my first english adventure bilingual child … handbook.pdf2010-11 parent handbook my first english...

2010-11 Parent Handbook

MY FIRST ENGLISH ADVENTUREBilingual Child Care and Education Center

Learn, Play, Grow Together!

Parent Information Health, Emergency, and Accident Policies Behavior Guidance Policies Child Care Program Plan Grievance Procedure for Parents Financial Policies General Information & Preparing for Your First Day Holidays


Parent Information

A. Capacity: MY FIRST ENGLISH ADVENTURE Bilingual Child Care & Education Center’s facility in Otopeni is serving a maximum of 15 children, aged from 18 month to 4 years.

B. Hours of operation: Bilingual Child Care & Education Center’s facility in Otopeni operates from 7:00am – 7:00pm. Parents may choose from a variety of schedules within the day, including 2, 3, 4 and 5 full-day programs; or 2, 3, 4 and 5 day half day programs (8:00am-12:00pm or 3:00pm-7:00pm). Flexible schedules are offered with additional hours pending space availability.

C. Child care program options: Bilingual Child Care & Education Center’s facility in Otopeni offers a structured educational program and early childhood care that is delivered primarily in English. Instructional content is bilingual (Romanian and English). All teachers are fully bilingual in both Romanian and English.

Mission: The mission of Bilingual Child Care & Education Center is to support the natural development of bilingual (Romanian/English) language skills and cultural awareness while preparing children for success in school.

The Center has the following goals: 1) Create an environment of immersed language learning implemented by highly qualified teachers who are fully bilingual (Romanian/English). 2) Foster creativity and healthy intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development, recognizing and nurturing each child’s unique gifts in preparation for success in kindergarten. 3) Provide a safe, caring, and respectful environment that honors diversity and cultural awareness.

D. Parent conferences and notification to a parent of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development: Formal parent conferences are scheduled twice each school year (November and March). Parents may request a formal conference at any time. Together, the teacher and the parents will review the child’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. The teacher will develop a Child Assessment and Conference Summary for the Parent. Parents are encouraged to consult with the teacher whenever any problem arises regarding their child at home or at the Center. E. Health, Emergency, & Accident Policies (See further)

F. Obtaining written parental permission for field trips: Parents will be asked to sign a permission form for walking to sites within the neighborhood. This form will be kept on file as teachers sometimes go on walks to enhance the children's development. Throughout the year, children will also go on field trips to sites around Otopeni. Before going on a field trip outside of the neighborhood, parents will be asked to sign a permission form with details of the trip (e.g. day, time, purpose, and destination). Parents are welcome to join us anytime, but are not required. Parents will be responsible for any admission charges and other expenses involved with the field trips.

G. Obtaining written parental permission before each occasion of research experimental procedure, or public relations activity involving a child: No research experimental procedure or public relations activity shall be conducted without obtaining written permission from the parent or guardian for each occasion. The Center will take photos of the children while on field trips or while engaged in a learning activity for the purpose of sharing them with parents, for special art projects, and for display within the center on bulletin boards. Occasionally,


the Center will use photos in brochures and on the website. Upon enrollment, parents will be asked to sign a release form granting the Center permission to use such photos for promotional use. The form will allow parents the option to opt out of sharing images of their children for promotional use.

H. Provision of meals and snacks: All meals are provided by the Center. Parents will occasionally be asked to help supply snacks. The Center will serve food according to the following schedule: Breakfast: 8:00am Morning Snack: 10:00am Lunch: 12:00pm Afternoon Snack: 3:00 pm Flexible feeding schedules are provided for toddlers according to their individual diet and feeding needs. Please see that children are fed at home if they do not arrive in time to eat according to the schedule listed above.

I. Behavior guidance policies and procedures (See further).

J. The presence of pets: No pets are allowed at Bilingual Child Care & Education Center. For learning purposes, insects, small reptiles, or other small animals may be used in conjunction with a presentation or weekly theme.

K. Parents of enrolled children may visit the Center any time during hours of operation: Parents of enrolled children may visit the center at any time during the hours of operation. However, parents are asked to consider that the children become used to their routine and when they see a parent/guardian come through the door they will think it is time to go home and won’t understand when you leave without them. (Also please keep in mind that your own child may tend to act up because you are present and that is very normal behavior so don’t be alarmed). Additionally, visits during nap time are discouraged.


Health, Emergency, and Accident Policies

Health care summary and immunization records • Before a child is admitted to the Center, a current physical examination of the child will be obtained and

signed by the child’s source medical care.

• For children already admitted to the Center, an updated physical examination will be obtained by the child’s source of medical care annually, or upon transfer from the toddler class to the preschool class.

• For any child enrolled in the Center, parents must provide documentation at the time of enrollment of current immunizations according or a signed notarized statement of parental objection to the immunization, or a medical exemption.

Care of a child who becomes sick at the Center and parent notification practices • If the staff determines that a child is ill, the parents (or emergency contacted listed) will be contacted

and a staff member will then isolate the child until the parent or emergency contact arrives. A sick child will be isolated either in the staff office or in a quiet place in the classroom.

