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The right
steps for your Child’s future. |
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Small Steps Daycare 4350 Gallia
Street New Boston,
Ohio 45662 Phone:
(740) 456-5556 Fax: (740)
456-8118 Mrs. Amanda
Wilson, Administrator 776-1644 Mrs. Joy
Penix, Business Administrator 456-0873 www.lakesidecommunity.com/smallsteps.html Owned by
Lakeside Community Church, Inc., a non-profit organization. |
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Business
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday |
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Parent Handbook |
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STATE
LICENSING INFORMATION Small
Steps Daycare is licensed by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family
Services. The license, laws and rules
are posted in the hallway by the office.
Our state license number is 407313.
The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services’ toll free number is
1-866-635-3748. Locally, you may call
the Scioto County Department of Jobs and Family Services at 354-6661. State licensing information is available
to view in the hall by the office. Revised 6/01/05 |
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Table of
Contents |
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Page |
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Philosophy and Goals |
3 |
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License |
3 |
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Admissions |
3 |
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Hours and Days of Operation |
4 |
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Staff/Child Ratios and
Maximum Group Size |
4 |
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Daily Schedules |
5-7 |
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Tuition/Fees and Payment
Policies |
7 |
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Minimum Tuition Policy |
8 |
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Absent Child Policies |
8 |
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Supervision Policy |
8 |
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Transportation |
9 |
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Swimming Information |
9 |
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Guidance Policy |
10 |
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Meals and Snacks |
10 |
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Accidents/Emergencies |
11 |
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Management of Illness |
11-12 |
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Outdoor Play |
13 |
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Summarization of Safety |
13 |
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Anti-Discrimination Policy |
13 |
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Parent Roster |
13 |
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Parent’s Visitation Policy |
14 |
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Problem Resolution |
14 |
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Parent/Guardian
Opportunities |
14 |
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Attachments |
-- |
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Licensing, Parent Check-off |
-- |
Small Steps Daycare
4350 Gallia Street
New Boston, Ohio 45662
(740) 456-5556
Welcome to Small Steps Daycare. This handbook contains information regarding our daycare program. It is very important that you read this handbook and keep it available as long as your child is enrolled in the program. It will answer many of the questions you have about Small Steps.
Philosophy and Goals
Small Steps Daycare was established to provide quality, loving care for children ages 0 weeks to 10 years. The staff recognizes the importance of balanced growth and will provide opportunities for mental, physical and emotional growth through a variety of creative experiences. Children are encouraged to learn and explore at their own speed in areas that interest them. We are pleased that you have chosen to include us in the growth and development of your child.
For the Child:
- To provide opportunities to be with other children in a setting conducive to the development of a wholesome social relationship.
- To provide opportunities for meaningful play that is based on the child’s needs, interests, strengths
- Building an important foundation for future reading skills and other academic pursuits.
For the Parent:
- To provide opportunities to meet and work with other parents and child care professionals who have as their common concern the interests and needs of their children.
- To provide quality care for the children while the parent pursues work or study interests.
- To provide opportunities to grow in the understanding of child development through a planned educational program.
For the Community:
- To help meet the needs of the community for an early childhood education facility.
- To contribute to the growth and development of the future citizens of the community.
- To provide a setting where people from various backgrounds can work together for a common interest.
License
At the end of the handbook, you will find an attachment about licensing and other valuable information. Please take time to read this information.
Admission
A child is considered to be enrolled in the daycare only after the registration fee of $25.00 (non-refundable) has been received, the administrator confirms the availability of the space and the required paperwork is received. This includes basic enrollment and health information. Any change in this information must be communicated to the office immediately so that current information is always on file. This is for the safety of your child.
A medical form signed by a physician or certified nurse practitioner is required to be submitted within 30 days of admission. This medical must be updated every 13 months. There is also a $25.00 activity fee (non-refundable) per child, per year. In addition, the first week of daycare fees will be due upon registration. The following paperwork is required:
- Registration form: Complete with emergency numbers for contact in any time/type of emergency. Please update all contact information when changes are made.
