Child Development Center Policy

NORTH CLEVELAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Child Development Center

REVISED October 2006

The purpose of the Child Development Center of North Cleveland Baptist Church is to promote the spiritual, mental, social, emotional, physical, and educational development of children. The program is intended to support and supplement the child's home experiences. We are not a baby-sitting service, but strive to be a quality program, designed to relieve working parents of the strain of finding quality, Christian child development services..

Parents can be assured that their children are receiving the best care from qualified teachers in a Christian atmosphere. Employees who are trained to meet the needs of children and provide positive role models staff the CDC. Our staff members have at least three character references on file. Past employment records are reviewed and a background check through our local police agencies is conducted on each CDC employee.

I. ADMISSIONS POLICIES

Children ages six weeks through twelve years may be enrolled in the Center. Parents are required to visit the Center in order to receive an application. The application must be completed and returned to the CDC Office with the $50 nonrefundable registration fee. There will be a $50 annual materials fee each year following the child's first year. It is collected in March. An orientation visit is scheduled, followed by a "play visit" for those who choose to enroll. At that time, the Director will set a date when the child may begin. If a child is withdrawn from the program, another registration fee will be due if the child is re-enrolled. Priority for enrollment will be given to (1) CDC staff, (2) NCBC church members, and (3) families who already have a child in the program. All openings are filled with full time students.

II. DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION

The Center is open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Children will not be admitted before 6:30 AM. Any child who remains after 6:00 PM will be charged $1.00 per minute per child as long as you remain in the building. You may pay that fee immediately by dropping a check in the payment box or you may wait to receive a note from the office. The fees are due on that day. Please call if you expect to be late so that arrangements may be made.

Due to the transitions that must take place for Wednesday night ministries to begin promptly at 6:00 PM, it is our preference that children are picked up by 5:00 PM on Wednesdays.

The Center is closed Labor Day, Thanksgiving (2 days), Christmas (2 days), New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, and July Fourth. NO REDUCTION IN FEES ARE GIVEN FOR ONE-DAY HOLIDAYS. When the center is closed for 2 days, fees are reduced by 1 day. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it will normally be observed on Friday; if the holiday falls on Sunday, it will normally be observed on Monday.

III. DELIVERY AND PICK UP OF CHILDREN

Children should be brought to the rear door of the Educational Building. A parent or guardian must accompany children as they leave or enter the classroom each day.

Due to your child's need for routine and predictable scheduling, we request that your child be brought to the Center at approximately the same time each day. However, all children should arrive by 9:00 AM unless accompanied by a doctor's excuse. Please notify the office if you find it necessary to bring your child after 9:00 AM. Your child will be expected to nap according to his/her normal schedule.

Children must be dropped off at the door of the classroom. The teacher will take children into the classroom. Please allow children to walk in as soon as they can. Parents should not linger but leave quickly. These steps will ensure a smoother transition time for the child. Please sign your child in and out upon drop off and pick up of your child. It is your responsibility to do this, not the teacher.

On your enrollment form, parents will be asked to supply a list of those persons who are authorized to pick up the child from the Center. Your child will be sent home only with persons known by the Staff and those who are authorized to call for the child. Any notes giving direct permission for other people to pick up your child must be given to CDC staff personally by the parents or legal guardians. All people on the transportation list must be able to provide valid picture identification as requested.

Children will not be released to anyone who appears to be consuming or under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs. Parents and/or the emergency person listed on the application will be contacted to provide transportation on that day.

IV VISITOR POLICY

Parents may designate two visitors to drop by and visit their child if they so choose. The visitors must be listed on the application and the parent must notify the center when they may be visiting. These visitors will not be allowed to provide transportation unless they have been listed on the enrollment form and have a note from the parent stating they may pick up the child that day.

V. PROGRAM

It is the philosophy of this preschool that early childhood is a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring, and discovery. Preschool children are creative and receptive; the program strives to nurture and encourage these qualities in its students.

The preschool's purpose is to provide an atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development of the child as a whole.

The Center utilizes the Wee Learn Curriculum. Planned within the framework of philosophy and purpose, the curriculum includes sharing and conversation time; stories, songs, and finger plays; creative art activities and crafts; games and large muscle activities; food preparation; science and nature activities; exposure to shapes, colors, numbers, and letters; and celebration of birthdays and holidays.

