Philosophy and ObjectivesThe intent of our program is to encourage and support the development of each child and to provide opportunities for self-exploration and discovery. An assumption of the program is that children are active and curious; it is our goal to provide learning experiences designed to stimulate the child's creative learning abilities. The overall development (cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative) of the child is considered and planned for through a variety of activities. It is our objective to learn the needs of the individuals in our program and to plan for the successful fulfillment of those needs. Positive development of the child's image of self is of prime importance in the program and is a priority in all aspects of program planning.

The focus is on process learning where activities are designed to emphasize the experiences children are having. We believe in consistent, understandable limits and in teachers who respond with insight, sensitivity and skill to all behaviors. Our administrators and teaching staff are responsible for insuring a clean, safe, and well prepared environment. Through our creative curriculum each child will learn thru play as children learn best by doing. We emphasize the daily open communication between the teachers and parents and ask parents to be involved in the curriculum planning of their child.

Please understand no handbook can anticipate every circumstance or question about policy. As Kosmic Kidz continues to grow, the need may arise and Kosmic Kidz reserves the right to revise, supplement, or rescind any policies or portion of the Handbook from time to time as it deems appropriate, in its sole and absolute discretion. Parents will, of course, be notified of such changes to the Handbook as they occur.

Growth and DevelopmentThe young child is a member of his family. It is our aim to work with the family in creating the best possible environment for the child while at the lab. The staff are concerned with the total and unique growth and development of each child by promoting:

Cognitive Development: Learning to solve problems and form concepts. Developing language and communication skills. Discovering and exploring the near environment.

Social-Emotional Development: Developing self-esteem and personal adjustment skills. Achieving self-confidence in relationships. Developing a sense of responsibility and persistence in completing tasks.

Physical Development: Developing hand and body coordination. Learning physical skills. Learning good health habits.

Creative Development: Expressing ideas through creative skills. Expressing self through creative medium. Developing the ability to think and act in different and unique ways.

Enrollment Policies and ProceduresThank you for your interest in the Kosmic Kidz’s Learning Center. We have prepared the following information to explain our enrollment policy and procedures. If you have any questions after reading through this material, please feel free to contact us. Each family must fill out an enrollment application card for each child, which we put into a file to review when we have an opening. When a space becomes available, and a child's application is accepted, the administrative staff will contact you. If you are offered and accept an opening for your child a start date will be decided upon, and you will be asked to pay registration fee to hold the space. If you pay the deposit only to decide later not to accept the opening you will forfeit the fee and will not have priority for a future opening. If you accept the opening, but cannot start your child by the suggested start date, you may pay tuition to hold the spot for up to four months.

Weekly Fees

Infants 6 weeks to 12 years old (Full-Week/Year) $ 97.50Toddlers 12 month old to 2 years old (Full-Week/Year) $ 92.50Preschool 3 to 4 years old (Full-Week/Year) $ 85.00Before & Afterschool $ 65.00Afterschool $ 52.50Before $ 35.00

Night Care Rates (Anyone after 6pm is consider night care) Infants 6 weeks to 12 old (Full-Week/Year) $ 117.50Toddlers 12 month old to 2 years old (Full-Week/Year) $ 97.00Preschool 3 to 4 year old (Full-Week/Year) $ 90.00School Age 5 to 12 years old (Full-Week/Year) $ 85.00

These rates reflect the 2009-2010 academic year. Rates are revised yearly

Newly Enrolled DepositsA non-refundable registration fee $25.00 is required for all newly enrolled children. The fee will hold a space for the child. All withdrawals require a two week notice submitted in writing.

Due DatesInvoices are displayed on check in screen on Thursday and due by Friday by 6:00 p.m. for tuition for the next following week. You have a grace period of Monday (9:00 am)

following that Friday in order to make payment. Failure to pay promptly could terminate your child's enrollment. We accept cash, money order, cashier checks, credit cards. If you have not paid your tuition by that following Monday a $20.00 fee will be applied to your balance. If your payment is not received by Tuesday, your child’s enrollment may be terminated.

