Creative Hands Early Learning and Child Development Center Parent Handbook 37703 Joy Road Westland, MI 48185 734-455-5605 1 Rev. 02/2014 Welcome We are pleased that you have chosen Creative Hands Early Learning and Child Development Center as your partner in the care and education of your child. A strong parent-center relationship is crucial to our success. Like you, we are interested in your child’s whole development. Our commitment is to provide you and your child with the best in child care and education. This handbook is given to all parents at the time of their child’s enrollment in the center, and is designed to acquaint you with our policies and procedures. In addition to our policies, we are licensed by the state of Michigan and abide by all state rules and regulations. *These policies and procedures are subject to modification or change at any time. Center Mission Statement Through a quality program, Creative Hands will provide a safe, nurturing educational atmosphere based on current learning and child development theories. Center Philosophy We believe in the development of the whole child. Children thrive and grow in selfconfidence in the program's safe, noncompetitive environment where they are fully accepted as they are. Our curriculum is designed to focus on the creative, emotional, intellectual, physical and social growth of each individual child. We believe that children learn best through play, engaging interactions, and positive experiences. They grow and develop when they are in a supportive environment that encourages them to try new things and to express their natural curiosity. As the children play with appropriate materials and equipment, they gain knowledge about their world. We strive to create lifelong learners. At Creative Hands, every child can learn and grow! We have several goals for children To be competent and confident in their abilities. To be self-directed in a constructive, creative manner. To be successful in future educational experiences. To develop a love for learning. To feel encouraged being themselves. 2 Rev. 02/2014 To learn cooperation and appreciation for other children and adults. To reach their full potential in emotional, intellectual, physical and social development. Our Six Key Principals of Child Development and Learning that we follow to meet our goal Development occurs in classrooms that are structured to provide children with opportunities to independently explore, select, create and problem solve. Development occurs in a relatively orderly sequence with later abilities, skills, and knowledge building on those already acquired. Children demonstrate different levels of knowledge. They also have different ways of representing what they know. Development and learning occur in and are influenced by multiple cultural and social contexts. Children develop and learn best in the context of a community where the y are safe and valued, and their needs are met. Parents are a child’s first teacher and an important influence in their life. Curriculum Creative Hands implements the Creative Curriculum in conjunction with enrichment activities designed by each lead teachers in our classrooms. This allows our teachers more flexibility, to be creative, and to teach to different learning styles and individual needs. Our curriculum helps to guide teachers in designing a quality program in which children learn skills and content, and develop social competence. Our curriculum assists teachers in structuring their day, providing different kinds of experiences to provide for children, working with children at different developmental levels, and involving families in the program. The curriculum also assist teachers in guiding learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology while also supporting the child's social/emotional development. Our curriculum also provides assessment tools that speak to the strengths, goals, and areas of improvement for each child. 3 Rev. 02/2014 In conjunction with our curriculum, we also use the Michigan State Board of Education Early Childhood Standards of Quality to guide our programs. The standards produced by the Michigan State Board of Education are meant to define settings of the highest quality. The early childcare standards provide our teachers with guidance on how to provide children with opportunities to reach essential development and educational goals. Policies and Procedures NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Creative Hands subscribes to a policy of nondiscrimination and will maintain and conduct all practices relating to recruitment and enrollment of children, discipline, and other terms, conditions, and benefits of the program in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA is a federal civil rights law that went into effect in 1992. The act states that people with disabilities are entitled to equal rights in employment, state and local public services, and public accommodations such as preschools, child care centers, and family child care homes. ADA presents an exciting opportunity to plan for and include children with disabilities in early childhood settings. Children and families benefit from inclusion. Children with disabilities share learning opportunities with their peers. Inclusion also fosters caring attitudes and