with his/her name on it before being allowed to take your
child from the Center.
8. Contact persons
Parents are required to keep the Center informed of current telephone numbers and
locations where they can be reached during the hours their child is at the Center.
Emergency cards are to be re-done annually (in the fall) and updates have to be initialed
by the parents/ guardians. Emergency contact persons and their telephone numbers
must be current.
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9. Babysitting Policy
 Any staff member or administrator employed by Catonsville Presbyterian Church
Family Child Care Center (the Center) who cares for a child currently enrolled at
the Center outside of work hours (for example, babysitting after school hours or
on weekends) must insure that the parents/ guardians of the child/children have
submitted to the Director or Assistant Director of the Center a properly
completed “Babysitting Release” form. The forms are available in the Center
office, or they may be photo copied from the parent handbook (Appendix A) or
the Staff Handbook (Appendix A). It is the responsibility of the Centers’
employee providing the babysitting service to insure that the form has been
submitted in advance. The form shall remain in effect for one year from the date
it is submitted.
 It is prohibited for any Center employee to provide private babysitting on the
property of Catonsville Presbyterian Church.
 If a Center employee has been engaged by the parent/guardian to leave the
Center with the child at the end of the day, written notification of that
permission must be given in advance by the parent, or, alternatively, the Center
employee must be listed on the child’s Emergency card.
10. Illness of Children
 The Center is not equipped or licensed to accept and care for sick children. Staff
members may not permit children who are ill to attend the daily session. As soon
as it becomes evident that a child may be ill, the staff will evaluate the problem.
If the child is to be sent home, we will call the parent and request that the child
be picked up promptly from the Center. The Center requires that you keep your
child home for 24 hours fever free (without the use of Tylenol) after an illness.
 The Office of Child Care requires that the parent provide a doctor’s statement,
verifying that the child is able to return to the Center after an absence of three
consecutive days or more.
 Your child’s allergies and history of any previous/existing medical condition
requiring medical treatment must be noted on the health form and is to be
reported to your child’s teacher. This knowledge is essential to providing the
best possible care for your child while he/she is in the Center’s care. (See Section
11)
 It is an Office of Child Care regulation that each child must go outside to play
each day (weather permitting). A child may not be left alone inside the Center.
Therefore, if a child is not well enough to go outdoors, he/she is not well enough
to be in the Center.
 Please let the Director, Assistant Director or classroom teachers know of
anything your child experiences physically or emotionally that may affect his/her
behavior at school.
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11. Policy on Children with Allergies
 Due to the abundance of allergies in the Center, we are peanut-free. If there are
no tree nut allergies in your child’s class, you may send alternatives in your
child’s lunch (i.e. almond butter).
 Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all enrolled children with
allergies, including children with life-threatening allergies. Parents/guardians of
children who have allergies are responsible for notifying the child’s teacher of
the existence of the allergies. The Center Director must be notified of the
existence of any life-threatening allergy prior to the child’s first day of
attendance at the Center. The Center Director, teachers of the child, and
parents/guardians will work together to ensure that the child will have a safe,
nurturing environment he/she can thrive in. Reasonable classroom and
curriculum modifications will be made.
 Any emergency medication necessary will be supplied by the parent/guardians.
Any first aid requirements must be identified to the Center Director prior to the
child’s attendance so that instruction can be obtained if necessary.
 The Center Director shall consult with the Child Care Council regarding any
requirements he/she considers reasonable.
12. Medication Administration Policy
Principle:
 This facility will administer medication to children with written approval by the
child’s parent or legal guardian. Because administration of medication poses an
extra burden for staff, and having medication in the facility is a safety hazard,
families should check with the child’s physician to see if a dose schedule can be
arranged that does not involve the hours the child is in the child care facility.
 Whenever possible, the first does of medication should be given at home to see
if the child has any type of reaction. Parents or legal guardians may administer
medication to their own child during the child care day.