- Health History, Physical Exam and Inoculation Record: Each child is required to have an initial medical exam and an annual exam thereafter. A copy of updated inoculations must be kept of file. Permission for medication, signed by a physician, must be on file for any medication to be given. If your child needs a special diet, a doctor’s order must be on file to allow the food restrictions.
- Food Program: This form is required by CACFP/Ohio Department of Education. It must be complete with social security numbers for all adults and the signature of the person enrolling the child.
- Block grants: In order to receive aid with payment for daycare services, a Block Grant Eligibility form must be completed at Ohio Jobs and Family Services, located at 710 Court Street. (354-6661). you will need to furnish a college or work schedule and proof of income to be able to get this funding.
- Photo permission: Permission form to allow/disallow your child to be photographed and published in the newspaper for publicity pictures.
- Liability release: Release signed by the parent which releases Small Steps Daycare and Lakeside Community Church from liability if a child was to be injured while in attendance at Small Steps Daycare.
- Signed Contract
- Sleep waiver, if applicable
- Infant info sheet if applicable
- Copy of Current Shot Record
- Signed check list for enrollment
After receiving the necessary paperwork, your child will be enrolled on a two week, trial basis. This allows the center and parents to be certain that the daycare is right for the child.
Hours and Days of Operation
The Day Care is open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed Memorial Day, July 4th,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year‘s Day.
Inclement Weather: On rare occasions, it may be necessary to
close the daycare due to poor weather conditions. We will make every effort to open our doors at the normal
time. If circumstances should arise,
listen to radio station WPAY or WNXT for closing information. We also will post our cancellations on the
website www.cancellations.com.
Staff/Child Ratios and Maximum
Group Size
Staff/child ratio
Group Size
Infants 0-18 months 1:5 or 2:12 12
Toddlers 18 months-30 months 1:7 14
2 ½ - 3 years 1:8 16
3 years 1:12 24
4-5 years 1:14 28
School age 1:18 36
Ratios for toddlers and preschoolers may be doubled for 1
½ hours at naptime as long as all children are resting quietly on their cots
and enough staff are in the building to meet the regular staff/child ratio if
there is an emergency.
Daily Schedules
The children’s daily schedule is flexible enough to provide
adaptability when necessary but structured enough to provide predictability for
the children. We want them to view
their school as a safe and comforting place, where they know what to expect and
when to expect it. A typical
Preschoolers day would include:
Preschool Schedule—Room 4—3 to 4 years old
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6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. |
Arrival; Baby Room for free choice |
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7:00 to 8:00 |
Go to Room 4; Table toys & manipulative |
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8:00 to 9:00 |
Clean-up and Breakfast |
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9:00 to 9:15 |
Circle time/weather/stories/songs |
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9:15 to 9:45 |
Learning stations—sensory, motor, science, construction, etc. |
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9:45 to 10:15 |
Manipulative, Math, Language, etc. |
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10:15 to 11:15 |
Planned activities---Art, Science, Music, etc. |
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11:15 to 11:30 |
Potty and Wash-up |
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11:30 to 12:00 |
Lunch |
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12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Clean-up and Story Time |
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12:30 to 1:00 |
Gross Motor |
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1:00 to 3:00 |
Prepare for/and rest period |
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3:00 to 3:30 |
Snack |
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3:30 to 4:30 |
Learning Stations—Art, music, dramatic play, etc. |
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4:30 to 5:00 |
Gross motor/outside |
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5:00 to 6:00 |
Free choice & Departure—Room 4 |
Older Preschool
Schedule—Room 6
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6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. |
Arrival; Baby Room for free choice |
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7:00 to 8:00 |
Go to Room 4; Table toys & manipulative |
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8:00 to 9:00 |
Clean-up and Breakfast—Room 6 |
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9:00 to 9:15 |
Circle time/weather/stories/songs |
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9:15 to 9:45 |
Learning stations—sensory, motor, science, construction, etc. |
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9:45 to 10:15 |
Manipulative, Math, Language, etc. |
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10:15 to 11:15 |
Planned activities---Art, Science, Music, etc. |
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11:15 to 11:30 |
Potty and Wash-up |
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11:30 to 12:00 |
Lunch |
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12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Large Muscle/Outside time |
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12:30 to 1:00 |
Story Time/Look at a book |
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1:00 to 3:00 |
Prepare for/and rest period |
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3:00 to 3:30 |
