PARENT HANDBOOK
Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center
Policies and Procedures
OVERVIEW
Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center (hereafter referred to as the
Center) is a Christian-based, not-for-profit childcare and learning center for
all children, regardless of denomination. The program was established in 2002 as
an outreach ministry of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. We provide full
childcare with a preschool curriculum for the benefit of children, parents and
the community. We provide a preschool-only program for children ages three to
kindergarten and a before- and after-school care program for children ages
kindergarten through fifth grade as well as a summer program. Our Center’s
operating hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, year
round. Our Center is licensed to service children between the ages of 15 months
and 12 years of age.
MISSION AND GOALS
Mission Statement of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
We are a family of believers united to know Christ and to make Him known.
The Center’s Early Learning Program is one that strives to provide a safe,
nurturing environment where developmentally appropriate practice and curriculum
are the basis of learning, and the love of Jesus Christ is experienced in many
ways. Parents and teachers work together to be the best they can be in order to
enhance the child’s experience and appreciation of themselves and the world.
The Center strives to provide children with a stimulating, developmentally
appropriate environment that will provide them with experiences that will aid in
achieving their full potential as God’s children. We believe each child is a
person of value and should have every opportunity to develop physically,
mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in a happy, secure, Christ-centered
environment.
We strive to provide for each child:
Respect for his/her individual needs.
A climate of positive interaction between the child, his/her teacher(s) and
his/her peers.
Opportunities to gradually move from the family unit to the larger world, learn
trust and identify with persons other than his/her parents and family members.
A nutritious food program promoting family-style meals and good eating habits.
Opportunities for socializing with other children in a Christian,
developmentally appropriate setting.
A safe, loving and caring environment that offers stimulating learning
experiences in the following areas: sensory, cognitive, self-help, social,
emotional and physical development
Christian development through God’s word
Self confidence and self esteem
Self expression through language and dramatic play
Enthusiasm and creativity
Responsibility and independence
Cooperation, sharing and self control
We strive to provide for parents:
A nurturing, Christ-centered atmosphere for their children while they pursue
work or studies.
Opportunities to meet and work with other parents and teachers who have as their
common concern the interests and needs of children.
A foundation of partnership with childcare staff and church members based upon
mutual trust and recognition.
We strive to provide for the community:
A program that contributes to the wholesome growth and development of its future
citizens.
A response to the community’s need for quality, affordable child care for an
increasing number of families with diverse backgrounds.
A setting where people of varying backgrounds can work together.
Dedication: The Center’s staff is dedicated to the mission of serving our Lord
through the caring for children and their families. May the Lord bless our time
together.
MANAGEMENT
The Center is governed by the Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center
Board of Managers. The Board of Managers is elected at the Annual Meeting of the
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church held in January. Monthly Board meetings are held
on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., and Board members are expected
to attend. The Board of Managers believes that parental involvement is important
to the successful operation of the day care program and encourages parents to
attend the monthly Board meetings. Portions of the monthly Board meeting may be
held in executive session for confidentiality reasons.
The Center’s daily operations are conducted and monitored by a Director. The
Director supervises an Assistant Director and the teaching staff. The Director
reports to the Board of Managers and attends the Board’s monthly meeting.
STAFFING AND GROUP SIZE
The heart of our program is our staff, comprised of both professional and
paraprofessional educators whose varied backgrounds assure a balanced mix of
skills and talents. Staff is selected for experience, motivation and genuine
love for young children. A staff member who is certified in First Aid and
Infant/Child and Adult CPR is required to be on site at all times. Every staff
member who is present with children, including volunteers, must submit to a
criminal background check and receive information on child abuse procedures
The Center is staffed to ensure the optimum care and safety of the children in
our care at all times. The Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS)
standards for staff/child ratios and group sizes are presented below. The
staff/child ratios and group sizes at the Center will never exceed these
standards.
