Download Infant & Toddler Room Handbook - pdf

Dear Parents:

The staff of Tot’s Place would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to Tot’s Place Child Development Center. We would also like to thank you for allowing us to share with you in the growth and development of your child and for your willingness to have your child participate in our program.

Please take a few moments to read through this handbook. You will find a section containing our philosophy and some general information about Tot’s Place Child Development Center. At the end of this handbook you will find a statement of agreement that must be signed by you and the Tot’s Place director prior to your child’s enrollment.

You and your child are encouraged to visit and tour our facility. You are always welcome to observe any aspect of our program. Observation appointments are not required for parents. All other visitors to the center are required to make prior arrangements and sign-in at the front office.

We are excited about the coming year and are confident that both you and your child will find the experience both enjoyable and beneficial. Please call if you have any questions or concerns about the policies addressed in this handbook or if there is any other way we can be of assistance.

You may contact us at:

Tot’s Place Child Development Center

Ferris State University

1349 Cramer Circle

101 Bishop Hall

Big Rapids, MI 49307

(231) 591-2390

Sincerely,

THE STAFF OF TOT’S PLACE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

This handbook is an intregal part of the Tot’s Place Child Development Center contract as if fully set forth in that contact, and as such, you agree to abide by the policies set out in this handbook.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of our program states that each child is a worthwhile and unique individual. All children are given many opportunities to learn in their own way, pursuing their own interests and having their many individual needs met. Our goal is to accept each child as they are and help foster their growth and development into a responsible, independent, and caring person. We will strive to make all children more aware of the world around them through activities and experiences aimed at social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. We understand the importance of providing the opportunity for children to participate in group and individual activities, noisy and quiet times, large and fine motor activities, and time for observation to develop problem solving and listening skills.

We believe if given the chance, every child has the potential to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem; a feeling that he or she is special; and a foundation that will encourage enjoyable learning experiences now and in the future.

PROGRAM GOALS

The goal of the Child Development Center is to provide a safe and stimulating environment which will help each child grow and develop at his/her own pace and to provide the community with a quality model child care program.

Program Goals for Children

The Child Development Center’s goals for the children are as follows:

1. To help children develop a positive self-image.

2. To provide opportunities to establish early friendships for social interactions among children and adults, a foundation on which to build future learning.

3. To provide activities encouraging development of large and fine motor skills.

4. To help children develop effective communication, interpersonal relations, listening and conflict resolution skills.

5. To encourage children to express themselves in appropriate and acceptable ways.

6. To develop in each child an interest in learning about his/her environment.

7. To offer experiences that enable children to develop self-esteem and confidence to make decisions for them selves.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Tot’s Place provides quality care and educational opportunities for children of Ferris State University students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding communities. Tot’s Place is a nondiscriminatory program and admits individuals of any color, religion, race, sex, ethnic or national origin.

Tot’s Place operates as an educational laboratory to various academic programs at Ferris State University. Observation rooms complete with audio and visual equipment are available to parents enrolled in the center at anytime.

Tot’s Place offers the following programs:

Infant/Toddler Room 1 month - 12 months (Infant)

12 months – 30 months (Toddlers)

Preschool Room 2 ½ years - 5 years

Wrap Around Programs 2 ½ years - 5 years

Full Year and FSU programs

(These programs are available to families enrolled in the NEMCSA Head Start Program)

Bulldog Summer Camp 6 years - 10 years

(June-August)

*In all cases children are placed in groups that fit their developmental readiness as well as chronological age. Tot’s Place staff will work with families to determine which program will fit the needs of each individual child.

The Child Development Center is open between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Children may be dropped off beginning at 7:30 a.m. Children contracted for full day or afternoon care must be picked up no later than 5:30 p.m. Those that are contracted for morning care need to be picked-up no later than 12:30 p.m. The center will be closed on the following Holidays:

Christmas Eve through New Years Day

Good Friday

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving and the following day

There will be three (3) periods per calendar year that Tot’s Place will not provide child care services. The exact dates of these weeks will be available at the beginning of the contract period in which they occur. Tentatively the weeks will take place between the winter and summer semester, one of the weeks between summer and fall semester, and the remainder of the week that New Year’s Day falls in. In the case that the University administrative offices are closed due to weather or other emergencies, Tot’s Place will also be closed. Please listen to the local radio station (WBRN) for messages regarding closure of the center.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

The professional staff at Tot’s Place is dedicated to providing quality care and educational opportunities to all children. Great effort has gone into providing a consistent staff, to accomplish this, the full - time staff receive competitive wages and a desirable benefits package.

*Lead teachers have two - year and four - year degrees in Early Childhood Education and related field experience

*Assistant teachers have two- year degrees in Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), and related field experience, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

*All staff receive ongoing professional training opportunities

*Lead, Assistant, and Part- Time teachers have current CPR and First Aid Certification

*All staff are dedicated to providing on-going partnerships with families.

In addition all staff and non-parent volunteers are required to complete the following screening process before contact with children occurs:

· Criminal History Check

· Verification from FIA they have not been placed on the Central Registry for Child Abuse/Neglect

· Signed Staff/Volunteer Screening Statement indicating they are informed of the “Child Protection Law” and their responsibility to comply with the law.