• In the event that a child’s source of medical or dental care diagnoses a child as having a contagious reportable disease, lice, scabies, impetigo, ringworm, or chicken pox; the parent or guardian is required to inform the Center within 24 hours.

• Notice will be given to parents the same day in which an illness is reported to the Center. The notice will be posted on the parent bulletin board and a flyer will be sent home with all other children attending the Center.

• Health authorities will be notified within 24 hours of receiving the parent’s report of any suspected case of a reportable disease.

• In the event of a life-threatening or major medical emergency to a child, one staff member will remain with the injured or ill child and another staff member will call 112. The parent will be notified as soon as medical care has been obtained. If they cannot be contacted, persons listed on the emergency contacts form will be contacted. Transportation to a care facility will be arranged through a rescue team or the child’s parent.

• All accidents, injuries, or incidents involving a child enrolled at Bilingual Child Care & Education Center will be recorded, including persons involved, date and place, type of injury, action taken, and to whom the incident was reported.

• An analysis of the accident, injuries, and incident procedures will be reviewed annually and modified as needed. Policies will be modified based on findings.

Exclusion of Ill Child The Law requires that we exclude a child with an illness or condition that the health practitioner determines to be contagious and a licensed health care provider determines has not had sufficient treatment to reduce the health risk to others. We will follow the exclusion guidelines listed below which are taken from INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CHILD CARE SETTINGS AND SCHOOLS: INFORMATION FOR DIRECTORS, CAREGIVERS, AND PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, prepared by The Community Health Department, Epidemiology and Environmental Health. We must exclude a child with any of the following conditions:


Chicken Pox Until all the blisters have dried into scabs and no new blisters or sores have started within the last 24 hours; usually by day 6 after the rash began.

Eye drainage Until 24 hours after treatment begins when purulent (pus) drainage and/or eye pain is present, or a medical exam indicates that a child may return.

Diarrhea Until diarrhea stops or a medical exam indicates that it is not due to a communicable disease. Diarrhea is defined as an increased number of stools compared with a person’s normal pattern, along with decreased stool form and/or watery, bloody, or mucus-contained stools.

Mouth sores with Drooling Until a medical exam indicates the child may return or until sores have healed.

Fever Auxiliary (armpit) temperature: 38 degrees C or higher. Oral temperature: 38 degrees or higher, when accompanied by behavior changes, or other signs or symptoms of illness. Measure temperatures before giving medications to reduce fever.

Impetigo Until treated with antibiotics for 24 hours and sores are drying or improving.

Lice (head) Until at least three treatments are complete, 3 full days, and no lice are seen.

Rash Until a medical exam indicates these symptoms are not those of a communicable disease that requires exclusion (ie. chicken pox, measles, roseola, rubella, shingles, strep throat)

Respiratory Infections Until a child is without fever and is well enough to participate in normal activities. No exclusion for other mild respiratory infections without fever as long as a child can participate comfortably.

Ringworm (skin & scalp) Until 24 hours after treatment has been started. Scabies Until 24 hours after treatment has been started. Signs/symptoms of possible severe illness Usually tired, uncontrolled coughing, irritability,

persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing or other unusual signs for the child; should be evaluated by the child’s health care provider to rule out illness.

Streptococcal Sore Throat Until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins and child is without fever for 24 hours.

Vomiting Until vomiting stops. Vomiting is defined as two or more episodes in the previous 24 hours.


• Who is not able to participate in childcare program activities with reasonable comfort, including outdoor play.

• Who requires more care than staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children in care.

When a child in our care has been medically diagnosed with a communicable disease, we will follow the appropriate health authorities’ recommendations to provide information to parents/guardians of all exposed children. The child care program will notify the parents/guardians of exposed children on the same day or within 24 hours by sending home a written notice. Parents/guardians are required by laws and our center’s policies to inform the center within 24 hours, exclusive of weekends/holidays, if their child is diagnosed with a communicable disease.

The administration of medicine Prescription medications will only be given with written authorization from the child’s licensed health care provider (i.e prescription label) and parent /guardian. Please let your child’s teacher know about medication your child is taking at home, too. Staff will help you look for side effects from the medication and let you know if any are seen. Please complete the Medication Permission Form if you child needs a medication while in our care. We suggest keeping a blank copy of this form at home so it can be completed before coming to the Center. This will allow you time to speak with your child’s teacher about the medication. Prescription medication will only be given as prescribed by a licensed health care provider (physician, physician assistant, dentist, or certified nurse practitioner). The prescription must be current, in the original container, and may be given only to the child whose name appears on the label. This includes over the counter dietary supplements.

Over the counter medications will only be administered with written parental permission and instructions. These products must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the dosage or instructions differ from the manufacturer’s instructions, written permission from a licensed health care provider will be needed. Containers must be labeled with the child’s full first and last name and date. Outdated medications will not be given. Diaper rash products, insect repellents and sunscreens are an exception, and need written approval only. All medications must have a legible label on the container. Your medication container will be returned to you when it is completed.

Special Needs Parents/guardians have the responsibility to inform the center when their child has any special medical conditions, needs or allergies so that we can provide appropriate care and support.

First Aid Policies and Procedures • Procedures for first aid will be posted.