Procedure:
 Only staff members with Medication Administration Training may administer
medication. Staff members will only administer medication if:
For prescription medication:
1. Medication is in the original, child-resistant container that is labeled by a
pharmacist with the child’s name, the name of the medication; the date
the prescription was filled; the name of the health care provider who
wrote the prescription; the medication’s expiration date; and
administration, storage and disposal instructions.
2. The parent or legal guardian has provided written consent in the form of
an OCC Medication Authorization Form 1216
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3. A health care provider has filled out an OCC Medication Authorization
Form 1216 with explicit instructions on administering the specific
medication.
For over-the-counter medications:
1. Medication is in the original, child-resistant container.
2. Medication is labeled with the child’s first and last name.
3. Packaging contains legible instructions for administration and storage
supplied by the manufacturer.
4. The parent or legal guardian has provided written consent in the form of
an OCC Medication Authorization Form 1216.
5. A health care provider has filled out an OCC Medication Authorization
Form 1216 with explicit instructions on administering the specific
medication. (needed if over-the-counter medication will be given more
than once)
Medication will not be used beyond the date of expiration on the container or
beyond any expiration of the instruction provided by the physician or other
person authorized to prescribe medication.
A physician may state that a certain medication may be given for a recurring
problem, emergency situation, or chronic condition. In this case, instructions
must include a start and end date and how often medication should be
administered.
A medication authorization form will be maintained by the facility to record the
instruction for giving the medication, consent obtained from the parent or legal
guardian, amount, the time of administration, and the person who administered
each dose of medication. Spills, reactions, and refusal to take medication will be
noted on this log.
Once a medication is brought to the center it becomes the property of the child
care facility. Medications may only be returned to the parent or legal guardian if
the medication expires or at the end of the treatment period. Parents and legal
guardians should make sure they have their own supply of the child’s
medication.
Child with severe allergies must have an Allergy Action Plan to accompany their
Medication Authorization Form.
Child with asthma must have an Asthma Action Plan to accompany their
Medication Authorization Form.
The following is a list of MSDE Office of Child Care approved basic care items.
These items may be used for prevention. These may be used only in the absence
of broken skin and there is no sign of infection. These products must be brought
to the child care facility in the original manufacture’s container and must be
labeled with the child’s name and accompanied by a signed parental
authorization form. The products may only be used as directed on the label.
 Sunscreen
 A&D Ointment
 Aveeno
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Balmex
Desitin
Triple Paste
Vaseline
Zinc Oxide
Dyprotex Ointment
Blistex
Chapstick
Carmex
13. Medical Emergencies
 In the event of an accident, appropriate first aid procedures will be
administered. If necessary, emergency medical services will be called, and if
deemed necessary, the child will be transported to the closest hospital by
ambulance. The parent will be notified as soon as possible.
 When an ambulance is called to the Center to transport a child as a result of
injury or illness, the patient becomes the responsibility of the paramedics and
the ambulance service upon their arrival at the scene. All members of the Fire
Department of Baltimore County have received Emergency Medical Technician
training and will have a plastic identification card. The Director or designate may
assist the technician for the comfort of the patient. However, the Director or
designate is no longer responsible for decision making or care of the patient.
 If the Director or designate believes that a member of the Center staff should
accompany the ambulance and should be present at the hospital, such a request
will be honored by the ambulance personnel.
 In all cases the parent will be notified that the child is being taken to the
hospital; if the parent cannot be reached at the time, a child needing attention
in an emergency situation will be sent to the hospital and the parent reached as
soon as possible.
 Ambulance procedure is to transport the person to the nearest or most
appropriate hospital. The particular unit is the decision of ambulance personnel.
However, if a private physician desires a child to be taken to a specific hospital,
the physician is responsible for calling the Fire Department. The ambulance will
then be directed by radio.
14. Holiday Closings
 All Center programs will be closed for the following holidays:
New Year’s Day
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Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanks giving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Day after Christmas
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Day
When a holiday falls on a weekend, the Center will be closed on the nearest weekday. These holiday
closing dates are announced well in advance on registration forms.