Professional DaysWe will be closed two days during the year for the teachers to plan and to attend a professional conference. We reserve the right to charge for these days that we are closed for professional development purposes. These dates will be announced in advance, when possible. A minimum of two weeks notice will be given before all professional day closings.

Department of Family Services Child Care SubsidyAll parents receiving DFS child care subsidy must sign in and out on the attendance sheet each day. Failure to do so may jeopardize your child's enrollment. DFS reimbursement rates and your co-pay are based on full-day attendance. That means that your child needs to attend at least five hours per day to receive the full reimbursement rate. If your child attends less than three hours then DFS will only pay the part-day rate and you will have a larger co-payment. You are required to sign-in and out every day so that DFS can appropriately reimburse the academy. Beginning of every year, you will receive 5 vacation days per year. DFS pays for only five absences per month. Your vacation days can be applied when you go over the five days per month that you are allotted to be absent with DFS. If you use all of your vacation days and you exceed the five days per month then we will charge you the standard full day rate. In order to qualify for your vacation days, you have to be enrolled for 1 year. We realize that this could be a possible hardship for some families but feel as if the five days per month plus the 5 vacation days per year is quite generous and families should pay for any absences that exceed this amount. We will keep you updated on the number of absences per month and the number of vacation days you have available so that you can avoid having to pay the standard full day rate.

Vacation DaysChildren in the full-time, full-year programs are allowed 5 vacation days per year that is not charged for. You also must give 2 weeks’ notice to qualify to use your vacation days. See director for more details.

Spot Holding Fee:After qualified vacation days have been used, you can pay a one time fee of $40 dollars to hold your child spot if an additional week of vacation is needed. After you have exhausted all of your qualified vacation and used your one time week holding spot each additional week missed is full weekly tuition. The holidays we observe are:

New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Labor Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and day after, Christmas Eve & Christmas. We reserve the right to charge for these days that we are closed. These dates will be announced in advance, when possible. A minimum of week’s notice will be given before closings.

Inclement WeatherAnnouncement will be made over radio and television of closing. Also will be posted on the door.

Multicultural EnvironmentWe all welcome and encourage diversity in its population and programs. We welcome all families regardless of race, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status or differing ability. We believe that our appreciation of diversity is immersed in anti-bias curriculum in daily planning, issues addressed, tolerance, class meetings, and involving families to share their cultures. Dolls, books, posters and food also provide the children with a multicultural, anti-bias perspective but it is the daily discussions, activities and experiences that make a program diverse. We incorporate multicultural materials when appropriate within the curriculum so it fits in naturally with what we are doing rather than standing out as "different." Cultural, ethnic, ability, gender and age diversity are addressed directly as issues come up and as curriculum is planned. The natural and timely inclusion of multicultural materials and activities provide children with a meaningful and realistic experience that cannot be achieved by having token props accessible in certain areas. We feel that providing a multicultural and diverse environment is best met by enrolling children from many different countries, different ethnic backgrounds, different socio-economic levels, a variety of ages, and children with special needs.

Indoor/Outdoor PlayWe believe that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences. We also believe that the outdoors is an extension of the indoor classroom. We typically go outside twice each day. Toys, materials and activities are also available outdoors to enhance the children's play experience. If your child is not well enough to play outdoors, he or she is not well enough to attend.

Outdoor Temperature PolicyOutdoor play is an important part of our daily curriculum, as weather permits. It is important for parents to provide the appropriate clothing and outerwear for the weather conditions (e.g., coat, snow pants, boots, gloves, etc.). The buildings and shade trees often shelter our playground from the cold wind and hot sun. The staff members use the following general guidelines when determining whether to go outside:

Winter

If temperatures fall below 40 F (50 F for Infants-Toddlers), staff will keep children indoors. As temperatures approach 40 F staff will call time and temperature to monitor the latest weather conditions. Staff will also check our playground wind factor. Typically, staff members wait until later in the day to take the children outside when temperatures are warmer. Children spend a shorter amount of time outside in cold temperatures and are monitored closely. Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately for outdoor play.

