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Welcome
to Packers’ Pride Packers’ Philosophy At PACKERS’ The staff at
Packers’ Pride Child Care is continually trained in
basic growth and development, and will maintain appropriate expectations for
each individual child. We will provide an environment that is warm,
accepting, and respectful to both children and parents, and fosters a
partnership with families that creates security, independence and a positive
self-concept. All parents
are welcome to visit the childcare at any time. Packers’ Admission
Procedure Parents may
enroll children on a full or part-time basis. Drop ins will
be allowed only when staffing and space is available. Parents must
submit an enrollment agreement and a non-refundable registration fee.
Children will be enrolled regardless of nationality,
race, religion, or sex, on a first come, first serve basis. A waiting list
will be compiled for applicants exceeding our
license capacity and will be called in the order received when space is
available. It is the policy of Packers’ The Center
Director will arrange a meeting with the parents prior to admission to review
the Center’s policies and procedures, complete an enrollment agreement,
discuss and document the child’s development history, complete needed
paperwork and allow the parents and child the opportunity to explore the
school and meet the staff. Before a child may begin attending the center, it
is MANDATORY that we have the following items on file. Enrollment Agreement Child Information Card Health Appraisal Form Copy of Immunizations Enrollment
Agreement The enrollment
agreement includes a schedule of days and hours of care needed, rates for
childcare in full or half days, amount of monthly tuition including a non refundable registration fee, and beginning and end
dates of enrollment. The center and parents will receive a signed copy of the
agreement. Contract changes are sometimes necessary; the center will try to
accommodate the needs of every family. However, due to staffing and
enrollment it isn’t always possible. Each family
must have a signed contract on file. The signed agreement holds the parent or
guardian responsible for schedule of care, tuition and other fees. Please be
prompt with your payments, this allows the director more time to focus on
childcare. Registration Fee/Maintenance Fee Upon enrollment each family is required to pay a $25.00
non-refundable registration fee. This covers administrative costs and
paperwork for new enrollments. In March a
maintenance fee of $25.00 for 1 child and $5.00 off each same family child
will be assessed. This fee covers replacing broken equipment or purchasing
new items. Withdrawal
Procedures Parents
withdrawing children must give a two-week written notice to the Childcare
Center Director. If the child is being withdrawn due to some dissatisfaction,
with the quality of care received, THE PACKER’S PRIDE CHILD CARE CENTER staff
encourages parents to share (in person or writing) these concerns. Every
attempt will be made to meet the needs of families
and children. Any
non-communicated absence (beyond two weeks) will be grounds for termination.
The family may re-register if staffing and space is available. Any
non-payment of tuition and fees beyond 2 weeks will be grounds for
termination. Incorrigibility
of child or parent is ground for termination. Just as a
parent may have concerns about the care a child receives, the childcare staff
may have concerns about our ability to meet the needs of a particular child
or family. If the child indicates through behavior that his/her needs are not
being met, the parents and staff may need to
initiate a conference or series of conferences. The following format will be
followed: Initial Parent
Conference: To discuss a concern. This may be accomplished by request of the
parents or staff for documentation of behavior and eating or sleeping
patterns. Request will be made at this time by
either parents or staff that specific methods be implemented. Outside
Consultation: An educational
or counseling consultant may be contacted to help
with the process of determining the needs of the child. Second
Conference: The second
conference will be held to either discuss the
progress and plan for the future of the child at the Center, or make the
difficult decision that the child’s needs will not be met at this time, in
this program. Parents and staff should do their best to
continually communicate each child’s progress and changing needs in
order to better serve him/her. Hours/Holidays PACKERS’ Fees/Payments Parents will
be aware of the amounts of their payments and payment dates upon signing the
enrollment agreement. We request that parents make every attempt to make
these payments on time and in the correct amount. Late payments are
discouraged as they cause more administrative work for the childcare director
and distract her/him from the childcare focus. Families that qualify
for Child Care service will be expected to have their application for
Department of Human Services prior to their child’s first day of child care. Any fees not covered by DHS (registration,
maintenance, or late fees) must be paid on regular due dates by the parents.