CURRICULUM

A comprehensive, developmentally appropriate method is used where active learning is facilitated by flexible classroom arrangements utilizing interest centers and individualized activities. The teaching staff at Tot’s Place utilizes the theories and practices recommended by The Creative Curriculum. Each program has a different set of goals and objectives based on the developmental stage of the children enrolled. Tot’s Place staff believes learning is an on-going, life-long process. Our curriculum is based on emergent, child-centered, and play-based activities designed to help children gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Infant / Toddler

Each child enrolled in the Infant and Toddler program will be assigned a primary caregiver upon enrollment. Primary caregivers are essential to forming positive relationships between the children and teachers. The primary caregiver assigned to each child is responsible to plan activities for each of the children in the care group based on each child’s individual needs. There are six primary goals that guide our interactions with infants and toddlers:

To learn about themselves (independence and self-concept)
To learn about their feelings (emotions and expressing feelings)
To learn about others (sharing, empathy)
To learn about communicating (verbal and non verbal)
To learn about moving and doing (gross motor, fine motor, eye-hand coordination, & self-help)
To acquire thinking skills (cognitive development)

A complete list of goals and objectives for infants and toddlers is attached to the next page. These goals & objectives, along with input from parents guide our planning for each individual child.

General Daily Schedule

The daily schedule for infants and toddlers is based on the individual needs of each child. For planning purposes a general daily schedule has been established. An example of a typical daily schedule is listed below:

7:30-8:30 Arrival/Welcome Time

8:30-9:00 Breakfast

9:00-11:30 Child Choice-Time Activities, Large Motor, Outdoor Activities, etc.

11:30-12:00 Lunch

12:00-3:00 Nap Preparation/Naptime, Quiet Activities

3:00-3:30 Snack

3:15-4:30 Child Choice-Time Activities/Free Choice

4:30-5:30 Gross Motor/Outdoor Activities

Preschool

The curriculum for preschool age children is based on goals & objectives set forth by The Creative Curriculum for preschool children. These goals and objectives, as well as parent input, are the foundation on which our daily lesson plans are formed. The preschool staff also utilizes an Internet based portfolio and developmental model to record children’s accomplishments. Parents are welcome to view their child’s progress from work or home. If you are interested you need to speak with the preschool staff to set up a secure account for your family. This system called, Creative Curriculum. net, also offers parents ideas for activities that can be done at home to assist in their child’s development.

A daily schedule has been developed to begin to prepare children for kindergarten. The daily schedule of the preschool classroom is designed to offer children a variety of learning experiences including group and self - initiated activities. A typical preschool day may include the following:

7:30-8:30 Arrival / Welcome Activities

8:30-9:00 Breakfast (family style)

9:00-9:15 Circle Time (stories, songs, music & movement)

9:15-10:30 Activity Choice Time (interest centers)

10:30-11:30 Outdoor and Large Motor Activities

11:30-12:00 Lunch (family style)

12:00-12:30 Rest Preparation (brush teeth, bathroom, stories, etc)

12:30-2:30 Rest and Relaxation

2:30-3:00 Table Activities (books, puzzles, games, manipulatives, etc.)

3:00-3:20 Snack (family style)

3:20-3:30 Circle Time (songs, stories, music & movement)

3:30-4:30 Activity Choice Time (interest centers)

4:30-5:30 Outside & Large Motor Activities

In addition to daily activities field trips and classroom visitors are included to enhance the experiences children receive. Parent’s are encouraged to take part in classroom activities whenever possible.

DISCIPLINE/GUIDANCE

The staff in the Child Development Center will use positive methods of discipline/guidance, which will encourage each child to develop self-control, self-esteem, and self-direction. We believe that when children are actively involved in developmentally appropriate learning activities, misbehavior is least likely to occur. Our goal is to assist children in conflict resolution strategies to help strengthen their problem solving abilities.

Infant/ Toddler

It is normal for infants and toddlers to be curious about their surroundings. During active exploration of their environment, we may find them in situations that could cause harm to themselves, others, or materials around them. We understand that a child’s natural curiosity can override their ability to comply with rules; we do our best to provide a “child – proof” environment so that children are able to enjoy free exploration of their environment. This is a delicate stage in a child’s development during this stage they are forming a self-concept of themselves. Keeping this in mind we attempt to eliminate negatives such as “NO” and “DON’T”, instead we use phrases that let the child know what appropriate choices they can make, and redirect inappropriate activities.

Preschool

During this stage of development children need to know what is expected from them. The teaching staff set guidelines through classroom limits, schedules, and teaching strategies geared toward assisting children to become self – confident, critical thinkers and problem solvers. The teaching staff realizes that conflicts will occur with young children. We use these circumstances to help children learn conflict resolution strategies, and problem solving skills. Our staff will model positive techniques by teaching children the importance of listening to others, identifying the problem at hand, seeking solutions, and agreeing on solutions. We feel it is important for adults to be facilitators in the problem solving effort rather than dictate what the solutions should be.