Summer As temperatures/heat index approach 100 F (95 F for Infants-Toddlers), staff will call "time and temperature" to monitor the latest temperature and weather conditions. Children often participate in water play activities outside in shady areas of the playground. Children are also encouraged to get plenty of drinks to replenish body fluids. Parents are encouraged to provide sunscreen. Typically, the length of time spent outside is reduced and often the children wait to go outside until late in the day or early morning when the sun is less intense. Please note that if your child is not well enough to participate in outdoor play, he or she is not well enough to attend.

FoodWe will be participating in the USDA food program and children are served an approved breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Menus are posted on the kitchen door and in each room. If your child is not here by 9 a.m., but will be here for lunch - please call your child's teachers so that we have a correct lunch count.

Allergy PolicyWe will provide food substitutes to the best of our ability. We will always be able to provide alternative beverages (soymilk, calcium fortified juice, or water). We will also always be able to provide a fruit and a vegetable. You may occasionally have to substitute the main dish. We must have a statement from the doctor of any allergies of the child in order to make these preparations and also to put in the child’s folder. You have 5 days after enrollment to turn in Doctors statements to the office.

Rest TimeNap time is an important time for children to reenergize, but it is also a good time for teachers to regroup, clean, do paperwork, discuss the days activities, and plan future curriculum for the class. All of the children rest in the afternoon. Children are asked to rest but are not required to sleep. Children are helped to relax by a variety of methods: soft music or story tapes, rubbing backs, etc. Non-nappers are asked to quietly rest for one hour, after that they may get up and participate in quiet activities. We ask that parents bring in a crib sheet for their child's cot, a soft blanket (please wash weekly) and a pillow or soft toy (please wash, as needed).

ClothingOn the first day of school, please bring a COMPLETE change of clothing that may be kept at school. Spills and accidents do happen! Put the extra clothes in a plastic bag

LABELED with the child's name on it. Periodically check to make sure your child has extra clothes available. Kosmic Kidz is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please label all clothing with the child's name. This will prevent mix-ups and lost clothing. Please dress your children in comfortable, easy, wash-and-wear play clothes. They will play on the floor, outdoors, and with some pretty messy materials. Children will be much more comfortable if they are not afraid of getting "dirty." Children should be dressed with clothing suitable for outdoor play, as needed: jackets or sweaters when chilly; boots for rainy, muddy, messy days; coats, boots, hats and mittens for winter; and swimsuits and water shoes for summer. Children should wear tennis shoes instead of jelly shoes, flip-flops, sandals or slick sole shoes such as patent leather or cowboy boots. Tennis shoes are safer for the children during outdoor play.

SuppliesBlankets and stuffed animals may be brought and used during rest time. We encourage parents to take their child's blanket home weekly to wash it. Please help us keep our room a healthy one. Occasionally we ask parents to help supply the rooms with items such as Kleenex, germ x, paper towels and plastic bags. Please watch for our requests!

ToysThe teachers cannot be responsible for toys brought from home. We welcome books, records and other special items that can be shared during group time. Be sure that the child's name is on these items. We encourage children to keep their toys at home. Sharing is not an easy task for young children. Toys can also become mixed up with ours or may be damaged. If a child brings a toy from home, he/she may be asked to keep it in his/her cubby for the day. Check with your child's teacher about each room's policy regarding toys being brought from home.

BirthdaysIf you would like your child's birthday to be celebrated, you are welcome to bring a nutritious (e.g., fruit, muffins, cookies) snack. Please make these arrangements with your child's teacher at least two days prior to the birthday. Thank you for cooperating with us.