Any percentage of childcare tuition not covered by DHS is also the
responsibility of the parents/guardian and to be paid
by the due date or late fees will be assessed. Arrival/Departure Parents must
always accompany their children into and out of the Center at all times. PLEASE
DO NOT bring your child
into the classroom before 7:30. Our staff may arrive early but this time is
used for preparation and we can not supervise your
child in the manner expected. A sign in sheet is located inside the
pre-school doorway where parents will note the time and date of arrival and
departure. It is very important that each child is
signed in everyday, as this sheet is used for attendance and Fire Drills. No
child will be released to a person not listed on the
child’s information card. If someone
other than the parent is to pick up the child, parents should notify the
Center of this change. This person will have to present picture I.D. before
the Center will release the child. If a person on the child information card
arrives before the parents inform the Center, we will contact the parent or
emergency contact person before the release of the child. Items
From Home/Dress What to bring to the Center: 1.
Clothing appropriate for season. Please be sure to bring shoes, children will not be allowed to walk around in stocking feet. 2.
Diapers or training pants 3.
A change of clothing 4.
ALL ITEMS NEED TO BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH
YOUR CHILDS NAME What can I leave a the center for the week: 1.
A small nap blanket with child’s name on it, no quilts please 2.
A crib size sheet 3.
An item a child needs for security What should children wear: Children are
encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. While smocks are
provided for painting and other messy projects, clothes will occasionally
become soiled. If children are wearing comfortable, appropriate clothing,
they will be able to enjoy their daily experience more. What should we leave at home: 1.
Children should not bring gum to the Center. Parents are
requested not to send candy unless it is a special occasion and they
have spoken to the staff ahead of time. 2.
Children need to leave their toys at home unless the staff has planned
for “show and tell” on the calendar. We cannot be responsible for lost or
broken toys. 3.
Guns and other toys of a violent nature should not be brought to the Center as the children will not be permitted to play with
such items. Child
Protection Laws Packers’ A written statement
will be dated and filed with both the director’s and
the reporting staff member’s signatures. A copy of this law along with any
others may be obtained from the Center Director.
Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns that you might have on
this subject with the director. Child
Care Release Policies Occasionally,
release issues arise in childcare settings therefore;
Packers’ EMERGENCY CARDS: The emergency
card is required for each child. This must be filled out
completely, prior to the first day the child is left at the Center. Parents
will be responsible for updating the information. It is very important that
prompt and accurate changes be made in order for the
staff to make appropriate decisions in unusual circumstances. EMERGENCY RELEASE: If a parent is
unable to pick up a child due to unplanned circumstances, the parent should make arrangements for another adult, listed on the
emergency information card, to pick up the child. In the event that this is
not possible and an adult that is not listed on the card must pick up the
child, the parent, must notify the Center by phone.
A description must be given of the adult who is to
pickup the child and when he/she arrives, picture identification will be
required to release the child. If at any time an
adult (who is listed on the card) arrives to pick up the child and the
parents “forgot” to inform the center a call will be made to the parent
before release of the child. Parents should make every attempt to put all
possible adults, with their phone numbers, to whom the child may be
released on the emergency information card. RELEASE TO OLDER SIBLINGS: If a parent
chooses to have an older sibling pick up the child from childcare, the
sibling should be listed on the emergency card.