teaches children about interdependence and understanding for human differences. For early childhood professionals it is an extension of continuing efforts to meet the individual needs of each child and family. Reporter's Mandate All employees of Creative Hands are required by the State of Michigan to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect. PROGRAM PRE-VISIT Once a child is officially enrolled in our program, a pre-visit will be scheduled. This orientation is designed to acquaint both you and your child with his/her new environment. While your child familiarizes themselves with new classmates and surroundings, we encourage you to spend time talking with the teachers about your feelings and your child’s individual needs. This is also the time to visit the office and turn in all the required paperwork. It is a perfect time to ask any other questions you may have. 4 Rev. 02/2014 Pre visits are done Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. If this is not convenient for you, let us know so that arrangements can be made to accommodate your schedule. REGISTRATION A non-refundable enrollment fee of $75 per family plus one week tuition is due at the time of registration as well as a yearly $100.00 activity/supply fee. These fees are nonrefundable and must be paid and required documentation turned into the office prior to your child’s starting date. Documentation Required for Your Child’s Record A completed Enrollment Form. A completed Information Card. My Child’s Schedule Form. An immunization record, complete with Doctor’s name with signature. A Health Appraisal/Well Child Form signed by your Doctor with signatures. A copy of any court orders regarding child custody/visitation issues. A Signed Parent Agreement Form EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Each parent must have on file a list of names and phone numbers of emergency contacts. These contacts will be listed on the Information Card. The emergency contacts are persons in the area who are authorized by the parent(s) to pick up and/or care for the child in case of illness or emergency when the parent cannot be reached. Please be sure the person(s) whose names you give are aware that they have been listed for this purpose. Staff members will ask for identification of any person with whom they are not familiar. If you will not be at your daily number that you consistently use, leave a note with a staff member and write the new number on the sign-in sheet with the number you can be reached at. Whenever there are changes to be made, please update us. The emergency cards can easily be found by all staff members and updated quickly. Children will only be released to person(s) whose name appears on the emergency card. 5 Rev. 02/2014 HEALTH APPRAISALS Creative Hands is required to have a completed and current health appraisal, including immunization records for your child upon enrollment. For all children, a health appraisal must be completed annually for children birth thru 2 ½ years of age and every two years for children 2 ½ through 5, as mandated by the local Health Department. You will be notified at least one month prior to the expiration date of the physical examination. Creative Hands cannot allow a child with an expired health appraisal or incomplete immunizations to attend the program. All health records are submitted to the local county Health Department. Some parents may choose to waive certain or all vaccinations for their child for religious, philosophical or medical reasons. The local Health Department requires that if a parent or guardian chooses to waive vaccinations then a waiver will need to be completed by the parent or doctor (if it is a medical reason) and be kept on file at Creative Hands. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the Office of any immunization updates your child may receive. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION To protect the rights of your child and your family, children’s records are only available to the Center’s administrators, authorized staff of Creative Hands, authorized employees of the Department of Consumer and Industry/Child Day Care Licensing, and the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Confidential and sensitive information will only be shared with employees of Creative Hands who have a “need to know” in order to most appropriately and safely care for your child. Confidential and sensitive information about staff, other parents and/or children will not be shared with parents, as Creative Hands strives to protect everyone’s right of privacy. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: names, addresses, phone numbers, disability information, and health related information of anyone associated with Creative Hands. You may observe children at our Center who are disabled or who exhibit behavior that may appear inappropriate (i.e. biting, hitting, and spitting). You may be curious or concerned about the other child. Our Confidentiality Policy protects every child’s privacy. Employees of Creative Hands are strictly prohibited from discussing anything about another child with you. Any parent who violates the Confidentiality Policy will not be permitted on agency property thereafter. 