An afternoon nap is a required part of the full-time program for preschoolers as a regulation of the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Please help your child to understand that this is an important part of his schedule at the Center and is necessary for his health and happiness. Your child must keep a crib sheet at the Center to cover his mat. Your sheet should be clearly labeled with your child's name. Sheets should be taken home and washed weekly.

VI. OUTSIDE POLICIES

Each class (beginning with toddlers) has 2-scheduled play times every day. The state requires the children to be taken outside every day except in extreme weather conditions. (Pouring rain would be considered extreme; thirty-degree weather would not be extreme weather conditions.) Your child will be dressed to play outside as you have sent them to preschool. Be sure to include a jacket appropriate for the weather as well as mittens and a toboggan. Remember, your child's teacher may choose to spend only part of their playtime outside rather than the usual 45 minutes. Please understand: your child will remain with his or her group even during outside times.

VII. FEES

When your child is in the infant room, the rate is $120.00. If your child is in the two-year-old room, the rate is $110.00. When your child moves to the three-year-old room, the rate will decrease to $98.00. When your child moves to the four-year-old room, the rate decreases to $90.00. Your rate does not change on the child's birthday, but when the move to the next class occurs. If 2 or more children from the same family are enrolled, a $5 discount will be given for each additional child. Checks should be made payable to North Cleveland Baptist Child Development Center or NCBC CDC and dropped off in the payment box outside of the Director's office. ALL FEES ARE DUE ON FRIDAY FOR THE COMING WEEK.

A fee of $5.00 will automatically be added to any check received after 6:00 PM on Friday for the coming week's tuition. The payment box is emptied every Friday at 6:00 PM; therefore checks dropped off after that time are easily identified. When the tuition check is more than 5 days past its due date, a fee of $1.00 per day may be added to the account. Any account may be turned over to the credit bureau for collection if not paid. No child will be allowed to remain in the Center if weekly fees are delinquent for more than two weeks. You are responsible for paying fees whether or not your child is present, unless he is absent for TWO FULL WEEKS due to illness. You are paying for a reserved slot for your child. THERE IS NO REDUCTION IN FEES FOR PARTIAL WEEKS ATTENDED OR PARTIAL DAYS.

After receiving 2 returned checks, NCBC CDC will only accept cash or money orders. There will be a $15.00 charge for any returned check.

Children will not be allowed to renew their registration when there is an outstanding balance.

When a family has paid on time for 3 months, they will be granted one vacation week per year at no cost to be used at their discretion.

When you are planning your vacation, please place a note in the payment box 1-2 weeks in advance. You may only use your vacation if your fees are current. Vacation expires at the end of the calendar year. Your child may not be present during a vacation week. Vacation is awarded per family, not per child. Thus, if you have more than 1 child enrolled at the Center, all children must use the same vacation week.

VIII. DISCIPLINE

Giving positive verbal rewards encourages acceptable behavior. This reinforces a child's good feeling about his/her behavior and serves as an example to the other children. Asking a child to stop and think about his/her unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self-control. For a child not cooperating during a group listening situation, the child will be seated by a teacher and reminded of acceptable behavior. Redirecting a child's attention to another area and withholding privileges are other methods of discipline used by the Center.

Removal from the group for a period of "cool down" is the last tactic used for a child who continually demonstrates unacceptable behavior or more severe behavior. This cool down is not a punishment, but rather a time when the child may calm down, remember what behavior the teacher is asking for, and decide for himself/herself when he/she is ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior.

Corporal punishment is not an accepted method of dealing with young children's behavior here at our Center. The State Department of Human Services does not allow any spanking, even at the request of parents. However, if behavior problems persist, the parents are asked to a conference to discuss what may be helpful in motivating their child to behave in an acceptable way.

We reserve the right to dismiss a child from our program if we so deem it necessary.

IX. BITING POLICY

Biting is a normal stage of development. However, parents become uncomfortable when their child is bitten frequently. When a child is bitten, first aid is rendered immediately. This will include a cold compress and, if the skin is broken, Neosporin is applied. The child who does the biting will be firmly reprimanded. He/she may help hold the cold compress on the bitten child. A child may be given a toy he/she can bite on or be redirected to a different area in the room to play. The child will be separated from the group while they are demonstrating behaviors inappropriate for group play. Parents will be notified of the situation and cooperation is expected.