Field TripsParents give permission for children to attend field trips during enrollment and this permission is renewed twice each year: in February (Internal Enrollment and Update Form) and during August (Update Form and new handbooks). We plan trips and parents are informed of each trip. We use the vans and drivers with specific van driver training for most trips and follow stringent safety procedures; however, sometimes we may need parents to help drive their own vehicle. In these situations, volunteer parent drivers will sign a transportation statement and parents will be informed of the transportation arrangements. If you do not wish for your child to attend an outing, please make alternative child care arrangements. Parents are always welcome to join the class on field trips. We will ask that parents join us on water field trips for safety purposes. A car phone is permanently available in a van and a cell phone is available for walking trips, long-distance trips and otherwise as needed. Parents will be informed in advance of all long-

distance (highway) field trips. Teachers will use their professional judgment whether or not to continue a planned field trip when bad weather surfaces. Teachers will also "call and check in" during long-distance trips to alert the office staff that they have arrived safely and when they plan to depart. Booster/car seats are in vans for all children less than 50 pounds.

Health PolicyEach child must have a current health form with immunization history signed by a physician on file. Please notify the teacher if your child has any allergies (especially food allergies). Child care teachers will notify parents when certain communicable diseases are present and we ask that you notify the teachers when your child is out with a communicable disease.

Children with the following may NOT be brought to school: Chicken Pox

Conjunctivitis Whopping Cough

Lice Measles Scabies Mumps Rubella

Scarlet Fever Unusual behaviors will be monitored closely and parent will be contacted if other symptoms develop. These behaviors include, but shall not be limited to:

Cranky or less active behavior than usual Crying more than usual

Feeling general discomfort or seeming unwell Loss of appetite

Children developing any symptoms that require dismissal or if injured during the day shall be picked up by a parent since the lab does not have adequate isolation facilities. If we cannot contact a parent, we will call the emergency contact. Your emergency contact must be someone who can be available in case of mild illness, who would be available to provide temporary care for a sick child, and has transportation. If the child is well enough to come to school, he/she is well enough to participate in the regular program, including indoor and outdoor activities.

Children may remain if they have ONE (but not more than one) of the following symptoms: A child with a temperature of up to one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100 F) by mouth or ninety-nine degrees Fahrenheit (99 F) under the arm. After an illness has been evaluated by a physician, medication has been prescribed and any period of contagion has passed as determined by a licensed physician. When it has been determined that a child has a common cold unless the director and the parent(s) agree that isolation precautions should be taken.

When a child has experienced vomiting only one (1) time with no further problems or symptoms. When a child has experienced loose stools only one (1) time with no further problems or symptoms. Please know that the decision for the child to remain is based upon the teacher's discretion. For example, if the child vomited only one time but seems cranky, tired, or unwell; the teacher may recommend the child be picked up. In these situations, the child can return the following day if the reasons for concern are no longer present.

Children with (1) ONE OR MORE of the following symptoms may NOT be brought to school or will be sent home:

Diarrhea: More than one (1) abnormally loose stool. Headache or stiff neck. Severe coughing. Unusually dark, tea colored urine. Difficult or rapid breathing. Severe itching of the body or scalp, or scratching of the scalp. These may be symptoms of lice or scabies. Fever over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100 F) by mouth or ninety-nine degrees Fahrenheit (99 F) under the arm. Pinkeye-tears, redness of eyelid lining, irritation, followed by swelling or discharge of pus. An infected skin patch(es)-crusty, bright yellow, dry or gummy areas of the skin. Unusual spots or rashes. Vomiting. Sore throat or trouble swallowing. Yellowish skin or eyes.

Children Sent Home For IllnessChildren sent home from due to illness may not return the following day. A child who is feeling ill needs to be in a quiet place where he/she can rest and have lots of attention and tender loving care. Children may return to school 24 hours after the disappearance of all symptoms including the disappearance of fever. Children returning with any of the previous symptoms or illness will be excluded immediately. The decision is at the discretion of the child care staff. Your child's physician may be called if staff members have questions concerning your child's condition.

Children Returning After IllnessWhen your child is ready to return and medication is required, a "Medication Authorization" form must be signed by the parent and placed on file so that the teacher can administer the medication.