Permission must be written from the parent. If the
staff feels that the older child is not old enough for the responsibility or
sees indication of inappropriate supervision (no car seat, preoccupied with
friends) a call will be made to the parent before
release is made. This policy also pertains to minors related or unrelated
“babysitters.” RELEASE TO STAFF MEMEBERS: If a parent
chooses to have a staff member care for their child after childcare hours,
his/her name must be listed on the child’s card. A
signed and dated statement must also be on file that Packers’ SEPARATED PARENTS: If parents are separated, but not legally divorced, Packers’ DIVORCED PARENTS: In the case of
divorce, either parent may pick up their child unless a court order indicates
limited or no visitation. (A copy of the order signed by the judge must be
in the child’s file). If parents are in the
process of separation or divorce, it would be greatly appreciated if the
staff was updated on the issues that affect the child’s custody or emotional
well being. GUARDIANSHIP: If a child is enrolled by a legal guardian or foster care provider,
a copy of all legal documents must be in the child’s personal file at the
center. SUPERVISED VISITATION: In the event
that a parent has been restricted by the court to supervised visits, and
requests that this happen at the child care center,
we will make every attempt to accommodate this arrangement. When this
situation occurs, the legal documents must be on file and the visit must be scheduled in advance and approved by the director. NON-SUPERVISED VISITS: Visits from
parents are welcome anytime. Parents are welcome to play with, eat or sign
their child out whenever they wish. However, if the parent wishes attention
of the staff member, arrangements must be made ahead
of time. If the visit becomes upsetting or fearful for the child or other
children, it will be necessary for the director and parent to discuss an
alternative method. No legal parent will be denied the right to be with their child. INTOXICATED PARENTS: If a parent
arrives at the Center to pick up his/her child, and he/she is intoxicated,
and planning to drive with the child in the car, all attempts will be made by
the director to delay and stop the parent from driving. The director will
first call the other parent or someone from the child in care form. If this
is unsuccessful, the child will be released to the parent and the Director WILL call the police and report that
the child is being transported by an intoxicated parent.
Packers’ ABANDONED CHILD: If a child is not picked up by the close of the Center, every attempt
will be made to reach the parents or other adults listed on the emergency
card to pick up the child. If this is not successful in a TWO
HOUR PERIOD after closing, the child will be considered abandoned and the
Newaygo County Protective Services will be called. PARENT INVOLVEMENT Our hope at
Packers’ Parents can
become involved in several ways at the center. A newsletter will be sent home monthly. It will provide information
about your child’s activities at childcare as well as parenting ideas and
useful materials for the whole family. A bulletin board will
be found outside the pre-school door with daily activities and
day-to-day information. We will offer a formal parent conference once a year
to review their child’s development and to discuss the future at the center.
Occasionally, it will be necessary to schedule a conference to discuss
problems or concerns and to involve outside agencies. Occasionally, workshops
and parenting classes will be offered, focusing on child
care needs and other relevant topics. We will also host family and
social events throughout the year. We also
encourage the parents to volunteer their time and talents in our program. We
realize that this is impossible for many parents, but hope that they will
take the time at home to allow their child to share what they have been busy
doing. VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are always welcome and a vital part of our program. They are required to sign a
document stating they have never been involved or convicted of child abuse. And, if they work with the children 4 or more hours per
week for 2 consecutive week, they must show proof of a negative TB test.
Volunteers are closely supervised by the Director and staff
and never left alone with the children. Their help is
greatly appreciated and are an asset to our center. FUND RAISING: Like any
business, school or organization we need funds to operate. In order to keep child care costs down it will be necessary to have fund
raising events. While fund raising is not mandatory to enroll your child at
our child care, participation is greatly
appreciated. DAILY SCHEDULE 7:30 – 8:15 Breakfast and free time 8:15 – 9:00 Bathroom/Wash hands 9:00 – 9:15 Circle Time 9:15 – 10:00 Library or music 10:00 – 10:15 Bathroom/Wash hands 10:15 – 10:30 Snack 10:30 – 11:15 Outside/Gym 11:15 – 11:30 Bathroom/Wash hands 11:30 – 12:15 Lunch 12:15 – 12:30 Bathroom/Wash hands 12:30 – 2:30 Nap/Rest 2:30 – 2:45 Bathroom/Wash hands 2:45 – 3:00 Snack 3:00 – 3:30 Outside/Gym 3:30 – 4:15 Centers 4:15 – 6:00 Free time INFANT/TODDLER DAILY SCHEDULE 8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Organized play 10:00 A.M. Naps 10:30 Outside or gym time 11:30 Lunch 12:00 – 3:00 P.M. Naps 3:00 Quiet free play 4:00 Outside large motor skills 5:00 End of day Remember when
caring and working with infants and toddlers, a schedule is never rigid. It
is only a guideline used to develop routines. The infant cues must be first
priority, and the schedule adapted to best meet his/her needs. BITING
POLICY WHY AND WHEN
CHILDREN BITE: Biting occurs
most frequently when a child’s activity level is to
high. Children bite because: 1.
