Cozy CornerCHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

“Since 1993”

5329 Ramsey St. #33 ~ Fayetteville, NC 28311 ~ 910-488-2259

Jump Start University EARLY LEARNING CENTER

“Since 2007”

107 University Ave. ~ Fayetteville, NC 28311 ~ (910) 487-4578

PARENT HANDBOOK Revised – August 2013

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Cozy Corner and Jump Start! We recognize the choice of early childhood programs for children are one of the most important decisions parents/guardians will make for a child. Our entire staff is committed to providing a rewarding experience for children and their families.

Cozy Corner Child Development Center and Jump Start University Early Learning Center has chosen the Creative Curriculum because it provides a balance between teacher instruction and child exploration, and is based on sound child development standards and proven practices. The design of this curriculum program allows teachers to choose the activities that best meet students’ needs and interests.

Family involvement is vital to every child’s development and we encourage parents/guardians to spend time talking with their child about his/her day. On occasion, we provide at-home activities to extend the learning experience.

This handbook is designed to help you understand the goals and daily operation of our facility. We encourage you to refer to it when you have questions. We welcome your suggestions and active participation in center activities. Please feel free to contact our administration if you have concerns, questions, and/or suggestions.

Thank you in advance for staying consistent with our policies at home to assure a productive and successful school experience. We value and appreciate your choice to partner with us.

Sincerely,

Cozy Corner Child Development Center and Jump Start UniversityOwner, Administration, & Staff

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Mission Statement:It is our mission to:

Provide a safe and loving, environment for young children to develop and enhance their social, emotional, academic and physical needs

Provide a work environment that promotes unity, excellence, personal and professional growth

Provide support and assistance to families through quality childcare, exposure to resources and affordable “market” rates

Parent EngagementOur facility has an open door policy to the families we serve. We encourage families to take an active role in our activities as your schedule allows. Here are some suggestions of ways you may choose to become involved:

Become a member of A.S.A.P (currently at Cozy Corner) – Active Supporters and Parents is an in-house organization parents, guardians, and staff members who are committed to making a difference. The purpose is to establish support that would assist in the enhancement of the overall program at Cozy Corner. This support may be given through community service, classroom improvements, fundraisers, etc.

Lunch with your student – When your schedule allows, just let your childs teacher know Reading to your child’s class Attending field trips Parent / Teacher Conferences – May be requested at any time by all parents and will be

scheduled at least twice between September and June. Attend/assist with our Annual Family Fun Day – Held in September of each year Donate items to the class for special projects – celebrations and cooking activities take

place monthly Participate in class activities – Read a story, help a child with an academic challenge, and

so much more. Just ask your childs teacher how you can help. Visit our website: www.cozy-jsu.weebly.com for resources and more information. Like

us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cozyandjsu) and follow us on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/cozycornercdc) for more ways to be involved.

Research shows that everyone benefits when parents are actively engaged and participates in their child/rens development and childcare program.

WE STRONGLY BELIEVE IN THE “PARTNERSHIP APPROACH”3

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Our program is designed to meet the developmental needs of children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Through our program, we provide experiences that will enhance a child's cognitive, language, social-emotional, physical, and creative development.

This is accomplished in a positive, professional, and fun environment for the children and staff. We operate using Christian principals. We include Christian and/or wholesome concepts and activities in our program such as music, blessings at mealtime, manners, respect. Because state funded programs prohibit instructional lead religious activities, NC Pre-K classrooms do not have teacher lead religious activities during the NC Pre-K instructional day.

Within the daily schedule each child has opportunities to create, explore the environment, learn problem solving and personal interaction skills and learn concepts through first hand experiences. Opportunities for solitary play, group activities, and teacher directed activities are provided. Using the Creative Curriculum, our students learn through play.

Our well trained staff serves as positive role models and provides care that is supportive and responsive to each child's individual needs.

We respect parents as the primary provider of care and believe parents and teachers are partners in children's care and education. We are pleased to have you share our responsibility of developing and educating young children.

This is a responsibility that is taken very seriously and we are proud to have dedicated, educated, and talented staff to assist us in accomplishing our mission.