Medication Authorization

All medication will be given to the child only with the dated, written permission of the parent(s) stating the length of time the medication may be given. Prescription medication shall be in the original container and labeled with the child's name, instruction for administration, including the times and amounts for dosages and the physician's name. This may include sample medication provided by the physician. All nonprescription medication shall be in the original container and labeled by the parent(s) with the child's name, and instructions for administration, including the times and amounts for dosages. Medication Authorization forms are available for short-term (two weeks or less) and long-term (daily medications). If we will be administering medication daily or over a long period of time, a physician's signature is recommended. Parents must also update the form monthly by initialing and dating the form. Extra forms are available in the office.

Accident and Illness ProceduresIf a child is injured or becomes ill after arriving at school, the parent will be called. The Parent Information Sheet requires home, office, and emergency phone numbers. It is the parent's responsibility to update the family's emergency contact numbers. If we cannot reach a parent, the emergency contact will be phoned. If a child needs immediate medical attention, the teacher will call 911. Then the parent or the child's physician will be called. If we cannot reach the parent, the emergency contact will be phoned. A teacher who witnessed the emergency situation will accompany the child to the hospital, bringing records and all parent permission forms. Parents will be notified of all known minor injuries or possible illnesses.

Safety Policy and ProceduresWe are licensed and inspected by the Pine Bluff Department of Health and Bureau of Child Care and accredited through Pine Bluff Accreditation. We also receive annual inspections by the State Fire Marshall's Office, Health and Sanitation inspections by Lincoln county Environmental Health and Safety and the City of Pine Bluff, and nutrition audits by the USDA food program. These inspections ensure that all health and safety regulations are met and that we adhere to high quality standards regarding teacher requirements, adult/child ratios, curriculum, nutrition and other administrative practices.

General Safety PracticesTeachers, students and volunteers are included in the Family Care and Safety Registry. Teachers, students and volunteers have a health form on file and yearly TB tests. All staff members are mandated to report any suspicion of child abuse/neglect. Children are supervised at all times and ratios maintained. Parent emergency information on file in children's files and on emergency directory. Authorized pick-up information on file and on emergency directory. If we are not familiar with the authorized pick-up person we will ask to see identification and will match the person's ID with the emergency directory information provided by the parent. Each room equipped with first-aid kit. Emergency numbers are posted by each classroom phone. Emergency evacuation plans are posted in each room, the hallway.

Emergency drills (e.g., fire, tornado) practiced monthly with the children. Because we have an official "sign in/sign out" system, we ask that parents inform the teachers when children arrive and depart. Play yard rules are posted for parents, staff, and students. Play yard monitored closely for safety and improvements made during play yard improvement days. Staff are trained in CPR, First Aid, and Choke Saving/Rescue Breathing. Medicine box is out of children's reach. Medications administered only with written permission of parents. Food servers wear gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods. Cleaning supplies out of children's reach. Teachers fill out documentation for accidents, incidents, and health-related incidents. Parents are given copies of accident forms. Teachers follow universal precautions for blood-related accidents and incidents. Daily information charts keep staff and parents updated and informed regarding the infants' and toddlers' health, mood, etc. Health and safety information incorporated into the curriculum and taught to the children on a regular basis.

Parents' Responsibilities for SafetyKeep current on children's immunizations and well baby/child check-ups. Keep sick children at home until 24 hours after the disappearance of all symptoms including the disappearance of fever. Tell your child's teacher if he or she has a communicable disease. Fill out the necessary forms to allow your child's teachers to administer medications. Take home medications that we no longer administer. If your child will not be coming due to sickness or other reasons, please call your child's teacher to let him or her know. Teach your children good health practices at home (wiping nose with tissues, brushing teeth after meals, flushing the toilet, washing hands before meals and after toileting, cleaning up after self, etc.). It helps if we are consistent with health practices at home and school. Keep your locating information current with the office. This includes phone numbers for home, work, and cell; home address; and e-mail address. Keep your authorized pick-up people current with the office. You may have up to three (3) different people who are authorized to pick up your child on the emergency directory. Each person will have a 4 digit password that will different from each other. This will help ensure you know exactly who has picked up your child. We encourage families to have at least two (2) authorized people listed in the database. Introduce the people authorized to pick up your child to the teachers and office personnel. If we do not know the people authorized to pick-up your child we will ask to see their identification. Always tell the teachers if someone other than the parent will be picking up your child. Make sure that person is authorized to pick-up your child (by having the teacher check the emergency directory).