Age Staff to Child Ratio Max. Group Size
15 Months 1 Teacher for 5 children 10
2 1 Teacher for 8 children 16
3 1 Teacher for 10 children 20
4 1 Teacher for 10 children 20
5 (Pre-K) 1 Teacher for 10 children 20
K-12 years 1 Teacher for 20 children 20
Preschool/Childcare: We offer full time (5 days a week) childcare for children
from 15 months through 6 (pre-k) and part time (2 or 3 full days a week) when
space allows. This program remains open when public school is closed.
Note: Preference is given to those children enrolling in full-time day care. A
limited number of spaces are reserved for part-time attendance, and these spaces
are divided into part-time spaces at the discretion of the Center. The Center
reserves the right to cancel part-time care with a two week notice to the
parents whenever it is determined that it is detrimental to the Center’s
functioning.
Preschool-Only: We offer a morning preschool-only program. Our Monday,
Wednesday, Friday morning program is designed primarily for ages
four and five. Our Tuesday and Thursday morning program is designed for ages
three and four. This program is held in the same classroom as our before and
after school program. Therefore, we will follow the St. Joseph Elementary School
calendar for days of attendance. Whenever the grade school is closed, our
preschool-only program will also be closed. Session hours for the morning
preschool programs are 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Before/After School Care: We offer a before and after school care program for
children school age through 12 years of age. Busing to and from school is
provided by the St. Joseph School District for a fee paid to the School
District. When school is not in session, these children are allowed to stay the
full day at an additional daily rate.
Summer School Age Program: This program services children who have completed
kindergarten through 12 years of age. This is an intricate summer program
offering review and practice of school skills including numerous field trips and
excursions. Parents are required to purchase a pool pass and to pay a field trip
fee in addition to the regular fees.
Children with Special Needs: At our Center we believe every child is a gift from
God. Children with special needs may be accepted after an evaluation is made by
the Director to determine whether or not the Center can meet the child’s needs
as well as the needs of the group. Professional evaluations may be required to
aid in this evaluation.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum of our Center is flexible, child-centered and caring. As a
Christian-based program, we will vividly present God’s word through an
age-appropriate, refreshing perspective in everyday themes such as Community
Helpers, Nutrition, etc., and Christian themes such as Heroes of the Bible,
Prayer, Forgiveness, etc. Each theme will meet the spiritual, physical,
emotional, cognitive and social needs of each child, providing them with the
foundation for future success in all aspects of life.
Your child will find a safe, nurturing, stimulating environment in the
classroom. Each day the curriculum will provide him/her with activities and
experiences that foster:
Creative Expression – art, music, dramatic play
Cognitive Development – language-math-science concepts
Social and Emotional Growth – sharing, listening, enhancing self-esteem
Motor Skills – developing large and small muscle skills
Self-help and Conceptual Skills – hygiene, curiosity, memory
Computers – 3, 4, 5 year old rooms and before and after school room
We believe that play is a child’s work. Much of our educational program is
presented through play activities that engage children through active
participation. Please dress your child in simple, sturdy clothes so he/she can
participate freely in all activities. Getting dirty is acceptable and to be
expected. Please refer to the section Clothing/Personal Articles for more
information.
It is through play and daily experiences that children begin to make sense of
the world around them. That is why in addition to our regular program we will
extend our curriculum through field trips and participation in community events.
DAILY ITEMS NEEDED
Parents need to provide the following items for their children:
A complete change of clothing in case it is needed. Please write your child’s
name in them so they will not get lost.
A blanket and/or a special naptime toy marked with the child’s name. Parents
will be responsible for taking this item home weekly for laundering.
Sunscreen
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
To enroll your child, you will meet with a Center management staff person who
will explain and provide to you the various forms needed on file for your
child’s safety and appropriate placement in the program. These forms document
family data, emergency contacts, and information about your child’s background,
interests and medical history. Other forms requiring your agreement and
signature detail some of your specific responsibilities to POPCELC, its
operations, and the procedures used to safeguard your child. Parents must
complete the registration packet available from the Center management and pay a
registration fee of $30 per child or $50 per family. Health forms must be
provided prior to the child attending the Center.