X. DRESS

Children are encouraged to wear play clothes and tennis shoes. Daily activities include active and messy play. The children should feel comfortable enough to enjoy themselves without worrying about their clothes. The child's name should be placed in all outdoor clothing and other belongings to help ensure the return of all the proper possessions and clothes. Please do not send your child in his or her "nice" clothes as we cannot accept liability for stains.

Each child will need a complete change of clothes including underwear and socks to be kept at the Center at all times. Each item should be clearly labeled with your child's name. Remember to change your child's extra clothes with the season.

XI. FOODS

Parents are expected to provide breakfast for their children prior to their arrival at the Center unless the child arrives before 7:30 AM. Children arriving before 7:30 AM may bring their breakfast with them and eat it in our Center. However, we do not provide the breakfast, only a place to eat it. No other food should be brought into the Center after 7:30 AM unless enough is brought for the entire class. With advance notice, children may bring special treats for their birthday or any other time during the year.

Snacks are furnished mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Snacks are sometimes used as a part of the curriculum, often related to the unit topic, and as an experience in tasting. A nutritionally balanced lunch is served each day; lunch menus are posted in advance.

If you choose to send your child's lunch, it should be fully prepared. The teachers will help open containers but cannot be away from their class to warm items. Your child's lunch should be nutritious. "Junk food" (chocolate candy bars, cokes, etc.) should not be packed in your child's lunch box; glass containers MAY NOT be sent to the childcare.

A. Children's Health

1. Health Care Summary

Each child is required to have on file a health statement, obtained from the licensing agency, which includes a record of up-to-date immunizations and the signature of the child's health-care provider. If a child's health care summary is not complete at the time of enrollment or within 30 days after enrollment, the child will be excluded from the program. Each time a child has additional immunizations, a new record must be submitted to the office.

2. Exclusion of Sick Child

Out of consideration for all the children at the Center, we can accept only well children. If a child has been ill, he/she must be fever-free for 24 hours before being brought back to the Center. If the child has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, they cannot return until they have gone 24 hours without vomiting or having diarrhea. Children must be able to participate in classroom activities, including outside play (weather permitting). If a child is too sick to participate, he/she should be kept at home.

Children will be observed for signs of illness during the day. The parent or legal guardian will be contacted and expected to take the child home if one or more of the following symptoms are observed:

» Fever: under arm temp of 100 degrees F or more, oral temp of 101 degrees F or more, or rectal temp of 102 degrees.
» Respiratory symptoms (difficult or rapid breathing or severe coughing).
» Three (3) incidents of loose stool in a day or blood in the stool, especially with other symptoms, such as vomiting or fever.
» Vomiting and/or diarrhea
» Eye drainage
» Unexplained rash (red or purple rash, welts that appear quickly, open sores) and burns
» Appearance/behavior (child acts or looks different than usual - - usually tired, lacks appetite; confused; difficult to awaken; change in color of skin, eyes, stool, or urine)
» Obvious, severe pain

In the event a child contracts a communicable disease and exposes the other children, notice of such exposure will be posted and parents will be notified when they pick up their children. The sick child will not be allowed to return to school while they are contagious.

3. Emergency Authorization

A signed Permission for Health Care authorizing emergency care and transfer of medical records to the local hospital must be on file at the Center for each child. Emergency contact numbers for parents, guardians and other authorized persons shall also be on file.

4. Emergency Procedures

At least one staff member on duty at all times has CPR and first aid training through an accredited course. Staff members are trained in emergency procedures through in-service education as needed.

The child's parent, guardian, or authorized person shall be notified immediately in the event of a serious accident or illness requiring emergency care. A qualified staff member shall administer first aid.

The 911 emergency number is posted by the telephone. When necessary, the local rescue squad or ambulance service shall provide emergency transportation; the local hospital shall provide emergency care.

In the event that a child is transported to the hospital, his/her health summary and signed Permission for Health Care shall be sent along. A staff member shall accompany the child until the arrival of the parents, guardian, or authorized person.

An Accident Report shall be completed for each accident except minor scratches and abrasions. The report shall be made as soon as possible following the accident (always on the same day). Parents are expected to sign the accident form to acknowledge the fact that they have been notified of the accident. The form is then placed in your child's file at the Center. The parent may request a copy of the accident form if desired.

5. Medications

All medicines are stored out of the reach of children. Refrigerated medicines must be placed in the lock box in the refrigerator in the Nursery area. Non-refrigerated medicines need to be placed in the cabinet in the hallway in the Nursery area. Do not leave medications in your child's backpack or diaper bag.