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PROGRAM / CURRICULUM

Cozy Corner CDC and Jump Start University ELC have traditional early child care classrooms not exceeding the N. C. Division of Child Development child / staff ratios. Emphasis is placed on the growth and development of each individual child while focusing on meeting each area of development; language, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social. A daily schedule for each classroom is posted on the parent board. Our daily learning program is designed with activities, which stimulate cognitive development, encourage problem solving, and positive social skills.

Our program is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness. The program and curriculum requirements are built on the premise that to be successful academically, children need to be prepared in all five domains of the developmental domains (approaches to learning, emotional and social, health and physical, language and communication, and cognitive development). Each domain is critical to whole child’s development. Movement education involves planned activities that will aid your child to develop fine (small) and gross (large) motor skills. Music opportunities are provided through games, CDs, songs and rhythm activities. During work-play children will encounter a large variety of math, language, science, social studies, and art materials that will encourage manipulation, creativity, social skills, and problem solving skills. Teachers will provide guidance and direction, but the children have ample time to focus on areas of interest.

Our NC Pre-Kindergarten (NCPK) is a State-funded, community-based pre-kindergarten program designed to provide 4-year-old children, who may not otherwise be served, with a valuable educational experience. It is a part-day program operates from 7:00 am to 2:00 and follows the Cumberland County (traditional) calendar. Our program offers family support regarding health, nutrition, and developmental screenings.

Outdoor time is provided during several intervals each day as the weather permits. We have a wide assortment of material to further encourage all areas of development. Time is also spent dealing with emotions and how to effectively communicate feelings. A variety of materials are used to encourage positive self-concepts and successful problem solving.

Field trips and visitors add to our curriculum. Special events and field trips are scheduled periodically and throughout our summers. Special programs for the parents and children are also offered throughout the year. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to have lunch with their child as well as join them on field trips. All parents/guardians are invited to share personal interest, including hobbies, talents, and cultural background ideas, favorite recipes, skill or talents (example: crafts, baking, reading, etc.) with the classes.

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Motto“Childcare is our business, excellence is our standard”

Scripture

“Lo, Children are a heritage of the Lord”(Psalm 127:3)

Professional Staff

The professional staff of Cozy Corner CDC and Jump Start University ELC works with dedication to excellence. Commitment to the Early Childhood profession is very important to our program. We attempt to hold our teacher to the following qualifications:

Have the minimum of the North Carolina Early Child Care Credential Certification (or enrolled in an AA degree program for Early Childhood). Our NC Pre-K teachers will have earned or is working towards a BK teaching license and the assistant will have earned or working towards an AA degree in Early Childhood. These teachers will work directly with the children and will not serve as the Program Director. The Program Director holds a BS degree in Business and a Level III Early Childhood Certification.

The ability to convey love and patience to and with children The ability to provide effective leadership for children The ability to work with and under the leadership and guidelines of our company

policies as well as DCDEE The ability to maintain a wholesome and God-Like working relationship with

colleagues The ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with parents To maintain the annual required number of continuous early childhood training

hours, based on their individual educational level.

Our teachers make the difference!

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

HOURS- Cozy Corner and Jump Start operate year-round Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. except on scheduled holidays. The centers close at 6:00 p.m., however, and children should be picked up no later than that time. Individual childcare services will consist of 10 hours per day. Families receiving assistance from outside sources are to honor the hours set by the various agency. The hours for our NC Pre-K program are 7:30 am until 2:00 pm and follow the CC School schedule.

ENROLLMENT- Cozy Corner and Jump Start care for children 6 weeks through 12 years old. We value diversity and therefore accept applications for enrollment and employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national and ethic origin. We will keep and honor a waiting list; however, siblings of enrolled children will be given priority consideration.

Enrollment is contingent upon: a pre-enrollment visit in which a tour of the classroom will be given, questions will be answered and more information will be given about our facility, meet our staff, completion of all required paperwork as well as our ability to meet the individual need of each child. We strongly encourage both parents to attend the pre-enrollment visit.

