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 Page 1 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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) Page 2 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 8 Page 8 Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Page 12 Page 14 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 17 Page 17 Page 17 Page 17 Page 17 Page 22 Page 22 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 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.) Page 3 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 4 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 5 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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 Page 6 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 7 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 8 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 9 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 10 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 11 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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 Page 12 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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 Page 13 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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 Page 14 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 15 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 16 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 17 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 18 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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 Page 19 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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 Page 20 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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 Page 21 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 22 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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. Page 23 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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: __________ Page 24 of 25 Revised 10-6-14 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! Page 25 of 25 Revised 10-6-14