Sunscreen is the only non-prescription medication that can be administered by the childcare staff. The sunscreen should be labeled with the child's first and last name and accompanied by the parent's written permission and instructions for use using the center's Medical Authorization Form.

Any prescription medication to be administered by a staff member must be in its original, labeled container. The label must contain the child's name, physician's name, pharmacist, medication, dosage, starting date and expiration date if applicable. This information is checked when receiving the medication from the parent. A Medical Authorization Form is filled out and signed by the parent/guardian. The parents' instructions must not conflict with the prescription label. Medications will be given at the child's lunch time.

A staff member shall triple check the label while administering the medication--once before opening, once after opening, and once after closing container. After the medicine has been completed, the Medical Authorization Form shall be filed with the child's health record.

Any drug container having a detached, excessively soiled, or damaged label is returned to the parent to be relabeled by the pharmacist. Any contents of any drug container without a label or with an illegible label are destroyed immediately. Medications having a specific expiration date are not used after the date of expiration nor will medication be given to a child when prescribed for another child. The parent must be informed when any medication is given.

6. Allergies

The CDC Staff will make every effort to insure that no child is unnecessarily exposed to any substance (food and medication) to which the child has known allergies. If your child needs special foods, you must provide those items. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to keep the Staff up-to-date concerning any known allergies.

7. General Cleanliness

Children are encouraged and helped to keep themselves clean. Paper towels are provided for their use. Children are supervised in toileting and washing hands. They receive age-appropriate hygiene training to include proper hand washing methods, time to wash hands, and proper toileting procedures. We require hand washing upon arrival before entering the classroom.

B. Staff Health

Prior to employment, each employee must submit a Medical Report Form signed by his/her health-care provider, based on a thorough examination within three months of employment date. Statements must be submitted every three years thereafter.

Any employee who contracts a communicable disease that presents a health hazard to the children is put on immediate sick leave. Following a serious illness, a signed statement from the employee's doctor stating freedom from infection is required to return to work.

XV. SAFETY POLICIES

A. Prevention

The children are under direct adult supervision at all times. Fighting is not allowed; running and throwing of objects are not allowed except as a supervised part of the curriculum.

All poisonous substances are stored in a locked cupboard out of the reach of children. Medications are not stored in the same cupboard as poisonous materials.

All sharp objects are stored out of reach of the children. Such objects as scissors are used only under direct supervision. The classroom equipment is observed continually for stability, smoothness of wooden objects, and safe corners.

All shelving, when necessary, is securely fastened to the walls. The play yard is fenced, and no child is allowed outside to play unless there is a staff member present.

All electric outlets are capped. The furnace room door is locked, and that room is off limits to the children. Flammable materials are stored in a separate cupboard (maybe with poisons) out of the children's reach. The children are under direct adult supervision at all times.

Only Staff members use electrical appliances. Whenever cooking is done as a part of the curriculum, the children are cautioned and under the direct supervision of staff. Electrical appliances and matches are stored out of reach when not in use. Guards protect any hot surfaces such as pipes, radiators, etc.

At any time the children leave the building as a group, they are required to walk in an orderly manner and are accompanied by the staff, and other adults if deemed necessary. Parents are required to bring their children into the building, and pick them up inside each day. No child can go outside alone.

B. Emergencies

1. Fire

The preschool conforms to all fire regulations as designated by the State Fire Marshall. A fire evacuation plan is drawn and posted in each classroom. Practiced fire drills are held to educate the children in how to respond in case there is a fire.

The smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are checked yearly for proper function.

2. Tornado

A written tornado shelter plan is posted. Children and staff will be in the basement below the sanctuary when a tornado warning is in our area.

A battery-operated radio is easily accessible. In case of an emergency, staff will tune to the local radio station for tornado information.

3. Blizzard

In the event of a blizzard when parents are not able to pick up their children, the staff will house the children at the facility until the parents or guardians can pick them up.

4. Power Failure

Two flashlights in working order are kept in an accessible place. Power pack emergency lights are installed to light each exit.

5. Weather Emergency

Should it become necessary to close or have a delayed opening due to weather conditions, this information will be announced on News Channel 9, US101, and Alive 95.