Eligibility and priority for the NC Pre-K program is determined by NC Pre-K County Contractors who will use the eligibility tool as a guide. When families apply for the NC Pre-K program at our site, priority will be given to children who have received no prior early education services outside the home in a group setting. However, continuity of care will be taken into consideration for our eligible 4 year old children moving into a NC Pre-K classroom that we currently serve.

We must have an updated shot record (prior to enrollment) and a current physical (within 30 days) for all students. School age students will not need a physical. For students applying for the NCPK slots, we must also have a copy of the child’s certified birth certificate, social security card, the parents ID and pay verification.

All students (except school-age) will need to leave two (2) changes of clothes to be used in the case of an accident. We suggest that these clothes not be name brand as we are not responsible for any lost or damaged clothing. A towel or small (crib size) blanket for nap will also need to be left at the center. Our students that are still in diapers will need to provide diapers, and wipes. Please speak with your child’s teacher for the current system that is being used for receiving these items.

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To assist our non-English and limited-English speaking families, we will seek a translator to assist the parents in communicating with the staff. We will also use translation dictionaries, on-line translator programs or Apps, and picture books in the classroom to aid the child’s understands and learning

SCHEDULE- A copy of our daily schedule is posted in each classroom. This schedule may vary somewhat depending on the children’s needs, special activities planned, or weather.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:

The centers open at 5300 a.m. No child may enter before 5:30 a.m. Parents are to accompany their child to the bathroom to wash his or her hands

upon arrival and then to the classroom teacher. Parents are to pick their child up from the classroom at the end of the day.

Parents should hold their child’s hand when arriving and leaving the classroom and building. Children are not to be left alone (unsupervised) at any time while inside the facility.

Parents are to acknowledge and let the teacher know that their child has arrived or is departing.

The center closes at 6:15 p.m. Parents who do not arrive by the close of the day, or by the end of their service time (families with set hours through subsidy and NC Pre-K), will be charged a late fee and the emergency contact person will be called to pick up the child / children if necessary.

When bringing or picking up a child, the parent or authorized adult must sign the child “in and out” daily. Please sign the child / children in when bringing them in and out when picking them up. Please do not pre sign your child in or out.

If both the mother and father are listed on the application in the designated space for “parent”, neither “mother” nor “father” can be removed from a child’s application without a court order.

Only adults previously specified in writing by the parent will be allowed to pick up a child from the center unless the parent has notified the center in writing. All approved adults will need to bring picture identification in order to pick up a child.

ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVALS- Routines are important to children and the effective operation of the program; therefore we ask that parents have their child at the center no later than 9:30 a.m. (9:00 a.m. for NCPK students). If your child must arrive later than 9:30 a.m. or will be absent, you will need to call the center prior to 9:30 a.m. If no phone call is received the center has the right to deny service for the day. This assures that ratios are maintained and drop-in care to be provided, as well

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as helps us to stay on schedule and prepare for the day. If a NC Pre-K student is absent for 3 consecutive days, a written note must be given to the office.

TERMINATION - Either party (parent or center) reserve the right to terminate services. Parents who wish to terminate services will need to complete a written two-week notice form from our office. Full tuition is required through the two week notice. Until the written notice has been given, your child’s slot will be reserved for him / her and your account will be charge the weekly rate.

Any of the following are grounds for termination:

Failure to pay fees The child poses a danger to the health and/or safety of others Failure to cooperate with the policies and procedures discussed in the Parent

Handbook We are unable to meet the child’s needs

When a student is enrolled in our NC Pre-K program and the teacher, director, parent or other involved person has significant developmental, sensory, or behavioral concerns about a NC Pre-K student, every effort will be made (to include the assistance of outside resources) to assess and address the concern. However when continued enrollment and participation becomes impossible, every effort will be made to find another placement for that child.

SIGN IN / SIGN OUT- State regulations, as well as our center, requires that parents accompany their child to his/her classroom. A “sign-in” and “sign-out” sheet is in a notebook for each child. Parents or other authorized persons will need to sign the child in each morning and sign the child out each evening. The person signing the child out must be at least 18 years of age (unless the individual is the child’s parent.)