When you drop off or pick up your child, make time to make contact with the child's teachers so that they know you are dropping off/picking up. Never take your child without letting a teacher know and signing the child out. Keep teachers informed about your child's health, mood, eating habits, family situation or anything that might affect your child's behavior at school. Keep your child's cubby stocked with appropriate extra clothes.

Emergency ProceduresIn fire situations occur, the children will exit the building from their classrooms and will go to the safe zone. If tornadoes threaten we will go to the hallway and eating area.

Parent InvolvementA close family-school relationship is essential if the school is to be fully responsive to the child and if the child is to reap maximal benefits from the school experience. You are invited to observe anytime. Observing allows you to note age and individual related behavior patterns and to watch your child as he/she interacts in a social environment. If you have questions about what you observe (i.e., children's behavior, use of materials, teacher's behavior, etc.), please ask the teacher about it.

Parent ParticipationYour participation is eagerly welcomed in the programs. Your participation can take many forms and we hope that all parents will find meaningful ways to participate in their child's learning experience. Some ways in which you may choose to participate include: Field trip transportation and supervision. Assistant teaching (occasionally or on a routine basis). Leading or assisting in special projects (carpentry, sewing, music, cooking, science experiments, cultural experiences, etc.). Construction or collection of materials for lab use such as paint aprons, raw materials for art projects, dress-up clothes, dramatic play props, carpentry materials, etc. Attending or planning parent workshops. Eating breakfast, lunch or snack with your child let the teachers and our cook know in advance.

Home/School CommunicationsMonthly newsletters will be sent out letting you know what we will be working on for the next month. Weekly copies of the curriculum will be posted for parents in the classrooms. It is often helpful for you to review activities planned for the day with your child. Since the curriculum is planned in advance some changes based on spontaneous learning opportunities and child needs can be expected.

Parent/Teacher ConferencesIndividual parent-teacher conferences will be offered at least once during each year. During the conference the student teacher informs you about your child's development as observed over the course of the semester and uses the time to set goals and answer questions. During the conference, you will receive a copy of the Developmental

Summary on your child. In addition, informal communication of parent concerns, teacher concerns, and the sharing of special joys, sorrows and accomplishments in the child's life is important.

Policy to Negotiate Differences and DifficultiesOpen communication is critical to the parent-teacher relationship. If you have concerns please voice those concerns to your child's teachers. If you wish to have a private conversation, please ask to schedule a parent-teacher conference. If after talking with the teachers you do not feel as if you have reached a resolution, please contact the director.

Family ArrangementsWe recognize that all families are not structured similarly and that some families may live apart due to a variety of circumstances. The teachers and staff are sensitive to the needs of children in these situations and will work to support the entire family. We are happy to provide duplicate information in the child's mailbox to accommodate both parents' need for information. If information is needed by the staff regarding custody, child pick-ups, etc., please provide us with the formal paperwork. Unless we have the appropriate paperwork, we cannot keep a child's biological mother and or father from picking up his or her child. When we have the appropriate paperwork and a parent tries to pick up the child in a manner that is inconsistent with the legal documents, we will call the other parent immediately and we will then phone the police. We will ask that the police mediate the situation and determine who is allowed to take the child home.

Hours of OperationWe are open from 6:00 a.m. till 11:59 p.m. Full time students have to be check in by 9:00 am every morning in order to be accepted for that day. This is imperative time for your child’s direct learning. If your child is late, a doctor’s excuse is needed in order to be accepted. Please, talk with your director for further details. Following a full day of school curriculum, each child is offered a relaxed atmosphere with the opportunity to choose from his/her own ideas or from planned activities (outdoor or indoor games, art activities, reading, tutoring on homework, cooking activities, field trips, crafts, etc.). Many times messy art activities are planned.