FEE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
At registration you will pay a non-refundable enrollment fee of $30 or $50. Upon
enrollment, two weeks’ tuition is charged; this covers the child’s first and
last week at the Center. At this time your child will be placed in a class if
space is available; if there are no spaces available, all fees will be postponed
and your child will be placed on a waiting list. When an opening becomes
available Center management will contact you. Siblings of current students will
be given priority when enrolling.
1. Tuition
All fees are payable in advance. Payment is due on Thursday of each week for the
following week’s tuition. If fees are not paid on Thursday, a one-day grace
period will be allowed. Any fees not paid by Monday of the following week at
8:00 a.m. will be assessed a $10 late charge for each day the payment is late.
Upon enrollment in the full day childcare/preschool program, two weeks’ tuition
is charged which covers the child’s first and last week at the Center. In order
for the last week’s tuition to be applied to your account, a two-week notice of
withdrawal must be given to the Center.
Upon enrollment in the preschool-only program, only the first month fee is
required. If your child is withdrawn after the start of the month, you waive
your right to a refund of the remaining amount of your monthly fee.
POPCELC allows parents two weeks’ vacation time each year.
Each child receives two weeks at the discounted rate after 6 months of
enrollment.
Vacation must be taken in a block of five consecutive days.
Your fee will be 50% of your regular rate.
If childcare is paid by DCFS, CCRS or a scholarship, a discount is not
available.
Your regular fee is due even if your child is absent due to illness or other
cause, or if a holiday falls during the week. His/her place in the classroom is
held, even during their absence.
If the Center is closed due to inclement weather, tuition will not be
reimbursed.
2. Methods of Payment
The Center will accept cash or a personal check or money order made payable to
Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center (or POPCELC).
3. Returned Checks
If the bank returns a check to POPCELC, the parent will be notified and will be
charged a $25 NSF fee. If two (2) checks are returned, alternate arrangements
for payment must be made with the Director.
4. Late Pick-Up Fees
Children enrolled in the full day program must be picked up by 6:00 p.m.
Children enrolled in the preschool-only program must be picked up by 11:00 a.m.
(morning class) or 2:30 p.m. (afternoon class). Late fees will be assessed when
children are picked up after these times.
Late fees will be charged at the rate of $15 per child for the first 15 minutes,
or portion thereof, and $1 per minute for each additional minute after the
initial 15 minutes. For example, a parent that picks up two children at 6:20
p.m. will be charged $40.
The second late incident will result in a late charge of $25 per child for the
first 15 minutes, or portion thereof, and $2 per child for each additional
minute.
The third incident will result in automatic termination of enrollment, with the
option to petition the Board of Managers within one business day for
reinstatement. The decision for reinstatement requires a majority vote from the
POPCELC Board of Managers.
5. Discounts
Families with more than 1 child enrolled in the center at the same time will
receive a 10% discount on the lowest rate.
ATTENDANCE
POPCELC is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To receive
full benefit from the full day program, children should arrive no later than
9:00 a.m. Please call the Center if your child is ill or if your child will be
arriving later than 9:00 a.m.
To receive full benefit from our preschool-only program, children should arrive
no later than 8:30 a.m. for the morning class and 12:00 noon for the afternoon
class.
If your child is attending the before/after school program and your child will
not be riding the bus to the Center after school, you must submit the absence in
writing or call the Center to inform them of your child’s absence. If you do not
notify the Center, the Director or Assistant Director will call you each time to
inquire on your child’s absence.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
The following procedure is for your child’s protection:
Parents must accompany their child into/out of the classroom at arrival and
departure time. When bringing your child to the Center each day, it is important
that you leave the child with a teacher. Do not just drop off your child. If you
arrive at a time the teacher is not present in the classroom, do not leave the
child in the room unattended. Children must be brought to designated classrooms
by the parent or designated adult and should be accepted by the teacher. Please
help your child hang up his/her coat and place any personal items in his/her
cubby.
Licensing requires that parents must sign their children in and out every day
they attend. Please do this on the attendance sheets located in the reception
area.
