Parent Handbook

2017

The School Zone Academy

105 Doyle Street, PO Box 488

Howe, Texas 75459

(903) 532-9663

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION pg. 1-3

LEARNING COMPONENTS pg. 4

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT pg. 5

METHOD OF PAYMENTS pg. 6

REGISTRATION AND SUPPLY FEES pg. 7

TUITION PAYMENT pg. 7

LATE PICK UP PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES pg. 7

FIELD TRIPS pg. 7

ANIMALS pg. 8

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES pg. 9

DISMISSAL pg. 9

VACATION TUITION CREDIT pg. 9

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES BREASTFEEDING POLICY pg. 10-13

TRANSPORTATION POLICY AND FOOD PROGRAM pg. 14

NOTICE OF ILLNESS AND INCLEMENT WEATHER pg. 15

TV AND VIDEO POLICY pg. 15

DRESS CODE pg. 16

LOST AND FOUND pg. 17

TOYS pg. 17

SHOW AND TELL pg. 17

BALANCED NUTRITION pg. 17

SPECIAL EVENTS pg. 18

REST PERIODS pg. 18

SCHOOL PORTAITS pg. 19

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS pg. 19

HOURS OF OPERATION pg. 19

MEDICATION pg. 19

STUDENT FILE DOCUMENTATION pg. 20

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION pg. 21

HEARNG AND VISION REQUIREMENTS pg. 22

ILLNESS pg. 22

REPORTING OF UNUSUAL INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS pg. 23

SECURITY ENTRANCE AND SPECIAL NOTES pg. 24

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SAFETY pg. 25

PREVENTINGANDRESPONDINGTOABUSE&NEG pg. 26

EMERGENCY EVACUATION LOCATION pg. 27

SEVERE WEATHER AND PREPARDNESS pg. 27-28

1

General Information

The School Zone Academy, est. 1985

105 Doyle Street

Howe, Texas 75459

Owner - Kathleen I. Todd

Director - Haleen Parrish

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 6am – 6pm

We are open 12 months of the year

For enrollment information and Parent Handbook go to:

www.theschoolzoneacademy.com

Phone: (903) 532-9663

Fax: (903) 532-9665

Cell (903) 818-3793

Cell (903) 818-2745

Owner email - misskathleen555@yahoo.com

Director email – haleenparrish@yahoo.com

2

Early Childhood Education and Quality Child Care Services,

Exclusively from the School Zone Academy

The School Zone Academy is your trusted partner in ensuring the best for your child’s development and

early childhood education. The School Zone Academy families receive the best of both worlds- children

have a safe and secure child care environment, staffed by professional early childhood educators; and

parents have a complete peace of mind as they work to balance family and career demands.

Trust in over 20 years of quality educational child care.

The School Zone Academy, founded in 1985 by Kathleen I. Todd offers High Reach curriculum is a unique

blend of the two most effective, proven philosophies of the early childhood education:

- Teacher-Directed Activities, where an established curriculum leads students along a consistent

learning path, and

- Child-initiated activities, where children are free to explore individual interests with teacher

support.

With our High Reach curriculum the most important elements in early childhood development are

learning, character development and play. The result… the children are happy and thriving.

Our program also gives parents peace of mind- so you can be assured that your child has the best

opportunity for learning while you work, Parents are encouraged to participate in school activities, so

they can share their child’s day and stay close to his or her progress.

All Staff members are certified through extensive training programs. Staff is selected after careful

screening; each is certified in First Aid and CPR. In addition, each staff member completes extensive

annual training requirements to ensure they meet and exceed all state regulatory agency requirements.

The School Zone Academy has early childhood education specialists on staff. Their main goal is to study

child development and education trends to provide The School Zone Academy with the best guidelines

to ensure that staff properly supports the early learning and development of each child.

3

The School Zone Academy is open year-round, Monday through Friday, providing full-day early

childhood education and child care programs. Every day, school staff implements extensive operational

procedures that meet stringent health and safety guidelines to ensure the safety of your child. These

guidelines provide a healthy learning atmosphere and provide you with assurance that your child is safe

and secure. The Owner is a Licensed Pediatric Nurse.

The School Zone Academy provides equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, age, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

4

The School Zone Academy Exclusive Learning Components

Music Appreciation

The School Zone Academy combines exclusive activities along with nationally recognized music

programs to help children develop appreciation through an introduction of a wide range of

music. Classical music is played each day during rest time.

