(KLA) Handbook

KLA Christian Childcare

Providing loving care in a wholesome Christian environment to nurture a Christ centered child!

Parent Handbook

922 W Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg IL 60193 (630) 738.3734

Table of Contents

Letter from the Director ........................................................

2

Lifestyle Statement and Values .............................................

3

Admission Policies ................................................................

4

Operations .............................................................................

6

Tuition and Payment Policies................................................

7

Scheduling and Communication ...........................................

...9

Arrival and Departure Procedures .........................................

11

Staff Information ...................................................................

13

General Child Care ................................................................

14

Additional Information..........................................................

.17

Child’s Supply List................................................................

.19

Health and Safety ..................................................................

.20

Behavior Management and Discipline Policies ....................

...26

Programs................................................................................

29

Curriculum.............................................................................

33

Throughout this handbook, please consider the word “parents” interchangeable with parents, guardian, guardians, or any person standing in loco parentsis .

Dear Parents:

Welcome to KLA Christian Childcare Center (KLACC). We are blessed that you have chosen us to care for and nurture your child.

We are a Christian childcare center operated under the direction of Kingdom Family Learning Center Church. Our goal is to provide loving care to your child. We understand the importance of providing a loving, clean, and secure environment where children can explore God’s world, learn principles for living, and experience God’s love. Our aim is to provide Christ-centered, quality care for children from the age of 3yrs through 5yrs. Our staff has experience working with young children. All of our lead teachers are required to have a minimum of ten hours of continuing education each year and to maintain their First Aid and CPR certification. The teachers are professionally trained and have a desire to see children grow emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically and academically. At KLA, children will enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor free play, group activities, learning center activities and individual attention from staff. We equip and furnish our learning centers with age-appropriate materials and curriculum. Our programs include math, art, music, dramatic play, science, reading, story time, and physical play. We encourage them to learn as they play. We want to work with you and serve you as your child grows and develops. You are welcome to participate in activities or observe at any time. Your involvement will enhance the experiences your child has and the progress he/she will make while attending KLA. This handbook will help to answer many of the questions you may have about our Childcare. My door is always open and I would be happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to call me at (----) …-…. or email me at Juli kingdomlearningacademy@outlook.com

Sincerely,

Juli Noyfb Director

LIFESTYLE STATEMENT AND VALUES

Lifestyle Statement Kingdom Learning Academy is a Christian childcare center and is operated under the direction of Kingdom Family Learning Center Church. Our aim is to provide loving care for children and teach them about God. Christian atmosphere and attitudes are stressed and Biblical truths are taught. We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and only through Him are we able to spend eternity in Heaven. We believe prayer is an integral part of a Christian’s daily walk. The Bible says the greatest commandments are: 1) To love the Lord with all your heart and 2) love your neighbor as yourself. KLA staff lives by these principles and teach them to the children. The Program section of the parent handbook has more specific information regarding what we teach. Mission Statement KLA provides loving care in a wholesome Christian environment to nurture happy, confident kids!

Values

Integrity: We value the quality of being honest and morally upright, expecting one another to make good choices and take responsibility for one’s own actions.

Nurturing: We cherish each child and believe God has a purpose for each person. We strive to impart confidence and the desire to learn, as well as the importance of making right choices. Respect: We regard the feelings and rights of others, including the children. Our desire is to work with one another maturely and lovingly, helping each other in any way we can. Responsibility: We have a strong sense of ownership of our jobs. We are accountable and dependable. Our responsibility is to care for and nurture children and we work diligently to do all that is necessary to accomplish this.

ADMISSION POLICIES

Enrollment Eligibility Children from Three years through Five years of age are eligible for enrollment. For a child to be eligible for the pre-school classroom, the child must be at least 2 1 / 2 years old and potty trained.

Notice of Non-Discriminatory Policy Kingdom Learning Academy admits children of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to children at the Center under the word of God. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or programs.

Initial Application for Enrollment Applications are accepted at KLA by the Director or Receptionist. After completing the application, child record forms including immunization forms, the parents will have an orientation meeting with the Director prior to the child’s entrance to the Center. This meeting provides parents the opportunity to learn about and tour the Childcare Center, as well as have any of their questions answered. During this meeting, parents will sign a contract and turn in all the registration forms and a finalized schedule of when their child will be in the care of the Center. Contracts are necessary to maintain the best possible care for your child in assuring proper child to staff ratios. For each child accepted there is a $85 initial registration fee. Continuing Enrollment All currently enrolled children must re-apply each year for continued enrollment. A Re-Registration packet will be given out in the spring. Re-Registration forms are due July 1 and the registration process must be completed by August 1 in order for the Center to secure a place for your child. If registration forms are not received by August 1, your child will be disenrolled from the Center. Contract Updates In addition to re-registration, updated schedules and contracts are turned in twice each year. These are due April 1 for the summer and July 1 for the school year. Should you choose to have your child out for the summer but still need childcare in the fall, you must communicate this on your summer contract update. We will reserve a spot for your child in the fall. New Children In A Family When additional children are born or adopted into a family that is currently a member of the Center, all registration forms and registration fee must be completed and turned in prior to the child’s entrance into childcare. This will communicate any schedule changes and help us plan for the child’s first day. Please feel free to set up

a meeting with the Director if you have any questions or would like to be refreshed on KLA policies and procedures.

