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. Full day childcare with a preschool curriculum is provided for the benefit of children, parents and the community. We also offer a preschool-only program for children ages three to kindergarten, in addition to 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 enhance the child's experience and appreciation of themselves, and the world they live in.

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 6:00 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 the Director. The Director supervises the Assistant Director and the teaching staff. The Directors 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 20 children	20
K-12 years	1 Teacher for 20 children	20

AVAILABLE Preschool/Childcare:

We offer full time (5 days a week) and part time (less than five days a week) childcare for children from 15 months through 6 years of age (pre-k). This program remains open when public school is closed.

Note: Preference is given to those children enrolling in full-time child 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. Enrollment in our preschool/childcare does not guarantee a spot in our before/after school care when your child enters into Kindergarten.

Preschool-Only: We offer a morning preschool-only program. Our Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning program is designed for ages four and five and 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 program are 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.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. Once a child has been placed into the before and after/Summer program that child is in it until they reach the maximum age or they are removed by their parent. If our enrollment age would change your child would be grandfathered in at the age that our enrollment age was when your child eentered the program.

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 pay a field trip fee in addition to the regular fees.

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 and dramatic play
Cognitive Development – language, math and science concepts
Social and Emotional Growth – sharing, listening and enhancing self-esteem
Motor Skills – developing large and small muscle skills
Self-help and Conceptual Skills – hygiene, curiosity and memory
Computers – 3, 4 and 5 year old rooms, and the school-age rooms

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 may 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.

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.

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 stuffed item marked with the child’s name. Parents will be responsible for taking these items home weekly for laundering.
Toothbrush. This item will need replaced periodically.
Diapers and wipes

P0LICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. Registration
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, when enrolling more than one child at a time, prior to enrollment. Health forms must be provided prior to the child attending the Center or have an appointment scheduled with a physician. It is also recommended the child(ren) visit the center before the first day of attendance.

2. Tuition

Starting January 2, 2012, payments for automatic withdrawal (ACH) will begin. Weekly charges will be posted on Monday every week. In the event of a holiday falling on a Monday, charge will be posted on the next business day. The monthly charges will be posted on the 1st business day of every month.

In the event that tuition is not paid in full, families will be charged a $30 NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) fee and have one week to reconcile accounts and return to a zero balance. Failure to pay the week’s tuition by Friday of the same week will result in a temporary suspension for the child/children. Children can be re-enrolled if the tuition balance is paid in full by the following Friday. The child’s/children’s spot may be given to another family if the tuition balance is not paid in full by the second Friday. Habitual NSF occurrences may jeopardize child’s/children’s enrollment.

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 one week of vacation time each calendar year.
- Each child receives one week at the discounted rate after 6 months of enrollment.
- Vacation must be taken in a block of five consecutive days.
- These days do not have to be in the same week.
- The tuition fee will be free for that one week.

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.

3. Methods of Payment
Starting January 2, 2012, electronic funds transfer (ACH) will be used for tuition payments.

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 12:00 a.m.. Late fees may be assessed when children are picked up after these times.

Late fees may 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 may 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 may 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 each of the lower rated siblings. However, sibling discounts do not apply to out of school charges. Discounts will apply on Christmas and Spring break weeks.

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
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, a staff member will call you each time to inquire on your child’s absence.

Please, give advance notification to the center before the school bus arrives.

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE

The following procedure is for your child’s protection:
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 in the office or in a hallway. 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. Every child should wash their hands upon arrival to the center.

Licensing requires that parents must sign their children in and out every day they attend. Please do this on the keypad or attendance sheets located in the reception area.

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. If the pick-up person changes through out the day, please call the center and speak with the Director or Assistant Director.

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. As per DCFS licensing standards, 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. Your child must stay with you at all times during departure.

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 and the day after
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

We will close at 1:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve Day. If New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Christmas Eve, 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. We reserve the right to make changes when necessary to the menu with out notice.

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 breakfast, lunch, morning snack and afternoon snack. Breakfast is served at 7:15, morning snack is served at 9:00, lunch is served at 11:00, and afternoon snack is served at 3:00. If you intend for your child to eat these meals please be sure they are here at those times.
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 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 and redirected 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 or 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.

Diarrhea: You will be notified after the first incidence of diarrhea. Your child must be picked up after the second episode.
May return when: Free from diarrhea for 24 hours.

Vomiting: You will be notified and the child must be picked up after the first incidence of vomiting.
May return when: Free from vomiting 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. All containers must be labeled with the child's first and last name. 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, the Director, and by the person picking up the child on the day of the incident. 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 the hospital specified on the child’s enrollment forms. If there is not a specified hospital on the forms the child will be taken to 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, WBGL (91.7 FM), and WIXY (100.3 FM) radio and WCIA (ch. 3) and WICD (ch. 15) TV. In most circumstances, the Center will remain open. 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. We provide sunscreen for the children at our center. It is applied before going outside to play. Children are encouraged to bring hats and sunglasses for 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 ORGINIZATION (PIO)

POPCELC’S parents have organized a group of parent volunteers who have become involved in providing after-hour activities, center fundraisers, and craft activities for each classroom. 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 Group 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 is 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.