Physical Fitness

Children laugh and enjoy the fun, engaging in physical fitness activities designed to strengthen

bodies and stretch muscles.

Memory & Reasoning

Every morning children begin the day with simple “mind-stretching” excersise with emphasis on

reasoning, memory and concentration. Circle time consists of current events and show-and-tell.

Ecology

Natural curiosity is awakened in the monthly gardening and nature study. Children love to plant

their garden, plant seeds and watch their plants grow. The children are made aware of the

world around them and explore the wonders of science.

Foreign Language (Spanish and Sign Language)

Children are introduced and exposed to Spanish as a foreign language. The weekly lessons are

progressive and coordinate with The School Zone Academy’s Units of Learning. As a part of our

High Reach Curriculum, the children will have lessons in Sign Language in our “Signing Time”

program.

5

Character Development Programs

The School Zone Academy’s learning curriculum has been building character in students since

1985. The character development programs are geared to help your child become a

responsible, caring adult.

Character Development

Through discussion, arts and crafts, puppet play, games and role-playing, children are

encouraged to share thoughts on concepts of morals and values such as honesty, compassion,

respect and good judgment.

Community Awareness

Children learn the cultural elements of society, history and pride by participating in community-

minded class activities. Parents are encouraged to join in planned projects that benefit the

community.

6

The School Zone Academy Prayer- Thankfulness

Prior to receiving snacks and meals, children are reminded to be thankful for their daily

provisions. The following non-denominational saying is recited:

Let us be Thankful for the Food we are about to Receive. Amen.

REGISTRATION, TUITION, AND PROGRAM FEES METHODS OF

PAYMENT

A locked receptacle is located in the front lobby of the School Zone. Personal checks or money

orders should be deposited into the receptacle to ensure proper posting of tuition credits to

your account. We also accept credit cards. Please do not give payments to staff members. If you

wish to pay in cash, please place in an envelope with child’s name on front to assure proper

credit. A cancelled check is your receipt. If you require a written receipt, in addition to your

cancelled check, please notify the director. A receipt will be available at the front desk each

week once the payment has been processed.

7

Registration/Supply Fees

A registration/Supply fee is due and payable at the time of enrollment, each new school year,

and prior to beginning of September 1st. The fee covers the processing of your child’s

application, art and school supplies, and your child’s accident insurance premium. The fee is

determined according to your child’s classroom needs and required supplies.

Tuition Payment

Your tuition payment reserves your child’s place in their assigned classroom. To insure quality

programming and high quality staffing, tuition is due even when your child is absent. Tuition is

due weekly or can be paid monthly. Weekly tuition is due on Friday of the preceding week. If

tuition is not paid in full by noon on Monday of the following week a late fee, as specified on

the School Zone’s Enrollment Application and Agreement will be added.

Late Pick-up Procedures and Penalties

If a child is left at TSZA after normal business hours, staff will attempt to contact the childs

parent first. If we are unable to contact the parent we will proceed to the listed emergency

contacts to pick up the child.

When a child is left at school for an unreasonable length of time and TSZ is unable to locate any

authorized adult to care for the child, we are required to contact the appropriate regulatory

agency including, but not limited to, The Department of Family and Children Services.

Parents who pick up their child after the designated closing time are charged a late fee of $1.00

per minute in the School Zone. This fee is due and payable immediately at the time the child is

picked up.

Field Trips

As part of our safety program, regular field trips are not part of our program. Your child will not

be removed from the Center without your written permission.

Water Activities will be limited to sand/water table and sprinkler or splash pool activities.

8

Animals

The only animals permitted at the School Zone Academy will be guinea pigs, mice, hamsters,

birds and fish that do not require documentation of vaccination.

9

Withdrawal Procedures

No portion of weekly paid outstanding tuition will be refunded or cancelled in the event of

absence, holidays, school closings, withdrawal or dismissal from the school.

A one week written notice must be submitted to the school director prior to the withdrawal

date should it become necessary to withdraw your child for any reason. This notice should

include the date of submission of withdrawal notice and the last date your child will be in

attendance.