Registration Forms Upon acceptance into the Center, parents will be asked to complete and sign a number of forms. These forms will be kept in each families file and updated on a yearly basis.  Application Form  Fall/Summer Contract and Schedule  Medical Release Form  Alternative Emergency Contact  Immunization Records  Individual care plan (if needed)  Medical plan forms (if needed) Special Needs Children with special needs, such as severe allergies or physical disabilities, will be accommodated, if possible. It should be understood that for the child’s safety, the Center cannot take responsibility for a child whose special needs are beyond the capabilities of the Center. In such cases we will encourage the pursuit of alternative care or the signing of a waiver of liability regarding the child’s specific special need. Cancellation of Enrollment Cancellation of enrollment requires verbal or written notification two weeks in advance of the last day of attendance. Parents who fail to do so will be charged for two weeks beyond the last day of the child’s attendance. If a child’s family chooses to no longer have their child be a part of the Center, and then later applies to re- admit their child, the $35 initial registration fee is charged again at the time of re- admission. Parent Participation We encourage you to be involved with the activities at the Center. You are welcome to visit any time. We would love for you to participate in any special events, field trips, or any other fun activities.

OPERATIONS

Location of Center KLA is located in Kingdom Family Learning Center Church at 922 W Irving Park Rd.

Offices The Center’s administration office is located in front office of the Church building. Mailboxes, located in both the Childcare Center and the Receptionist offices, are available for you to leave messages, payments, and other communication forms.

Hours The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Child Groups KLA is divided into three groups:

12 months thru 2 1 / 2

Toddlers

years (coming)

2 1 / 2

Preschoolers School-Agers

years thru 5 years

5 years

Holidays The Center will be closed for the following days each year:  New Years Day  Martin Luther King Day  Presidents’ Day  Memorial Day  Independence Day  Labor Day  Thanksgiving Weekend, Thursday and Friday 

Christmas (closed three days, usually the day before and the day after)  Staff Training Day (first or second Friday in August)

Please communicate to the Director any changes in your child’s schedule during holiday weeks so that staff may be released to have time off, especially in November and December.

TUITION AND PAYMENT POLICIES

Initial One-Time Registration Fee For each child registered at the Center, there is an initial $85 registration fee.

Twice Per Year Contract Fee When contracts are updated, there is a $25 contract fee per family. If the contract is turned in by the due date (April 1 or July 1), this fee will be waived. Tuition Levels Tuition is determined by the time blocks for which a family registers and the classroom in which the child is enrolled. The billing cycle begins the 1st of each month. Bills will be sent out the first of each month and will be for care received the previous month. Drop-in Care Drop-in care is available to children not regularly in the Center and is billed at an hourly rate. Drop-in care is only available when staff-to-child ratios can be maintained. Whenever possible, please communicate in advance with the Director prior to using drop-in care. Parents needing care for school-age children when school is closed need to communicate their request in advance in order to ensure space is available. Tuition will be charged at the hourly drop-in rate. Billing Statements After the end of the billing period, statements for each family will be calculated according to the tuition levels for which your child is contracted. Statements are mailed the first business day of each month. Payments are due the 20 th of each month. Checks should be made out to Kingdom Laerning Academy or KLA. Payments are to be placed in the payment box in the Center’s office, or can be mailed to the Center at 922 W. Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193 or online www.kingdomlearningchurch.org Refunds and credits are not granted if a child does not attend childcare due to illness. Vacation vouchers may be available upon request for prolonged illnesses such as chicken pox, lice, etc.

If you have extenuating circumstances and need to work out a written payment plan, please talk to the Director.

Late Payment Policy A $25.00 late fee will be charged for payments received after the 20 t h of the month. For accounts that are more than 60 days past due, a $50 late fee will be charged and a payment plan will be arranged. If an account is more than 90 days past due, a $100 late fee will be charged and enrollment may be suspended until the account is caught up.

