12900 US 31Grand Haven, MI 49417

(616) 935-3003

License Number: DC700338914

Parent Handbook

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Table of ContentsMission Statement

Philosophy

Goals

Licensing Information

Non-Discrimination Policy

Schedule of Operation

Holidays

Enrollment

Withdrawal/Dismissal Policy

Leave of Absence

Tuition

Confidentiality

Mandated Reporting

Absences

Open Door Policy

Parents’ Right to Immediate Access

Emergency Forms

Emergency Closings and Inclement Weather

Staffing and Volunteers

Daily Schedule

Staff to Child Ratios

Infant Care

Donations

Parent/Teacher Communication

Behavioral Policy

Toys from Home

Dress Code

Diapering and Toilet Training

Field Trips

Health and Sickness Policy

Medication

Severe Allergies

Supplies Needed for Child

Emergency Procedures

Hygiene and Cleaning Policy

Pest Management Policy

Nutrition

Smoking

Firearms and Weapons

Grievance Policy

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Welcome to Young Life Childcare Center!

Mission Statement

Proverbs 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”

Young Life Childcare Center’s mission is to provide a safe, affordable, and high quality-learning environment for all children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age. In doing so we want to give each child the same opportunities to grow, learn, and develop and to instill them with morals, values, and skills that will stay with them for life.

Philosophy

Young Life Childcare Center is dedicated to providing a warm and loving environment. Staff are able to individualize care to meet the needs of every family at affordable prices. YLCC ensures that all families have the same opportunities for their children.

Children are a precious gift, and here at Young Life Childcare Center they are encouraged to “be children”. The growth, progress, and development of each child is important. The environment at the center promotes learning while having fun and being a child. Through a balance of teacher-lead and child-lead activities that are hands-on, our children will develop intellectually, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Goals

The goals for the children in the care of Young Life Childcare Center are as follows:

Emotional:

-To become independent and learn to be in control of emotions-To be able to express and deal with emotions in an appropriate manner-To learn how others express and deal with emotions-To develop empathy with others

Social:

-To be able to interact effectively with others, regardless of perceived differences-To be able to respect others and the property of others-To be able to function well in a group setting-To be able to understand why cooperation with others is important-To be able to develop meaningful friendships and relationships-To gain good morals and values that will continue throughout life

Physical:

-To develop large and small motor skills-To learn the importance of good nutrition and good hygiene

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-To develop lifelong healthy habits

Intellectual:

-To develop a lifetime love of learning-To learn observation and discussion skills-To build a love for reading-To build upon natural curiosity-To develop the foundation needed to advance in the primary grades

LICENSING INFORMATION

The State of Michigan Department of Human Services office of child and adult licensing licenses Young Life Childcare Center. They can be contacted at www.michigan.gov/dhs or emailed at diazd@michigan.gov.

As required by the State of Michigan Licensing Rules and Regulations, a licensing binder is available at the front desk. In this binder is all information in regards to our license with the state, including any visits performed by the consultants.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Young Life Childcare Center admits children of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all of our programs and activities made available to children at the center. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its education, admissions policies, and programs.

AGES SERVED

The ages of the children served are 6 weeks up to and including 12 years of age.

SCHEDULE OF OPERATION

Young Life Childcare Center is open from 6:45 am to 6:00 pm Monday-Friday. Pick up after 6 pm is not permitted. A fee of $10.00 will be charged for every 5 minutes late after our 6 pm closing time. YLCC observes all major holidays.

HOLIDAYS

The following are observed holidays: *New Years Day *Memorial Day *July 4th *Labor Day *Thanksgiving Day *Day after Thanksgiving *Christmas Eve *Christmas Day *New Years Eve *One staff professional development day in the spring, date TBD

These are paid holidays and the fee will not reduce during center closure. If any normally observed holiday is on Saturday or Sunday, we will take off the Friday before or the Monday after in accordance with local observances.

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The following is a list of rules and regulations governing our child care agreement. Please read this handbook thoroughly as it contains many important policies and procedures that pertains to the care of children. If there any questions or need for clarification, please ask prior to signing. The contents of this contract and all forms required for enrollment are non-negotiable.

ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES

Listed below are the forms to return to Young Life Childcare Center prior to the first day of care:

Parent Handbook signature page Financial Agreement- Rates and Fees Family Registration Form Licensing Notebook Form Immunization Record /Health Appraisal (may be completed within 30 days of care) (State Form) Medication Form (State Form) Child Information Card (State Form) All About Me Permission and Understanding Statements

WITHDRAWAL/DISMISSAL POLICY

Withdrawing from YLCC requires a two week notice for any reason. If proper notice is not given, YLCC reserves the right to bill for the two weeks after care has ceased. YLCC reserves the right to dismiss care to a child for reasons such as #1 Failure of parents to pay fee. #2 Failure to complete and sign any required forms. #3 Lack of parental cooperation. #4 The child is deemed too ill to attend by staff members#5 YLCC’s inability to meet the child’s needs without additional staff #6 Gross misconduct on the part of the parent or child.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

In the event that a family wishes to take a leave of absence from the center (summer vacation, maternity leave, health reasons, etc) and has the intention of returning to the center at a later date, a nonrefundable $50.00 holding fee is required. The fee with ensure that the child(ren) have a spot in the classroom upon return. This fee will then go towards tuition when the family returns.

TUITION The weekly childcare rates are outlined in the Rates and Fees Form. As stated in that document, families will be required to pay a one-time fee of $50.00 upon enrollment. This not only covers the registration fee but also helps to pay for supplies for the classroom. This Rates and Fees Form is a contract signed by parents and YLCC staff to ensure weekly payments. In order for YLCC to meet financial requirements, payment shall be made whether or not the child attends. The fee will not be reduced due to absences. At this time, YLCC accepts Credit or Debit cards, check, or cash payments.

If at any time a family would like to change the scheduled days, please notify the front desk at least two weeks before the schedule change would take place. YLCC staff will do their best to accommodate the new schedule, but cannot guarantee that these changes can be made within the two week time frame.

NSF CHECKS

Families are responsible for all charges incurred from the center’s bank as a result of a bad check. A charge of an additional $30 may also be added to the account. Reimbursement may only be made in cash or charge form. Future payments will be required to be made in cash or charge.

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VACATION TIME

Each year families are provided with one week (5 days) of vacation time per child, during which that time parents do not have to pay the scheduled child care payment. It can be used once or broken up and utilized in one day increments. To utilize this vacation time, please notify the front desk at least TWO WEEKS prior in order to correctly bill the account. YLCC does not assume when families will use this time. Please note that if a child is scheduled and the family pays for 5 days and use one day of vacation, the family is still responsible to pay the 4 other days of care. These vacation days roll over each January.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidential and sensitive information provided during enrollment or anytime thereafter will be provided to staff strictly on a “need to know” basis. All other information will be kept confidential. Confidential and sensitive information about staff, other families or children will not be shared with parents, as we respect all families’ rights to privacy. Confidential information may include but is not limited to: disability information or any health information of any one associated with YLCC. Outside of YLCC, confidential information will only be shared with written permission, unless it is required by law.

MANDATED REPORTING

If Young Life Childcare Center has a strong reason to suspect child abuse or neglect, the situation will be reported to the State of Michigan Department of Protective Services without prior parental notification, as required by the State of Michigan Law. All personnel are mandated reporters by law and failing to report is a crime punishable by a $500.00 fine and possible loss of licensing.

The parent’s right to immediate access does not permit the center from denying a custodial parent access to their child, even if the parent appears to be impaired. However, the staff will delay the impaired parents for as long as possible, while contacting the director, the other parent, and if necessary the local police or Child Protective Services.

Any other authorized person attempting to pick up the child and appears to the staff to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs will be denied access to the child. The staff will contact the child’s parent, local police, and Child Protective Services to notify them of the situation.

ABSENCES

Parents are asked to contact the center of a late arrival or if the child is not attending that day. This will help staff maintain appropriate ratios as well as plan for the day. An absence will not result in a deduction of tuition.

If a child is ill, YLCC requests that parents inform the staff of the nature of the illness. This enables the staff to keep track of any illnesses which may occur at the center. This information is provided to staff strictly on a need-to-know basis. If the child has a communicable disease, please notify the director. Parents at the center may be made aware of the communicable disease in the center, but will not be made aware which child has the disease. Parents are not required by law to provide this information to the center, and continued enrollment will not be affected.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

At Young Life Childcare Center, the door is open to our families. Please feel free to drop in and check on the child, keeping in mind a child adjusting to a new surrounding will want to leave when parents stop in for a visit. These drop-ins should be made when it is appropriate to take the child home, or made when parents can visit unnoticed as to not interrupt the child’s day.

We also ask that visiting takes place prior to or following rest time. Rest time is typically between 12:30 and 3pm. This will ensure no disruptions during that time. In the event that pick up is needed during this time, please call to notify the office so that the child’s teacher can get the child ready for pick up.