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TUITION AND FEES:

Tuition payments are due 52 weeks per year regardless of holidays, vacations, or illness.

Weekly tuition payments are due on the Monday of the week of service. Payments are late after Wednesday. A $20.00 late fee will be automatically charged to all weekly accounts after Wednesday of the week of service.

Families who receive financial assistance and have a MONTHLY parent fee, these fees are due the 1st day of each month. Your portion of the tuition payment must be paid for enrollment to continue. No exceptions. Payments are late after the 5th of each month. A $20 late fee and $2 per day will be charged after the 5th day of the month. If the 5th falls on a weekend, payment should be made the Friday prior in order to avoid a late fee.

There will be a returned check charge of $36.00. If two checks are returned in a calendar year, remaining payments for the calendar year must be made in cash, money order, or cashier check. Children are not to handle tuition payments.

There is absolutely NO cost for those enrolled in our NCPK program during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Before and after care and transportation will be charged according to our fee schedule.

Earn a FREE week of childcare or FREE registration after 1 year of uninterrupted services. Ask administration for more details.

Transportation service (to and from your home) is an additional service that is provided when there is a feasible “need” demand. The cost of transportation service is listed in the fee schedule. When there is a financial hardship, transportation assistance will be offered to support continued enrollment and attendance. These situations are viewed at case-by-case.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The current rates and fees are as follows:

6 weeks- 23 months ……………………………. $170 / week 2 years old………………………………………. $150 / week 3-5 years olds…………………………………… $140 / week NCPK wrap-around care ……………..………… $70 / week (an additional $14 per day for full time care when school is closed)

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Before and after school only…………………..... $90/ week (include pick- up and drop off) Full-Time School-age care……………………….$ 115 / week Transportation…………………………...$50 per month / per household Registration……………………………...$40 / annually Late pick up……….…………………….$1 per minute (per household)

(Fees are subject to change with written notice)

FULL TUITION IS DUE REGARDLESS OF ATTENDANCE.

All balances must be paid by the end of each month. If account balances have not been paid by the end of the month, services will discontinue until payment has been made. In extreme situations, the director will consider a workable payment plan.

Our NC Pre-Kindergarten (NCPK) is a State-funded, community-based pre-kindergarten program designed to provide –year-old children, who may not otherwise be served, with a valuable educational experience. It is a part-day program operates from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and follows the Cumberland County (traditional) calendar. Our program offers family support regarding health, nutrition, and developmental screenings.

NC Pre-K parents may drop children off as early as 7:15 a.m. and may pick children up as late as 2:15 p.m. without additional charge. If parents need extended care, before 7:15 a.m. or after 2:15 p.m., this “wrap-around” service is available (please reference our fee schedule).

Financial statements will be made available each January for the previous year giving a total amount paid for childcare services and our tax identification number.

CENTER CLOSINGS:

Inclement Weather: Our facilities will continue regular operation unless weather conditions become such that it posses a danger to our staff and children. These closings are most consistent with the Cumberland County School System. Closures will be announced on WTVD channel 11 & WRAL channel 5. Should the weather conditions become a danger after we have opened for the day, we will make every effort to provide our usual transportation service for children who normally use this service.

Emergency Conditions: If emergency conditions occur and the environment becomes unhealthy or unsafe for the children and staff, we will close and / or evacuate the center and notify parents of the need for immediate pick-up.

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HOLIDAYS- Cozy Corner and Jump Start will be closed for holiday observation on the following:

New Year Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidents Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Veterans’ Day Thanksgiving Friday following Thanksgiving Christmas Eve Christmas Day

If the holiday listed above falls on a weekend day, we will be closed on either the Friday before or the Monday following the holiday. Full weekly tuition is due regardless of holidays or vacations.

“Best wishes for a safe and fun-filled holiday”!MEALS- Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks are provided each day, at no cost, at the time indicated on the “Daily Schedule”. Weekly menus are posted in the hallway. Meals are designed to emphasize food nutrition and minimize sugar, salt, and fat intake. Mealtimes are meant to be relaxing, social experiences.