Late Pick-up Fee A fee will be charged for any time that your child is present after your child is scheduled to be picked up. The fee is $1.00 per minute per child after scheduled closing. Vacation Vouchers When your family plans a vacation, you may be able to take advantage of the Center’s vacation vouchers. Vouchers are provided to credit the contracted tuition amount for up to three weeks per year and are available to only use in weekly increments. Our fiscal year is from July to June. We recommend using these during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Spring Breaks and the 4 th of July holiday weeks. Vouchers must be turned in two weeks in advance to the KLA box. Grievance Policy Kingdom Laerning Academy wants to talk with you about problems and help resolve issues. If you have a disagreement with or a concern about a staff member, we ask that you discuss your concerns directly (and constructively) with the individual(s) involved. If you do not feel the problem was resolved, please set up a conference with the Director. If the Director is unable to resolve the issue to your satisfaction, she may refer you to Pastor Schan Willis or Minister Damion Abrams, the Executive Director, and then to the KLA Board of Directors, if necessary. Kingdom Family Learning Center Church believes the Bible commands any disputes between Christians and/or the church should be resolved in private or within the Christian church, and that the Bible prohibits Christians from bringing civil lawsuits in the event of such a dispute (1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 18:15-20). If there is still no resolution, the problem will be submitted to Apostle Gary Carter, Jr. Senior Pastor If you have concerns with the Center’s policies and procedures, please feel free to write down your concerns and schedule a time to speak with the Director. If you do not feel that the problem has been adequately resolved, you can then submit your concerns to Pastor Schan Willis or Minister Damion Abrams,, and then to the KLA Board of Directors. We expect all persons involved to maintain ethical conduct at all times.

SCHEDULING AND COMMUNICATION

Regular schedule When registering your child you will indicate the time block needed. The time block your child is registered for, whether it’s full-time, school hours, part-time, or kindergarten time, is your child’s regular schedule. A regular student schedule will be established from the time blocks indicated in your registration materials. Drop-in-scheduling Drop-in care is available on a space-available basis . Please communicate in advance when you would like your child to be in drop-in care. Schedule change When you anticipate a change in your normal schedule prior notice is required. If you wish to have your child in care for hours not registered, and space is available, you will be billed hourly for that time. It will be added to your regular monthly bill. Please communicate when your child will not be in on a given day for illness or other reasons. You may notify your child’s teacher, the Center Director or the receptionist. Permanent schedule change If you would like to change your child’s time block, you will need to communicate as soon as possible and fill out a new time block contract. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Holidays Prior to federal, state, and school holidays, sign-up sheets will be posted for parents to communicate their child’s schedule. The Director will use this information to staff the Center appropriately. For this reason, any change to your normal schedule must be communicated on the sign-up sheet in advance in order for the Center to accommodate your request. This information is important for scheduling staff and honoring vacation requests. Illness If your child will not be coming in for the day due to illness, please contact KLA by 8:15 am. When you call, be sure to communicate what symptoms your child is experiencing. This helps the staff to monitor the health of other children in the Center. Emergency Contact Parents will fill out an Emergency Contact form when registering their child. This form includes the family’s home phone number as well as parents work numbers and cell phone numbers, if applicable. Parents also need to include an alternative emergency contact. This person is someone who would be available to come and care for the child in the event of an emergency when the Center is unable to reach either parent. This information is required by the State of Washington.

Monthly Communication At the beginning of each month, the Center will mail a Family Statement Packet to parents. The packet will include:

   

Monthly billing statement

Monthly newsletter Monthly snack menu

Other appropriate material

Monthly Newsletter There is a Christian theme within the Center’s program including monthly themes, skills and traits. The monthly newsletter will keep parents informed of these themes as well as activities, projects, upcoming dress-up days, and important information. The newsletter also includes parent tips, upcoming events and other information that parents may find helpful. Care Charts Children in Infant and Toddler care will have their own care chart and clipboard. This is where the staff will communicate diaper changes, feedings and naps as well as other information about a child’s day. Medicine notes will also be kept on each child’s clipboard. Parents are encouraged to check this chart daily and may make notes on the chart as they see fit.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