No one under 18 years of age may pick up your child. If someone other than you
is picking up your child, please make sure that they are on the pick-up list and
that they are prepared to show picture ID.
Parents who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may take their
child if another adult who does not appear influenced accompanies them. Staff
may call another adult if requested. A designated emergency contact person may
be called and asked to escort the child home. If the parent does not cooperate,
then the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department and Child and Family Services
will be notified.
If a child resides in a single-parent household and the non-custodial parent
does not have legal rights to pick up the child, a copy of the court-mandated
custodial order must be placed in the child’s file upon enrollment. Without
documentation, we cannot legally prevent the non-custodial parent from picking
up the child. If documentation is given and the non-custodial parent comes to
pick up the child, the Director will explain the situation and ask the parent to
leave. If the parent refuses to leave, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office
will be contacted. The Center reserves the right to refuse services if the
information is not provided.
When picking up your child, be sure a teacher acknowledges the child is leaving.
Please check for information posted by staff each day when you sign your child
out and be sure to check his/her cubby for items that are being sent home.
If you are going to be away from home or work for the day, be sure to leave a
phone number where you can be reached in case of illness or emergency. Please
call the Center if your child will be absent for the day as well.
LATE PICK-UP POLICY
If circumstances prevent you from picking up your child by 6:00 p.m., you should
notify us as soon as possible and make arrangements for your child to be picked
up by another person. If you fail to contact us, the staff has been instructed
to:
Remain at the Center with the child until 6:30 p.m. while continuing to try to
locate the parents.
Try to contact the designated person to be called in case of emergency.
Request that the designated person pick up the child.
Leave a note on the main entrance and classroom door stating when and where the
child has been taken and in whose care the child has been left.
If the parents or other designated persons cannot be located, as a last resort,
a staff member will contact the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department for
assistance.
Hopefully, you will never find yourself in a situation where you cannot be
reached; however, it is a good idea to inform the designated persons that they
will be responsible for your child in case of emergency. Late pick-up fees
apply.
HOLIDAYS
The Center is closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
We will close at 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Eve Day. If New
Year’s Day, Independence Day or Christmas Day falls on a weekend, the Monday or
Friday closest to the actual holiday will be the observed holiday. Tuition is
not discounted for holidays.
CHANGE IN PROGRAM OR SCHEDULE
Parents must give two (2) weeks notice, in writing, if they are interested in
changing from a part-time position to a full-time position or vice versa. We
cannot guarantee that a position will be available to switch to or from,
whichever the case may be. Changes will not be made for a period of two weeks or
less. Changes in enrollment will not be permitted for the purpose of avoiding
payment for established holidays.
WITHDRAWAL
All parents must give the Center two (2) weeks paid notice when withdrawing
their child in order to receive credit for the final week’s tuition deposit that
was paid upon enrollment. Notice of withdrawal must be in writing.
TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT
The Center, in accordance with regulation Section 407.250 of the Illinois
Department of Children and Family Services Licensing Standards, maintains the
rights to terminate enrollment of a child/family if it is determined by the
Center’s Director, in consultation with the Center’s Board of Managers, that
such termination would be in the best interest of the child/family and/or the
Center. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Discharge Procedures
shall be followed.
CHANGES IN ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBERS
Please keep the Center informed when you have a change of address, employment or
telephone number. The Center’s records must be kept current in case you should
need to be reached at any time. The Center will not be responsible for anything
that may happen as a result of false information given at the time of
enrollment, or failure of parents to advise the Center of a change of work
location, place of residence, or family status.
MEAL SERVICE
The Center offers well-rounded and nutritious meals and snacks. All meals are
freshly prepared and meet State and Federal guidelines. A copy of the menu will
be posted on the Parent Information Board in the entrance area, at the sign-in
counter and outside your child’s classroom.
Our meal service is an important part of our daily routine. In addition to
providing nourishment, our teachers use mealtime for learning. Teachers eat
family style with the children, inviting conversation and encouraging them to
try new foods and praising them for the use of good manners. Encouraging
toddlers to use a cup, spoon and fork and preschoolers to clean up after
themselves fosters self-help skills.