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Parents are also invited to call and check on the child during the day. If the phone goes unanswered, simply leave a voicemail message and a staff member will return the call as soon as possible. Parents may also communicate any information via email. Each classroom has its own email address that the teachers have access to, as well as the director and front desk staff.

PARENT’S RIGHT TO IMMEDIATE ACCESS

With the open door policy, in case where a child is subject to a court order, Young Life Childcare Center must be provided with the most recent order and all the amendments. The court order will be strictly followed unless both parents agree to differentiate from that order, and this needs to be put into writing into the child’s file. In the absence of a court order, Young Life Childcare Center will give both parents equal rights to the child. YLCC cannot limit or withhold access to a child per parent request, for whatever the reason.

EMERGENCY FORMS

At enrollment, parents are presented with an Emergency card for each child. Parents are to include anyone other than themselves that is able to pick up the child. In an emergency situation, the parents will always be contacted first. If parents cannot be reached, staff will call the persons listed on this form until someone can be reached.

The persons listed on the Emergency card will be required to present a photo ID to staff before releasing the child. There are no exceptions.

All changes and/or additions made to this Emergency card must be completed by parents IN PERSON. No changes may be made over the phone or through email.

EMERGENCIES

In the event of a medical emergency or accident with a child, parents will be notified, and if necessary, the child will be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. An accident report and/or an accident/illness report will be provided for all injuries/accidents. Parents are responsible for all medical treatment necessary for the child’s well-being. This includes but is not limited to: emergency room care, ambulance visits and co-pays to the insurance company.

*In the event of a child experiencing an accident, injury, incident, or when a child is too ill to remain in the group, the parents will be notified at the FIRST signs of observed changes in behavior either by the classroom teacher or a front desk staff member on duty. Parents will receive an explanation on the nature of the behavior changes and the possible causes, whether they be environmental or otherwise. Parents will discuss with the staff member whether or not the child shall be picked up from the center and if outside medical attention needs to be administered. Parents will receive this notification through phone call.

In the event of natural or man-made disaster or emergency including but not limited to: a fire, flood, tornado, or blizzard, parents are notified two ways. There will be a notice posted on the door in the event of an evacuation and the location of the children. Parents will also be contacted by staff members’ cell phones using the emergency cards provided to each classroom teacher. Parents can contact the local police department for additional information, as the YLCC staff will be in contact with them and providing any and all information.

CLOSING

In the event of an emergency closing or in some cases severe weather (heavy snow, ice, etc) parents will be notified of the closing by local TV stations (Wood TV 8, WZZM 13, or FOX). Parents may also call the center.

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Should the center need to close in the middle of the day, the staff will attempt to reach the child’s parents first to arrange for pick up. Should staff be unable to reach parents, the persons listed on the emergency contact form will also be called until pick up arrangements can be made. Staff will notify the parents or emergency contact at the time of the call of the pick-up location, should the children need to be evacuated from the center. Parents or emergency contact persons should report directly to the alternate location if one is indicated. Should the center need to close for any reason, tuition will not be refunded.

STAFFING AND VOLUNTEERS

The staff at YLCC has been carefully selected based on their knowledge of child development, the way they interact with children as well as adults and their enthusiasm for this profession. Each staff member completes a thorough application and screening process complying with State and center standards and regulations before being placed in a classroom. This includes a criminal record check, a central registry clearance with the Department of Human Services, and a medical examination and TB test. Each staff member is also required to receive their infant/adult CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen certification. The YLCC staff is also required to complete at least 16 hours of professional development training each year. Try to get to know the child’s teacher, they are friendly and eager to get to know our families.

VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers are required to have a State of Michigan ICHAT background check as well as a Central Registry Clearance background check. We also require a volunteer form that includes but is not limited to, address, telephone, and emergency contact information. No volunteer may be left unattended on site with the children. All volunteers will work in a classroom with a paid employee of Young Life Childcare Center.

Any parent who will be in the classroom vising a child for more than 30 minutes is considered a volunteer. Both background checks, listed above, will be done and kept on file for those parents. A volunteer form will also be required.