15. Hazardous Weather Conditions Resulting in Closing, Delayed Opening and Early
Dismissal
 Every effort will be made to maintain the regular schedule of operation of the
Child Care Center. In the event of severe weather conditions resulting in the loss
of power, loss of water, unsafe building conditions beyond our control, or a
“State of Emergency” being declared by the Governor, the decision for the
delayed opening or closing of the Center will be ready for announcement on the
Center’s recorded phone message, (410) 747-4581, Facebook page, website, and
WBAL radio (1090 AM) by 6:15 a.m. on the morning of the delayed opening or
closing. We are unable to grant tuition credits on any of these days.
 In the event of a delayed opening, the Center will make its best effort to open no
later than 10:00 am. The actual time of opening will be stated in the morning
announcement. If there is a need to close the Center early due to changing
weather conditions and the development of hazardous road conditions , loss of
power, or unsafe building conditions during the day, parents will be notified of
the time of the closing by phone as soon as possible. We will also post on our
web site and facebook page when ever possible. Additionally an announcement
will be made on WBAL radio (1090) and the Center’s recorded telephone
message. Every effort will be made to contact parents in sufficient time for them
to arrange for the departure of their child (ren) from the Center prior to the time
of closing.
 It is strongly recommended that parents make contingency plans for child care.
This prior planning will facilitate securing alternate child care promptly when it is
necessary to close the Center, delay its opening, or have an early dismissal for
the day.
 For School Age Program there will be an additional charge for care provided by
the Center in the event of Baltimore County Schools closing, delayed opening or
early dismissal.
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 Our Half Day Preschool program follows the Baltimore County Public Schools
severe weather closing schedule.
 When Baltimore County schools are closed due to weather, the Half Day
Preschool Programs will be closed.
 When Baltimore County schools open late, the Half Day Preschool will
open on time.
16. Parking
 Parking is available in the large lot located between the church and Hillcrest
Elementary School. No one is allowed to use the private driveway on the north
side of the Center.
 Each family will be issued two hang tags to be placed in their cars. This indicates
that the car is authorized to park on our lot. Additional tags can be requested in
the front office. Please be sure anyone who is picking up your child has a hang
tag in their car. Any car without a hang tag will not be permitted on the parking
lot.
 Drive slowly and carefully and watch for children at all times.
17. Fire Regulations
Our buildings meet all fire and safety requirements. Smoking is forbidden in any area of
the building. Fire drills are practiced under the supervision of the Center Director.
18. Toys
Children are not permitted to bring toys from home. The Center can not be responsible
for loss or breakage. Children should not bring money, candy or chewing gum to the
Center. Books, CD’s, or tapes, clearly labeled with the child’s name, may be brought to
share with the group with prior permission from the teacher. Each teacher will advise
parents of the class Show and Tell policy. A soft “lovey”, or stuffed animal, is
appropriate for rest time.
19. Media
The Center does not allow the classes to watch any TV programs. We do allow classes to
watch G rated movies. We limit the classes to one movie per week.
20. Birthdays
Birthdays may be celebrated at the Center. Plans to celebrate this occasion must be
approved by the teacher one week in advance.
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21. Clothing
Children are encouraged to dress themselves, so their clothing should be manageable.
They should be dressed appropriately for daily outdoor play according to the weather
(i.e. mittens, hats, boots, and snow gear). Fancy clothing should be avoided. For the
children’s safety, flip flops are not allowed. Tennis shoes, or closed toed rubber soled
shoes are best for active play in the gym and on the playground.
22. Parent and/or Guardian Communication
There are bulletin boards which contain current Center and classroom news. A Center
wide newsletter is sent out each month. A parent board for each classroom is located
outside each classroom near the sign in and out sheets. Check these boards daily. All
teachers have a class email address that is checked daily. You will receive emails from
your child’s teacher at different times throughout the day and/or week.
23. Outside Conferences
All requests from a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at the Center for a Center
teacher to attend a conference/ consultation concerning the child outside the Center
shall be submitted to the Director. The Director shall represent the Center at any such
conference which he/she deems appropriate.
24. Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect Procedures
State law requires staff members to report any suspected child abuse to Protective
Services. We would be held liable under the law if we did not report any such incidence.
Failure to report such an incident is against the law.
25. Curriculum
The Creative Curriculum: Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center’s
curriculum is based on The Creative Curriculum. The Goals in each area of development
of The Creative Curriculum are:
 Social/Emotional: To help children feel comfortable in school, trust their new
environment; make friends, experience pride, and self-confidence.
 Cognitive: To help children become confident learners by letting them try
out their own ideas and experience success, and by helping them acquire
learning skills such as the ability to solve problems, ask questions, and use
words to describe their ideas, observations, and feelings.
 Physical: To help children increase their large and small muscle skills and feel
confident about what their bodies can do.
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 Language: To engage children in meaningful language and literacy
experiences in the classroom to help them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The activities we plan for children, the way we organize the environment, select
toys and materials, plan the daily schedule, and talk with children, are all
designed to accomplish the goals of our curriculum and give your child a
successful start in school.
Observations/Assessments
Children will be observed by the teachers daily in order to help you better
understand their development. The teachers use anecdotal notes, conversations
with single children and group time to actively listen to the children and help
them be successful in a social environment. More formal assessments are done
prior to the completion of a child’s Progress Report
Portfolio/Conferences
 Teachers will prepare portfolios for children of all ages.
The portfolio will consist of:
 Pictures of the child accomplishing development milestones
 Artwork
 General childhood development information
 Specific information about your child’s progress based on the above
mentioned observations and assessments.
 Portfolios can be viewed at any time and will be reviewed officially at
parent/teacher conferences. Conferences will occur twice a year or as
requested by either staff or parent
 Emergency Conferences- Staff members are urged to discuss any
problems concerning a child with the Director as soon as the problems
arise. If deemed necessary, parents will be invited to discuss the problem
with the teacher and Director. If resolution of the problem is not reached,
formal dismissal would occur after a series of parent conferences with
the Director, teacher and/or other appropriate support personnel
(Abilities Network may be used as a resource).
Parent Partnerships
We will work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the child.
Teachers and administrators of CPCFCCC may be experts in child care, but
parents are the expert on their children. We will provide ample communication
consisting of e-mails, parent notes, phone calls, daily conversation, as well as biannually conferences. We will offer opportunities for parents to get together
with each other at special events held several times a year. We will work through
concerns rationally and with thought given to providing the best experience to
the child and family.
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Environments (Classroom Configurations)
Classrooms become the child’s “home away from home” and provide a setting to
feel safe and secure. Classrooms will foster expectations for play by being
organized and well equipped with developmentally appropriate materials.
Classrooms will be configured to provide the best learning environment. The
physical space of The Creative Curriculum classroom is organized into 10 interest
areas:
 Blocks
 Dramatic Play
 Toys and Games
 Art
 Sand and Water
 Library
 Music and Movement
 Cooking
 Computers
 Outdoors
Interest areas offer multiple opportunities for children to explore, discover, and
grow. In each, the arrangement of furniture and the materials involves children
not only in learning but also in caring for the classroom and what is in it.
Positive Guidance and Discipline:
As stated in the Office of Child Care guidelines, “discipline shall include positive
guidance, re-direction, and setting clear-cut limits that foster the child's ability to
become self-disciplined. Disciplinary measures shall be clear and understandable
to the child, shall be consistent, and shall be explained to the child before and at
the time of any disciplinary action. Caregivers shall guide children to develop
self-control and orderly conduct in relationships with peers and adults.
Caregivers shall show children positive alternatives rather than just telling
children "no." Caregivers shall care for children without resorting to physical
punishment or abusive language. Caregivers shall acknowledge and model
desired behavior. For children 3 or over, facilities shall selectively use "time out"
only to enable the child to regain control of himself or herself. The caregiver shall
keep the child within visual contact. The caregiver shall take into account the
child's developmental stage, tolerances, and ability to learn from ‘time out’.”