On your child’s birthday you may, if you wish, provide cake, cookies or other
special snacks for the class. DCFS requires that all treats be store bought and
in original containers. No homemade treats may be served.
Dietary modifications due to allergies are accommodated whenever possible with
written verification from the child’s physician. Vegetarian alternatives can be
given on a regular basis if a written request is given by the parent. If
modification of an entire diet is needed for severe allergies such as nuts or
wheat, the parent may be asked to provide their child’s meals.
Your tuition will cover the cost of lunch, morning snack and afternoon snack. As
an additional service to our families we offer breakfast at a charge of $1 per
child per day. Breakfast starts at 7:15 a.m. and ends at 7:45 a.m. The
additional charge will be added to your account at the end of each month.
You are welcome to join us for lunch. We ask that you simply make a reservation
with the Director in advance so the cook can have enough food prepared. The cost
for an adult meal is $2.
REST TIME
Licensing guidelines require that all children under six years of age who are
not enrolled in kindergarten or elementary school and who remain at the Center
for five or more hours shall have the opportunity to rest or nap. Children three
years of age or older should generally not nap for more than two hours or rest
without sleeping for more than 60 minutes. Children in this age group who do not
fall asleep and have rested quietly will be permitted to get up. They will
participate in quiet activities, which will not disturb the resting children.
Each child will have a cot, which is labeled with his/her name as well as a
sheet and small blanket. Children are welcome to bring a small, soft animal,
doll, blanket or pillow to use during rest time. Please label each item and
leave irreplaceable items at home, as we cannot be responsible for lost or
damaged items brought from home. All Center sheets and blankets will be
laundered once a week (with the exception of soiled bedding which will be washed
immediately) and the cots will be disinfected. Items from home need to be taken
home once a week for laundering as well.
We will provide a quiet, calm atmosphere for the children to rest. Lights will
be down, quiet music will be playing and teachers will move around the room and
rub the children’s backs (if desired) to help them rest.
DISCIPLINE/BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Center strongly believes in positive guidance for children. We are dedicated
to behavioral management that is positive and guided by the attitude that
disliking an action does not challenge the love or acceptance of your child.
Methods of discipline used will center on communication, stressing positive
behavior, redirection, or removal from a negative situation.
Physical punishment will not be used. No child will be shamed, humiliated, or
left unsupervised for inappropriate behavior. No child will be punished for
lapses in toilet training. It is our staff’s goal, whenever possible, to explain
to a child why a particular behavior is not allowed, suggest an alternative, and
assist the child in choosing an acceptable activity.
At times when a child’s behavior is threatening to himself, others, or the
activity in progress, that child will be removed from the situation to a
different area of the room (time out-one minute per child’s age). The process of
removing a child from his/her current location interrupts the child’s
unacceptable behavior and actions.
If behavior problems persist or are severe, the Director will schedule a meeting
with the parents and the caregiver to discuss helpful ways of working with the
child. Progress will be monitored and reported to parents frequently. In very
extreme cases, a child may be removed from the Center’s program.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
In preparation for enrollment at the Center:
Each child must have a medical examination dated less than six months prior to
enrollment. A physical examination form is provided by DCFS and must be returned
to the Center prior to enrollment. If a child transfers from another center, the
medical report may be used if it is less than one year old. The medical report
is valid for two years.
The medical report shall indicate the child is current on all immunizations
required by Public Health. These include polio, measles, rubella, mumps,
diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, influenza B, hepatitis B and chicken pox. DCFS
also requires a lead assessment and T.B. test with each child’s initial
physical. Physicians may provide a written waiver for children’s files, if they
do not feel that a T.B. test of lead assessment is necessary.
You will be notified when your child is due for new physicals and/or
immunizations. If your child has additional immunizations after enrollment,
please have your physician note this on stationery for our records.