Enrollment Open 6:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m (Monday thru Friday)Open 6:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday)Open 12 months a year. Closed approximately 15 days for holidays.

Medication ChartParents are asked to supply the requested information each day that your child is to receive any medication. Medicine will be given only with written permission of the parent on the medication chart. Medication not requiring refrigeration should be kept in your child's cubby or given to your child's teacher. Information on medication should be given verbally to the teacher as well as written on the daily information and medication

charts. All medications should be clearly labeled with child's name, dosage, etc. Please take the medication home when your child is no longer using the medication.

SeparationChildren sometimes have difficulty letting go of their parent at arrival. This is typical behavior which, over time, should decrease as they become more secure in their new environment. Here are a few suggestions to help ease separation: Allow adequate time in the morning for arrival adjustment before needing to leave for work. While traveling, talk to your child about going to school who will be there, etc. This prepares your child for what will occur. When you are rushed, children feel hurried and anxious. When you arrive, help your child get "settled in" by becoming involved in play. Once your child is playing comfortably, tell your child it's time for you to go. (You might also try a two-minute warning ahead of time.) Please, do not "sneak out". Children are establishing their sense of trust and need to see you go and see you return at the end of the day. Give hugs and kisses and reassure your child you will be back (e.g. after snack). If there is still protest and difficulty, the staff is close by to help your child when you leave. Usually, children calm down and begin to play soon after you leave. Remember, even those children who are comfortable in play and in their environment need your attention, affection, and reassurance. All parents should follow these separation guidelines. Arrival and DepartureWhen you arrive, take your child into the classroom and speak to the person in charge. Check child in/sign out when you pick up your child, let the teacher know that you are leaving. If someone we do not know is to pick up your child, please inform the teacher. This person must be listed as authorized to pick-up this child on the enrollment paperwork. Remind the authorized person that we may ask for identification to insure your child's safety. Also, if your emergency contacts or authorized pick-up persons should change, please fill out a Change of Information Form.

During arrival it is very important to set up a routine that your family can follow every day. This provides your child with a sense of security. We recommend that you walk your child into the room, greet the teachers and friends, help put away items in the cubby, and assist your child in selecting a toy or joining an activity. When it is time to go, tell your child you are leaving and say good-bye. If your child is having difficulty separating, signal a teacher for assistance. If your child is upset when you leave, feel free to call us later and we will let you know how he or she is doing. Be sure to complete your child's daily chart, medication forms and help your child become involved in play. This allows our program to maintain appropriate ratio in the classroom and to assist children with separation and play.

DepartureDuring departure it is also important to follow a set routine. We recommend that when you arrive, greet your child and the teachers, and let your child know how much time he

or she has to wrap up the project or activity. While your child is finishing up, it is a good time to talk with the teachers to discuss your child's day. On the way out, check your child's mailbox. Be sure and say good-bye to your child's teachers so that they know you are leaving. Once you have reunited with your child and begun departure, we are no longer responsible. Please do not let your child run off ahead of you inside or outside of the building.

Personal Supplies NeededYou should supply the following items for your child: First day label allA set on changing clothes including undergarment, socks, t-shirtTwo beach towels

Food PolicyProper nutrition and feeding are important aspects of a child's growth and development. We maintain a safe, happy and stimulating environment. Nutritious meals and afternoon snacks are provided. The menus are posted in the room and kitchen. If your child can not eat what is being served (due to food allergies, vegetarian diet, etc.) parents must provide an alternative (please label and place in refrigerator). All food allergies should be reported to the teachers.

Meal ScheduleBreakfast 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Lunch may vary depending on your child’s age. Look at classroom schedule the times. Snack 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

If you plan for your child to eat with us, it is important for you to arrive promptly since we eat in groups. Parents are welcome to eat with us. Be sure to inform the teachers and cook so we have food and table service for you. Please do not allow your child to bring food from home, or come to the room eating leftovers, as other children invariably want some too.