Dismissal

Occasionally, due to unforeseen circumstances, a child is unable to adjust to a private

preschool setting. When these circumstances occur, The School Zone will make every effort to

accommodate the needs of each parents or child. We reserve the right to dismiss any student,

should it be deemed necessary, after a reasonable adjustment period or anytime, for any

reason, during a child’s enrollment at the sole discretion of the school director.

Vacation Tuition Credit

Full-time students who attend school five days per week for one consecutive calendar year may

be entitled to a one week vacation tuition credit.

To be eligible for the vacation tuition credit, parents must submit a written request for a

vacation tuition credit to the director. This written notice must be submitted at least one week

prior to the vacation date.

10

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

OPEN DOOR POLICY

TSZA has an open door policy. Parents are invited to visit and observe their child’s classroom at

any time. While it is not required, we request you make arrangements whenever possible, with

the director to avoid as much disruption to the classroom schedule as possible. Observations of

this type should be limited to twenty minutes. Observes should remain as inconspicuous as

possible to allow the classroom to operate in a normal manner. Avoid interruption the teacher

to ask questions while observing in the classroom. A parent/teacher conference can be

arranged at which time the teacher can provide answers to questions without being distracted

from his/her classroom instructional time.

Parents are encouraged at any time to address concerns about the policies of the school with

the Director or the Assistant Director.

All visitors are required to sign-in at the front office desk before proceeding to the classroom.

WEAPONS POLICY

The School Zone strives to provide a safe, nonviolent environment for the children, parents,

and staff. To ensure safety, any firearm, including pellet or BB guns (loaded or unloaded), darts

or cap pistols will not be permitted on the SZ campus at any time. Children are not permitted to

bring play guns, swords, or knives to school. Parents may not carry any type of gun, knife,

pepper spray, or nightstick on the premises. This includes law enforcement officers who are off-

duty.

ADA POLICY

The federal American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawful to discriminate in

employment against a qualified individual with a disability. This part of the law is enforced by

the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state and local civil rights

enforcement agencies that work with the Commission. The ADA also prohibits child care

centers from denying admission to a child simply because the child has a disability.

The provider is required to assess the special needs of either the prospective employee or child

and attempt to find reasonable means to accommodate those needs. It is the intent of the TSZA

to comply with the Americans Disabilities Act.

11

DISCIPLINE POLICY

TSZ uses positive guidance and redirection as the primary method of discipline. Physical abuse,

humiliation, bribery, verbal intimidation, or threatening attitudes toward children are never

allowed. By using encouragement, positive reinforcement, redirection, providing children

choices, talking about conflicts and allowing children to verbalize their frustrations, children

cope with their feelings and lives in a positive way and learn self-control.

As a last resort, time-out is used to give a misbehaving child time to think about and redirect

their misguided behavior. Time-out is the removal of a child for a short period of time (one to

five minutes) from a situation in which the child is misbehaving and has not responded to other

discipline techniques. The time-out space, usually a chair, is located away from classroom

activity, but within the teacher’s sight. During time-out, the child has a chance to think about

the misbehavior which led to his/her removal from the group. After a brief interval of no more

than five minutes, (or one minute for each year of the child’s age, whichever is less) the teacher

discusses the incident and appropriate behavior with the child. When the child returns to the

group, the incident is over and the child is treated with the same affection and respect shown

to the other children.

CHILD ABUSE REPORTION POLICY

It is the policy of TSZA to comply with the rules of local licensing and laws of the state regarding

any suspected case of child abuse.

All SZ staff members are mandated by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to

appropriate local and state authorities.

Child Abuse Contact Information:

- Day Care Licensing- 1-800-582-6036

- Child Abuse Hotline- 1-800-252-5400

Parents and staff may at any time review the minimum standard rules for licensed Child-Care

Centers. A copy will always be available in the front lobby as well as at the Assistant Director’s

Desk in the afterschool Room. An additional copy will always be available to staff in the staff

break room.

12

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION POLICY

Parents must complete in full and sign the Parental Authorization for Medication form prior to

administration of any medication. This form is available at the front office desk. State licensing

regulations require parents to provide a signed authorization including administration and

dosage procedures of each medication to be administered. Any potential adverse reaction to

the medication must be listed on the authorization so the child can be properly monitored and

parents notified accordingly. This authorization must indicate the specific dates the medication

is to be administered. A new authorization is required at the beginning of each calendar week.