Extreme Behaviors

Occasionally, children’s behaviors go beyond normal limits. This occurs when children choose actions that put others or themselves at risk. When this occurs the teaching staff will explain the negative effects of the child’s behavior and attempt immediate re-direction. If this is not successful then separating the child from the situation will become necessary. Non-severe and developmentally appropriate discipline or restraint may be used if reasonably necessary to prevent a child from harming them selves, others, or property. If potentially harmful situations persist, a conference with the parent(s), the teacher, and the director will be scheduled to coordinate a plan of action. Regretfully, if attempts to eliminate harmful behaviors are not successful, the center staff may request the child be removed from the center to ensure the health and safety of all children enrolled.

The following methods of punishment shall never be utilized by staff in accordance with State of Michigan Licensing Regulations:

Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment
Restricting a child’s movement by binding or tying
Inflicting mental or emotional punishment such as humiliating, shaming, or threatening a child
Depriving a child of meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use
Confining a child in an enclosed area, such as a closet, locked room, box or similar cubicle

TUITION AND REGISTRATION

A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $40.00 is required for each child at the time of initial enrollment. This registration fee does not apply toward tuition cost. Tuition charges are based on full week enrollment depending on your scheduling choice. Scheduling options include:

Full day 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Morning Half day 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon Half day 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

You may contact our office for current tuition rates.

Enrollment Eligibility

The following information must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the admittance of each child:

1. Waiting list application.

2. Signed Contract for current semester

3. Registration fee of $40.00

4. Up – to – date Immunization Record

5. Child Information Record

6. Michigan Child and Adult Food Care Program Form

7. Legal copy of the child’s Birth Certificate

8. Health Examination Form – must be signed by a licensed physician and returned no later than 30 days after initial enrollment

9. Signed statement of agreement from back of parent handbook.

It is the responsibility of the parent to maintain up – to – date information regarding their child. Failure to provide these items may result in your child’s enrollment being delayed or cancelled. Tuition charges will be assessed to your account until the required information is provided.

Each time your child receives an immunization while enrolled it is the parent responsibility to provide an updated copy of the child’s immunization record within 5 days of the administration of the immunization.

CONTRACT TERMS

A contract will be prepared covering dates, hours, and tuition charges for each semester your child is enrolled at Tot’s Place. The contract must by signed by the parent and returned to our office by the deadline set by the director each semester. A signed contract is an agreement that you will abide by all rules, regulations, and policies set out in this handbook and you will pay for all dates specified in the contract even when your child is absent and Tot’s Place agrees to provide child care services on all days and hours contracted. Before signing the contract pay particular attention to the contract terms listed on the bottom.

LATE PICK UP/EARLY DROP OFF

Anytime a child is left beyond his/her contracted hours will be considered late. The first time this occurs during the specific contract period a verbal warning will be issued without a fee being charged to your account. The second time during the same contracted period, a written warning will be issued as well as a fee of $5.00 per 5-minute period (or portion thereof). Regretfully, the third occurrence in the same contract period will result in immediate dismissal from Tot’s Place. As per the contact terms, the parent is still responsible to fulfill the remaining financial obligation of the contract.

Likewise, if your child is dropped off at the center before the scheduled contracted time, the same fees as stated above will be charged to your account. On the third occurrence in the same contract period, the same policy stated above for late pick – up will be used.

If a child has not been picked – up from the center 15 minutes after the contracted time, the emergency contact person listed on the emergency information card will be notified. If the emergency contact person cannot be reached after 30 minutes, the staff at Tot’s Place will notify the Department of Public Safety on campus. If the Department of Public Safety is unable to contact the parent or emergency contact person, Child Protective Services will be contacted.

SIGN IN/OUT PROCEDURES

Tot’s Place is required to maintain attendance records for each child enrolled. These records are used for reporting to state regulatory agencies, emergency evacuation procedures, and FIA (Family Independence Agency) billing. The following guidelines need to be followed when signing your child in or out. You will find the sign in/out attendance sheets outside each classroom door.

1. Sign your child in by entering the exact time you are dropping off your child and initial in the appropriate box next to your child’s name.

2. If someone other than a parent is picking up your child, enter the person’s name in the box labeled “Adult other than parent or guardian picking up child”. THIS PERSON MUST BE LISTED ON THE CHLD INFORMATION RECORD UNDER PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO PICK UP CHILD.

3. Sign your child out by entering the exact time you are taking your child from the center and sign your name in the box labeled “Adult Signature”.

4. Any person other than a parent or legal guardian (and parents unknown to Tot’s Place staff) are required to provide a valid picture I.D.

5. Failure to follow the above procedures will result in the following:

1^st time written warning

2^nd & all subsequent times $2.00 charge and written notice

DISMISSAL FROM CARE

Tot’s Place Child Development Center staff reserves the right to request dismissal from the program if the child’s needs or those of the other children are being compromised.

Regretfully, enrollment eligibility will be terminated for non-payment of tuition or for non-compliance of Health Department or FIA regulations.

Tot’s Place Child Development Center may request dismissal from our program for the following reasons:

1. Non – Cooperation of parent or child that jeopardizes the health and/or safety of another child.

2. Delinquency of payment of fees.

3. Inability of child or parent to adjust to the center’s program.

4. Abuse of the 7:30 a.m. opening or 5:30 p.m. closing times

5. Abuse of contracted hours

6. Failure to pick up a sick child within the 30 minute allotted time frame.

In the event that Tot’s Place is forced to dismiss a child for the above reasons, the parent or legal guardian will be responsible for the financial charges on the remainder of the contract.