In extreme cases, children may “visit” the office. The Director/Assistant Director
will remove the child from the classroom and call the parent, if necessary. We
will not allow any disrespectful behavior, bullying or physical harm to come to or
from any of the children.
Twos Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives
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Social/Emotional
Development
Physical
Development
Cognitive
Development
Language
Development
To learn about self
and others
To learn about
moving
To learn about the
world
To learn about
communicating
1.Trusts known,
caring adults
2. Regulates own
behavior
3. Manages own
feelings
4. Responds to
others’ feelings
with growing
empathy
5. Plays with other
children
6. Learns to be a
member of a group
7. Uses personal
care skills
8. Demonstrates
basic gross motor
skills
9. Demonstrates
basic fine motor
skills
10. Sustains
attention
11. Understands
how objects can be
used
12. Shows a
beginning
understanding of
cause and effect
13. Shows a
beginning
understanding that
things can be
grouped
14. Uses problem
solving strategies
15. Engages in
pretend play
16. Develops
receptive language
17. Develops
expressive
language
18. Participates in
conversations
19. Enjoys books
and being read to
20. Shows an
awareness of
pictures and print
21. Experiments
with drawing and
writing
Preschool Creative Curriculum Goals and Objectives
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
PHYSICAL
DEVELOPMENT
COGNITIVE
DEVELOPMENT
LANGUAGE
DEVELOPMENT
Sense of Self
1. Shows ability to
adjust to new
situations
2 .Demonstrates
appropriate trust in
adults
3. Recognizes own
feelings and manages
Gross Motor
14. Demonstrates
basic locomotor
skills (running,
jumping, hopping,
galloping).
15. Shows balance
while moving.
16. Climbs up and
Learning & Problem
Solving
22. Observes objects
and events with
curiosity
23. Approaches
problem flexibly
24. Shows persistence
in approaching tasks
Listening and
Speaking
38. Hears and
discriminates the
sounds of
language
39. Expresses self
using words and
expanded
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them appropriately
4. Stands up for rights
Responsibility For Self
and Others
1. Demonstrates self
direction and
independence
2. Takes responsibility
for own well being
3. Respects and cares
for classroom
environment and
materials
4. Follows classroom
routines
5. Follows classroom
rules
Pro social Behavior
10. Plays well with
other children
11. Recognizes the
feelings of others and
responds appropriately
12. Shares and
respects the rights of
others
13. Uses thinking skills
to resolve conflicts
down
17. Pedals and
steers a tricycle (or
other wheeled
vehicle).
18. Demonstrates
throwing, kicking,
and catching skills.
Fine Motor
19. Controls small
muscles in hands
20. Coordinates
eye-hand
movement
21. Uses tools for
writing and
drawing.
25. Explores cause
and effect
26. Applies knowledge
or experience to a
new context
Logical Thinking
27. Classifies objects
28.
Compares/measures
29. Arranges objects
in a series
30. Recognizes
patterns and can
repeat them
31. Shows awareness
of time concepts and
sequence
32. Uses one-to-one
correspondence
34. Uses numbers and
counting
Representation and
Symbolic Thinking
35. Takes on pretend
roles and situations
36. Makes believe
with objects
37. Makes and
interprets
representations
sentences
40. Understands
and follows oral
direction
41. Answers
questions
42. Asks questions
43. Actively
participates in
conversation
Reading and
Writing
44. Enjoys and
values reading
45. Demonstrates
understanding of
print concepts
46. Demonstrates
knowledge of the
alphabet
47. Uses emerging
reading skills to
make meaning
from print
48. Comprehends
and interprets
meaning from
books and other
texts
49. Understands
the purpose of
writing
50. Writes letters
and words
School Age
Children aged 5-12 will make new friend. They will develop camaraderie in playing
games and attending field trips (summer). Children will have time after school to expend
energy, enjoy a snack and other activities before doing homework. Experiments with
science, building and other unique experiences
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enhance the fun and the learning environment. Creativity will be encouraged through
use of materials, teacher guidance and individual knowledge to complete group
projects. Children will learn responsibility by assisting the teacher in planning activities
and implementing them together. Teachers will promote health and wellness by
promoting exercise and proper nutrition.