All medications must be dropped off and picked up daily at the front office. These medications

will be stored in the locked secure area inaccessible to the children. Medication may not be

transported to the classroom by parents. NO MEDICATION MAY BE PLACED IN THE CHILD’S

TOTE BAG OR TAKEN INTO THE CLASSROOM FOR ANY REASON.

All medication will be administered by the designated staff member at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM

each day.

Policy for breastfeeding mothers

We at The School Zone Academy encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding until 12 months

or longer. Mothers may bring labeled/dated breast milk for their infant and or are welcome to

sit in rocker in infant room to feed their baby. There is no need to call ahead. Mothers are

always welcome at any time to visit the classroom.

Policy and Procedure Update – April 16, 2015

Employees of The School Zone Academy are not permitted to solicit babysitting positions while

on the job. Employees may not take children off the school premises – even if the parents

request the employee be added to the pickup list. Employees may not babysit enrolled children

and this is cause for immediate termination. Signing a waiver for this situation rarely holds up in

a courtroom, so this will not be permitted.

Homework Policy

The School Age children are given a specific homework/quiet time each day after school. The

School Zone Academy will not be responsible for missing homework or be responsible to tutor

children with school assignments.

13

Social Media Guidelines

The Director of The School Zone Academy is committed to ensuring that all staff utilize social

media technology in a responsible manner. The following guidelines provide guidance regarding

recommended practices for professional social media use:

1. Employees are to refrain from “friending” parents on Facebook or other social media

communication. This will avoid misunderstandings concerning activities at our school.

2. The exception is if you have an established relationship with the parent before your

employment or that person is a member of your family.

3. It is inappropriate for a parent to have personal cell phone numbers of staff members.

4. The staff member should not call a parent unless cleared by the Director.

5. All communications about or concerning The School Zone Academy must go through our

office.

14

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

TSZ provided transportation services for school-age children to and from designated

elementary schools.

It is the responsibility of the parents to inform TSZA of any schedule changes for children who

are transported to and from elementary school. Please be sure to notify the director if your

child will be absent or should not be picked up.

FOOD PROGRAM

The new minimum standards require that no child 12 months or younger may be served juice.

Ages 13 months to 5 years should be served only 4 oz. per day.

Ages 6 years to 12 years should be served only 6 oz. per day.

If parents request anything different than the standards require, the parent must request this in

writing and the request will be kept in the child’s file.

It is also important to be aware that the parents are responsible for the child’s nutritional value.

Parents should be aware that water is served at every meal and snack every day.

Nursing Mothers- It should be known that we do encourage mothers who desire to breastfeed

their babies and we provide a comfortable semi-private area for this to be done.

15

NOTICE OF ILLNESS

Parents will be notified of illnesses, such as chicken pox, head lice etc. with posts on the front

door of school.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

It may not be possible for TSZA to open during certain weather conditions. We will make every

reasonable effort to open the school, however, safety for your child and our staff members will

be our prime consideration for closing the school.

Tune to the designated radio or television station KXII for further information if in doubt as to

whether or not the campus will be open. We will also keep parents informed via Facebook-

Please find us on Facebook @ TheSchoolZoneAcademy.

TV AND VIDEO POLICY

In an effort to provide an educational classroom environment TSZA does not allow the

excessive use of television or videos. The viewing of television is limited to age-appropriate

films.

So we may ensure that all materials viewed by the children are acceptable to all parents,

children are not permitted to bring videos to school to share.

16

DRESS CODE

Children should arrive at school in comfortable, easy to launder clothing. While we make every

effort to protect their clothing, children can experience accidental spills during planned

activities.

The consumer product safety commission recommends, for your child’s safety, the removal of

the hood and neck string from your child’s outerwear, including jackets, sweatshirts, and head

wear. Waite and bottom drawstrings should measure no more than three inches from where

the strings extend out of the garment when the garment is expanded to its fullest width. We

recommend that you purchase garments with closures such as snaps, buttons, Velcro, or

elastic.

All clothing items, including sweaters, jackets, hats, and gloves must be labeled with the child’s

first and last name.

Only shoes with closed toe and heels, with soft rubber soles such as athletic shoes/tennis shoes

are permitted. Sandals, flip flops and hard soled shoes such as cowboy boots may not be worn

in classrooms or on the playground.