PAYMENT METHODS

Upon enrollment each family will complete a Payment Option Agreement to determine the payment method that best suits each families needs. Tot’s Place accepts payment in the form of cash, check, money order, or for Ferris State University students, student accounts may be billed if excess funds exist on the account. This may only be done at the beginning of the contract for accounts in good standing. Payments may be made at the front desk or you may drop your payment in the drop box located outside Bishop Hall room 104. For non-student clients a 10% discount is allowed for cash or check payments of the entire semester’s tuition. In all cases payments are expected to be made on a regular basis and cover the entire tuition amount for that period.

Tot’s Place gladly accepts payments through FIA. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the FIA office to determine eligibility and authorization amounts. New clients who have applied for assistance and have not received verification from FIA before enrollment begins, may make payments equal to 1/3 of the weekly tuition, for up to 4 weeks after initial enrollment. After notification from the FIA office, the parent will be held responsible for whatever portion of tuition has not been covered. Once the Account Clerk has received authorization from FIA an estimate will be made of the parent’s portion of tuition. Parents will be responsible for any amount not covered by FIA. Your child’s attendance directly impacts the amount of reimbursement that FIA contributes. Please keep in mind the percentage that FIA authorizes will not cover the entire amount of your tuition charges. Generally, up to 75% of tuition charges may be covered. Each case is different and eligibility is determined by FIA. The Account Clerk is available to further explain FIA procedures.

ARRIVAL AND PICK UP POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Safety & Security

For safety reasons please be sure to keep your child with you at arrival & pick-up. These times can be hectic and confusing for parents, staff, and children. We asked that you make sure the double doors in the hallway remain closed at all times. The hallway needs to remain free from items such as car seats, strollers, bikes, etc. as these items impose barriers to proper egress in emergency situations.

Arrival (Drop-Off Procedure)

Parents are responsible for assisting their child with the removal of any outside clothing, if needed. Parents are to accompany their child into the child’s room and sign the child in. Please be sure your child is under the supervision of his/her teacher before leaving the premises.

Departure (Pick Up Procedure)

If you know you are going to be detained, please notify the center immediately so that we can reassure your child that he/she has not been forgotten. If we are not notified within 15 minutes past your child’s contracted time, the emergency contact person listed on your child’s information record will be contacted to pick up your child.

Authorization to pick up a child

Children will be released only to persons whose names are listed on the child information record. No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up the child. We must have written authorization for changes in this respect.

Photo identification will be required for persons picking up your child.

It must be understood that Tot’s Place cannot legally prevent a biological parent from picking up their child unless a court order stating otherwise is on file in our office.

PARENT PARKING

Parking space is reserved in front of Bishop Hall for drop – off and pick – up. After 5:00p.m you may park in the parking lot located to the west of Bishop Hall if all of the designated parking spaces for Tot’s Place are filled. These spaces may be used for up to 15 minutes. Please be sure you do not leave children unattended or leave your vehicle ignition running when an adult is not present in the vehicle. All vehicles must be registered at the FSU Department of Public Safety. When registering your vehicle you will need the make, model, color, and plate number of your vehicle.

PARENT MAILBOXES

Parent mailboxes are located directly outside of your child’s classroom. Parents are responsible for checking them daily. Correspondence from the front office and your child’s teachers can be found in your child’s mailbox.

FOOD SERVICE

Meals are prepared daily at the center. Tot’s Place participates in the Michigan Child & Adult Food Program. Meals are prepared with the guidelines set forth by this program. Menus are posted at each classroom door. If you would like a copy for your records please let us know at the front desk. In accordance with Federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Tot’s Place provides the following menus daily:

BREAKFAST 8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

LUNCH 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. shifts beginning with the infant room.

SNACK 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. shifts depending on nap schedules

As stated in the guidelines for the Michigan Child & Adult Food Care Program, meals and snacks cannot be served outside the child’s assigned room times. Food from outside the center cannot be served except for treats pre-approved through your child’s teacher that may be brought in for special occasions, such as birthdays.

If your child is allergic to a specific food item, we will need to have a physician’s note for our files stating the child’s allergy.

If you have religious convictions against any particular food items, we would like a written note specifying the items to include in your child’s file.

Mothers wishing to breast-feed their children are always welcome to do so. Tot’s Place will provide iron - fortified formula and iron – fortified infant cereal for infants ages birth up to 12 months. Similac with iron is the formula that is provided. This formula has 20 calories per ounce. For parents wishing not to have their child use Similac with iron, a statement of denial is available with the director. If the parent denies the provided formula, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide infant formula in accordance with licensing regulation R 4000.5205 (12) which is located at the back of this handbook.

REST AND RELAXATION

Rest time is a very important part of the child’s daily schedule. Rest time is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. daily. Infants and young toddlers do not have set rest periods as their individual schedules dictate when rest is needed. Each child will be supplied with a crib or cot for resting purposes. Children are not required to sleep, but are asked to remain quietly on their cots during rest time. We encourage you to provide a small blanket & pillow for your child, to help them relax. Please be sure all items are labeled with your child’s name. These items will be sent home weekly for cleaning. Tot’s Place staff will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing your child’s cot/crib and sheets.