6 Rev. 02/2014 Information concerning the any child will not be released, whether written or orally, to any individual or agency without the approval of the parent, unless such disclosure is mandated by child care licensing rules, other statutes, or by a court of law. SECURITY/DOOR CODES We have an open door policy all the time. Parents are welcomed visitors at Creative Hands. We ask that you do not give out your door code to anyone except a parent/guardian. For the protection and security of your child and all the children attending Creative Hands, we ask that non-parental visitors report to the office for identification verification. Feel free to come and visit for lunch. We also have many special family events throughout the year that you are invited to. HOURS OF OPERATION The center is open Monday through Friday from 6:00am to 11:00pm and Saturday – Sunday 7:00 11:00 pm by appointment only. Although we close at 11:00pm, your child will need to stick to a schedule of no more than 10 hours per day or 50 hours per week. You will be charged an extra fee if you continuously go over your hours. Please see the office concerning the fees for these hours. In extreme emergencies, please call the office to inform a staff member if you are running late. We worry, and children can become fearful if their parents are not present when they usually should be. There is a late fee of $1.00 per minute five minutes after your scheduled time for pickup. If a child is not picked up by 11:00pm, we will have to notify the proper authorities. HOLIDAYS The center will be closed in observance of the following holidays: Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Friday after Thanksgiving Christmas Day New Year ’s Day *Reminders of the holiday closure will be posted before the holiday and placed in the newsletters. Fees are not returned for the above state holidays and are due the week prior to service. **Creative Hands will also take two Staff Development days per year. These days will be given in advance notice. The days are normally on the Friday before Memorial Day and Labor Day. These days may change, but again, advance notice will be given to parents. 7 Rev. 02/2014 Advance notice in writing will be posted in each classroom. Your tuition rate remains the same during holiday weeks. There are no refunds or make-up days given for holidays. For the convenience of parents, Creative Hands remains open during inclement weather. KIDS BY THE HOUR/DROP IN-SERVICE CARE Creative Hands is pleased to provide the flexible service of drop in care for children 2 to 6 years of age. Children registered for Kids by the Hour must follow all registration requirements prior to the first drop off session. This service can be used to assist the stay at home mother or the mother that works part-time. If your child will be in attendance more than 8 hours a week, we will have to charge you our part time rates. Kids by the Hour Packages Parents can also purchase Kids by the Hour Packages and bank hours whenever needed based on the tuition that they have pre- paid for. Buying a Kids by the Hour package provides for a significant discount in hourly care. *Please Ask Director about the package rates. SIBLING DISCOUNT There is a 12% discount for siblings enrolled in the center. The discount applies to the lowest tuition rate. MAKING TUITION PAYMENTS There are several plans available to pay for your child’s care. There is a weekly plan and a bi-weekly plan. For the weekly plan, tuition is due on Friday for the upcoming week of child care services. If you wish to pay bi-weekly, tuition is also due on Friday for the upcoming two weeks of child care services. Creative Hands has also partnered with Tuition Express. This service allows parents to pay online or have tuition payments taken directly out of your checking account or credit card. Your tuition is considered late by close of business on Monday. A Late fee of $75.00 will be assessed to your account on Tuesday unless you have made other arrangements with management. Please put your child’s name on the payment and place it into the tuition box located directly outside the office. Please note: There is a $45.00 charge for a returned check. 8 Rev. 02/2014 ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PAYMENT Creative Hands accepts payments by Debit/Credit card, cash, check, and money order. All cash payments must be made in the office. Only Creative Hands management can provide a receipt for cash payments. There is an added $5.00 processing fee to accept cash, checks, and money orders. Checks and Money Orders must be made payable to Creative Hands. Please note the child’s name on check or money order. Creative Hands has also partnered with Tuition Express. This service allows parents to pay online or have tuition payments taken directly out of your checking account or credit card. BILLING PROCEDURES Since you have a contracted tuition rate, bills are not sent out unless there have been additional charges added, or tuition is overdue. We will send out an end of the year statement of payments received. Please see the office if you will need a weekly receipt for other purposes. Late Payments A late payment of $75.00 will be assessed for each week your tuition is overdue. Tuition that is paid consistently late will result in your child/ren being dismissed from the program. Your tuition is considered