OUR DAILY SCHEDULE

6:30-8:00a.m. .......Arrival times, free play 8:00-9:00a.m. ......Breakfast 9:00-9:30a.m. .......Clean up, free play 9:30-10:00a.m. ........(Circle time) calendar, weather, greetings, sharing time, preschool activity 10:00-10:30a.m..... Center Rotation, Child Choice Activities in classrooms 10:30-11:00......... Special Activity Rooms11:00-11:30a.m..... Outside play ( weather permitting ) 11:30-11:45.. ..........Clean-up, wash up, prepare for lunch12-12:30................ Lunch 12:30-1:00.............cleanup and story time 1:00-3:00 ............quiet rest time activities provided for those who do not sleep3:00-3:20............ afternoon snack3:20-3:40 .............outside play(weather permitting)3:40-4:00………..Science, Math, and Fine Motor time4:00-4:30……….Computers and Free Play4:30-5:00………..Late Snack5:00-5:30……… Special Activity Rooms5:30-6:00……….Parent Pick-up and free play

This schedule is just an example of a day at the center. Located in each classroom is an age-appropriate schedule. Though we have a schedule in each room, note that from time to time other activities and events may occur that cause a change to the daily plan. In the event that your child needs to be picked up

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or dropped off at rest time, please inform the staff so that it can be done in an efficient manner and not disturb the other resting children.

OUTSIDE PLAY

Outdoor play is an important part of child development, even at the very early years. When weather permits, the children will spend time outside each day, in accordance with state licensing requirements. Please be prepared for the children to go outside in all types of weather and provide adequate outdoor attire, labeled with the child’s name. When the temperature/wind chill is 16 degrees or less, children will not be playing outdoors. In cold weather, YLCC may have extra materials on hand, but cannot guarantee appropriate outerwear for your child.

STAFF TO CHILD RATIOS

The MAXIMUM number of children per teacher:

Infants and Toddlers ages 0-2 ½ years: 1 staff to every 4 childrenPreschool ages 2 ½ to 3 years: 1 staff to every 8 childrenPreschool ages 3 to 4 years old: 1 staff to every 10 childrenPreschool ages 4 to 5 years old: 1 staff to every 12 childrenSchool age (any child enrolled in kindergarten or older): 1 staff to every 18 children

INFANT CAREThe following is information in regards to the Infant Program. This applies to all children less than 1 year old.

All infants shall eat and sleep on demand. Children will continue to sleep on demand until 18 months of age, therefore the infants do not follow the same naptime schedule as the facility. While sleeping, staff monitor and observe to ensure infant safety. All infants are to be placed on their back to sleep in crib until which time the infant can roll over on their own. In the event that a child cannot sleep on their back due to a medical condition, a written physician note and waiver is required. Infants sleeping on their stomach are at a higher risk for SIDS. All children under the age of one year sleep in a crib that meets all current safety requirements. In the event that an infant falls asleep in a swing, car seat, high chair or any other “holding” zone, the infant must be transported to the crib within 5 minutes of falling asleep. Blankets or any other plush items are not allowed in the crib with a sleeping infant. However, a blanket may be used while rocking the infant.

The infant room is street-shoe-free to reduce infant exposure to dirt, germs, dangerous heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides. All staff and other adults entering the room wear socks, slippers, inside-only shoes, or shoe covers over their street shoes.

All infants spend time on the floor – including on their “tummies” – each day. (Floor time – especially tummy time – encourages brain and muscle development.) They will be provided with a variety of activities and lesson plans are available.

Infants will not spend more than 30 minutes per day in swings, infant seats or saucers. Saucers are used only with infants who are developmentally ready and are adjusted so that infant’s feet are in contact with the bottom surface of the equipment at all times.

INFANT BOTTLE FEEDING

Infants are fed breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula until they are one year old. This must be provided by the parent on a daily basis. Written permission from the child’s licensed health care provider is required if an infant is to be fed an electrolyte solution (e.g., Pedialyte®) or a special diet formula. No medication, cereal, supplements, or sweeteners are added to breast milk or formula without written permission from the child’s licensed health care provider. Bottles contain formula or breast milk. Juice, if offered, is served only in a cup.

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All bottles must come in pre-made and “ready to feed”, labeled with infant’s full name and date by the PARENT each morning. Bottles are then stored in the refrigerator until needed. Once a child is ready for a bottle, it is warmed in a crock-pot or bottle warmer and tested on the employee’s wrist to ensure correct temperature. Once feeding starts with a bottle, the child has one hour to utilize the contents. If the hour expires and the bottle is not empty, staff are required to empty the contents and not continue use of that bottle. YLCC asks parents to bring enough bottles ready to feed for their child plus one additional bottle just in case. All extra bottles in the refrigerator at the end of the day must go home with the child at pick up.