During rest time we will dim lights, play soft music, and help soothe children and provide a relaxing atmosphere.

It is inappropriate to prevent a child from sleeping or resting so they will sleep better at home.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

A standard medical (health appraisal) form provided by Tot’s Place must be completed by your child’s physician no later than 30 days after initial enrollment at the center. It is the parent’s responsibility to maintain current health appraisal and immunization records for their child. Health appraisals are current for up to 1 year from the original date. Information regarding specific immunization requirements can be obtained from your child’s physician or the local health department.

It is important that every parent cooperate fully with our health program. Our policies are designed to protect the well being of all children and to guard, as much as possible, against avoidable absences for health reasons. When there are symptoms of illness or other indications that a child is not well enough to participate in group activities, arrangements must be made for his/her care outside the center. Tot’s Place does not have provisions for the care of children who are ill.

Proper care at the beginning of an illness can often shorten its duration. If your child becomes ill at the center, he/she will be isolated, and you or the emergency person listed on your child’s information record will be called, so you can make arrangements to have him/her picked up within 30 minutes.

In the event your child becomes ill at home or while at the center it is necessary to keep your child out of the center for a complete 24 hours after all symptoms or signs of illness have passed. This policy includes, but is not limited to, fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, nasal congestion, and eye discharge. If your child is prescribed an anti-biotic from his/her physician they should be kept at home for a full 24 hours from the first dose.

The following guidelines have been established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tot’s Place staff will use these guidelines to determine when a child should be sent home from the center. If you notice your child has one or more of the following symptoms, please keep your child at home to monitor your child’s health for a full 24 hours.

· Fever – AND/OR sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion. Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 degrees F or higher taken under the arm, 101 degrees F if taken orally, or 102 degrees F if taken rectally. For children 4 months or younger, the lower rectal temperature of 101 degrees F is considered fever threshold.

· Diarrhea – runny, watery, or bloody stools.

· Vomiting – 2 or more times in a 24 hour period.

· Body rash with fever

· Sore throat with fever and/or swollen glands

· Severe coughing – child gets red or blue in the face or makes high-pitched whooping sound after coughing.

· Eye discharge – thick mucus or pus draining from the eye, or pink eye.

· Yellowish skin or eyes

· Child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health and safety of the other children.

Please report to the center any illness your child may have. Any special needs, such as allergies or restriction of physical activities, must be specifically noted by your child’s physician. We will do our best to provide your child with the care they require.

Tot’s Place does have an approved Health Care Services Plan established. A copy can be found posted in each of the classrooms and you may request a copy for your records at any time.

MEDICATION

The staff at Tot’s Place will administer medications to children under the following guidelines:

Prescription Medication:

· Medication bottle contains the child’s full name.

· The medication has been prescribed by a licensed physician.

· The medication is in the original container (you may want to ask the pharmacist to dispense medication in two containers).

· Contains date prescription was filled.

· Contains the expiration date of the medication

· Is in a child – proof container.

· An authorization for staff to administer medication must be completed and signed by the parent/legal guardian.

Over – the – Counter Medication

· Medication is in original container.

· Medication must contain specific directions for child’s age and/or weight.

· Container must be labeled with child’s full name.

· Expiration date of medication must be on the original medication container.

· Medication must be in a child – proof container.

· An authorization for staff to administer medication must be completed and signed by the parent/legal guardian.

We are not able to administer aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin, or similar products to children under 2 years old without a prescription from your child’s doctor. PLEASE DO NOT ADMINISTER FEVER REDUCING PRODUCTS TO YOUR CHILD BEFORE THEY ARE BROUGHT TO TOT’S PLACE. IF YOUR CHILD IS ILL ENOUGH TO REQUIRE THESE PRODUCTS THEY SHOULD BE KEPT AT HOME. FEVERS ARE OFTEN INDICATIONS OF OTHER ILLNESSES. FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Products such as sunscreen, diaper ointments, and teething gel require an over – the – counter medication form to be completed by the child’s parent/legal guardian. Forms are available with your child’s teacher. Please seek the advice of your child’s doctor before requesting administration of such products.

Communicable Diseases

If your child has a communicable disease such as whooping cough, strep throat, measles, chicken pox, pink eye, etc., please notify Tot’s Place immediately. This will allow us to inform the other parents and the Health Department. A notice of a communicable disease will be posted in the center at each classroom. This notice does not give the child’s name. We are required to report the child’s name and information to the Mecosta County Health Department.

If a child becomes ill at Tot’s Place, the parent/legal guardian will be contacted immediately. Whenever a communicable disease is present we will use the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine when a child can return to our program.

CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Dress

You will quickly discover that children play and work hard while at our center. They are regularly involved with a wide variety of tasks and materials. While we do our best to help them remain clean, children should come to school in clothing, which can “stand up” to a child’s environment. Part of our program is allowing children the opportunity to manipulate their environment. Sometimes in the “learning” process accidents and messes happen. Tot’s Place is not responsible for clothing that is stained or ruined during children’s activities.

Jewelry

We request that children refrain from wearing jewelry to the center. It is natural for children to be curious and pull at jewelry while children are wearing it. If your child has on jewelry while attending Tot’s Place the classroom staff will remove it and place it in your child’s tubby. Tot’s Place cannot be held responsible for lost, stolen, or broken jewelry.