In case of accidents, we request every child keep a change of clothes in their tote bag or back

pack. Label each item with the child’s first and last name and place the items inside their bag in

a sealed plastic bag for protection.

17

LOST AND FOUND

A lost and found box is located in the Laundry Room area. We recommend checking the box

periodically for items that may belong to your child.

TOYS

To prevent special toys from being lost or broken, we ask that toys not be sent to school with

your child.

SHOW AND TELL

Show and tell is held each week beginning in the Early Preschool classroom. You will find the

current weeks theme posted on the lesson plan. Children should bring a small item related to

the topic of the week. Show and tell items must be small enough to fit in the tote bag or back

pack. Items must remain in the bag until Show and Tell, returned to the bag immediately

following the Show and Tell and taken home the same day.

BALANCED NUTRITION

TSZA helps you balance your child’s nutritional needs through the balance nutrition program.

Menu’s, written and approved by a registered dietician, meet or exceed USDA standards. TSZA

children eat in the comfort and security of their classrooms in an unhurried setting. Meals are

prepared on campus by trained staff.

Nutritious mid- morning and afternoon snacks and lunches are provided for all children. A late

afternoon snack provides energy the children need to stay active and alert until they arrive

home every evening.

Please discuss any special dietary needs for your child with the director. Modest

accommodations will be made for children with food allergies or who require specific menu

items for cultural reasons.

To ensure the health and safety of all children, food items, purchased or from home, may not

be brought into the classroom to be eaten, with the exception of special classroom events. This

helps prevent children with allergies from being exposed to food that could be harmful.

18

SPECIAL EVENTS

Prior to planning a celebration for a special event in your child’s classroom, such as birthday

party, please make arrangements with their teacher.

Please do not bring food from outside into the school. For safety reasons, small trinkets, rings,

or balloons, may not be distributed as party favors. Glass or ceramic plates are not permitted in

the classroom or playground, and may not be used anywhere children are present on the

school campus.

Your child’s teacher will help you determine the number of items needed to provide for every

child in the class

Please drop off the completed invitations at the front desk to be distributed if you are planning

a party away from the school campus. The invitations should not be taken into the classroom to

avoid disappointment to children who may not be included. The office staff will pass the

invitations along to the appropriate parents during pick-up time.

For the protection of all children, we cannot provide anyone with the phone number or address

of any child or their family members. Teachers can provide you with the first names only of the

children in the class if requested.

Special programs are prepared for the children throughout the year. Parents and family

members are always welcome. Your attendance at these special functions gives you the

opportunity to get to know your child’s teacher and meet your child’s classmates and parents.

Individual conversations about child specific concerns are difficult at busy program times.

Please schedule a personal conference to discuss specific concerns.

REST PERIODS

Each afternoon all the children are provided a quiet time to rest and relax. Semi-classical music

is played while the children rest on the cots. Children are required to rest quietly on their cots

or engage in quiet activities after a short rest period as designated on the classroom daily

schedule.

Child may bring a small item to comfort them and help them rest. The item must be small

enough to fit into their backpack. Toys are not appropriate and may cause distraction to other

children who are trying to rest.

19

SCHOOL PORTRAITS

TSZ provides, for your convenience, a quality, custom photograph program throughout the

year. Photo opportunities may include individual portraits, holiday portraits, and class group

portraits. Participation is your option. You are under no obligation to purchase or participate in

any portrait service offered.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

The School Zone Academy is closed in observance of the following holidays:

- Thanksgiving Day

- Christmas Day

- New Year’s Day

- Independence Day

Hours of Operation: 6am – 6pm

We operate 12 months of the year

MEDICATION

Medication will be administered at 11:00am & 3:00pm each day. All medications must be

signed in and with child’s first and last name on medication. They will be administered by the

Director each day. If there is any medication left at the school not signed in or labeled with your

child’s first and last name and date we will be forced to throw it away.

20

STUDENT ENROLLMENT DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS- HEALTH

AND SAFETY PRACTICES

STUDENT FILE DOCUMENTATION

TSZA requires documentation to be provided for each child prior to the first day of classroom

attendance. This documentation may include, but is not limited to the following:

- TSZ Enrollment Application and Agreement

- Current Certification of Immunization

- A copy of custody decree is needed if your child does not live with both natural parents.