Check-in and Check-out Family members and other authorized persons must come to the classrooms and sign the children in and out, on the child’s sign-in sheet. The full legal signature of the family member or authorized person, by state law, is required at the time of arrival and departure. The family member or authorized person will record time of arrival and time of departure. All children must be accompanied to their rooms and cannot be dropped off at the front doors or the office. The departure time should be recorded after the parent has collected lunch boxes and coats, and discussed with the teacher about the child’s day. All children must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. (see “Late Pick up Fee”). We ask that you make contact with the child’s teacher when picking up and dropping off a child at the Center. Please inform the teacher of how your child is doing and if there are any special instructions or any information the staff needs to know about your child and their care for the day. Please note these on the clipboard in the comments section as well. Please plan enough time at the end of the day to check with the teacher about your child’s day and to collect any projects that need to go home. Midday Arrivals and Departures Lunch begins at 11:00 a.m. in our Toddler Classroom and at 12:00 p.m. in our Preschool Classroom. To encourage “family style” mealtimes and to allow time to eat their lunches, children should arrive no later than 15 minutes after their class begins lunch. Children contracted for the morning time block should come with a lunch to eat. Preschoolers who are contracted for the afternoon time block may eat lunch at the Center if they arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. Naptime begins for our toddlers at 12:30 p.m. and at 1:00 p.m. for our preschoolers. To minimize disruptions for children who have already been laid down for nap, children should arrive no later than 15 minutes after their class begins nap. Children who will not be napping at PCCC should be picked up no later than 15 minutes after nap for their class begins. Toddlers who are not picked up by 12:45 p.m. will be laid down for nap and can be picked up at 2:30 p.m. when nap time is over. Preschoolers who are not picked up by 1:15 p.m. will go to the School-Age Classroom to await their parent’s arrival. Authorization To Pick Up Children A space is provided on the Enrollment Form for the names, addresses and phone numbers of people who may or may not pick up your children. Please inform the Center of any changes. New forms will be sent out on a yearly basis to update this information. If someone other than a pre-authorized person will be picking the child up, a parent must call or send a written note to inform the Center. That person will need to check in with the Family Center Receptionist and may be asked to show ID. The Center will only release the child to those stated as authorized on the child’s

enrollment form unless otherwise communicated by the parents. Children will not be released to siblings or babysitters under 13 years of age.

We adhere to legally served court orders. A notarized court order must be on file regarding custody matters. It is also helpful to have a picture of any person who is not allowed contact with your child. Arrival Procedures for School-Age Children The lead teacher will sign in any children who transfer to the Center after school. Parents or authorized persons who bring the child to daycare must come to the child’s room and sign him or her in on the child’s sign-in sheet. During the summer, School-Age children must be signed in by a parent or authorized person. They cannot check themselves in. They may be released on their own if it has been prearranged and indicated on the clipboard when signed in. The lead teacher will sign out the child. Kindergarteners must be signed out by a parent or authorized person. Field Trip and Transportation Policy The Center and/or volunteer family members will provide transportation for field trips. A KLA staff member will be present at all times and carry the health history and emergency information for each child. At least one adult will have a cell phone with them. Permission slips will be sent home in advance and must be signed and returned prior to departure for your child to attend. The vehicle of transportation will have a current license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a first aid kit. The vehicles are maintained in good repair and safe operating condition. The staff-to-child ratio will be maintained and children will not be unattended at any time.

STAFF INFORMATION

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:14b, 16 Jesus took time to let the children come close to Him, to hold them, and to touch their lives. He blessed and encouraged them with a heart full of love. We, the PCCC staff, serve as your hands extended as we show love to your children. Our priority is to care for the children in a manner that is healthy, safe, pleasant, and conducive to learning. Who Are We? We are a professionally trained team of early childhood educators who provide quality care with many opportunities for children to learn and grow. We provide each child a clean and safe environment with love and care, respect, support, and encouragement. We value each child as an individual. We support parents by assisting in meeting their childcare needs and by providing frequent communication about their children and information about normal growth and development. Each staff member’s lifestyle is based on biblical standards of conduct, reflecting the biblical perspective of integrity and appropriate relationships, business conduct, and moral behavior. Staff – Child Ratios In order to provide the best possible care for your children, we adhere to staff-child ratios required by the State of Washington. These ratios are guidelines to determine the number of staff needed to properly care for the needs of the children at the Center.

Age

Staff/Child Ratio

Children 12-29 months

1 adult: 7 children 1 adult: 10 children 1 adult: 15 children

Children 30 months-5 years Children 5 years and above

Staff and Volunteers All paid staff and volunteers have background clearance checks through the Department of Early Learning (DEL), and are required to attend an orientation meeting. Volunteers are welcome and are encouraged to participate with the children. Volunteers are not placed in charge of or left alone with children.

GENERAL CHILD CARE

Taking care of children’s natural needs is a priority at the Center. When children have eaten and slept well, they are more likely to be healthy and happy at home and in childcare. Staff and parents work closely together to make sure the children receive excellent care.