• All teachers will be trained in safety rules to avoid injuries, burns, and traffic accidents.

• The classrooms will have a first aid kit. The kit will contain sterile bandages, band-aids, sterile compresses, scissors, an ice bag or cold pack, an underarm thermometer, and adhesive tape. It will also include a first aid manual. A first aid kit will be taken on field trips. Instructions to call poison control and the phone number for the local poison control center will be posted.


Safety Policies and Procedures • In order to avoid injuries, teachers/staff will maintain all hallways and rooms from objects carelessly

littered which could cause tripping or falling. Children will be asked to walk and not run within the Center. Carpets and rugs will be maintained and free of edges that could cause tripping or falling. All hallways and rooms will be sufficiently lighted. No adult scissors will be stored or used in the classroom. Small children will not be allowed to carry crayons, pencils, or scissors. All large muscle equipment will be safe and used according to appropriate ages/developmental levels. All children will learn these rules of the classroom and they will be reviewed regularly.

• In order to avoid burns, all heat sources will be kept away from children, no flammable cleaning products will be used, and there will be no smoking allowed on the premises.

• In order to avoid poisoning, no poisonous plants will be allowed on site and no poisonous cleaning or other products will be stored in a place accessible to children.

• In order to avoid choking, the room and halls will be kept free of small or sharp objects that children can choke on. Teachers/staff will ensure that snacks are appropriate for age/developmental level.

• In order to avoid suffocation, all heating equipment will be inspected regularly, the rooms will be well ventilated, and no plastic bags will be allowed in the classrooms or any other location accessible to children.

• In order to avoid traffic and pedestrian accidents, children will be appropriately supervised in any and all occasions during which they take walks or are on field trips and they will be aware of the rule of holding hands, walking not running, and listening to instructions. Furthermore, children will not be taken on any walk via a route that does not have a safe sidewalk or path or that could present danger of a traffic or pedestrian accident. In addition, any driver of transportation that is arranged for field trips will be a licensed driver with a clean driving record and seating/car seats/appropriate restraints will be used.

Each day teachers/staff will conduct an inspection of the hallways, bathrooms, classrooms and play areas to assess potential hazards.

Supervision within the Center All classroom doors shall remain closed while children are present to prevent children from leaving the rooms unnoticed. This includes the half doors between the classrooms which shall also be bolted closed. In the morning and throughout the day teachers and staff will ensure that the doors to the parlor, the kitchen, the adult bathrooms, the cafeteria kitchen, and the doors within the fireside room are closed at all times during the day to prevent children from entering areas where they should not be. Children will be taught that when walking in the hallways and to the fireside room they must walk quietly in a line to the destination. Parents will be asked to sign their child in and out each day. This practice must be reinforced and the teacher should check to ensure that children are signed in and out as they arrive and leave. Each classroom will have a small whiteboard by the door that will be used to record the number of children present within the room at all times and will be changed as children come and go. At the end of the day, before leaving the center, each teacher should check the sign out sheet to ensure that each parent has signed out their child for the day. All authorized individuals who drop off or pick up children should be reminded to sign in/out child. At no time should children be left alone in a room unsupervised or allowed to walk unsupervised in the hallway or in the bathroom. In the preschool rooms, bathroom breaks will be done by lining up all the children and taking turns, going and returning as a group. In the toddler room one of the teachers will take those potty training to the bathroom in the same fashion as is done for the preschool rooms. The toddlers who are potty training will always go together as a group in order to eliminate miscommunication about who is supervising a


child during transitional times.

Neighborhood Walking Tours The teacher student ratio for toddler walking tours will be 1:4. Toddlers between 24 and 32 months who have been identified as risks for running will be treated in the same fashion as children under 24 months. Preschoolers attending walking tours will be taught to walk quietly holding hands in line two by two. Walking tours will be limited to a four block radius of the center.

Field Trip Supervision On field trips, a student teacher/volunteer/staff ratio of no more than 1:5 will be maintained. Any parent or other volunteer chaperone who is helping to supervise children during field trips and who has not undergone a background check through the center will not be allowed to separate from the group or be alone with the children at any time. Staff will accompany children to the bathroom. All regular volunteers and parents who wish to formally volunteer at the center will undergo a background check through the state.

Fire Prevention The Center will conduct monthly fire drills that will be logged with date and time conducted. Drills will include identifying evacuation routes and practicing exiting the building from primary and secondary exits. The phone number of the fire department will be posted and staff will be assigned roles for ensuring that children in all areas of the center are evacuated. Staff will also be trained on the location and use of fire extinguishers and how to close of an area affected by fire. All staff will be trained on fire prevention and evacuation procedures as part of their initial training and annually.

Procedures to follow in the event of a blizzard, tornado, or other natural disaster The site will designate an area of the building as the emergency shelter and in the event of a tornado, blizzard, or other natural disaster; children will be moved to that location.

Procedures to follow when a child is missing In the event that a child is missing while under the care of Bilingual Child Care & Education Center, the following procedures will be followed: 1) a search of the building will be conducted, 2) An administrative staff member will call 112, and 3) the parent, guardian, or emergency contact will be contacted as soon as emergency help is obtained.