26. Snacks and Lunch
Half Day Preschool Program
 Each Preschool class will be served a nutritious snack with milk, juice or water
daily.






Full Day Child Care Center Programs
Each Child brings his/her lunch. Lunches will be refrigerated. This is a
requirement of the Office of Child Care. Milk will be provided by the Center.
The Center does not allow children to have any candy in their lunches at any
time.
Children are not permitted to use a “sippy” cup. We provide small cups for
children to drink from.
Due to the number of children in attendance, we are not able to heat up lunch
items.
Nutritious snacks will be served twice daily, in the morning and the afternoon.
Snack menus are posted on the Center’s bulletin board.
Due to the abundance of allergies in the Center, we are peanut-free. If there
are no tree nut allergies in your child’s class you may send alternatives in your
child’s lunch (i.e. almond butter).
27. Field Trips
 All off-site trips are approved by the Director and require signed parent
permission. For safety, children are encouraged to wear CPCFCCC T-shirts or
sweatshirts on all field trips. Field trips are especially exciting when parents can
share these experiences with their child. Bus seating will be on a first come first
serve basis. If seating is limited, additional parents can drive their own child(ren).
 Siblings are not permitted to attend field trips.
28. Easing Adjustment
New situations often create anxiety. We therefore request your help in the following
ways:
 If you have a family snapshot that your child could bring to class and have as a
reference, it would be a helpful reassurance.
 An affective, but brief, farewell is easier on the child than a protracted parting.
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 A favorite stuffed toy may be helpful. We discourage toys from home, but we
certainly do let them hold on to their soft “loveys” if they are experiencing stress
in adjusting to new surroundings.
 We do not allow children to use pacifiers; we ask that families find an alternative
plan prior to the start of the school year.
 There is nothing as reassuring as being picked up promptly. Your child will get
used to the routine of being picked up at the same time, therefore decreasing
anxiety.
 Most classrooms have a phone, and parents may call to see how their child’s day
is going if it has been a particularly hard day.
29. Rest Time
Each of our full day preschool classes have rest time each day from 1:00-3:00. Please
provide your child with a crib sheet, blanket, small pillow, and a soft friend to snuggle
with. During this time children are expected to lay quietly. Some classes allow children
to look at books quietly on their cots during this time. Please check with your child’s
teacher to see what alternatives are available to children who are not sleepy. On most
days we have Kids-Up Club available to those children who do not sleep but remain
quiet from 1:00-2:00. During Kids Up, several teachers gather children from the
preschool classrooms and take them to the gym, playground, or an empty classroom to
play from 2:00-3:00. Kids-Up Club is a privilege that children may earn through good
behavior during the first part of rest time.
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Babysitting Release Form
1. Name(s) of children currently enrolled at Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child
Care Center:
2. Name and address of parent/guardian:
3. Name(s) of Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center employee(s)
providing private, off-site child care:
Date: __________________________________
*This release is valid for one full year from the above date. A new form is required after
one year or whenever a change is necessary to any item on it.
Please read the following release and sign below:
I understand that I am entering in to a private agreement/ independent contract with
the person(s) named in item 3 above to care for the child (ren) named in item 1 above.
This child care is independent of and separate and distinct from the care provided by
Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center. I release and discharge the
Catonsville Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center and their respective directors,
officers, agents, representatives, employees (acting in their capacity as employees),
successors, and assigns from any and all claims and damages that I may have or claim to
have against either entity at the present time or in the future based upon or arising out
of such child(ren) being in the care of the person(s) listed in item 3 above and while that
person(s) is acting in such private, independent capacity.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________Date: __________
CPCFCCC Staff Signature: ___________________________________Date: __________
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Parent Handbook Acknowledgement
I have received and read the Parent Handbook for the Catonsville
Presbyterian Church Family Child Care Center. I understand and will abide
by the regulations set forth in this revised edition of the Parent
Handbook.
________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Please sign this acknowledgement and return it to the administrative office.
Thank you!
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