late by close of business on Monday. Attendance and Withdrawal Please notify the center if your child will be absent on a scheduled day of attendance. If circumstances cause you to withdraw your child, you must submit a written notice with your ending date two weeks prior to your child’s last day of care and pay the full 2 weeks tuition payment. VACATION WEEK Creative Hands will allow children in full-time or part-time care to have two vacation weeks per calendar year. The tuition rate for this week will be ½ the regular rate. There are no reimbursements for sick days. 9 Rev. 02/2014 DAILY ROUTINES Our Daily Schedule usually goes as follows: 6:00 Arrival 8:00-8:30 Breakfast 9:00 Morning Group Time 10:00-10:30 A.M. Snack 10:30-11:30 Outdoor/Gross Motor Play 11:30pm Lunch 12:15- 2:15 Naptime/ Rest time 3:00pm Afternoon Group time 4:00-5:00pm Outdoor Play/ Gross Motor Play 6:00pm Departure 7:00pm Dinner/Snack 8:00-11:00 Play Activities/Rest Time Clothing and Personal Belongings We ask that all clothing be appropriate for child care and fun play. We do many fun and messy activities and we don’t want to ruin anything that is special to you or your child. We ask that you leave at least one complete outfit for your child here at school including underwear and socks. Because children grow so fast, it is important to check the fit and weather appropriateness of these extra clothes from time to time. We will also let you know if the outfits are out of size or season. Please always label everything with your child’s first and last name. You can also place all the clothing in a large Ziploc bag with your child’s first and last name listed on the bag. Communication The parent bulletin boards contain items pertaining to fund-raising, conferences, parent involvement, fun family community events, and other items we feel that may be of interest to you. You will have a Parent Board in your child’s room. Please check this board daily for creative art work, information, billing statements, etc... Each month there will be a center newsletter that will be sent out via email. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year with your child’s teacher. However, you can request a parent-teacher conference at any time. Our curriculum assessments, observations and a portfolio collection will be used to guide your child’s development. Information collected will be available to parents upon request and for use at conference time. Cubbies Your child will have a cubby at the center to store their personal belongings. Your child’s cubby will be located in their room. Please check the cubby daily for items that need to be shared between home and the center. 10 Rev. 02/2014 Discipline At Creative Hands, children are taught the importance of being a friend and treating others with care and respect. If unacceptable behavior is displayed, we explain why the behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, the child will be directed to another activity. A child continuing to have difficulty will be removed from the activity for a short period of time in order to regain his/her self-control. While the child is removed, he/she will be provided an alternate activity. If you see a problem or have witnessed a situation you do not understand, see a lead teacher or the director right away. We try to foresee and prevent problems by structuring an appropriate environment by setting age appropriate realistic limits and guidelines. These limits are mainly for the safety and respect for oneself, for others, and for property. These limits are explained or shown to a child at the onset in terms that he/she can understand. Discipline shall be fair, reasonable, consistent, and related to the individual behavior. Teachers provide a balance between active/quiet and self-directed/teacher-directed activities to keep children involved throughout their day. Physical discipline is never used at our center. In particular we use the following discipline techniques to assist children in resolving conflicts. Methods depend on children’s ages and the severity of the situation. 1.) Limit Setting: Children are given basic, clear, and concise rules to guide their behavior. Boundaries and expectations expand as children develop. 2.) Consistency: So children know what to expect, limits and expectations are consistent throughout the classes, and all adults respond in a similar way to conflict situations. 3.) Tone: A kind yet serious tone delivered by intervening adults reinforces children’s sense of security and lets them know the situation is under control. 4.) Modeling: Adults clearly demonstrate compassionate, caring behaviors that set examples for children to follow. 5.) Passive Intervention: Teachers give children time to work through their own problems, but are there to help if things escalate to destructive or aggressive behavior. 6.) Physical Intervention: Children are physically separated if they begin to hurt each other. 7.) Identifying/Interpreting: Teachers clarify problems, diffuse tension, and facilitate problem solving. 11 Rev. 02/2014 8.) Validating Feelings: Acknowledging one’s own emotions and those of other children facilities learning. 9.) Generating Options/Solutions: Children are given tools to settle conflicts (negotiate, make retribution, collaborate, etc.). 