Each child will be given the following:

Breakfast- milk, fruit or vegetable, and a grainLunch- milk, meat, fruit, vegetable and a grainSnack- milk, juice, or fruit, or a vegetable and a grain

Children are encouraged to at least taste each food offered. Meals are never used as a reward or punishment. Open food will not be allowed on our buses. Any outside foods that are served to the children must be “store brought” and not “homemade”. This includes foods for birthday parties and special events.

Infant formula and juice must be prepared and bottled with covers over the nipples at home and ready to feed. Baby bottles should be brought to the center dated and labeled with the child’s first and last name. If you choose to use the center provided formula and/or infant food, we will prepare it on-site.

ALLERGIES: Parents whose children have allergies must indicate the allergy on the enrollment application as well as the completion of an allergy form. This information will be placed in the child’s file as well as posted in the classroom and kitchen.

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ILLNESS- We will take every precaution to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. The tables, changing tables are regularly sanitized throughout the day. Our toys are sprayed at the end of each day and deep sanitized weekly with a bleach solution. All cot sheets are washed at a minimum weekly and crib sheets are washed daily. Frequent hand washing is a regular part of our daily routine. However, many young children in-group care settings get sick frequently despite the best precautions.

Any child showing signs of illness should not be sent to the center. We are prepared to provide group care for “well children”. It is important that parents do not give the child fever medication prior to coming to the center.If your child has a contagious illness, please let us know. We may need to notify the parents of the children in our care. Your child may not return until he / she is no longer contagious and feels well enough to participate in all activities, including outside activities. If your child is taking prescribed medication to treat the contagious illness, he / she must have been on the medication for at least 24 hours and be fever-free (without the use of a fever reducer) before returning.

If your child develops any of the following, the parent will be called to pick up the child.

Fever over 101 degrees or more ( in the ear) Vomiting (2 or more times within 3 hours) Deep cough or sore throat Diarrhea (two or more watery stools in a 3 hour period) Conjunctivitis (pink eye) Head lice (untreated) Infected skin, unidentified spots, or rashes Other contagious illness Does not feel well enough to participate in activities

Specific diseases:

Chicken pox- may return when all blisters have crusted German Measles (Rubella)- restricted at least 4 days after rash appears Hand, foot, and mouth disease- until the condition resolves or upon advice of the

physician

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Hemopilus Influenza (HIB)- upon advice of the physician Lice- 24 hours of all nits having been removed (minimum of one day) Measles- restricted at least 4 days after rash appears Pertussis (Whooping cough)- 5 days after effective treatment Scabies- at least 24 hours after effective treatment Scarlet Fever- at least 24 hours after effective treatment and fever free (minimum

of one day) Strep Throat- at least 24 hours after effective treatment and fever free (minimum

of one day) Croup- At least 24 hours after fever is gone (minimum of one day)

Prescription medication must be brought in its original container, with a prescription label in order to be administered by the staff. The staff will NOT give any over-the-counter medication with the exception of diaper and skin condition creams.

If your child develops any of the previously mentioned symptoms during the time of our care, the child will be separated from the other children and the parent or alternate contact person will be contacted to pick the child up. You are expected to pick your child up within the hour following notification.

It is important that you keep your child’s immunization records current with our office.

MEDICATION- Our Staff will only give prescribed medications at 12:00 noon. We do not administer any over-the-counter drugs with the exception of diaper cream for the purpose of rashes and moisturizing creams for eczema (determined by a medical professional). Even though over-the-counter medications may eliminate some of the symptoms of an illness, very often they only just cover up the illness for a brief time. Our staff will never give the first dosage of any medication.

All medications must be in its original container with the label stating the child’s name, how often the doses are to be given, and the amount to be given. The parent MUST sign a weekly medication form for EACH medication. Only medications that have been signed for will be stored, all other medications should be kept at home. Medications can only be given according to the written instructions on the package.

Helpful Tips: Medications that need to be given three times a day can be given at 4:00 a.m. by

the parent, 12:00 noon by our staff and 8:00 p.m. by the parent Inhalation solutions are usually every 6 to 8 hours as needed. These too can be

given at 6:00 a.m. by the parent, 12:00 noon by our staff, and 6:00 p.m. by the parent.