Procedures for unauthorized pick up, an incapacitated person attempts to pick up a child, a person suspected of abuse attempts to pick up a child, or no one comes to pick up a child If teachers/staff do not recognize a person who attempts to pick up a child, they will check the list of authorized people within the child’s file and request identification. No child will be released to an unauthorized person. No child will be released to an individual who is incapacitated or suspected of abuse. Teachers/staff will call 112 and the child will stay at the Center until the proper authorities arrive to deal with the situation. If a child is not picked up by their designated pick up time or closing time, staff will call the parents/guardians or the emergency contact person. If neither can be reached be reached, staff will remain at the center with the child for 30 minutes and continue to attempt to reach parents/guardians or emergency contacts. If no one can be reached after 30 minutes, staff will call the police and follow their instructions. A note will be left at the door for the parent regarding the situation and a phone number to call. Under NO circumstances will the staff transport a child.

Sources of Emergency Medical Care (112 or designated medical source) In the event of a medical emergency, Teachers/staff will call 112 to obtain emergency medical care.


Procedures for Recording Accidents, Injuries, and Incidents Involving a Child Enrolled in the Program A record of accidents, injuries, and incidents will be maintained on file at the Center and will include the name and age of the person(s) involved; the date of the accident, injury, or incident; the type of injury; actions taken by teachers/staff; and to whom the accident, injury, or incident was reported. The Director will report to the Department of Human Services within twenty-four (24) hours: 1) Any injury to a child while in care at the program that requires treatment by a health care provider or the use of emergency medical services. 2) The death of a child while in care at the program.

The Director or designee will report within forty-eight (48) hours the occurrence of a fire during the hours of operation if the fire requires the services of the Fire Department.

Sanitation Procedures and Practices for Food not Prepared by the License Holder All meals are provided in consideration of the child’s daily nutritional needs. The meal and snack schedule accommodates requirements for providing a snack for a child in attendance for more than two hours, but fewer than five hours; one meal and two snacks or two meals and one snack for a child in attendance five to ten hours unless four or more of these hours are spent in sleep; and a minimum of two meals and two snacks for a child in attendance the allowed maximum of 9 hours. Teachers/staff will be seated with the children during meal and snack times. Sanitation Procedures for preparing, handling, and serving food, and washing food, utensils, and equipment comply with the Law requirements for food and beverage establishments. Bilingual Child Care & Education Center will provide refrigeration for dairy products and other perishable foods, whether supplied by the Center or by the parent. Tables and highchair trays used for meals are washed with soap and water before and after each use. The Center will accommodate a child's special dietary needs prescribed by the child's source of medical care or the parent and serve special foods provided by the parent that are not part of the menu plan. The Center will maintain the prescribed diet order and its duration specified in the child's record. All teachers/staff designated to provide care to the child will be informed of the diet order. Information about food allergies of the children in the center will be available in the area where food is prepared or served to children with allergies. All staff providing care to the child will be informed of the allergy. The Center has a safe public water supply. Drinking water is available to children throughout the hours of operation and offered at frequent intervals. Drinking water for children is provided in single service drinking cups or from drinking fountains accessible to children.

Food Brought from Home Sanitation procedures and practices for food will be in accordance with licensing and health department guidelines. If food is brought from home to share with other children (i.e., for special occasions) it must be commercially prepared and packaged.

Diapering Procedures and Practices Developed in Consultation with a Health Consultant Our center will allow both cloth and disposable diapers.

• Change diapers only in the diapering area in the toddler room.

• Separate diapering area from the food storage, preparation, and eating area.• Diapering area must have a smooth non absorbent diaper changing surface and floor covering.

• Dispose of soiled diapers properly. • Wash hands with soap and water according to diapering procedure.


• Do not allow pacifiers, toys, baby bottles, food, or bibs in the diapering area. Diapering area should be cleaned and disinfected after each diaper changed.

Equipment • Assemble all equipment needed prior to initiating diaper procedure.

• Use disposable, nonabsorbent paper under each child. Disposable gloves are also available.

• Keep liquid soap and single service paper towels within reach.

• Keep skin care items within providers reach but out of reach of the child.

• To prevent disease transmission, send soiled clothing and cloth diapers home with the parents in disposable plastic bags. Store plastic bags out of reach of children. Do not rinse out clothing or cloth diapers that are soiled with blood, urine, stool, or body fluids.

• Use a tightly covered container with a working foot-operated lid, lined with disposable plastic bags. Keep it away from children. Empty waste container when full and at least daily. Clean and disinfect daily.

• Contaminated cleaning and disinfecting liquids are dumped into the toilet, not the sink.

Cleaning supplies 1) Disposable towels 2) Cleaning solution – soap and water 3) Disinfecting solution – use a solution of household bleach and water – ¼ cup bleach in a gallon of water. (To make a smaller amount in a spray bottle use 1.5 teaspoons bleach in a pint of water.) Saturate area with solution. Air dry. Do not rinse.