Toys

We recommend that children not bring their own toys or games from home, as they invariably present problems. They are lost, damaged, or cause conflicts with other children. However, we understand that many children are attached to special items. We will work cooperatively with families when this occurs, to help the child gently separate from their special belonging. If an item from home is brought to

the center, Tot’s Place cannot be held responsible if it is lost, damaged, or stolen. If you have a special book or activity that can be shared with your child’s entire group, please speak with your child’s teacher.

Objects Not Permitted

For safety reasons the following items are not allowed at Tot’s Place

Guns or weapons (real or pretend) Balloons

Money Rubber Bands

Sharp objects Candy, Gum, Cookies, or other food

Any items that may be conducive

to violent and/or aggressive play

Items To Be Provided By The Parent

· Diapers, wet wipes, and powder, diaper ointments

· Baby food in labeled jars for children over 3 months

· Prepared formula – if parent denies brand provided by Tot’s Place

· At least one change of clothing to be left at the center

· Toothbrush

· Blanket, small pillow

· Sunscreen (if necessary)

DIAPER POLICY

Tot’s Place is not responsible for providing diapers for children. However, we realize that sometimes parents forget to keep diapers on hand. Tot’s Place staff will inform parents on their child’s Daily Activity Record when your child’s diaper supply is getting low. If your child does run out of diapers we will have extras available. To recover the cost of the diapers, your account will be billed 50 cents per diaper used.

COMMUNICATION AND PARENT INVOLVMENT

Daily Activity Records

Daily records will be kept for each child in the infant and toddler programs. These records will include food intake, sleeping patterns, toileting, and developmental milestones such as crawling, sitting, focusing on objects, or smiling. All forms are carboned so that parents can take a copy home each day. The other copy is kept on file as a permanent record. In the preschool room similar records are kept. The main goal of these records is for parents to have an overview of their child’s day. The records for the preschool room will include daily activities, eating, and rest patterns.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Our goal is to arrange a minimum of one parent/teacher conference per year with each family. Each teacher will have his or her own format. Examples might include child portfolios, student lead conferences, or individual conferences scheduled with the teacher and parent.

At any point if you feel the need to discuss any aspect of your child’s enrollment and/or have questions regarding policies and procedures please contact us at anytime and we would be happy to assist you.

Parent Participation/Parent Letters

Parent participation is an important component to the success of our program. Children benefit from having family members involved in their daily activities. This is a wonderful way to demonstrate to children the value of a home – school partnership. Parents are welcome at anytime to assist with class projects, field trips, special events, or just spending time in the classroom.

Each teacher will provide parents with newsletters and calendars on classroom activities. Calendars, daily schedules, and weekly lesson plans will be posted each week on the parent board located outside each classroom.

CENTER ACTIVITIES

Outdoor Play

Our schedule includes outdoor activities each day, weather permitting. Our policy is if the temperature is 20 degrees or above, and not higher than 85 degrees, all children will be provided with outdoor activities each day. Fresh air is important for all children, it aids in controlling the spread of illness. If your child is too sick to go outdoors, they should be kept at home until he or she can participate in outdoor activities. Tot’s Place does not have excess staff to supervise children indoors and outdoors at the same time. Keep in mind that weather can change without advance notice. We suggest that you keep clothing at the center to accommodate a variety of temperatures. We cannot be responsible if parents do not provide appropriate clothing for their child. We will not take children outside if it is raining. Regarding small infants, the teaching staff will use sound judgment on taking them outside, as it pertains to temperatures. Infants are exposed to the outdoors as much as possible.

Please be sure all outerwear is labeled with your child’s name. This includes jackets, snow pants, boots, gloves, hats, etc.

Field Trips

Children must have a signed permission slip from their parents to participate in any field trip. If public transportation is used to transport children and adults to and from field trip destinations, parents are asked to pay their child’s cost. Children that are not scheduled for the time of the field trip may participate in the field trip activity if the parent accompanies them or you may contact the director to check for space availability. In regards to infants and toddlers, field trips will be limited to campus activities. Public transportation will not be utilized.

Birthdays

We generally celebrate birthdays during the lunch or snack period. If you would like to arrange a special snack for your child’s birthday, please check with his or her teacher to make arrangements. There may be allergies or children with special dietary needs to consider. We welcome birthday cakes, but are not permitted to use candles. Parents are encouraged to be a part of the celebration whenever possible.

Holidays

Concerning Holiday’s we strive to eliminate the stress and commercialism of holiday time for the children. We do not celebrate individual holidays at the center. To respect the many different cultural beliefs of our families we encourage families to celebrate their personal traditions and beliefs together outside of the center. During holidays we may incorporate educational activities that enhance overall learning. For example at Halloween children can explore the inside of pumpkins or do cooking projects, on Valentines Day children may practice writing letters or drawing pictures to friends, etc.

EMERGENCY AND SPECIAL CONCERNS

Change in Family Information

If there is a change in your address, home or work telephone number, or family status, please notify us so that we can change our records. It is especially helpful to know of new family situations such as separation, divorce, remarriage, a new baby, family illness, etc., as such changes may affect your child’s mood or behavior. We can help your child deal more effectively with new family conditions if we are informed in advance. If your child has special health problems, such as unusual stress, or obsessive fears, please let us know. We also need to be aware of changes concerning emergency contact persons. This information is vital to ensure the health and safety of your child. Please be sure to keep your Child Information Record up-to-date with emergency contact person information and parent work and/or school information.