Nutrition

The Center will provide snacks at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Lunchtime is 12:00 p.m. It is the parents’ responsibility to provide their child’s lunch each day. The Center will not store additional food for children’s lunches; lunch must be brought on a daily basis in a lunch box or bag that is labeled with your child’s name. Lunches need to be nutritious and include items from each of the following food groups: dairy, meat or meat alternative, grain product, fruit and/or vegetable equal to a full serving. Please clearly label all lunch containers with your child’s first and last name.  Please send easy-to-serve foods to avoid large messes and help lunch go smoothly.  If your child’s lunch contains perishables, the Center has a refrigerator in each room for lunches. The refrigerator also has room for bottles and medicines. These items must be labeled with the child’s first and last name and the date.  If your child has food allergies or special menu requirements, we need to receive written directions from the child’s health care provider and the parents to best care for the child. We ask you to identify any foods the child is allergic to and specify alternative foods they may have instead. We will endeavor to accommodate, if at all possible. If necessary, we may require parents to supply food for supplements and special diets.  Food brought in by parents for special occasions (i.e., birthdays) must be store-purchased, uncut fruits and vegetables or foods which are prepackaged and left in their original containers. Breast Feeding You may keep clearly labeled breast milk in the freezer in the Toddler room for up to two weeks. Milk must be labeled with child’s full name and the date you bring it to the Center. When you arrive please have their first bottle thawed. If you wish to come and nurse your child, please communicate your feeding schedule with the Infant Lead Teacher. We ask that you still provide breast milk or formula as a back up in case you can’t get to the Center as planned or the needs of your child change. Milk Once your child begins drinking milk, the Center will provide 2% milk for children older than two. We will ensure that milk is not expired before serving   General 

it to the children. The staff will only serve whole milk to children under two unless there is a written Doctor’s note that a child should drink something else. You will need to label any beverage you supply with your child’s full name and the date you brought it in. Lunches should be put in the refrigerator or on the child’s hook and must be labeled with the child’s full name and the date. The staff is happy to spoon feed any messy foods such as applesauce or yogurt, and continue feeding the child infant cereal as long as you would like.

Toddler/Preschool

 Total Self-feeders These children use a spoon well and need little assistance with their lunches. However we ask you to please send easy-to-serve foods to avoid large messes and help lunch go smoothly.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Pacifiers If your child uses a pacifier, please provide two to be kept at the Center. There will be a labeled hook available to store them. We also encourage you to bring a pacifier clip so that your child is less likely to lose their pacifier or have other children sampling it. Please let the Infant Lead Teacher know whether or not your child needs or likes a pacifier when taking a nap. Blankets The Center will provide blankets and a crib sheet or cot cover for all children who sleep at the Center. This allows us to have clean linens available at all times. You may bring a stuffed animal and/or a personal blanket from home if it is clearly labeled. The Center launders sleep materials weekly or sooner if needed. If you would not like us to launder your child’s blanket or stuffed animal at the Center, please take it home each Friday and return it on Monday once it has been laundered at home. Children’s Attire Children should be dressed in play clothes. They play hard and shouldn’t need to worry about staying clean. Dressing children in layers of clothes provides them greater comfort for cold winter weather and allows for them to cool off on those days that start out cold and get warm later in the day. In the winter they should have hats, boots, and mittens, snowsuit or extra change of clothes. We will make every effort to keep track of your child’s things but are not responsible for lost clothing and other articles. Two changes of clothing should be left at the Center at all times for each child as back-up for when accident occur. Car Seats When arriving at the Center, your child cannot be left in a car seat. If your child is sleeping, you may put him/her in a crib. Please leave your car seat in your car or outside the infant classroom along the wall. Strollers may be left in the coat area of the lobby. Labeling In order to keep track of your child’s belongings, please clearly label all items that you bring into the Center. Label makers work well with plastic items such as cups, pacifiers, etc. The Center is able to label these for you if you wish. Laundry markers, fabric paint or iron-ons work well with cloth items such as blankets, burp cloths, clothes, etc. Please label these items with your child’s first and last name in order to

minimize confusion. We do not recommend using permanent markers for any items remaining at the Center because the ink washes off over time.

Diapering KLA provides diapers for your child as well as wipes, diaper ointments and creams. Please have your child arrive at the Center in a clean disposable diaper. If your child is allergic to a certain brand of disposable diapers, wipes, or if there are any products you don’t want used on your child, please let us know so alternative options may be discussed. Toilet Training Consultation between the Center and the parents is important when beginning to toilet train your child. Training will be done with positive reinforcement, cultural sensitivity, not using foods for reinforcement, and will follow a routine established between the parent and staff. Toilet training be completed before the child enters the preschool classroom. If you so desire, we will assist you in finding resources and getting advice on this topic. Once your child has 90% success keeping his/her pants dry and initiates using the toilet, he/she may be brought to the Center in underpants. If the child is messing his/her pants regularly at the center, parents may be asked to bring the child to the Center in pull-ups until he/she is more successful. Hooks and Baskets Each child has his or her own labeled hook and basket in their room for coats, extra clothes, lunches and other items. Please include the following well-labeled items in your child's basket. Change of clothes Seasonal - snowsuit, hat, sunscreen, sunhat, swim suit, etc. If your child’s clothing should get too dirty or unsanitary, we will change your child’s clothes and put the soiled clothes in a plastic bag and leave it on your child’s hook. If your child does not have extra clothes, the Center will provide a change of clothes. These clothes are labeled and should be returned to us after laundering.