It is the responsibility of parents to immediately notify the school director in writing of any

changes in telephone numbers, addresses; persons authorized to pick-up the child, family

physician, and/or parent’s employer. This information is required to ensure the safety of your

child and to ensure that the school has current contact information in case of an emergency

situation.

To protect all children at TSZA, if your child does not live with both natural parents, evidence of

custody must be presented at the time the child is enrolled. A copy of the custody decree will

be maintained in the child’s permanent file.

When a child resides with a divorced parent, it is important the parent registering the child

indicate on the enrollment application the name of the parent who has the legal custody

decree will be strictly enforced. A court-ordered decree is required to prevent a parent from

having access to the child.

21

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION

Parents must provide TSZ with a copy of current certificate of immunization showing adequate

protection against childhood diseases as required by local, state and regulatory agencies. This

certification can be obtained from your local health department or private physician. Tuberculin

tests are not required at this time by our local Health Department.

Any child, who is not immunized due to religious convictions, must provide a signed affidavit

against such immunizations.

It Is responsibility of the parent of each child to provide the school a current certificate of

immunization prior to the expiration date of the certificate currently on file. The admission or

continued enrollment of any child may be denied if a current certificate of immunization cannot

be provided.

HEARING AND VISION SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

- Hearing and Vision Screening will be conducted once a year for pre-school age students,

If hearing and vision test have been performed, a copy of test results must be kept in

child’s file.

22

ILLNESS

First and foremost, at TSZA, it is our commitment to providing a safe, secure and healthy

environment for all children, parents and staff. Children in a childcare environment are

vulnerable to common illnesses such as colds, flu and intestinal viruses. Should your child

become ill while at school, TSZ will take the proper action as deemed necessary by the

circumstances of the illness.

An incident report will be completed and given to the parent at the normal pick-up time when a

child becomes ill at school, if the illness is not severe enough to warrant an immediate

notification of a parent.

When a parent is notified, the child must be immediately removed from the school to prevent

the spread of illness to other children, parents and staff. The following list reflects some

common signs of illnesses, in which require a parent’s immediate notification.

- A fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Sudden appearance or spread of a rash that is not explainable

- Pink eye

- Head lice

If a child becomes ill during the school day, the parent will be notified to pick-up the child

immediately. If the child’s parent cannot be reached, the designated person or persons on the

SZA Enrollment Application and Agreement will be contacted.

Parents will receive a Statement of Illness when they come pick up their child due to illness. The

Statement of Illness will outline the requirements, which may include a doctor’s certification,

before the child will be readmitted to school. An ill child will be removed from the classroom

and kept comfortable in the front office until he/she is picked up. This procedure is to help

protect the other children in the classroom from exposure to the illness.

23

REPORTING OF UNUSUAL INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS

In the event that a medical or social incident of any significance occurs, that causes the child

moderate discomfort, a written report will be completed containing the nature of the situation

and the actions taken as a result of the incident.

A copy of the Incident/Accident report will be reviewed with the parent of the child involved

and signed by the parent.

In rare circumstances, TSZA may take additional emergency action as deemed necessary to care

for your child. When such an action is taken, the director will contact 911 emergency services

and follow the instructions of the emergency personnel, the child will be transported to the

nearest medical facility. In such emergency situations, the school director will contact you as

soon as the situation allows. As parent/guardian of the child, you assume full responsibility for

payment of such medical services.

Any child who has been exposed to or contracts a communicable or infectious disease may not

return to school until the disease is no longer contagious. A certification from a doctor who has

expertise in communicable and infectious diseases may be required before the child will be re-

admitted to the classroom.

Children who display signs of a communicable or infectious disease may not be left at school.

Children must be free of abnormal temperatures for a minimum of 24 hours, without the

administrations of fever reducing medications and show no signs of illness when returning to

school.

Parents will be notified in writing of specific diseases or medical concerns their child may be

exposed to while at TSZA. It is the responsibility of the parents to notify the school director

when your child contracts or is exposed to an infectious or communicable disease outside of

the school

24

SECURITY ENTRANCE

The entrance of TSZA is secured by a locking mechanism to ensure your child is protected while

on the TSZ campus. Each enrolled parent is given an individual code which allows them access

at any time to their child. This locking mechanism is designed to provide a safe environment for

all SZ children and staff. To ensure the continued safety of each child and staff member, this

pass code should not be given to anyone at any time. If it is necessary for someone other than

you to pick up your child or have access to the school building, please contact the director

ahead of time.