Behavior Guidance Policies

Bilingual Child Care & Education Center maintains behavior guidance policies that include positive modeling of acceptable behaviors, are tailored to the developmental level of the children served, redirect children and groups away from problems toward constructive activity in order to reduce conflict, protect the safety of children and staff, and provide immediate and directly related consequences to a child’s unacceptable behavior. Young children are working toward independence and self-control. They learn by experimenting, testing limits, manipulating circumstances, and experiencing the consequences of their behavior. Discipline techniques must be geared towards each individual child's needs and developmental level, providing immediate and directly related consequences to behavior.

While it is important for children to learn the rules for getting along in a group setting it is equally important for children to know that there are expectations placed on them, and that they must in turn have expectations of others. This is the basis for understanding that all of us are to be treated equally. If a behavior is considered inappropriate for a child in the early childhood development setting, it usually must be considered inappropriate for an adult as well. Our goals in guiding the behavior of young children are:

• To help them develop self-discipline • To help them have confidence in problem solving • To help them feel good about themselves and their ethnic heritage • To consider the rights of others and appreciate differences • To help them learn safe and appropriate ways to interact with people and their environment

Our staff will use a positive guidance approach, which enables a child to develop self-control and assume responsibility for his/her own behavior. We will foster and guide a child's choices so his/her behavior will reflect peaceful human relationships with other children and adults. We will provide an age appropriate environment that is stimulating and conducive to the development of a positive self-image in each child. We stress the importance of establishing and fostering positive relationships between staff and children. The following are some acceptable techniques used to encourage children's cooperation in our childcare center. The teacher(s)/staff of Bilingual Child Care & Education Center will:

• Know each child's needs, characteristics, and interests according to age and developmental stage• Set reasonable limits and standards for the safety of each child while ensuring the rights of other

children • Help each child understand and adjust to the established routine • Foster each child's involvement to feel secure as a group member • Use simple positive statements for guiding a child toward what they can do instead of what they cannot

do • Listen to the child, try to find the cause for unacceptable behavior, and provide guidance toward

acceptable healthy expressions of feelings • Use positive guidance techniques for the child and the situation such as distraction toward a positive

activity or redirection to an appropriate activity • Allow a choice when possible • Provide advance notice of activity changes. Teachers/staff will not spank, argue with, threaten, or

embarrass a child as these behaviors depend on hurt and fear for control of children. • Provide activities, materials, and learning experiences that encourage self-help skills and foster

independence and mature self-confidence in each child.


When the need for guidance or discipline does arise, the teachers/staff will use the following techniques: • Teachers will anticipate conflict and will take steps to prevent it

• Teachers will state expectations for behavior

• Teachers will give a warning for changes in behavior

• When a warning has no effect, teachers will instruct the child to stop the unacceptable behavior and/or provide an immediate and directly related consequence for the child's unacceptable behavior (i.e., the child will need to leave the area or activity in which the problem behavior is occurring)

• When absolutely necessary, staff will use closeness and gentle touch to guide behavior

Separation: Children may be separated from the group temporarily if other less intrusive methods for guiding behavior have been ineffective, and the child's behavior threatens the well being of other children or staff. If separation is called for, the child will remain in an open area, where the child can still see and hear the other children and staff. The duration of the separation will be appropriate to the child's age and maturity level, and will not exceed ten minutes. The separation time will be shortened if the child has stopped or brought under control the behavior that precipitated the separation. Because this separation is intended to give the child time to regain his/her composure, a staff member will remain with the child; if possible, offering encouragement and assistance as the child requests it. Any separation from the group will be recorded in a separation report (daily log) that includes the child’s name, the staff person’s name, the time and date, and information indicating what less intrusive methods were used to guide the child’s behavior. It will also describe how the child’s behavior continued to threaten the well being of the child or other children. If a child is chronically misbehaving, procedures for persistent unacceptable behavior will be followed. Corporal punishment will never be used as a discipline technique. It is seen as a discipline method that has an immediate short-term effect based on control and fear. We would rather establish a relationship of trust and encourage the child's understanding of his/her behavior. Corporal punishment includes but is not limited to rough handling, shoving, hair or ear pulling, shaking, slapping, kicking, biting, pinching, hitting, and spanking. Early childhood development staff members are also prohibited from using verbal or emotional abuse that includes, but is not limited to, name calling, shouting, ostracism, shaming, making derogatory remarks about a child or the child's family, or using language which threatens, humiliates, or frightens a child. Children will not be punished for lapses in toilet habits. Food, light, warmth, or clothing will not be withheld as punishment for unacceptable behavior. No physical or mechanical restraint will be used other than to physically hold a child when restraint is necessary to protect a child or others from harm.

Persistent Unacceptable Behavior: The Center is committed to providing a safe and productive environment for all children and will respond if children are chronically misbehaving in ways that threaten the safety of other children or if the behavior requires a level of attention from the teacher that detracts from the educational experience of the other children. Chronic behaviors that warrant a response from the Center include biting, scratching, hitting, kicking, pushing, throwing objects, use of toys or objects as weapons, wrestling, disrespect of adults/teachers, use of inappropriate words, and others. The Center defines chronic as 3 episodes in a day or 5 in one week that persist for more than one week consecutively. Each incident will be recorded in a behavior log. During the first week that multiple incidents are recorded, parents/guardians will receive a written notification of the incidents. After the second consecutive week that multiple incidents are recorded, the child will be sent home if 3 incidents occur within one day or 5 within one week. The child will not be allowed to return until a parent conference is scheduled and a behavior modification plan is developed. In such cases, teachers will work with parents, other staff, and other professionals if appropriate to find ways of reshaping the behavior. If after two weeks (or other timeline specified in the behavior modification plan) the behavior is not corrected or improved, and continues to


prevent the Center from providing quality care to other children, Bilingual Child Care & Education Center may issue a notice of disenrollment. When possible, the Center will provide a two-week notice to parents, but reserves the right to issue an immediate or shorter notice of disenrollment as deemed necessary. In such a situation, the tuition deposit will not be refunded.