CHILD’S SUPPLY LIST

Toddler

‰ Two Pacifiers (if using) ‰ Two Changes of Clothes ‰ Lunch Daily

Pre-School

‰ 2 Changes of Clothes ‰ Lunch Daily

School-Age

‰ Change of Clothes (optional) ‰ Lunch daily (when needed)

Seasonal Items

‰ Summe r Ha t ‰ Towe l ‰ Swimsu i t ‰ Sunscreen (if child cannot use the Center’s) ‰ Winter Play Clothes (hats, boots, mittens, snowsuit)

Should not bring  Toys from home (unless your child’s teacher has a show-and-tell day in which the toy will remain in the teacher’s possession until group time.)  Money  Food (other than a packed lunch unless there is enough for the whole class and had been previously approved by the lead teacher.)

General Compliance with basic standards of health and safety for both facility and operations shall always be maintained. Emergency, safety and health requirements are met, including: HEALTH AND SAFETY  Fire prevention  Fire extinguishers  Evacuation plans and procedures  Fire alarm equipment  Accident prevention plans  Disaster plans  Food handling requirements  Hygiene standards  Other elements necessary to ensure health and safety  Center cleaning schedules  Management of communicable diseases  State and local requirements Immunizations State law requires that immunizations be kept up-to-date if a child is to remain in the care of a daycare center. When your child receives an immunization, please fill out the Immunization Update form that you can pick up from the KLA office or the Family Center Receptionist. Turn the completed form in to one of the Center’s boxes. This form needs to be signed and the exact date of the immunization must be given. Copies of the state-prescribed immunization schedule are available in the Center’s Office. Parents choosing to not immunize their child for personal or religious reasons are required to sign the exempt portion of the Certificate of Immunization. A health care provider's signature is required for medical exemptions. In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, for their safety, non-immunized children will not be allowed to attend KLA for the duration of the outbreak. The Center’s health care advisor will decide when non-immunized children may return to the Center.  Emergency lock-down procedures  Current First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne pathogen certificates relating to child abuse and neglect

Hygienic Procedures 9 Each Teacher washes his or her hands with hot water and soap upon entrance to the Center, before meals and snacks, after contact with bodily fluids, and as needed.

9 Disinfectant is used to clean the changing table after each child is changed. It is also used to clean equipment, like bucket seats, swings, playpens, larger toys, slides, furniture, etc. 9 Walls and doorknobs are disinfected daily. 9 Children’s hands are wiped or washed upon arrival to the Center, before and after snacks and lunch, after using the toilet or diaper changes, after outdoor play, and after touching bodily fluids. 9 Tables, highchairs, and counters used for food preparation are cleaned and sanitized before and after each meal and snack. 9 Hand-washing sinks are sanitized before being used as an art or project sink. 9 Toys are washed and sanitized daily and/or as needed. 9 Cloth toys and dress up toys are laundered weekly. 9 Blankets and sheets are laundered weekly. Cribs and mattresses are disinfected weekly. 9 Extra blankets are washed daily, if used. 9 Kitchen sinks and counters are cleaned and sanitized daily. 9 Refrigerators are cleaned monthly or as needed. 9 Carpets are vacuumed daily. 9 Carpet cleaner is used on spills, messes, and accidents. 9 Floors are swept and mopped with bleach water daily. 9 Garbage is emptied after lunch, at the end of the day, and when otherwise necessary. 9 The garbage can for diapers is covered. 9 Bathrooms are sanitized daily including the sinks, toilets, counters, and floors. 9 Furniture is disinfected or deep-cleaned weekly. 9 The illness policy, as outlined in the parent handbook (see Illness Policy), is enforced. 9 Sick children are separated in the office or a playpen until the parents can pick the child up from the Center.

Illness Policy Ill children typically recover faster if they rest and receive personal care at home. Keeping ill children at home promotes a more healthful environment for all the children. The staff will follow the same exclusion criteria as children and will not come to work or will leave when signs of illness develop.