Authorized Pick-UpParents should inform the staff of persons other than themselves who will be bringing or coming to get their child. Inform these persons of the responsibilities involved, such as checking the child in and out, checking supplies, etc. If another person frequently has this responsibility, they should be listed on the emergency information as authorized to pick up the child. This individual should also read the handbook so they understand all aspects of the program.

Late Pick-Up and Associated FeesWe close at 11:59 p.m. sharply. Daycare ends at 6:00 pm and Nightcare/Night Rates begins. Our staff members work very hard each and every day and want to feel confident that they can leave at or before 6 p.m/11 p.m. Many staff members have evening commitments; parents who arrive late often interfere with these plans. What frequently happens in the evening is that parents arrive shortly before 6 p.m. and by the time they

find a place to park, gather up all of the child's belongings, and chat with the teachers and other parents, it is well past 6 p.m. or 11 p.m. In these situations, the late policy is difficult to enforce. Therefore, we are proposing that parents who have lengthy departure routines arrive early so that they can manage to get everything accomplished and still leave before 6 p.m. The late policy will also be enforced during bad weather when the we closes early. During bad weather you may have to leave even earlier to pick up your child on time.

The late policy is as follows: $5 late fee charge and $1 for each minute late. That is, if a parent arrives at 6:01 p.m. a $6.00 late fee will be applied (10 minutes late = $15). In addition to the monetary stipulations: The late policy will be thoroughly explained at enrollment and parents will sign a late policy agreement included with enrollment paperwork indicating that they understand the late policy. Our clock (which will reflect time and temperature time) will serve as the "official clock." Please synchronize your watch with the classroom clock. Please arrive early (5:45 p.m.) so that you and your child have enough time to depart and don't feel rushed or pressured to leave. Arriving early will also give you ample time to chat with your child's teacher. If you do arrive later, please make sure that you depart by 6 p.m. Arriving before the closing time, but lingering after the closing time still interferes with teachers' plans. There will be no exceptions or warnings. If you are late for whatever reason (flat tire, miscommunication regarding who was picking up the child, etc.) a late charge will be issued. A "no exceptions" policy makes it easier for us to apply the late policy to everyone consistently and fairly. We do not want any parent to receive special treatment or favors whereas other parents may not. A late form, indicating the child's name and at what time the parent arrived has been developed with the late policy clearly stated. The late parent and teacher will sign this form. The teacher turns the signed form into the administration. Administrators will send a note to the parent, indicating that payment must be received within two days.

Dropping EnrollmentOnce a child is enrolled in the program, parents are required to notify the director two weeks in advance if a child is to be dropped from the program.

Child Abuse policyWe are required by Arkansas State law to report all suspected abuse. Children have the right to be understood, loved and respected with the framework of a caring family and community.

Discipline PolicyA positive approach is used to guide all children. Each situation and child is dealt with individually. Under no circumstances will corporal punishment be used for behavior management. We redirect the child with supervision to another learning activity.

Policy Agreements

I have read Kosmic Kidz’s Learning Center Policies and Procedures Booklet. I understand and will follow all polices outlined in the booklet.

_____________________________ _______________________________Parent/Guardian Signature Date

I, ________________________________ agree to pay in advance each week on Friday the sum of (Parent/Guardian) $___________ for child’s tuition for the next following week. A late fee of $20.00 will be charged to my account if not paid by Monday 9:00 a.m. of the next following week. If my account is not paid in full by Tuesday, I understand that my child is considered dropped from the roll. I also understand that to re-enroll, I will be required to pay a new registration fee plus one week’s tuition in advance if space permits. I also understand if my child missing a week for any reason, I am responsible for notify the Director and paying a one time holding spot fee of $ 40.00. After, I have my hold spot fee week, I understand that I am required to pay full tuition for each additional week. This will ensure my child’s spot at the Center. I also understand the terms and conditions may changed as needed I understand that I will be notified of such changes.

_________________________________ _______________________________Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_________________________________ _______________________________Provider Signature Date