WELLNESS POLICY
Should your child(ren) develop one or more of the following symptoms or
conditions while at the Center, we will contact you to arrange for your child to
be picked up. If we are unable to reach either parent within 15 minutes, we will
begin contacting emergency pick-up persons. Your child(ren) must be picked up
within one hour, or the late pick-up fee will be added. Please be sure to inform
us who is picking up your child, even if they are authorized to do so.
Fever: Temperature of 101 F (oral) or Temperature of 100 F (under the arm)
May return when: Fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea: You will be notified after the first incidence of
vomiting and/or diarrhea. Your child must be picked up after the second episode.
May return when: Free from vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours.
Conjunctivitis (Pink eye): Unusual tearing of the eyelid lining, irritation
followed by swelling and/or discharge.
May return when: Child has been treated for 24 hours with antibiotic eye drops
or gel.
Skin Rashes: Yellowish, unusual or persistent rash, severe itching of body or
scalp, potential infectious skin patches that are crusty, dry, scabbed, weepy or
gummy.
May return when: Note from medical provider indicating child is not contagious
or condition is resolved.
Impetigo: Blistery rash that when blisters are open produces a thick, golden
yellow, discharge that dries and adheres to skin.
May return: 24 hours after treatment has begun and there is no discharge.
Head Lice: Tiny insects that live primarily on the head and scalp that appear as
tiny white or dark ovals are especially noticeable on the back of the neck and
around the ears.
May return when: All family members including the child infected have been
treated, all cleaning measures at home and in vehicles have been completed and
all nits (eggs) have been removed from the child’s hair.
Information on proper cleaning and treatment is available in the office.
.
Chicken Pox: Blister-like rash or bumps may be accompanied by low-grade fever.
May return when: After 6 days if all blisters are completely scabbed.
R.S.V (Respiratory Synctial Virus):
Infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract ranging from a cold to a
serious respiratory illness.
Note: In the event of a respiratory emergency, the child will be taken to Carle
Foundation Hospital to be evaluated/treated.
May return: Note received from medical provider stating that condition has been
resolved.
If your child displays any combination of the following symptoms, the teacher
may phone you. This way we can best decide treatment for you child.
Nose: Stuffy, runny nose, watery eyes.
Throat: Sore throat or trouble swallowing.
Non-specific symptoms: Exhibits unusual behavior such as crankiness, less
active, cries more, loss of appetite, generally uncomfortable, severe head-ache,
watery eyes, stomach ache.
The Center follows the Universal Precaution Guidelines addressing the prevention
and management of the Aids Virus Infection. The routine for handling blood and
body fluids regardless of whether one is infected is as follows:
Disposable towels or tissues are used and properly discarded.
Disposable gloves are used by the staff to avoid the risk of having mucous
membranes or any skin lesions exposed to blood or body fluids.
When returning a child to the Center after an illness:
Children with colds or ears infections may attend the Center providing that they
can participate fully in the program. Parents are responsible for providing any
necessary medication for the child’s treatment or comfort.
Children with asthma or allergies may attend the Center providing that they can
participate fully in the program. Parents must make sure that they have
medication at the Center at all times in case of an attack or reaction. For this
purpose only, a special as-needed medication form is available.
MEDICATION
We may administer both prescription and over-the-counter medication if it is
provided in the original container. For safety reasons, please hand the
medication directly to a staff person. A medication permission form is available
at the Center’s office. Please fill the form out completely with dates and times
it needs to be administered. Staff will document when the medication has been
dispensed. A new form will need to be filled out weekly or when adding a new
medication.
*****Please note we will not give a dosage that is higher than what is
recommended on the bottle unless we have written consent on file from your
physician.
INSURANCE
The Center carries a Secondary Insurance Policy on each child enrolled in our
program. This means after a claim has been made to your insurance company any
costs not covered by your insurance should be covered by ours.
ACCIDENTS / EMERGENCIES
Our staff of caring professionals is committed to providing a safe environment
for your child(ren). It is common, however, for children to get bumps, scrapes,
and other minor injuries during the course of the day. Sometimes children
continue playing without realizing they are injured. Please realize that staff
may be unaware of these minor injuries if your child does not react or tell us
about it.