Child Care Program Plan

Program Characteristics • Bilingual Child Care & Education Center provides year-round half-day and full-day early childhood

education and child care for children 18 months to 4 years. The hours of operation are 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Friday during the school year, and a special summer program during the summer months.

• Bilingual Child Care & Education Center offers a bilingual, structured, educational and social early childhood and school-age educational program that is delivered in Romanian and in English. Instruction is bilingual with Romanian as the primary language used in communication throughout the day.

• Children are supervised at all times by a qualified staff person abiding by state requirements for staff to child ratios.

• All teachers are full bilingual in Romanian and English. • Bilingual Child Care & Education Center welcomes parent and family input and is committed to creating

the best possible learning environment for children.

The curriculum is structured to create learning experiences that promote growth in each child’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.

Some of the Center’s overall learning goals include: • Children learn to speak English • Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity • Create an excitement for learning • Expand comprehension of concepts and ideas • Develop self-discipline, independence, responsibility, and self-confidence • Learn to deal with feelings about self and others • Foster caring and trusting relationships with adults • Develop listening, speaking and observation, memory, sequencing and problem solving skills • Develop large and small muscle skills • Develop skills in creative expression of music, art, and drama

The staff are trained to help children develop healthy self-esteem by: • Offering choices • Designing tasks that children are able to explore and master • Encouraging children to initiate activities • Allowing children to ask questions • Encouraging and promoting self-expression through language, art, music, and play. • Allowing children to solve problems independently • Providing enrichment opportunities

Bilingual Child Care & Education Center’s learning environment is: • Organized with defined activity areas and labeled items • Child-centered with age and developmentally appropriate equipment and activities • Non-religious based, multicultural, and gender equal • Balanced with active and quiet time, indoor and outdoor time, and structured and non-structured


activities

Teachers/staff cultivate a love and respect for nature by providing opportunities to play outdoors and participate in educational activities in the outdoor environment.

Communication skills and language development are encouraged by role modeling, listening, signing and speaking to the children at their level.

Bilingual Child Care & Education Center provides parents with a daily account of their child’s activities and schedule. (Written or verbal report for toddlers and preschools).

Assessments are filled out twice per year between the parent and teacher. The parent is asked to sign a copy of the assessment which is then put in the child’s file. The parent also receives a copy. Parents may request a special conference at any time.

The Child Care Program Plan is provided to the parent upon enrollment and is available at all times upon request. The Plan is also reviewed and evaluated annually..

Instructional Goals Bilingual Child Care & Education Center seeks to promote growth in the following areas:

Physical development: (gross and fine motor) • Gross: Large muscle play

• Physical movement : Master a variety of physical movements

• Balance: Build awareness of obstacles that can create loss of balance

• Fine: Small muscle play and activities that build dexterity with manipulation of fingers

• Eye-hand coordination: Development through the use of toys, books, and other learning tools

Intellectual development Toddler:

• Language development: English language development, the use of new words and phrases, comprehension and response to English language

• Problem solving: Exploration

• Personal growth: Gaining independence and learning

• Pre-reading: Alphabet, how books work - we open them, the story is inside; we read from left to right; Books can tell a story; stories have a beginning and an end.

• Math readiness: Numbers, count to 10, recognize common shapes

Preschool: • Language development: English language development and the use of language in clear phrases

• Problem solving: Learning though exploration

• Personal growth: Show improvement based on appropriate developmental benchmarks

• Reading readiness: Develop eye movement from left to right, listen and understand stories, follow directions, and have conversations. Develop the ability to describe a story read out loud to them; recognize distinct sounds, rhymes, and familiar words; use drawings, scribbles, and shapes to express


thoughts and ideas; Identify some letters of the alphabet, and begin to write name.

• Math readiness: Count to 20, classify and organize objects in groups by similarity, recognize and copy simple patterns, identify and name common shapes, and recognize that objects can be measured by height, length, weight, and time.

• Science readiness: Use the senses to explore the environment, express interest in and ask questions about nature, learn to use simple tools such as blocks and rulers.