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PLEASE DROP OFF AND PICK UP ALL MEDICATIONS AT THE FRONT DESK WITH THE OFFICE PERSONNEL

MEDICAL EMERGENCY- In instances where a child needs medical attention, our office staff will contact the parent. In the event of an extreme emergency, the child will be transported to the closest or specified hospital, and the parent will be contacted.

DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT- The environment has been carefully prepared to be developmentally appropriate, child-centered, and as conflict-free as possible. Providing an ample amount of appropriate toys and activities to engage children’s attention will hopefully eliminate many problems. Praise, positive reinforcement, modeling of desired behavior, redirection, setting clear limits, explanations, group discussions, and natural logic consequences are the techniques we prefer to use in guiding children’s behavior. We will strive to treat each child fairly with respect and understanding. It is our goal to help the children to develop a strong, positive self-concept, a sense of self-control, and problem solving capabilities. We will encourage children to negotiate conflicts when appropriate. We will help provide language to young children to help them express their feelings during conflicts. Hurtful behavior is never appropriate. If a child becomes so upset, frustrated, angry, or out of control that he / she needs time alone to calm down, he / she may be asked to sit by him / herself for a short period of time (no more than one minute per each year of the child’s age.) This is not punishment, but rather allowing the child time to be alone to think, which we all need occasionally. Discipline will not include physical punishment nor have any relations to meals, toileting, or rest.

When incidents of aggression occur, steps will be taken specifically to comfort the child and to handle the situation. (see CONFIDENTIALITY)

FIELD TRIPS- Our preschool and School age students will go on off-site field trips, and signed consent forms will be required. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to accompany us as your schedule allows. All children eight years old and under, must be buckled into child safety seats. All children and adults must wear seatbelts. Emergency information and a first aid kit will be carried on all trips. There may be additional costs, which will cover admission, treats, etc., depending on the field trip. REST TIME – Our students will rest for approximately 2 to 3 hours each day with the exception of or NC Pre-K students who will rest up to 1 to 1 ½ hours. Of course, infants will follow their own individual schedules. To help the children prepare to rest, we will reduce the lightning, play relaxing music, and rub backs to help children get to sleep. All children must rest, but they do not have to sleep. As children awaken they are engaged in

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quiet activities to avoid disturbing those still resting. Cots or portable cribs and sheets are provided. We will wash all sheets weekly or more often if needed.

SAFE SLEEP POLICY- All infants under the age of 12 months will be placed on their backs for nap. This is “Back To Sleep” position pertains to all healthy babies unless medically warranted otherwise. Our cribs have been safety approved and all mattresses are firm. All toys, stuffed animals, baby bags, pillows, and excess bedding will be removed from the cribs occupied by children. Lightweight blankets will be allowed to remain in the cribs for the comfort of the baby. Our staff will visually check on sleeping infants and record his or her sleeping position every 15 minutes using our Infant Safe Sleep Chart. This chart will remain posted near the crib and replaced weekly. Supervised “tummy time” will be provided when infants are awake. The purpose of this policy is to provide babies a safe environment in which to grow and learn as well as to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

SCREEN TIME- Screen Time (television, video or computer) usage is limited to 2 ½ hours per week, in accordance with DCDEE regulations. A timer and a charting system will be used to monitor each child’s usage. Select videos must be approved by administration. Children under the age of 2 will not be permitted to have any screen time.

OUTSIDE PLAY- We are required by State Regulations to provide opportunities for outside play each day weather permits. Please be sure that your child has appropriate clothing. We require closed toe/closed heel shoes to reduce accidents and injuries.

TOYS, BOOKBAGS AND DIAPER BAGS - Unless specified by the teacher for the purpose of “Show & Tell”, please do not allow your child to bring toys (including stuffed animals, etc.) to the center. These tend to create problems with the other children and toys with small parts pose a danger to infants and toddlers. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged items.Diaper bags and book bags (except for school-age students), are not to be brought inside the facility. This eliminates outside sanitation concerns and rids our staff of the liability for any items found in these bags during a routine/unannounced State or Sanitation visit.

