“Little Paws”
Learning Center
Parent Handbook
2015-2016
A Learning Lab for Early Childhood Education
At Ridgeview High School
PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Little Paws Childcare center is based on the development of the whole child. Experiences are provided that enhance each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and creative development. Recognition must be given to the fact that each child learns at his own rate, and our primary responsibility is to develop a positive self- concept in every child.
MISSION STATEMENT Little Paws has been established at Ridgeview High School to serve as a learning laboratory for students in the Early Childhood Education program and to provide a safe, secure environment and quality educational child care for the children of Clay County School employees.
GOALS 1. To help to establish a foundation for children to develop social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills.
2. For children to be involved in a variety of age appropriate enrichment activities as developed by the child care assistant, childcare aides, high school students and their teacher.
3. To give high school students an opportunity to make observations, assessments, and have supervised hands-on training of young children in a learning laboratory.
PROGRAM The “Little Paws” learning lab will provide a 5-day per week care for children ages two through school age. Children will be provided with a variety of activities including art, drama, music, story time, physical fitness, computer programs and cultural awareness.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or disability.
Hours of Operation:
6:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
*Please note: As designated by the county, we are open until 4:15 as a courtesy to the Junior High School teachers and others who may have difficulty getting here prior to that time. You are expected to pick up your child/children at the end of your designated work day, as there are no high school students providing assistance after 1:40pm.
Monday – Friday
(Teacher/student workdays only)
Children should arrive by 7:30am each morning (VPK must arrive by 7:30am) in order to participate in the variety of activities necessary for the optimal educational and social experience. If your child will be arriving after 7:30am, please make sure that he/she has breakfast prior to arrival. If a child has not arrived by 8:30am this will indicate that other care has been arranged for the child outside of the center unless we received notification at an earlier date.
Tuition and Fees: Registration fee is payable upon registration and is non-refundable. This fee insures your child’s placement in addition to covering the costs of processing the application for admission, supplies, etc. Fees are assessed at a yearly rate of $3600.00 payable only by payroll deduction at a rate of $180.00 per pay period for 20 pay periods. VPK students will be charged a reduced rate of $130.00/pay period.
Late Pick-Up Fees: Parents who pick up their children after regular closing time are charged a late fee for the time after closing. A minimum of $10.00 will be charged for the first 5 minutes and an additional $1.00/minute for each minute after. This fee is payable directly to the center and must be paid in cash. The fee is too paid immediately or the next day.
Withdrawal: In the event of long-term absences, (maternity leave, extended sick leave, etc.) withdrawal or dismissal from the center it is the responsibility of the parent to contact the county payroll department in order to have payroll deductions stopped. Should it become necessary to withdraw your child for any reason, a two week written notice must be given to the director of the center. Tuition is due and payable during the two week notice period. Prepaid tuition is non-refundable. We reserve the right to dismiss any child, should it be deemed necessary, at the discretion of the center director and school principal. Every effort will be made to work with the parents to prevent this from happening.
MEALS: Little Paws meets your child’s nutritional needs for the part of the day he or she spends in the school by maintaining or exceeding menu standards set by the USDA. The school provides a nutritious lunch (prepared by our school cafeteria) and a morning snack. Because we are required to maintain USDA standards, foods from home or restaurants are unacceptable for lunchtime except by a doctor’s written request or on special occasions.
*Mid-morning/Afternoon snack: The center will provide your child with a mid-morning snack. Parents will provide 2-64oz. bottles of 100% juice at the beginning of each month for use during snack time. Parents will be assigned a week to provide afternoon snacks for all children in the center. This way, each family is only responsible for snacks one week during the year.
Breakfast: If you would like for your child to eat breakfast on campus, parents are asked to bring a box of their child’s favorite cereal or other appropriate breakfast food. We will provide bowls, spoons and milk. Again, we ask that breakfast foods be a nutritious choice. Breakfast will be served until 7:30 a.m.
DRESS CODE: At Little Paws your child will have many opportunities to experience a variety of activities. We ask that all children wear clothes that are comfortable and washable play clothes that he or she can manage by him or herself. (Children who are potty trained often times have accidents because they can’t remove clothing because of complicated belts, zippers etc.
Weather permitting, children will play outside daily. Please be sure to provide your child with proper clothing (sweater, jacket, hat, mittens for cooler temperatures). Shoes and clothing should also be appropriate for outdoor play. Girls need to wear shorts under their dresses.
Please have your child wear toed shoes with rubber soles that are securely tied or fastened (tennis shoes). For your child’s safety, please NO dress shoes, sandals, boots, thongs, earrings or other jewelry. Children are drawn to shiny articles, and we will not be responsible for injuries or the loss of jewelry. While we attempt to protect their clothes during arts and crafts and play periods, children sometimes have accidents. Each child will need to bring one complete set of extra clothing. Please include underwear, pants, shirt and socks. Please label all clothing. Soiled clothing will be sent home at the end of the day in child’s backpack. Please remember to bring a clean set the next day.