It feels good; they need to exercise their teeth and gums. 2.
Biting brings out immediate response from their victim: they
immediately relinquish their hold on a toy or area the biter wants to claim. 3.
It tastes good. 4.
Children will explore through their senses (taste). 5.
It is powerful to see what kind of immediate impact they have on
others. 6.
It happens so quickly they don’t contemplate
what they are doing, they see it as a means to an end, and they don’t
consider the consequences. 7.
Prior to forming language skills, children communicate physically,
biting is the most primitive form of showing anger or range. PREVENTION: All childcare
staff will be aware of certain steps that can be taken
to reduce the incidence of biting. Such steps will be: 1.
Constantly supervising the child. 2.
React quickly when children are in a dispute over something. 3.
Tune into children who are going through the biting stage. 4.
Understand and meet children’s needs. 5.
Set up toys and situations that are not frustrating to children. 6.
Recognize the whys behind biting and deal with them. ONCE A CHILD
BITES: All child care staff will be aware of the steps to take if a
child is bitten while in the center. Such steps will be: 1.
Give the victim attention rather than the biter. 2.
Wash the bite with warm water and soap. 3.
Apply ice. 4.
If the skin is broken cover it with a band
aid. 5.
Watch the bite over the next 3-4 hours. 6.
If a child should develop a fever we will call
the parents. 7.
An incident report will be filed. 8.
Notify both the parents of the biter and the victim. 9.
If a child is continually biting, the director and the staff will
develop a plan to help. CAMERAS A surveillance
camera has been installed at Packers Price Child
Care. We continually strive to keep your child safe. I believe that seeing
and hearing all the children at any moment is
important to ensuring that safely. The camera
scans the hallway from the pre-school door to the small bathroom and detects
movement in the bathroom. (However the camera does
not invade your child’s privacy but it allows him/her to practice
independence while under a watchful eye). The monitor is
situated in the pre-school room where the staff can hear and see your
child and follow-up on any assistance he/she may need. DISCIPLINE The approach
to guidance at the center is a positive one, which encourages self-control,
self-esteem and cooperation. Smooth healthy functioning of the group requires
rules, which are consistent, clearly defined and developmentally appropriate. The following
steps will be taken when the inappropriate behavior occurs: 1.
He/she will be redirected to another activity. 2.
A discussion between the staff and child will help the child learn why
his/her behavior was not acceptable. 3.
Occasionally a child may be removed from the
situation (time out) until he/she is able to gain control. The child remains
under supervision. Staff will
avoid the use of comparative remarks, competitive situations, threats,
physical punishment, shaming, or labeling children. At no time will spanking, shaking, hitting, or slapping be allowed.
Children will not be deprived of meals, snack, rest,
or necessary toilet use as a means of punishment, not will any child be
confined in an enclosed area. Each child will be cared for in disciplinary techniques which are appropriate to the age level of the
child and will foster positive self-control. Through
preventative discipline techniques, such as suitable program planning and
positive communication, the need for disciplinary actions will be limited.