10.)Redirection: A request to stop a negative behavior is accompanied by a suggestion for an appropriate behavior to replace it. 11.) Natural Consequences: Teachers point out and reinforce natural consequences as they occur. Children see the results of their own behavior and begin to modify it accordingly. “You threw sand after we asked not to. Now you need to leave the sandbox and find a different area to play in.” As a partner in caring for your child, it is important that good communication exist between the home and our center. If your child is experiencing a change in the home environment that may result in changes in behavior, it is important for you to notify your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher will keep you informed of any behavioral concerns that may occur with your child at the center. We want to continue to stress that we are your child’s home away from home. We will make every effort to resolve any issues that may occur. Severe Behavior Young children can present challenging behavior as they learn to interact appropriately in the educational setting. Creative Hands Early Learning and Child Development Center is committed to using positive guidance strategies with teaching young children how to manage their own behavior. However, at times some children will exhibit severe behavior that cannot be managed with the classroom setting. Severe behavior is defined as: Danger to self or others (examples include but are not limited to: head banging, excessive biting that breaks the skin, hitting, hair pulling, using objects to inflict bodily harm.) and/or Disruptive behavior that creates chronic interference to classroom activities (examples included tantrums, screaming, foul language, severe or chronic noncompliance or defiance.) The center has developed procedures to deal with such cases of severe behavior. In these situations, the parents will be contacted. The parents will need to meet with the teacher and/or the director to discuss the situation and appropriate measures. If the center’s procedures for dealing with severe behavior problems do not have results, the 12 Rev. 02/2014 center reserves the right to temporarily or permanently remove a child from the center to assure a safe educational environment. Outdoor Play Please bring appropriate clothing for the weather. Unless the weather is extremely severe, we will plan to go outside for much needed fresh air and large motor play daily. If your child is too ill to go outside, they should be kept home to rest. Rest Time The children have a rest period each day. Infants 6 weeks to 18 months nap on their own schedule. Crib sheets are provided. Toddlers 18 to 36 months have a routine that is followed. Cot sheets are provided. Your child can bring a blanket to rest with. If you bring a blanket from home, remember to launder it each week. Preschoolers 3 to 5 years have a routine that is followed. Cot sheets are provided. To protect your child’s health, sheets are laundered weekly and on demand. Cots are sanitized daily. Food Service *Please be advised that Creative Hands is a Nut Free Facility. Each day, the center provides two snacks and lunch for children (except in the infant room). Snack and lunch menus are posted in your child’s classroom. Breakfast time is 8:00am – 8:30 am. Lunch is served at 11:30 am. Morning Snack is at 10:00am with afternoon snack at 3:00. Arrangements can be made with your child’s teacher if you would like to provide a snack for a birthday or special event. Special snacks that are provided by you should follow our nut free policy. If you are unsure, check with the office for a Nut-Free Foods List. Toys We understand that children love to bring toys from home. However, we ask that all toys with the exception of a soft sleepy time toy stay at home. This assures that they will not be lost or broken while at school. There will be special sharing days where children may bring a toy from home. A letter will be sent to parents notifying you of the days this will occur. 13 Rev. 02/2014 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE The center opens at 6:00am each morning. We encourage children to arrive by 8:30 so they can fully participate in the morning activities. Parents must always accompany their children in and out of their classroom. Upon your child’s arrival and departure, please be sure that a staff member in your child’s classroom is aware that you are present and are either dropping off or taking your child home. According to Michigan Child Licensing regulations, you must sign in your child using your initials and/or signature, time of arrival, and time of departure. Health and Safety NO SMOKING POLICY This is a non-smoking facility. No smoking is permitted inside the building at any time. Smoking is also prohibited on the property around the center. SICK CHILD POLICY For the safety and health of all our children and teachers, sick children need to be cared for and nurtured at home. Please do not send your child to school if he/she has had any of the following described conditions during the previous 24 hours. Medical conditions: 1.) Diarrhea (2 or more loose stools). 2.) Difficulty or rapid breathing. 3.) Asthma or severe upper respiratory infection unless parent provides evidence that child is under physician’s care. 4.) Vomited within last 6 hours. 