Children and staff with the following symptoms will be excluded: 

Fever of at least 99° F under arm (auxiliary) or 100° F orally AND who also have one of the following:

o Vomiting o Diarrhea o Headache o Earache o Sore throat o Rash o Fatigue that prevents participation in regular activities o Unusually fussy or inconsolable

Oral temperatures, done with single-use disposable covers over the thermometer, can be taken on preschool through school-age children; temperatures will be taken under the arm (auxiliary) for all others; no rectal or ear temperatures will be taken.  Vomiting on one or more occasions within the past 24 hours  Diarrhea: three or more watery stools, or one bloody stool, within a 24-hour period  Pinkeye  Any suspected communicable skin infection such as impetigo and/or scabies  Open or oozing sores , unless properly covered and 24 hours have passed since starting antibiotic treatment, if treatment is necessary.  Croupy, very congested, or persistent cough  Any of the childhood diseases  Mites, lice, or pinworms If a child exhibits any of the above symptoms, parents will be contacted and asked to take their child home immediately. Sick children will be separated in a playpen or in the office to reduce exposure to other children. If your child gets sick at the Center and has slept on his or her cot or bedding, the Center will wash it. We will notify parents in writing when their children have been exposed to infectious diseases or lice. The notification may consist of either a letter to parents or posting a notification for parents in a visible location.

Following an illness, children will be re-admitted to the Center when: 9 They no longer have the above symptoms, or 9 After 24 hours of starting antibiotic treatment, or 9 No longer have significant discomfort and are ready to participate in regular activities, or 9 After 24 hours of last vomit or diarrhea. As a licensed childcare facility, the Center is required to report communicable diseases to the local Public Health Department. A list of these diseases is in our Health Care Policy. You can get a copy of this policy from the Director. Medications The Center must have written consent from a parent before we will give medication. We require parents to fill in all the blanks on the Medication Administration Form located in each room or the office. The Medication Administration Form is only good for the number of days stated on the form. Prescription medications, medications without specific dosages, and some others must have written instructions from and signed by a health care provider with prescriptive authority. The Center also uses some bulk medications with parent’s permission. If you would like the Center to use a different diaper ointment than what is provided, you must fill our a Medical Administration Form and clearly label the ointment with your child’s name. Medications must be labeled with the child’s name, must be in the original container, must have instructions and dosage for the child’s weight and age (or a health care provider’s instructions), and is not expired.

KLA’s Bulk Medications 

A & D diaper ointment



Sunscreen

Parent Consent Medications  Antihistamine 

Non-aspirin fever reducer/pain reliever

 

Non-narcotic cough suppressant

Decongestant

 Any ointments or lotions for dry skin or wound care, or those specifically intended to reduce or stop itching  Diaper ointments or non-talc powders intended for use in the diaper area  Sunscreen for children over six months of age

Health Care Provider’s Consent Required 

All other over-the-counter medications not listed above or medications without instructions or specific dosages for the child’s weight and age  Prescription medications

A health care provider’s consent may be given in 3 different ways:

1) The provider’s name is on the original pharmacist’s label (along with the child’s name, name of the medication, dosage, duration and expiration date); 2) The provider signs a note or prescription that includes the information required on the pharmacist’s label; or 3) The provider signs a completed Medication Authorization Form. ADA Exemption If a child has a condition in which the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) would apply, we will make reasonable accommodations for the child. Our Center, because it is run by a religious entity, is exempt from Title III of the ADA. (See Dept. of Justice, ADA Home Page: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the Americans With Disabilities Act.) Lice Policy Since lice is easily transmitted, whenever there is cause for concern about an outbreak of lice: 9 A letter will be sent out letting parents know there is a concern and explaining what to do to prevent the spreading of lice and how to treat it. 9 All children will be checked daily by their parents before being allowed to enter the Center as long as there is reason for concern. 9 A child who is found to have lice will not be permitted at the Center. 9 Any child with lice must be “nit free” for three days before returning to the Center. 9 Before the child will be re-admitted to the Center, a staff member, usually the Director, must check the child who has been “nit free” for three days. Disaster Preparedness In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, parents will be contacted by either a staff member or by the Pastoral staff of Kingdom Family Learning Center Church. If the Center should become unsafe or a lock down is in place, you will need to go to the KLA church building to await further information or to meet your child. A full explanation of our policy is in our Disaster Preparedness handbook, which you can get from the Center’s office.