Social Development (toddler, preschool) • Basic routine: Learn to follow a daily schedule

• Behavior skills: Learn good habits

• Playing skills (alone and in group): Participate in positive social interaction, cooperation, and individual time

Emotional Development (toddler, preschool) • Choices: Learn to make decisions • Curiosity and self-motivation: Learn through exploration and develop initiative

Objectives and Materials Art Objectives: Encourage individual expression, creativity, and explore various media in a variety of ways. Materials: Easels, paints, scissors, pencils, crayons, chalk, play dough, glue, craft materials, cookie cutters, utensils...etc. Blocks Objectives: Develop fine motor skills and creativity through sorting, stacking, and building Materials: Large and small wooden blocks, Legos, tinker toys, small vehicles, animals, and toy people Fine Motor Objectives: Develop eye-hand coordination, visual perception, problem solving, classification, and discrimination skills Materials: Crayons, pencils, markers, paper, stencils, magnet boards and letters, chalkboard with chalk, puzzles, pegboards and pegs, sewing cards, math manipulatives, connecting beads and links, dominoes, matching games, sequencing cards Dramatic Play Objectives: Develop language and social skills and practice in dressing Materials: Small table and chairs, kitchen equipment, toy dishes and utensils, plastic food, dolls, hats and clothing – dress up accessories, full length mirror, assorted theme related materials Large Muscle Objectives: Develop large and small muscle coordination, balance, posture, strength, and outlet of energy Materials: Balls, climbing equipment, beanbags, tumbling mats, jump ropes, music source, hula hoops Library Objectives: Develop language and reading readiness and skills and an appreciation for literature Materials: Cozy seating area, stuffed animals, rotating books, CD player, books on CD, puppets, flannel board with pieces Music Objectives: Develop skills of expression, rhythm and listening, and an understanding and appreciation for music Materials: Rhythm instruments, CD player and musical selections Science Objectives: Learn to reason, analyze, and classify


Materials: Magnetic objects, balance scale, prisms, magnifying glasses, kaleidoscopes, sensory bottles, rocks, sound and scent containers, variety of sensory materials

Daily Schedule (the is a general schedule with slight adjustments to accommodate individual classrooms) 7:00-9am: students arrive, free play and activities (hand washing upon arrival) 8am: breakfast (hand washing, potty break) 9am – 12pm: Preschool instructional program (letters, reading, numbers, math, science, arts and crafts on a rotating schedule – activities tailored to age groups, roughly 20-30 minute blocks) 10:30am: morning snack (hand washing, potty break) 11am: playground or indoor large muscle play (hand washing, potty break) 12pm (hand washing, potty break, prep for lunch) 12-1pm: lunch, clean up, prep for nap 1-3pm: nap time (quiet activities) 3pm: afternoon snack (hand washing, potty break) 3:30-4pm: playground or indoor large muscle play (hand washing, potty break) 4-7:00pm: free play and structured activities, children begin to go home

A variety of components are coordinated within the daily schedule at Bilingual Child Care & Education Center: Circle Time: Large group time for sharing, caring, and language development Creative Play: Puzzles, manipulative toys, games, creative dramatics, blocks, transportation toys, sand and water table, art activities Small Group Time: Concept and skill development in Romanian and English; math and reading readiness Active Play: large motor activity indoor and outdoor, musical games, creative movement or dramatics, tumbling, exercises, relays, or ball skills Snack Time: A snack is provided at appropriate times and children and teachers eat together in a relaxed environment Story Time: Books, Flannel board stories, movies, filmstrips, and audio stories


Grievance Procedure for Parents

Bilingual Child Care & Education Center maintains the following policy/procedure to address parent grievances. The Center encourages parents to first speak with the child’s teacher if the concern relates to a classroom situation, occurrence, or other issue with the child. However, parents may also contact the Director to discuss their concerns. Policy, personnel, or procedural questions should be addressed to Leah Johnson. A parent may elect to present a grievance in either a written or verbal fashion. For less serious grievances, the teacher or director will take immediate steps to develop a suitable solution to the issue at hand and an informal follow up (phone or in person) will be made after one week and after one month to determine if the issue has been resolved to the parent’s satisfaction. For grievances of a more serious nature, a formal written response will be made to the parent within 48 hours from one of the Center’s Directors that summarizes the complaint and a plan to correct the issue. The Director will present a formal letter after 30 days that summarizes the steps taken, communications exchanged, and whether the situation was resolved to the parent’s satisfaction. If the situation has not been resolved, the process will begin again in order to find an alternative solution and will continue until the situation has been resolved to the parent’s satisfaction. All grievances will be documented and copies of all relevant correspondence will be maintained in the child’s file. The Center will review the grievance log every six months to assess for patterns that create problems and to adjust policies and trainings to prevent future problems.


Financial Policies

Registration Fee – not applicable currently: Registration fees are not refundable and do not apply to tuition. The registration fee reserves a place for your child and should be enclosed with this form to secure your child’s placement. (An additional enrollment fee will not be required for families who continue on after the summer program or school-year program.)

Ongoing Tuition Payments: Tuition payments are required in advance of care and payment is required for a minimum of two week increments. Upon enrollment, you will receive a payment schedule outlining due dates. Payments will be due the Friday that precedes the two week period it will cover. Each family will receive a monthly statement of payments and upcoming due dates.

Additional Hours: Families who enroll their children for less than the full time option may access additional care at a cost of 10RON/hour for each additional hour. Additional care must be arranged at least 1 day in advance. Staff will track additional hours via notification and the sign in/out sheet. Payment for additional hours will be compiled on the monthly tuition statement and due with the next tuition payment.