BIRTHDAYS AND SPECIAL TREATS- Treats such as cake and other refreshments are allowed, however, all items must be store bought (no homemade items). We ask that you arrange special treats with your child’s teachers. Parents are welcome to celebrate with their child’s class.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT- We are required to report all suspected case of child abuse or neglect. Our staff will begin documentation at the first sign of suspicion. In such cases of suspected abuse or neglect, the Child Protective Services Unit of the

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Department of Social Services will be notified. The child’s well being is always our primary concern.

DISCRIMINATION- Our staff will work very hard to create an environment, which promotes acceptance and understanding. We will strive to help children learn to respect themselves and others. Through our program, we will encourage an appreciation for a variety of lifestyles, cultures, and family traditions. DISCRIMINARY BEHAVIOR OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

CONFIDENTIALLY- All records and information regarding children will be kept confidential. Please respect our policy by not asking questions about the other children in our care. We will respect each family’s right to privacy. When incidents of aggression occur, parents of the children involved will be informed of the incident and of any specific information pertinent to the situation. The information shared will include the details of the incident, the preceding and subsequent events, the steps taken specifically to comfort the child, and anything else necessary to handle the situation. HOWEVER, THE IDENTITY OF THE CHILD WHO ENGAGED IN THE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE RELEASED. This policy is consistent with the N.C. Code of Ethnics and is a standard for excellence in early childhood education. If any child’s behavior places the well being of other children in jeopardy, immediate action will be taken to resolve the situation. Our commitment is to provide a quality, safe learning and safe environment for every child in our care.

The Director will notify parents of children currently enrolled of the substantiation of any abuse / neglect complaints or issuance of any administrative actions against the facility. Notification will be in writing and will include the nature of the substantiated complaint or administrative action taken. This information will be kept in a binder in our office for up to three years and is accessible to parents.

NC DCDEE Discipline and Behavior Management Policy Praises and positive reinforcement are effective methods of the behavior management of the children. When children receive positive, non-violent, and understanding interactions form adults and others. They develop good self- concepts, problem solving abilities and self-discipline. Based on this brief of how children learn and develop values this childcare facility will adhere to the following NCDCDEE discipline and behavior management policy:

We Do We Do Not

Praise reward and encourage the children Spank, shake, bite, pinch, push, pull, slap, or otherwise physically punish the children

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Reason with and set limits for the childrenMake fun of, yell at, threaten, make sarcastic remarks, about use profanity, or otherwise verbally abuse the children.

Model appropriate behavior for the children Shame or punish the children when bathroom accidents occur.

Modify the classroom environment to prevent problems before they occur Deny food or rest as punishment

Listen to the children Relate discipline to eating, resting, or sleeping

Provide alternatives for inappropriate behavior to the children

Leave the children alone, unattended, or without supervision.

Provide the children with natural and logical consequences of their behaviors

Place the children in locked rooms, closets, or boxes as punishment.

Treat the children as people and respect their needs, desires, and feelings. Allow discipline of children by children.

Ignore minor misbehaviors Criticize, make fun of, or otherwise belittle children's parents, families or ethnic groups

Use short supervised periods of Time OutExplain things to children on their levels Remain consistent in our behavior management program

THANK YOU- Thank you for taking the time to read this important information. Hopefully, our Parent Handbook has answered many of your questions. We appreciate and value the opportunity to partner with you to provide quality care for your child / children.

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Family Engagement Log

AUGUSTPK Parent Orientation / Parent Meeting

SEPTEMBERGrandparent’s Day

*Lunch with your grandchild

OCTOBERPumpkin Patch Field Trip

Fall Festival

Parent/Teacher Conferences

NOVEMBERThanksgiving Feast*Join us for lunch

DECEMBERWinter Celebration

JANUARY

FEBRUARYParents night out (extended childcare)

MARCHParent / Teacher Conferences

APRILTransition to Kindergarten Workshop / Parent Meeting

MAYParent/Teacher Conferences

Muffins for Moms

JUNETransition Celebration

Donuts for Dad

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