INFANT AND TODDLER SOLID FOODS

Food is introduced to infants when they are developmentally ready for pureed, semisolid and solid foods. Food, other than formula or breast milk, is not given to infants younger than 4 months of age, unless there is a written order by a health care provider. Infants do not start on solids food or try new food at the center. YLCC asks that all food is first tried at home to eliminate allergic reactions at the center. Parents provide all baby food, baby cereal, and formula/breast milk. Once an infant is on solid food, the staff asks for a list of items that may be served.

Children 12-23 months are given whole milk, unless the child’s parent/guardian and health care provider have requested low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk substitute in writing. (Low-fat diets for children under age 2 may affect brain development.) Please note children are not allowed to walk around with food or cups. Teachers sit with infants and young children when eating and engage in positive social interaction.

For allergies or special diets, parents may sign a waiver and provide their own food.

DONATIONS

Young Life Childcare Center is a non-profit organization. At any time if families wish to donate toys, supplies, or even a cash donation, tax forms are available. YLCC asks that all toys, equipment, and supplies donated be in good working order and condition. YLCC also welcomes recycled donations such as paper, magazines, paper towel rolls, and other items that can be used for art projects.

PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION

The staff at Young Life Childcare Center is eager to work with parents and create open communication to provide the very best for each child in care. Open communication is the best indicator of a great facility and even greater parents. Parents are informed at the end of each day on how the day went with the child, both the positives and the negatives. Daily reports are sent home with each child indicating various activities completed during the day. In addition to this, monthly newsletters are sent home from each classroom highlighting upcoming activities, reviewing important information, and announcing news. The staff at YLCC believes that with this communication to the parents, parents can in turn provide follow through at home.

PARENT/STAFF PROBLEM SOLVING AND COMMUNICATION

On occasion, parents may have questions or concerns they would like to discuss with the staff. YLCC encourages those conversations. If a parents wishes to talk with a teacher, provided are some suggestions for doing so.

1. Try to schedule a specific time to talk. The teaching staff is extremely busy during the day interacting with the children and providing the best care that they can. Any conversations that take place during that time take attention away from the children in their care. Parents are welcome to call and set up a time to talk.

2. Be clear on what is being discussed. State the nature of the concern and how it should be resolved.

3. Keep matters confidential. This is the best way to keep the matter into perspective.

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4. If a parents feels that after a discussion with a teacher that the matter is not resolved, the parent is welcome to discuss the matter further with the director.

BEHAVIORAL POLICY

All children need to know that the people who love and care for them will provide for their safety by setting consistent, reasonable limits. One of the primary goals of YLCC is to promote positive growth in the child’s social and emotional development and keep conflicts to a minimum. Staff sets a positive interactive structure by showing encouragement, following children’s interests, giving choices, and listening.

Young Life Childcare Center utilizes the “Be” Method of behavior management, with the three universal rules being “Be Safe, Be Kind, Be In Control”. Each teacher has created their own way of implementing this method in the classrooms. Children are praised for appropriate behavior and will be given the reason why some behavior is unacceptable in the classroom. Children will be redirected to an appropriate activity when they lose control of their emotions. When they are calm, the problem is discussed and a solution is found together. “Time Outs” are not an appropriate form of discipline at YLCC.

Definition: “Discipline” means the ongoing process of helping children to develop self-control for self-management while protecting and maintaining the integrity of the child.

Caregivers shall use positive discipline, which shall include the following: Communicate to children using positive statements; encourage children, with adult support, to use their own words and solutions in order to resolve their own interpersonal conflicts; communicate with children by getting down to their eye level and talking to them in a calm quiet manner about what behavior is expected.

Inappropriate Discipline

Any person, while on child care premises, shall not engage in any of the following actions toward children:

Inflict corporal punishment in any manner upon a child’s body.

Hit, spank, beat, shake, pinch, or any other measure that produces physical discomfort.

Cruel, harsh, unusual, humiliating, or frightening methods of discipline, including threatening the use of physical punishment.

Placement in a locked or dark room.

Public or private humiliation, yelling, or abusive or profane language.

Staff shall not associate disciplinary action or rewards with rest, food or toileting.

Caregivers shall not use any form of physical punishment. Staff will never use threats or derogatory remarks and neither withhold nor threaten to withhold food as a form of discipline.