The best motivation for encouraging positive behavior is modeling appropriate
conduct, praising desired behaviors, and the child’s own inner satisfactions. WASHING
TOYS Pre-schools
toys and equipment will be washed on a weekly basis using a bleach solution
of 1 tablespoon bleach per 1 gallon water unless otherwise needed due to
illness, lice, etc…then the solution will be increased to 1 cup bleach to 1
gallon of water. Infant and
toddler toys will be washed on a daily basis using a bleach solution of 1
tablespoon per 1 gallon
unless otherwise needed. Cribs and sheets will
also be washed on a weekly basis unless otherwise needed. The furniture
and carpeting will be thoroughly cleaned twice a
year unless otherwise needed. FOOD
PREPERATION & STORAGE Packers Pride
Day Care Center will not be preparing breakfast and lunch. It will be the
responsibility of the parents to provide their child with a healthy breakfast
and lunch. You may pack a cold meal or microwavable. The center will provide
vitamin D whole milk at .25 per meal. Parents who forget lunches will be called at work to deliver one for their child. NO
CHILD WILL BE DEPRIVED A MEAL OR SNACK. One box of
cereal may be left at school for your convenience
but lunches must be sent daily. Please check the parent newsletter for
current menu postings and plans for food projects. Each day the
Center will have a morning and afternoon snack time. Each parent will be
responsible for, once a month, providing a nutritious snack and milk or 100%
juice that can be shared with the group. A schedule will be posted and sent home monthly. Child Care will
provide one snack each day and Homogenized milk or 100% juice. A parent who
forgets to send a snack will be charged for one. Occasional treats from home to celebrate a birthday or holiday are
welcome, low sugar muffins, fruit salad, mini-sandwiches are encouraged.
If you would like ideas for alternatives to high sugar treats, please feel
free to talk to the director or staff members. Ethnic foods
from home are also welcome as a snack or meal. (Please discuss this with the
director). Meal time will be
served family style with an adult at the table supervising the children. The
staff will model good eating habits and manners. The children will clean up
their own spills (with help if needed) and table setting. Our goal is to
foster independence and develop healthy eating habits in a fun way. Parents of
infants and toddlers that use formula will be required to provide it for
their children. Bottles must be made prior to
arrival at the center. Please provide enough bottles for your child for the
entire day. We will not have formula on hand nor the means to sterilize
bottles. Parents will be called and expected to bring in
forgotten bottles. Sealed food may be brought for the week with the infants name written
on the label and stored on the shelf until needed. Food that requires
refrigeration may be brought in daily. It must be in
a sealed container with the child’s name on the label. It will be stored in
the refrigerator (kept at 40 degrees and monitored by a non-merc thermometer)
until needed. Bottles must also be labeled and will be kept in the
refrigerator (unused bottles must be sent home at the end of the day). Before any food is handled by the staff and children, they will
wash their hands with soap and water. Heating
instructions will be followed on the lunch containers for the pre-schooler’s. Bottles and baby food will
be heated in a crock-pot or bottle warmer. Food and bottles will be tested for temperature before serving it to the
children. Following
meals the dishes will be washed in hot soapy water, rinsed in hot water,
soaked in bleach water (1T – 1 Gal.), then left to air dry. Bottles will be rinsed and sent home. The tables and food prep
areas will be wiped down with a bleach solution. Every
precaution will be made to reduce the spread of
germs and viruses. Meal
Requirement Of Child Care Snack Time Two snacks
will be served daily; one about mid morning, and
again after nap. Snack time helps provide some of the daily nutritional
requirements of young children. It is also a time for children to socialize,
learn proper manners and to gain good eating habits. Two of the
following will be served: 1.
Whole milk ¾ cup 2.
100% fruit juice .4oz 3.
Enriched or whole grain bread ½ slice or cereal 1/3 cup or cooked pasta
¼ cup or cooked cereal grains ¼ cup 4.
Lean meat, poultry or fish ½ oz or cheese ½ oz or egg ½ egg or dry
beans or peas 1/8 cup or peanut butter 1 tablespoon NOTE: JUICE AND MILK CANNOT BE SERVED TOGETHER These are the
national recommended requirements for childcare centers to meet the needs of
young children. With the exception of infants who still depend on
bottle-feeding, the children will be offered water in between meals and
snacks. Packer’s
Pride Day Care Recommended Snack Ideas Vegetable –
Fruit: Carrot stick, cukes, celery (with
peanut butter and raisins), applesauce, fruit cocktail, pears, peaches,
pineapple, bananas, apples. These can be fresh, canned (manufactured sealed)
or dried. They can also be served with dips. Dairy: Cheese, yogurt,
ice cream, cream cheese (with crackers), pudding. Protein –
meat: Peanut butter, eggs, canned meats
(tuna, chicken) Grain – bread: Toast (whole wheat or white),
crackers, pretzels, cereal, granola bars, cereal bars, pancakes, waffles. |