Snack |
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3:30 to 4:30 |
Learning Stations—Art, music, dramatic play, etc. |
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4:30 to 5:00 |
Gross motor/outside |
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5:00 to 6:00 |
Free choice & Departure in Room 4 |
Toddlers—Room 3—30 to
36 months
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6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. |
Arrival; Baby Room for free choice |
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7:00 to 8:00 |
Go to Room 3; diapers; clean-up for breakfast |
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8:00 to 9:00 |
Learning centers or breakfast. Children served breakfast upon arrival. |
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9:00 to 9:45 |
Finish Diapers; Circle time/weather/stories/songs |
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9:45 to 10:30 |
Gross motor/outside; periodic diaper checks |
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10:30 to 11:00 |
Self-selected activities or teacher facilitated activities such as an art project. |
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11:00 to 11:45 |
Wash-up and Lunch |
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11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. |
Clean-up and Music/Singing/Dancing |
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12:15 to 12:45 |
Diapers/Potty; Free choice as cots are passed out |
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12:45 to 2:30 |
Nap |
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2:30 to 3:00 |
Diaper Changes/Potty upon awakening |
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3:00 to 3:30 |
Snack |
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3:30 to 4:00 |
Free choice of centers |
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4:00 to 4:30 |
Gross Motor |
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4:30 |
Combine with other toddler room for teacher initiated activities |
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5:00 |
Diaper and potty checks |
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5:00 to 6:00 |
Free choice/departure |
** In the evening, toddlers can combine for a longer gross motor time if low census.
Toddlers—Room 2—18 to 30 months
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6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. |
Arrival; Baby Room for free choice |
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7:00 to 8:00 |
Go to Room 2; diapers; clean-up for breakfast |
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8:00 to 9:00 |
Learning centers or breakfast. Children served breakfast upon arrival. |
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9:00 to 9:45 |
Gross motor/outside; periodic diaper checks |
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9:45 to 10:15 |
Self selected activities or teacher facilitated activities such as an art project |
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10:15 to 10:30 |
Diaper Checks/Potty |
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10:30 to 11:00 |
Circle time/story time |
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11:00 to 11:45 |
Clean-up and Lunch |
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11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. |
Music time, songs, dancing |
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12:15 to 12:45 |
Individual Activities as cots are placed |
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12:45 to 2:30 |
Nap |
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2:30 |
Diaper changes upon awakening |
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3:00 to 3:30 |
Snack |
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3:30 to 4:00 |
Gross motor/Outside |
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4:00 to 4:30 |
Free Choice |
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4:30 to 5:00 |
Story time or teacher initiated activity |
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5:00 |
Diaper/potty checks |
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5:30 to 6:00 |
Departure |
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** In the evening, toddlers can combine for a longer gross motor time if low census.
If your little one needs a blanket, toy, etc. for security--that is
always acceptable to make your child happy.
Please bring a change of clothes.
For infants, parents are responsible for diapers, wipes, and formula (if
you do not wish for the facility to provide formula). All items must be labeled.
Bottles must be labeled with name and date. The daycare supplies Similac with Iron formula only and whole
milk or 2% Milk.
Infants
6:00am-9:00am Free
Choice
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast
9:00am-9:30am Diapers,
cleanup
9:30am-10:30am Small
Group Time
10:30am-11:00am large
muscle, outside time
11:00am-11:30am Diapers,
Set up for lunch
11:30am-12:30pm Lunch
time
12:30pm-1:30pm Clean-up
and diaper checks
1:30pm-3:00pm Individual
activities for those awake
3:00pm-3:30pm Snack
3:30pm-4:00pm Diaper
checks
4:00pm-4:30pm Small
Group Time Exploration of materials
4:40pm-5:00pm Toy
Time
5:00pm-5:30pm outside
time/ indoor gross motor Activities
5:30pm-6:00pm Quiet
Activities departure
Tuition/Fees and Payment
Policies
One time Registration fee per child (non refundable) $25.00
Yearly Supplies fee per child (non refundable) $25.00
Due to the nature of early childhood education and activities, our
students are involved in a great deal of classroom projects and exercises that
use an extremely high amount of materials and supplies. While most of such expenses are absorbed by
our normal daily fee schedule, we must ask for help from our parents. The supplies fee is presently being charged
on an annual basis and allows us to maintain daily fees at their current level.