Late Pick Up: Families who pick up their child(ren) late will be charged a RON20 late fee for each occurrence. If a child is not picked up by their designated pick up time or closing time, staff will call the parents/guardians or the emergency contact person. If neither can be reached be reached, staff will remain at the center with the child for 30 minutes and continue to attempt to reach parents/guardians or emergency contacts. If no one can be reached after 30 minutes, staff will call the police and follow their instructions. A note will be left at the door for the parent regarding the situation and a phone number to call. Under NO circumstances will the staff transport a child.

Vacation, Illness, Holidays, and School Closures: Tuition remains the same regardless of illness, absence, school closure, and/or legal holidays. After one year of enrollment, families with children who attend care full-time are eligible for one week of vacation without tuition. The Director must be notified directly at least two weeks prior to the vacation. Tuition will not be adjusted for absences due to illness. Tuition will not be adjusted for school closure during the list of holidays provided in the family handbook. There may be days when snow forces the closure of Bilingual Child Care & Education Center due to dangerous road conditions. Generally, determinations of closure for weather conditions will be posted to the website and a special message will be recorded on the Center’s voice mail no later than 6:30am.

Termination Policy: One month’s advance written notice on the included termination form and two weeks advance tuition payment are required to terminate enrollment. (The final two weeks shall be covered by the tuition deposit I provided at time of enrollment.)

Rate Changes: I understand that I will be notified of any tuition rate adjustments in March to take effect in September.


General Information and Preparing for your First Day

Orientation: A pre-admission conference or meet the teacher open house is held with the parent(s)/guardian(s), the director, and teachers. We encourage parents/guardians to bring their child to visit the center and/or schedule extra time on the first day to help their child feel comfortable.

Daily check-in and check-out: Parents are responsible for recording accurate arrival and departure times each day. Please put your initials by the times "in" and "out". Instruct others who have permission to bring or pick up your child to do the same It is helpful if parents/guardians take time to talk with the teachers/staff for a few minutes each day to update them on your child's well-being.

Potty training: Please send your child in a dry diaper and dressed ready for play. We recommend you send your child ONLY in easy to remove clothing while they are potty training. Overalls, belts and other hard to remove items or clothes will only make the process of training more difficult for your child. During potty training time I ask that you keep us supplied with at least 3 sets of clothing including socks. We do not launder wet or soiled items. They will be placed into a plastic bag in your child’s box. Please replace any clothing sent home the next day.

Dress code: We will be working with messy materials (such as painting) and other activities throughout the day. We do not want any of your child’s “good” clothes to get ruined. Each child should have sneakers on or in their cubbies. When we play outside in the warm months your child needs to be able to climb and run with the other children. It is hard to run in sandals or fancy shoes and increases the chances for injury. Each child must have a change of clothing in case of an accident. These clothes should be labeled with your child’s name. That way if they get misplaced and found later on we will know to whom they belong. We also ask that parents provide an old shirt that can be used as a smock for art projects.

Morning Drop-off time: It is recommended that parents consider designating the routine drop off time in the morning no later than 9:00am for best results in adjustment and in order to take full advantage of the day's learning opportunities.

Cubbies: Each child is assigned a cubby where extra clothing and outer clothing is kept. During late fall, winter, and early spring, it is essential that your child be appropriately dressed with a warm jacket/coat, snow pants, boots, scarf, hat, and gloves/mittens since the children play outside daily. Newsletters and parent messages will be placed in cubbies for you to take home each evening.

Nap time: Children sleep on cots during nap time. Please send a cozy blanket and pillow for your child to use to help them fall asleep comfortably. These items must be taken home and laundered every Friday and returned to the center every Monday. The blanket and pillow will be placed in the child's cubby every Friday by the teachers/staff.

Nap Policy: A child who has completed a nap or rested quietly for 30 minutes will not be required to remain on a cot. Cots will be placed clear of aisles and in a place where there is unimpeded access for adults and children on at least one side of the equipment. Cots will be placed directly on the floor and not stacked when in use.

Communication: In addition to information sent home in cubbies, important information will be posted on the main bulletin board in the hallway.

Toys and personal items: We prefer that children DO NOT bring toys from home as this usually causes fights


over the toy and they can get misplaced within the Center’s toys. Little ones have a difficult time sharing their toys with others. If toys are brought, please be aware that they may be put away if they are the cause of disagreements among the children. Toy weapons (guns, knives, swords, squirt guns, etc.) are not permitted and will be turned away at the door. We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items. Any toys or other items should be labeled with your child’s name. Tapes, CDs, books and videos to be shared with the entire group may be brought to the center. We do, however, reserve the right to review materials to determine if we feel it is appropriate for the children. We cannot be responsible for lost items.


Holidays

The first day of the 2011-2012 school year is SEPTEMBER 6, 2011.

Bilingual Child Care & Education Center recognizes and will be closed on the following 11 holidays: 1) The 1st and 2nd of January2) The 1st and 2nd Day of Easter3) The Labor Day (1st of May)4) The 1st and 2nd Day of Rusalii5) 15th of August6) The 1st of December7) The 1st and 2nd Day of Christmas

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