When our program is closed for weather emergencies (or other emergencies), the following policy is observed:

Closed 1 day - No reduction in fees

Closed 2 consecutive days - Fees reduced by 1 day

Closed 3 consecutive days - Fees reduced by 2 days

Closed 4 consecutive days - Fees reduced by 3 days

Closed 5 consecutive days - No charge

6. Evacuation

In the event NCBC CDC experiences a disaster requiring evacuation, the following plan will be implemented:

Vans and/or staff vehicles will be used to transport the children to East Cleveland Early Childhood Center The children will be located in the cafeteria.

Parents will be notified by announcements made on News Channel 9, US101, and Alive 95.

XVI. Miscellaneous

To help us provide emergency care, current phone numbers for parents and persons authorized to act in an emergency must be in each child's file. THE STAFF MUST BE ABLE TO REACH PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILDREN.

TOYS FROM HOME--Please do not allow children to bring their own toys from home unless approved by the child's teacher. We cannot be responsible if they are broken or misplaced. Absolutely no toy guns, swords, or other violent toys are allowed.

WITHDRAWAL--Two weeks notice is required prior to withdrawal of your child from the Center.

CONFERENCES--Parent/teacher/director conferences are always available upon request.

REMEMBER THIS IS A CHURCH-BASED MINISTRY. PLEASE SHOW REVERENCE BY NOT USING OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE WHILE ON CHURCH GROUNDS.

INFANTS

» All items should be clearly labeled with your child's name.
» Parents must provide disposable diapers at all times for their child. If diapers are not at the center for the child, parents will be contacted at work and expected to bring them.
» Parents must provide all formula. All bottles should be made before arriving at the center. The staff will warm the bottles in cups of hot water as needed.
» No solid food, such as cereal or baby food, may be added to formula or served in infant feeders unless directed to do so by the child's physician.
» Parents will provide wet wipes for diapers changes. If a parent wants ointment applied at diaper changes, the parents shall provide the ointment. A medicine form should be filled out for diaper ointments to be applied.
» At least 1 complete change of clothes should be kept in the diaper bag at all times.
» Parents must provide pacifiers if they choose for their child to have one.
» The CDC will provide sheets, beds, blankets, washcloths, bibs, toys, etc.
» Optional items may be provided by the CDC or parent; swings, mobiles, etc.
» All workers must wear gloves during diaper changing.
» Gloves must be changed before diapering the next child.
» Changing tables must be cleaned between each diaper change.
» Toys will be cleansed in a bleach/water solution each day.
» All items must be clearly labeled with the child's name and replaced as it washes off.
» Tattlers will be sent home daily.
» Babies will be allowed to experiment with table foods as they are introduced at the parent's request. They will be allowed to self-feed as often as possible.

TWO-YEAR OLDS

» All items should be clearly labeled with your child's name.
» Parents will provide disposable diapers at all times. If diapers are not here at the center, parents will be phoned at work and expected to bring them.
» Parents will provide wet wipes at all times for their child.
» No pull-ups will be allowed. They are a crutch and can impede the potty training process.
» Parents will provide at least one change of clothing at all times. During potty training, parents may find it to their best interest to provide several changes of clothing due to accidents.
» Parents will provide an infant crib sheet for their child's mat. This sheet is to be clearly labeled with their child's name. The sheet is to be taken home on Friday to be washed and returned on Monday.
» The Center will provide a mat for your child to rest on.
» Potty training will take place only after a child has made a complete transition. It will not start as soon as the child is placed in this room. Please refer to the potty training policy.
» Parents & teachers should work together in noticing when a child is showing signs of readiness for potty training.
» All teachers must wear gloves during diaper changing and potty training.
» Gloves must be changed after every child.
» The diaper-changing table is to be cleansed after every diaper change.
» A daily tattler will be given until a child is fully potty trained.
» Children should wear clothes that can be quickly and easily removed for diaper changing and potty training.

PRESCHOOL THREE'S AND FOUR'S

» Parents should provide an infant crib sheet clearly labeled with the child's name. The sheet is to be taken home on Friday to be washed and returned on Monday.
» Children must be potty trained to enter the three year old room.
» Parents are to provide a small blanket for the child to cover up with during naptime.
» A change of clothes should remain at the center Monday through Friday.
» Parents are to provide wet wipes if requested by the teacher. (A request will be made if a child is having numerous accidents.)
» All items should be clearly labeled with your child's name.
» Toys will be sanitized with a bleach/water solution on a weekly basis.
» The Center will provide a mat for naptime.
» Parents will be asked to provide miscellaneous items throughout the year. (Example: an apple, a potato, a stick of celery, a toilet tissue roll, etc.)