Backpack/School Bag- Each child should bring his/her own standard size backpack to school each day. Please do not use oversized backpacks or the roller/luggage type, as they will not fit in the space available for cubbies. (Those children who are in diapers will bring in their own supply and wet wipes, which will be kept in the changing area). This backpack will be used to send home your child’s papers, school notices, calendars, permission slips, receipts and any extra attire your child may bring. This bag will be sent home daily. We ask parents to make a practice of looking at the materials in the bag daily for important information. This is an opportunity for you to review and praise your child’s work. Sheets and blankets from rest time will be placed in the child’s backpack on Friday’s for laundering. You may return them in the backpack each Monday.
TOYS: Children should not bring personal toys, including stuffed animals to school, as this often causes problems. “Show and Tell” will be scheduled and your child’s teacher will inform you of the dates. Your child’s teacher may allow toys of special interest if they coincide with the weekly theme. Any toys brought to the center should fit in the child’s backpack. Please look for special notices if toys are allowed.
REST PERIODS: There will be rest period each day after lunch for the children. Each child will be expected to rest quietly on cots. This allows those who need to sleep the opportunity to do so. It is suggested your child bring a small blanket for their mat.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS & IMMUNIZATION: State law requires all children must have a current immunization form (HD680) showing adequate protection against several diseases. This form can be completed by the child’s physician or health department clinic. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure their child’s shot record is up to date. An FDH Certificate of Medical Exam (HD For 3040) is also required for each child. These forms must be presented on the first day of childcare.
ILLNESS: Your child’s health is most important to us. If your child becomes ill or has an accident while they are in our care, Little Paws will take the proper action as deemed necessary by our staff or the high school nurse. If we find it necessary to contact you and are unable to do so the school will attempt to secure the necessary medical attention and care for your child. Parents will assume full responsibility for payment of medical services.
It is imperative for parents to advise the center of any changes in telephone numbers, addresses, and/or persons authorized to pick up the child.
Children who become ill may not remain at school nor will they be admitted. No child with a temperature above 100 F. will be allowed to remain at school. If a child becomes ill during the day a parent will be notified to pick up their child immediately. In such an event, your child will be isolated from the other children until you arrive. A child who has been sent home due to fever they may not return to the center until they are fever free for 24 hours.
You may not bring a child to the center that has:
· had a fever within past 24 hours
· intestinal disturbance accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea
· an undiagnosed rash other than mild diaper or heat rash
· sore or discharging eyes or ears, profuse colored nasal discharge
· chicken pox until all lesions are dry and crusted
· lice or scabies until medical treatment has been started
· strep throat until at least 48 hours after the start of medication or 24 hours after injection
MEDICATION: Our staff is not trained to dispense medication according to School Board policy. Therefore, No Medications will be given by our staff. Please talk with your physician to adjust any medications they may prescribe for your child.
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT: By Florida law, we are required to report to the Department of Children and Family Services any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect.
DISCIPLINE POLICY: Verbal or physical punishment is not permitted in Little Paws childcare center. We encourage the use of positive reinforcement, redirection, and if necessary the use of “time out” to teach self-control and build self-esteem concepts. If “time out” is used the child may be placed in a designated chair for one minute of time for every year of age. Parents will be notified in the event of severe or persistent behavioral problems. Behaviors which repeatedly endanger the safety of other children, staff, or the high school student assistants will not be tolerated. Corrective measures will be discussed at a parent conference, and repeated problems may result in dismissal from the center. Please note: If a child is dismissed from one of the county’s child care centers, he/she is not permitted to attend another center maintained by the Clay County School Board.
CUSTODIAL PARENTS: Little Paws is committed to protecting all children in our care. If your child does not live with both natural parents, evidence of custody must be presented. A copy of the custody decree/visitation schedule will be maintained in the child’s permanent file.
BIRTHDAYS/SPECIAL OCCASIONS: Birthday parties are welcomed and encouraged. Please make arrangements at least one week in advance with the teacher. No cakes – mini cupcakes or other treats are appropriate. Several times each year we have special celebrations and parents will be asked to volunteer to bring in supplies. Lists will be posted at the sign in area.
SPECIAL DATES TO REMEMBER:
AUGUST 10-14– CLOSED during preplanning
AUGUST 17-21 –Students bring their own lunch
AUGUST 17– First day for children
OCTOBER 12, January 4&5, April 4-CLOSED for Planning / Inservice Days
March 14 - March 18 - CLOSED for Spring Break
Friday June 3– Last day for students
Thursday, June 6 – CLOSED Last day for teachers
December 18 AND June 3 we will close at 1:00
We are also CLOSED for All school holidays
Beverly Workman,Director
[email protected]
Sandra Davis, Co-Director
[email protected]
Little Paws Telephone
213-5299 (center)/ 213-5298