5.) Yellowish skin or eyes. 6.) A temperature of 101.00 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and/or has had a fever during the previous 24 hours. 7.) Mucus with green or yellow color, unless child had been on antibiotic therapy for 24 hours. 8.) Undiagnosed rash. 9.) Sore throat. Severe cough. Chicken pox, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, impetigo, diphtheria, or herpes simplex. 10.) Untreated scabies, tinea corporis or capitis (ring worm) 14 Rev. 02/2014 11.) An ear infection unless provided notification that child is under physician’s care. 12.) Untreated head lice. 13.) Pinkeye. Also be advised that if your child exhibits any of the above symptoms while at school you will be immediately contacted to come and pick up your child to protect other children in the center. The center will notify you as soon as possible if your child comes in contact with another child’s illness. If you would like additional information or a detailed list of symptoms for the above communicable diseases please see the director. MEDICATIONS All medications must have a doctor’s prescription to administer, including over the counter medications. If your child needs to have medication administered during a school day a guardian needs to complete a medication authorization form. A medical authorization form can be obtained in the office or in your child’s classroom. The medication authorization form must include the dosage amount and the times of administration. Please bring the appropriate measuring utensils for administering the medication. The medication must be plainly labeled, contain the name of the child for whom it is prescribed, dates to be administered, and the expiration date. Tylenol will not be used at the center for reducing a fever. Also, please do not give Tylenol to your child before entering the center. This only serves to mask the problem and leaves the illness untreated. Please notify the staff of any medical conditions (allergies, etc.) that will require special considerations in the classroom. All medications will be stored in an appropriate locked box. A classified staff member or the director will administer all the medications. INJURY The staff makes every effort to ensure the safety of your child. Unfortunately, accidents do occur. As a partner in the care of your child, we realize that you will want to be aware of your child’s injury or illnesses that occur at the center. In order to keep you informed, we will provide you with an Accident and Incident Report for each occurrence. In case of a serious injury, we will make every effort to contact you for instructions. If we cannot reach you, we will call the person that you have indicated on the emergency card to make a medical decision about your child. DRILLS AND EVACUATIONS 15 Rev. 02/2014 Creative Hands Early Learning and Child Development Center adheres to all Michigan Licensing laws pertaining to drills and evacuations. The center has procedures for each of the below drills. Fire Drill: Fire drills are practiced at least once quarterly to assure prompt evacuation of the building in an emergency. Our center is equipped with a fire alarm system and fire extinguishers are placed throughout the building. Tornado Drill: A tornado drill is practiced in the months of April to October to assure prompt emergency procedures in case of a tornado. Special Events BIRTHDAYS Birthdays may be celebrated at our center. Please contact your child’s lead teacher regarding plans for the celebration. Creative Hands is a nut free facility. In order to ensure that our children are not exposed to nut products or those produced in a nut facility when planning a birthday celebration we encourage you to follow a Nut-Free Food List. This list is also available in the office. In order to ensure that the classrooms staff has time to prepare please give one week's advance notice. We also, encourage parents to plan birthday celebrations during afternoon snack. HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS Holidays represent opportunities for young children to learn about the celebrations various cultures observe. Certain holidays are recognized in the classrooms in ways that are consistent with the individual program’s curriculum and the age of the children. The center staff recognizes understands and values other holidays which reflect the cultural diversity represented among our families. TRANSPORTATION/FIELD TRIPS We provide transportation to and from school for children who are in Kindergarten through age 12. For special field trips, transportation may be arranged. Parents will be notified prior to any field trips. Parental permission is required before children may be transported on a field trip. Parents may be requested to join a field trip event. Please watch for special event information. 16 Rev. 02/2014 RESERVATION OF RIGHT TO CHANGE POLICIES AND/OR PROCEDURES Creative Hands reserves the unilateral right to add, delete, modify, or amend the policies and procedures provided for in the program, or program handbook, upon a written notice to the parents. Thank you for choosing Creative Hand Early Learning and Child Development Center as a partner in the care of your child. We look forward to adding you to our Creative Hands family. 17 Rev. 02/2014