A written “Accident Report Form” will be filled out for any minor injuries that
reach the staff’s attention. This form will record how the accident occurred,
what first aid was administered, and which staff witnessed the accident. It will
then be signed by the witness and the Director. The original will be given to
the parent and a copy will be kept in the child’s file.
The child’s parent will be called to transport the child to the doctor in the
event of a non-life threatening injury requiring medical care. If a serious
injury occurs, we will contact 911 and the parent immediately. If we are unable
to reach the parent, an emergency contact person will be called. A staff member
will ride with the child in the ambulance and meet the parent or designated
person at Carle Foundation Hospital, 210 E. University Ave., Champaign, (217)
337-3911. It is extremely important that all phone numbers are up to date for
situations like this that may arise.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Fire: In case of fire, the children will be evacuated from the building in a
safe, expedient manner using the closest exit. An attendance check will then be
taken to ensure all children are accounted for. Emergency exit diagrams are
posted by each entrance and in each room in the Center. Once a month, a fire
drill is conducted to enable the children to familiarize themselves with the
routine in case an emergency evacuation is necessary.
Tornado: When there is a Tornado Warning for Champaign County we will
immediately go to our Tornado Shelter area. All children will be instructed to
sit facing the wall with their heads down and covered. We will conduct practice
drills once a month during the Severe Weather Season. You are welcome to join us
during a Tornado Warning if you happen to be picking up your child but please do
not remove your child from the building during a Warning for your safety and the
safety of your child.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In the event of a major weather event the Center may close entirely. Closings
will be announced on WDWS (1400 AM) and WBGL (91.7 FM) radio and WCIA (ch. 3)
and WICD (ch. 15) TV. Regular fees will be charged.
Preschool-only Program: When the St. Joseph Grade School #169 closes due to
weather conditions, the two-day/three day preschool-only programs will be closed
as well. When inclement weather begins after these children are at the Center,
parents will be called to pick up their child(ren). Regular fees will be
charged. Again, closings will be announced on the same radio and television
stations.
CLOTHING/PERSONAL ARTICLES
Children should be dressed in washable, easy-to-manage clothing suitable for
tumbling, climbing and crawling on the floor, as well as messy play with art
supplies. Children should wear shoes that have strong sturdy straps or laces (no
flip-flops or backless slide in shoes) to ensure their safety.
We are available to assist your child with bathroom procedures, but clothing
that will help your child be independent in this activity is best.
A complete change of clothing (including socks, underclothes, pants and a shirt)
must be kept at the Center. Even if a child is toilet trained, accidents and
spills occur. Children in the process of toilet training require two complete
changes of clothes and several extra pairs of training pants and plastic pants
or pull-ups.
Please be sure your child has outdoor clothing at the Center that is appropriate
for the season and temperature. We try to go outside every day except in extreme
temperatures, and we want your child to be prepared for the day.
Please label your child’s clothing and outerwear. The Center will not be
responsible for lost items. Do not leave personal items at the Center overnight
as other groups use the building after the Center is closed.
LARGE MOTOR PLAY
Children play outside every day except in extreme weather (below 32 degrees F
and above 90 degrees F, rain, high wind, etc.) Our playground is an extension of
our Center’s daily routine. Be sure your child has appropriate clothing for time
outdoors. Due to staffing demands, children are not allowed to stay indoors
while their class is outside. Children who come to the Center will be expected
to join the others in outdoor play. In extreme cases (i.e.: children with asthma
during leaf-burning), a child might be able to join another class while his/her
class goes outside, based on space availability.
FIELD TRIPS
Field Trips will be planned occasionally during the year. Your signature of
permission will be required. In some cases, there will be a small fee to cover
the cost of the trip itself and gas. The children will wear bright colored
t-shirts provided by the Center for easy identification purposes. If you do not
wish to have your child participate in the field trip, please notify the staff.