Suspected Abuse or Neglect

As prescribed by Child Protection Law Act No. 238 of the Public Acts of 1975 as amended by the State of Michigan, when child care staff members have reasonable cause to suspect Child abuse or neglect they are legally bound to immediately make an oral report to Child Protective Services. A written report is required within 72 hours of making the oral report. Please be advised under the mandated reporting laws, staff are required to report any suspicious behaviors or markings. Child Protective Services are responsible to determine if the report made by center staff should be investigated. This law has been enacted in order to provide the best possible future for children and Tot’s Place supports it wholeheartedly.

Pesticide Notification

In the event that it becomes necessary to apply pesticides at the center a notice will be placed at the main entrance to the center and a note will be sent home with each child at least 48 hours in advance. The notice will contain a statement that pesticide application is required, the target pest, approximate location of the application, date of application, Tot’s Place contact information, and the toll-free number for a national pesticide information center. Parent’s have the right to be informed of pesticide application by first-class mail 3 days in advance of the application. If you wish to be notified by mail you must provide a written request to the office. In the event an emergency situation exists, such as possible harm to the children enrolled by the presence of a pest, a pesticide may be applied without providing advance notice to parents. Promptly following the application a notice will be posted at the entrance door to the center and a note will be sent home with each child. Every year in September an annual notification of the center’s integrated pesticide management program will be sent home to parents.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Fire: Children at the center will participate in fire drill procedures monthly. Maps showing evacuation routes are posted on each classroom door and in each office. When we evacuate the building, children are moved to Cramer Hall.

Tornado: Children at the center will participate in routine tornado safety procedures. Conditions will be monitored daily during the tornado season. Whenever a tornado warning is issued all children will take shelter until an “all clear” has been given. In case of a tornado alert, the center staff will keep the children in a sheltered area near their classroom. These evacuation and shelter areas are posted on each classroom door and in each office.

Accidents: All accidents that occur at the center will be reported to the parent. Minor injuries, scratches, insect bites, and bruises will be treated by our staff with tender, loving care. Tot’s Place is not permitted to apply ointments, creams, peroxide, or other such items to children.

An accident report will be prepared by the teaching staff for each incident that occurs at the center. We ask you to check your child’s mailbox daily for these reports, sign the report, and return it to the teacher in charge.

Serious Accidents or Injury:

This policy refers to any accident or injury that cannot be treated by simple first aid. This may include but is not limited to, bone fractures, eye injuries, concussions, or an unconscious child.

Parents will be contacted immediately for conditions we feel require medical attention. If we are unable to notify the parents, we will contact the emergency person listed on your child’s information record.

The Department of Public Safety on campus will be contacted in the case of an extreme emergency. Tot’ s Place staff are not permitted to transport children under any circumstance when dealing with a serious accident or injury.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER INDUSTRY

CHILD DAY CARE LICESING DIVISION

As required by Administrative code R400.5105b the following information is provided for all parents enrolled at Tot’s Place Child Development Center. Please sign the attached statement (statement of understanding) as verification that you were provided with this information upon your child’s enrollment.

R 400.5102 Licensee.

Rule 102. (2) A licensee shall have the following administrative responsibilities regarding staff:

(b) Develop and implement a written screening policy for all staff and volunteers, including parents,

having contact with other children.

R 400.5106 Program.

Rule 106. (1) A center shall provide a program of daily activities and relationships that offers opportunities for the developmental growth of each child in all of the following areas:

(a) Physical development, including large and small muscle.

(b) Social development, including communication skills.

(d) Intellectual development

(2) A center shall permit parents to visit the program for the purpose of observing their children at all times.

(3) A center operating with children in attendance for 5 or more continuous hours per day shall provide for daily outdoor play, unless prevented by inclement weather conditions.

(4) A center shall provide each child under school age in attendance for 5 or more continuous hours a day with an opportunity to rest.

(5) A center shall provide children less than 3 years of age with an opportunity to rest regardless of the number of hours in care.

(6) A center shall permit children under 12 months of age to eat and sleep on demand.

[Rule 400.5205 and R 400.5209 applies only to children from birth to 2 ½ years of age as required in Part 2 of these rules.]

R 400.5205 Formula; milk; foods.

Rule 205. (1) The requirements of R 400.5110 apply to infant formula and feeding in addition to the requirements of subrules (2) to (11) and (13) of this rule.

(2) When a center provides formula for the child who is on infant formula, commercially prepared, pre-bottled, ready – to- feed formula shall be provided. A center shall keep a list of formulas it offers and the number of calories per ounce that each formula provides.

(3) A formula shall be iron- fortified for a child who is less than 6 months of age, unless otherwise recommended by the parent or licensed physician for the individual child. Iron – fortified cereal, if not already provided the child by 6 months of age, shall be provided when the iron – fortified formula is discontinued, unless otherwise recommended by the parent or licensed physician for the individual child.

(4) Formula left in a bottle at the end of a feeding shall be discarded with the bottle.