Appropriate Discipline

Discussing with the child what type of behavior is acceptable

Review the choices the child has made

Discuss what choices are appropriate

Redirect inappropriate behavior

Group problem solving with teacher and children who are having a conflict

State of Michigan licensing regulations states the following regarding discipline:

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1. Staff shall use developmentally appropriate positive methods of discipline which encourages self-control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation

2. Staff shall be prohibited from using the following as a means of punishment:a. Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishmentb. Restricting a child’s movement by binding or tying him or her.c. Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating, shaming, or threatening a child.d. Depriving a child of meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use. e. Excluding a child from outdoor play or other gross motor activities.f. Excluding a child from daily learning experiences.g. Confining a child in a closed area, such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar cubicle.

3. Non-severe and developmentally appropriate discipline or restraint may be used when reasonably necessary, based on a child’s development, to prevent a child from harming himself or to prevent a child from harming other persons or property, excluding those forms of punishment prohibited by subrule (2) of this rule.

4. A policy shall be developed and implemented regarding the discipline of children. The policy shall be all of the followinga. In written formb. Age appropriatec. Provided to staff and parents

YLCC wants to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in care. At times documentation of re-occurring behavior may be necessary to ensure a proper plan is in place. Parents and staff will work together as a partnership on challenging behavior along with the Director and/or office staff. In the event that the behavior is not resolved after behavior plans have been implemented, the child may be put on a two week probationary period which could lead to a one week notice for a parent to withdrawal their child from Young Life Childcare Center.

TOYS AND PERSONAL ARTICLES FROM HOME

YLCC staff requests that no toys be brought from home. Toys and other items from home create problems with sharing, as well as broken hearts when toys get lost or broken. Small toys also create a hazard to our smaller children. Teachers will regularly plan days specifically for children to bring toys from home for a show-and-tell day. The teaching staff is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen objects that are brought from home.

DRESS CODE

Child’s play is messy work. The children will be cooking, painting, playing on the grass and sand, and various other activities. Although paint smocks are available during messy activities, please expect child’s clothes to go through some “wear and tear” at the center. Please consider sending children in “play clothes” and refrain from sending children in their nice dress attire.

DIAPERING AND TOILET TRAINING

All diapers and wipes are provided by parents as needed. The child’s teacher will inform parents verbally or on the child’s daily sheet if supplies are needed. All diapers are changed as needed, or no less than every two hours. Staff uses gloves when changing diapers. After use, the changing tables are cleaned and sanitized with the 3 step cleaning process, soapy water, rinse water, and sanitizing solution. Hands of both the child and the staff member are washed thoroughly and dried with a paper towel. Creams, ointments and powders are used as per parent request.

Young Life Childcare Center’s staff is committed to helping families with toilet training. This process will take much communication and cooperation from children, staff, and parents. Toilet training takes both center and home participation. Communicate with the staff that toilet training attempts have been

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made at home first. Additional clothing and/or undergarments are necessary during the toilet training period, please consider sending many extra clothing items to the center with the child. Staff is unable by licensing code to rinse any soiled garments. These garments will be placed in a secured plastic bag and sent home with the family.

FIELD TRIPS

Throughout the year, children 2.5 years and older participate in several off premise field trips. Parents are required to give written permission for the child to attend each field trip. Notification of the field trip will be sent home or communicated in advance with all important information regarding the trip. The field trip permission form must be filled out completely and all costs must be paid in advance.

If a child is not scheduled to attend on the day a field trip takes place and a parents wishes their child to attend, please discuss this with the classroom teacher in advance to see if there is room to attend. Please also note if the teacher would like chaperones for any field trips, as extra adult helpers are an asset to field trips.

ILLNESS AND SICK CARE

The health and well-being of all of children are of utmost importance. It is for the protection of the children that YLCC requests parents adhere to the Health Policy. If there are any questions regarding the statements please discuss them with the director or any staff member. In the event that a child shows signs or symptoms of illness while in care, parents will be notified via telephone. In the event that a parent is unreachable, YLCC will call persons on the emergency contact list.

In some cases, if a child needs to be seen by a doctor, parents are required to submit a signed report from the doctor before a child can return to care. This is to ensure that a child does not return to childcare when he or she may be in danger of exposing someone else to an illness. Some contagious illnesses are no longer contagious after the child has been on medication for 24 hours.

There are a number of immunizations required by law before a child may attend childcare. Upon application for enrollment, parents will be asked to bring the child’s immunization record. Parents will be informed of any immunizations that will be needed before the child starts childcare. In the event that a parents wishes to forgo immunizations, a waiver from the Department of Health must be signed and returned for the child’s file.