Use caution when entering and exiting the building, so as persons unknown to you do not enter

the building.

You will be notified if it becomes necessary for security reasons to change your building access

code or method.

Special Notes:

Gang Free Zone- It should be known that the School Zone Academy does enforce a Gang Free

Zone which extends 1000 feet from this facility.

Outdoor Requirements- The new standards require that all children (including infants) must be

given the opportunity to experience outdoor play two times per day.

Staff Requirements- All staff is given 24 hours of pre-service training which includes the

Minimum Standard for Day Care Licenses.

All staff are given criminal history checks and FBI fingerprints as mandated by the State of

Texas. All staff is required to be certified in CPR and First Aide.

Staff is also encouraged to have one of the following:

- An associate degree in Early Childhood Development Education

- A child development certification-(CDA)

- Be enrolled in a college for Early Childhood Development

Any and all guidelines are set forth by the State of Texas in the The Minimum Standards for Day

Care Licensing. A copy of this is in the office of The School Zone Academy and is available for all

parents and staff. All employees are responsible for this information and to follow its

guidelines.

25

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

You can be assured your child is protected by an exceptional health and safety program while

your child is at TSZA. The school is equipped with a fire and smoke monitoring alarm system.

Fire extinguishers are strategically placed throughout the building.

Emergency procedure drills are conducted each month to acquaint children with emergency

procedures to be followed in case of fire, flood or tornado. A detailed explanation of the plans

and a log of the dates and times of the drills are maintained in the school office.

In case of emergency, the staff’s first concern should be the removal of children to a safe area.

Our emergency area is located in the center classroom (JK Suite) which has no exterior

windows. Our alternate location will be the gym next door to the school if necessary; the

children will walk to the gym at 113 Doyle Street, Howe, TX 75459 or Howe Elementary School

recreation room at 315 Roberts Street, Howe, TX 75459.

Emergency plan for students with special needs:

In the event of evacuation, children with special needs will be assigned to a lead teacher to

assist them with the group. Carried/hold hand or whatever is necessary to remove the child

from the center and remain with their group. The Director and Assistant Director will be

responsible to see that all children leave the building safely and go to the assigned area.

Parents of children with special needs will be advised of the evacuation procedure when

enrolling the student.

Emergency Plan for student under 24 months:

All extra staff (cook, bus drivers, and float staff) will immediately go to infant room to help

evacuate children. Infants that cannot walk are placed in evacuation crib and moved to the

nearest evacuation door. These staff will remain with this group until they are released by

Director or Assistant Director. The Assistant Director and or Director will assist the toddler staff

to walk the children out of the building using the hold hand method. All staff is to remain with

the group until the Evacuation is complete. Lead staff will keep face to name sheets with them

at all times during evacuation.

26

PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT

The School Zone Academy requires annual training for employees. The training will include

methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues regarding child abuse and

neglect, including warning signs that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect. It will also

include methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for

child abuse and neglect. In addition it will cover strategies for coordination between the center

and appropriate community organizations, and actions that the parent of a child who is a victim

of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention.

27

EMERGENCY EVACUATION LOCATION

Should a situation arise where the school campus is deemed, by the school administration or

emergency personnel, to be an unsafe environment, the children will be evacuated to a

designated emergency location – TSZA Gym 113 Doyle St, Howe, Texas 75459.

To insure that the children are accounted for the lead teacher in each area will bring her face to

name sheet with her during any evacuations and check it before and after leaving the building.

The Director, Haleen Parrish, brings the master roll sheet and all emergency contact phone

numbers and authorization for emergency care of every child with her during any evacuation.

In the event the school campus is evacuated TSZA personnel will attempt to contact the parents

of each child immediately. If the child’s parents cannot be reached, we will contact the

designated emergency contact on the TSZ Enrollment Application and Agreement.

The person in charge of TSZA at time of emergency will notify Director (903-818-3793) or

Assistant Director, law enforcement, emergency medical services, Licensing and or the health

department if needed.

Severe Weather and Emergency Preparedness- Attached please find a copy of our evacuation

diagram that is posted at each fire extinguisher in every room. A severe weather drill will be

performed every 3 months and fire drills will be performed monthly.

28