(5) Special formula required for an individual child shall be provided by the center in commercially prepared, pre-bottled, ready – to – feed units unless provided by the parent as specified in subrule (12) of this rule.

(6) When formula is discontinued, all of the following provisions shall apply:

(a) A center shall provide and use whole homogenized vitamin D – fortified cow’s milk, unless otherwise directed by the parent or licensed physician.

(b) Milk shall be poured into clean cups or bottles having sanitized nipples. Excess milk left in a bottle or cup shall be disregarded.

(c) Nipples shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each feeding and before being used again. This sterilization shall be by boiling the nipples for not less than 5 minutes.

(7) This rule does not preclude a mother from visiting the center in order to breast-feed her child or from sending to the center expressed milk for the child.

(8) A child too young to sit in a highchair or at a feeding table shall be held in a semi-sitting position or placed in an infant seat while being fed.

(9) A child who is unable to hold his or her bottle shall be held when the bottle is given.

(10) Solid foods shall be introduced to the individual child according to the parent’s or licensed physician’s instructions.

(11) Commercial baby food containers that are opened, and foods, prepared in the center which are stored, shall be covered, dated, and labeled as to the contents and refrigerated. The contents shall be used or discarded within a 36-hour period. A child shall not be fed directly from baby food containers if the contents are to be fed to the child at more than 1 sitting or to more than 1 child.

(12) When a parent chooses to provide formula in accordance with R 400.5110 (1)(b), the center shall assure that the food, formula, bottles, nipples, and containers comply with all the following provisions:

(a) Formula shall be prepared at the child’s home and placed in an assembled bottle unit before being brought to the center.

(b) Formula, milk, and perishable foods needing refrigeration shall be refrigerated. Formula shall not be stored longer than 24 hours after opening. Foods shall be covered and labeled as to the contents, date of opening, and the specific child for whom its use is intended. Foods other than formula shall be used or discarded within a 36-hour period after opening.

(d) Formula and milk left in a bottle at the end of a feeding shall be discarded.

(13) An exception to subrules (2) and (3) of this rule may be made when a center which provides formula is located in an area where commercially prepared, pre-bottle, ready – to – feed formula is not available for center use and the center is in compliance with all of the following provisions:

(a) All formula shall be commercially prepared, ready – to – feed formula.

(b) All formula shall be poured directly from the opened can of formula into clean bottles with disposable liners.

(i) Be disposable nipples, each of which shall be for a singe use only by an individual child and shall be discarded after use.

(ii) Be reusable nipples, each of which is cleaned after each single use with hot detergent water and rinsed thoroughly. Each reusable nipple shall then be sterilized by boiling fully for not less than 5 minutes in water before reuse.

(d) Each liner shall be for a single use only by an individual child and shall be discarded after use

along with any remaining formula

(e) All liners, nipples, formula, and other equipment used in bottle preparation shall be prepared, handled, and stored in sanitary and sterile manner as required to safeguard children.

(f) Prepared bottles and opened cans of formula shall be refrigerated until used by the child.

(g) All opened formula, which has not been used within the manufacture’s stated use time after opening shall be discarded. All bottles filled with formula and all opened cans of formula shall be dated to show date and time of the opening of the commercially prepared formula and the manufacture’s stated use time of the formula. An individual formula for an individual child shall also be labeled identifying the individual child for whom its use is intended. Bottle liners and disposable nipples of the unused bottles shall be discarded with the formula. Reusable nipples shall be cleaned and sterilized as required in subdivision (c) of this subrule before being used by a child.

R 400.5209 Diapering; toilet training plan.

Rule 209. (1) Diapers shall be disposable or from a commercial diaper service. If a child’s health condition necessitates that disposable diapers or diapers from a commercial service cannot be used, then an alternate arrangement may be made according to the parent’s or licensed physician’s instructions.

(2) Diapering shall be done in the child’s own crib or in a designated diapering area.

(3) A Center shall maintain a diapering area, and all supplies and equipment shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

(4) The caregiver shall thoroughly wash his or her hands after each diapering, and after cleaning up bodily fluids, using soap and running water.

(5) A washcloth or towel, or both, used in diapering shall not be used subsequently on another part of the body or for any other purpose until laundered.

(6) Toilet training shall be planned cooperatively between the child’s primary caregiver and the parent so that the toilet routine established is consistent between the center and the child’s home, and at a minimum, shall include washing hands after toilet use. The center shall empty and sanitize all training devices immediately after each use.

(7) The caregiver shall change diapers when soiled or wet.

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

EFFECTIVE January 3, 2006

Upon signing this statement, the parent, legal guardian or responsible adult and Tot’s Place Child Development Center agrees to abide by all of the provisions contained in this handbook.

Child(ren) name(s): ______________________________

______________________________

Parent, Legal Guardian, or Responsible Adult’s signature indicates receipt of the information provided by the Department of Consumer Industry Child Day Care Licensing Division.

In witness whereof, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the specified date:

Parent, Legal Guardian, or Responsible Adult

__________________________________________________

(Signature)

__________________________________________

(Printed Name)

___________________________________________________

(Relationship to Child)

____________________________

(Date)

Tot’s Place Child Development Center

___________________________________________

(Director’s Signature)

___________________________

(Date)