Children with minor illness may attend childcare at the provider’s discretion. It is important to realize that if a child is unable to participate in the normal routine or needs more care than staff can provide without neglecting the others in care, that child must stay home. There are some illnesses that by law exclude the child from attending childcare. Some of those illnesses are but not limited to:

Infectious Conjunctivitis Infectious Diarrhea Impetigo Chicken Pox Hepatitis A Scarlet Fever Scabies Lice Ringworm Strep throat

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YLCC upholds the staff to the same health policies as the children. In the event of a sick staff member an alternate will immediately replace the ill staff member who will then be sent home. When a child or staff member has the following symptoms they must remain at home and excluded from care at the center:

FEVER

A fever is a sign that the body is fighting some problem. The following with exclude a child from care: An infant up to 4 months with a temp of 100 degrees or higher. A child 4-24 months with a temp of 101 degrees or higher. A child over 24 months with a temp of 101 degrees or higher. In the event of this type of temperature, the child should not return until the temperature has been gone for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications such as Tylenol. Please note that if a child develops a fever while in care, parents will be notified and that child will not be able to return for 24 hours after they are fever free.

VOMITING OR UPSET STOMACH

A child who has been vomiting can easily spread germs through vomit. If a child vomits while at childcare, families will be expected to immediately remove the child from childcare. If a parents is not able to come, please arrange for someone else to come pick up the child. The child must stay home until 24 hours has passed with no vomiting episodes.

DIARRHEA

When a child has a single loose stool, he or she does not need to be at home. However, if a child has very runny stools that cannot be contained in a diaper, or the child cannot reach the toilet in time, the stool may contaminate the childcare setting and this child must remain home. They should stay home until 24 hours have passed with only one bowel movement.

RUNNY NOSE

Children with constant runny noses that are not caused by allergies may spread germs everywhere. They may wipe their noses on their hands, then rub them on their own and others clothing and on surfaces and toys. However, YLCC understands that runny noses are common and may last for weeks, making it impossible for a parent to stay home with the child for this extended period of time. YLCC asks that parents use the best judgment on these cases. These instances will be handled on a case by case basis. Parent cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Other symptoms of illness that will cause some concern are: Gray or white stool, infected skin patches, difficult or rapid breathing, pink eye, severe itching, sore throat, severe coughing, yellowish skin or eyes, spots or rashes, dark urine, headache/stiff neck, and unusual behavior.

Some of the features that help insure your child’s health are: *No smoking on the premises *Health policy is strictly adhered to by all families*Hand washing is strictly enforced*Current immunizations are required *Good hygiene is stressed at all times *Other than small infants, pacifiers are not allowed unless at rest time*Infants are held while drinking from a bottle. Therefore children are not allowed to carry around or have a bottle in their beds. *Favorite blankets or sleeping toys may be brought but kept for rest time. They are not shared with other children *Children do not bring food or drink to childcare. (The only exceptions are pre-arranged treats and children with allergies) *Children do not bring toys from home. *Children are prevented from sharing cups, utensils and food *Every attempt is made to keep toys and play area’s sanitized* Napping is done on individual cots or mats

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*Food preparation is done in a safe and hygienic manner*Menus follow Federal Nutritional Guidelines

MEDICATIONS

If a child is on medication and it must be administered while at childcare, the medicine must be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name, doctor, name of medication, dosage and when it is to be taken. A medication form must be filled out prior to any medicine to be administered to your child. This includes diaper creams and sunscreens. Medication will be given at the specified time and a written record is kept.

SEVERE ALLERGIES

For the safety of all children, YLCC requires parents to inform the staff of any allergies that a child may have, food or otherwise. This information must be disclosed on the emergency card provided to YLCC. Any medication required to treat an allergic reaction must be provided in accordance with the medication form and kept at the center in case of an emergency.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

Parents are asked to bring all items the child may need throughout the day, necessities and otherwise. Failure to do so may result in a parent having to leave work or other obligations in order to provide the center with the appropriate items. These items may include:

- Bottles- pre-made each day- Pacifiers- Diapers and wipes - A full change of clothes (YLCC cannot guarantee extra clothing available at the center)- Naptime items: a small stuffed toy, pillow, blanket - Appropriate outdoor attire

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Tornado or Severe WeatherDuring a severe weather watch, the children will remain indoors. Staff members will listen to local news stations as well as look up local news websites to stay up to date on weather information. If a warning should occur while the center is open, all rooms will be alerted verbally by the front desk staff to take immediate shelter in the designated area. YLCC’s designated safe area is the Meeting Place room. No phone calls will be made or accepted at this time. Parents may pick up at their discretion, but this practice is discouraged. Once alerted, the teacher will lead their group to shelter, remain calm, and explain to the children what is happening. Teachers will bring the sign-in sheets, backpacks with emergency information and first aid kits, and a small collection of toys or books. Parents who arrive at the center during this time may join the group until the all clear is given.