Pesticide Policy The Center will post a sign notifying parents of our intent to use pesticides 48 hours in advance. There will be no notification if pesticides are used on a weekend. Child Abuse and Neglect Staffs at Kingdom Learning Academy are mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect. Any instance when staff has reason to suspect the occurrence of any physical, sexual or emotional child abuse or neglect, child endangerment or child exploitation must be reported to the appropriate authorities, as required under Kingdom Family Learning Center Church. If there is immediate danger to a child, the Center will make a report to local law enforcement. We are required to cooperate with authorities if they come to the Center to visit with a child. However, we will always request that the teacher be present with the child to help ease the child’s concern and that the parent or guadiane will be contacted…. We are required to report immediately:  A death or a serious injury or illness that requires medical treatment or hospitalization of a child in care. This must be reported by telephone and in writing to the parents, licensor, and child’s social worker if applicable, and reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) or (DCF).  Any instance where a staff member has reason to suspect the occurrence of any abuse or neglect as stated above.  If there is immediate danger to a child.  Any occurrence of food poisoning or reportable communicable disease, as required by the state board of health, to the local public health department and to the licensor, by telephone.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT & DISCIPLINE POLICIES

The early years are critical in a child’s development. The Center believes it is important to model and teach appropriate behavior from the first day your child is in our care. A child’s ability to succeed in relationships with others is strongly influenced by their ability to interact appropriately in a social environment. Our desire is to help the children learn acceptable behavior in a place where they feel security, peace, and joy. General Rules 1) A child is not permitted to behave in a manner in which they may hurt themselves or another person, or damage any property. 2) Children are expected to treat the teachers respectfully, while being allowed to express themselves and being respected in return. 3) Profanity is not allowed. KLA will: 1) Guide children’s behavior based on an understanding of the individual child’s needs and stage of development; 2) Promote the child’s developmentally-appropriate social behavior, self-control, and respect for the rights of others; 3) Prevent and prohibit any staff member or volunteer from using cruel, unusual, hazardous, frightening or humiliating discipline, including, but not limited to: (a)Corporal punishment including jerking, shaking, spanking, slapping, hitting, kicking, flicking or any other means of inflicting physical pain or causing bodily harm to the child, (b)Verbal abuse such as yelling, shouting, name calling, making derogatory remarks about a child or the child’s family, or using language that threatens, humiliates, or frightens a child, (c)The use of a physical restraint method injurious to the child, such as a KLA is required to report anyone using cruel, unusual, hazardous, frightening or humiliating discipline. ( See Child Abuse and Neglect) In emergency situations, a staff may use physical restraint when: 1) Protecting a person on the premises from serious injury, 2) Obtaining possession of a weapon or other dangerous object, or 3) Protecting property from serious damage. Staff is required to document any incident involving the use of physical restraint. Parents will be provided an incident report if physical restraint was used. We endeavor to provide an interactive environment for the children, which will reduce frustration experienced when in a group setting. We will also re-direct children to locked time-out room or closet for disciplinary purposes, and (d)The using or withholding of food or liquids as punishment.

new activities. We model the behavior we want imitated and we practice correct behavior with the children.

Our Center believes that God gave us the ability to make choices. Some choices honor God, respect others, and are best for us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Other choices dishonor God, hurt others, and are harmful to us. Below are guidelines that we use when teaching appropriate behavior:  Use respect and kindness  Use emotional reassurance that God forgives them, as does the teacher  Use clear communication of expected behavior without comparing children  Emphasize the Golden Rule – Treat others as you would like to be treated. Discipline Procedures 1) The teacher will review the rules and guidelines regularly, so the children will know what is expected of them. If a situation arises, the teacher will inquire of the details of the situation and discuss with the child or children ideas of how to respond better. When possible the teacher will role-play with the child or children more appropriate behavior. 2) Time-outs are used occasionally for certain inappropriate behaviors. The Center’s guideline for the length of the time-out is one minute per year of the child’s age. However, some children are more sensitive than others and do not need to stay as long in a time-out. During the time-out, the child always remains in the staff’s range of vision. The staff member may choose to turn the child’s chair so that the child cannot visually participate in the classroom activities. If the child is having several time-outs in a short period of time, the child may spend some time in the office or parents may be contacted. 3) If a child is repeatedly misbehaving, the Director will request a meeting with the child’s parents. At the meeting, the Director and the parents will formulate a plan of action that will help encourage more appropriate behavior. Whatever plan is used it must be communicated clearly. This plan may include the following:  A physical exam checking vision/hearing/etc.  Evaluation of possible food allergies  Consistent training, encouragement, and discipline at home  Consistent training and encouragement at the Center with appropriate consequences  An agreement that after certain behaviors, parents will either come to the Center to help their child or to pick up the child. After a specified time, if there has not been a significant change in the child’s behavior, the Director and the parents may meet again. If the behavior is severe and causing significant harm to other children, the child may be disenrolled after a two week notification to the parents.  Use a calm voice and verbal reassurance that the child is loved  Use clear instruction of what unacceptable choice was made