We are unable to accommodate children who do not wish to participate in a field
trip. If your child chooses not to participate in a field trip, you will need to
find alternate care. At times, parent volunteers will be needed to transport
children on field trips. If you are willing to do so, we will ask for a copy of
your insurance information and driver’s license.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT BOARD
POPCELC’S parents have organized a Board of parent volunteers who have become
involved in providing after-hour activities for the Center’s families. These
activities enrich the environment in the Center, the bonds with other families,
and expand the experiences for children who attend. If you wish to learn more
about this Board and how to get involved, please inquire with the Center
Director.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT/CONCERNS
Parents have the right and responsibility to ask questions of our staff when
they need our help or information. You are the child’s primary caregiver and
educator. Our Center respects your right and privilege to request any assistance
we may have available.
We want you to know and understand our policies and goals for your child, and
for you to feel comfortable discussing these topics with us. We want you to look
into our busy, happy, noisy, creative classrooms and see your child at play. We
want you to realize the validity of play and the importance of what your child
is learning. Parents and teachers together can help children develop to their
full potential. Parents are always welcome to stay and visit at the Center
anytime during the day. Just walk in and join us in our program. Your child will
enjoy sharing his/her day with you.
Any time you have any concerns, please inform our staff and/or the Director so
we can discuss them with you. We welcome any feedback on our program, and
encourage you to share your concerns with us.
If a concern arises and the parents are not satisfied with the action taken,
they should then discuss their concern with the Director. If the parent is not
satisfied with the Director’s response, the parent should submit the concern in
writing to the POPCELC Board of Managers. The Board of Managers will meet and
will respond to the parent’s concern(s). If the parent is still unsatisfied, the
parent may wish to remove the child from the program.
PARENT CONFERENCES
When you enroll your child, we assume the responsibility of giving you
assistance with the special needs in relation to your child’s school adjustment,
growth, and development. In the fall and spring, parents are given the
opportunity to sign up for formal parent-teacher conferences. If you choose to
request a conference, you will receive written progress reports and examples of
your child’s work to share and discuss. If there are concerns about your child’s
development, we may discuss professional evaluations that may help us better
meet his/her needs. There is a written consent form that would need to be signed
by the parent before any evaluation is conducted.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information concerning your child and your family is given to the Center in
strictest confidence. We do not release any information from you child’s file
without your permission.
Every parent has access to his/her child’s file on request. The staff are only
to discuss children with the parent and administration concerned. An appointment
will be set up with the staff and/or Director to review the file with you. It is
difficult for the staff to discuss your child when the child or other children
are present and during their regularly scheduled work hours. An appointment
would eliminate interruptions.
We do not allow any photographs or videotapes to be taken of the children
without prior parental consent. Parents will be required to sign a consent form
in the enrollment package giving permission for Center staff to take pictures of
your child while at play for use in the Center or on the Center’s website. All
pictures remain the property of the Center.
RESEARCH WORK
Periodically, college students may come to the Center to obtain information for
a research project. When this happens, the Center shall obtain written
permission from the parent or guardian of a child before any observation,
interview, or assessment begins.
Periodically, students from a recognized child care training program or and
educational institution (e.g. Parkland College, High School, etc.) may make
observational notes while at the Center as part of their studies. Only their
instructors use such observations as a tool in their assessment of the students.
The child’s identity will not be revealed in these observations. These students
are under the direct supervision of our staff, and prior consent of the parents
is not required.
FACILITY CLEANING / MAINTENANCE
In order to maintain a safe, clean environment, POPCELC reserves the right to
close the center one week per year. Fees will not be assessed during the closed
week and a three-month notice will be given.
PRINCE OF PEACE COMMUNITY EARLY LEARNING CENTER
802 E. Douglas, P.O. Box 803
St Joseph, Illinois 61873
217-469-9200 Fax: 217-469-8608
Hours 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prince of Peace Community Early Learning Center reserves the right to change
fees, provisions of this Parent Handbook, and operating practices at anytime,
without notice.