FireIn the case of a fire, the alarms will sound and all staff members have specific duties to make sure all children are escorted safely outdoors. The director will make phone calls to authorities and parents to have children picked up if needed.

DrillsFire drills are conducted every quarter. Tornado drills are conducted two times during the months of April and October. Lock down drills are conducted twice a year. The YLCC staff explains to the children the importance of practicing these drills and what is needed to be safe. This is also a great opportunity for parents to go over a plan of what children should do if there were to be a fire or tornado at their home.

Alternate Safe Location

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Should the building need to be evacuated for any reason, the designated evacuation location is Mancino’s Pizza, located in the strip mall directly north of Young Life Childcare Center. Once the children are assembled there, the staff will begin to contact parents or emergency contact persons for pick up.

HYGIENE AND CLEANING POLICY

Personal hygiene is taught and encouraged. Children wash their hands several times throughout the day, including before and after meals, after using the restroom, after wiping noses and after messy art projects. Children are also encouraged to cover their mouth with the inside of their elbow while coughing or sneezing and to use a tissue when needed. Parents are asked to encourage this behavior at home as well.

Staff members are trained to clean hard surfaces and toys with the 3 step cleaning process. First, the surface is sprayed with soapy water solution and wiped down with a single use towel. Next, the surface is sprayed with rinse water and wiped down with a new single use towel. Finally, the surface is sprayed with sanitizing solution and left to air dry or left on for 30 seconds and then wiped down.

PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY

In the event that the center should need to have pesticide applications, the following shall be put in place. Parents will receive an annual notification informing them in advance to the application in a written letter. This notice will contain information about the pesticide including but not limited to target pest or purpose, approximate location, date of application, contact information at the center, and a toll-free number for a national pesticide center.

In addition, liquid spray or aerosol insecticide applications will not be performed in a room of the center unless the room will be unoccupied for not less than 4 hours or longer as required by the pesticide label use directions.

NUTRITION

All meals served to the children are in accordance with federal nutrition guidelines and are included in the cost of care. Weekly menus are posted at the front desk, outside of the kitchen door, and in each classroom. If there are any changes to the menu, those changes will be posted as soon as possible. Children are not expected to clear their plates, but are strongly encouraged to try everything once. Please inform the staff of any food allergies prior to the beginning of care. Food should not be brought from home unless enough is brought for all class members. In addition, please allow the child to finish all uneaten food before entering the building. If a child wishes to bring in a special treat, please contact the classroom teacher about quantities and any allergies. All treats must be store bought.

Children are encouraged to learn and use proper table manners during snack and meal times. Children are asked to remain seated in their chairs, use words such as “please” and “thank you” and clean up their dishes afterwards. Parents, in turn, are asked to bring these skills into the home.

Mealtime Schedule (times are approximate):8:30 a.m.- Breakfast10:30 a.m.- Morning Snack12:00 p.m.- Lunchtime3:00 p.m. – Afternoon Snack

SMOKING

For the health of all staff, children, and associates smoking is prohibited anywhere on center property. Parents are prohibited from smoking in the building, on the grounds, and in the parking lot. Parents smoking in the car must dispose of the cigarette before entering the parking lot. Smoking is also prohibited in the presence of children outside the center (ex: chaperoning field trips). This is a State of Michigan mandated regulation.

FIREARMS AND WEAPONS

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At no time is any person permitted to carry any type of firearm, ammunitions, and/or weapons on the premises for any reason. Violation of this policy will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

GRIEVANCE POLICYIn the event that a parent has concerns or questions, YLCC encourages parents to take the time to speak directly with the Director or office manager. The management at YLCC has an open door policy and is interested and eager to help with concerns and/or questions as they arise.

Parent Handbook Acknowledgement

Please read and sign below. Return to the office with enrollment paperwork.

I have read and fully understand this Young Life Childcare Center Parent Handbook. I am responsible for knowing these policies as it could directly impact admission and termination of child care.

I now agree to enter into this agreement with Young Life Childcare Center. I understand that Young Life Childcare Center, providing two weeks written notice, may change the contents of this parent handbook anytime.

I have received a copy of this Parent Handbook for my own records.

Parent Signature____________________________________________________Date________________

Parent Signature____________________________________________________Date________________

Provider Signature__________________________________________________Date_________________

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