After two checks are returned for insufficient funds, you will be
required to make payments by cash or money order only. There will be a $35.00
charge on checks returned for insufficient funds. If your account has charges that are over two weeks past due,
your child’s spot in the daycare will be forfeited unless you contact the
office and set-up a payment plan for your account.
Ages 6 weeks through 18 months
Full time (5 hours or
more) $19.50
per day
Part time (less than 5
hours a day) $13.50
per day
Ages 19 months through 35 months
Full time (5 hours or
more) $19.50
per day
Part time (less than 5
hours a day) $13.50
per day
Ages 36 months through age 5
Full time (5 hours or
more) $16.50
per day
Part time (less than 5
hours a day) $11.50
per day
School aged children
$2.00 per hour
$11.50
per day
The above rates are
as July 1st 2005 based on a discount for people whose income falls
within 250% of the poverty guidelines.
Customary Charges
are as follows, $163.00 for Infants full time, $106.00 for Infants part time, and
$5.70 for infants hourly.
$123.00 for toddlers
for full time. $89.00 for toddlers for part time, And $5.00 Hourly
$108.00 For
Preschool for full Time, $72.00 for preschool for part time, and $4.30 for
hourly.
$100.00 For
School-age Full Time, $67.00 for School-age Part time, and $4.00 hourly.
Withdrawals: Parents
wishing to withdraw their child/children may do so at any time. A two-week notice, in writing, is required
by the Center.
A discount of 25% of tuition fees will be given to the second child
enrolled in our programs from the same household. Both children must be full-time five days per week. Discount will be applied to the oldest
child’s fees. This discount is valid
for siblings, stepsiblings, and children who are in the care of a family with
the status of guardianship or custody.
Payment
Schedule
Weekly Accounts: One Week Advance Payment is due upon enrollment and the account must be paid the Friday in which the services are rendered.
Bi-Weekly Accounts: A two-week advance payment is required upon enrollment and payment will be due on the 2d Friday on which services have been rendered.
ODJFS Accounts: The Co-Pay amount must be paid by the 10th of each month. If the 10th falls on the week-end then the Co-Pay is payable on the Friday prior to the 10th.
Monthly Accounts: A month advance payment is due upon enrollment with payment due on the final day of the month.
Existing Accounts: In order to regulate and keep-to date all accounts; all Day Care Services must be paid for at the conclusion of the week where services have been rendered unless otherwise stated in previous practices.
If you are
behind in Payment, upon receipt of this manual, you must remain current and pay
regularly on past due amounts in order to continue Day Care Services.
Minimum Tuition Policy
Beginning September 1, 2004, you will be responsible to pay for the days that your child is scheduled to attend. If your child is scheduled for five days, you are responsible to pay for the five days unless the rule below applies.
Sick Days shall be as follows: You will be given five (5) sick days per year without charge, anything over 5 days will be charged full rate in order to maintain a slot for your child.
The above rules do not apply to our ODJFS clients. ODJFS clients are allowed ten (10) absent days in a six (6) month period. The six month period is defined as January to June and July to December. If you transferred from another facility to Small Steps Daycare, the absent days that you accrued at the previous facility transfer with you. Any scheduled days that are missed over the ten day minimum, for any reason, are required to be paid for by the parent or guardian. (ODJFS rule
For all absenteeism, please call to let us know when the child/children
will not be attending in order to keep your enrollment status. It is the sole responsibility of the
parent/guardian to notify the center if the child will be absent. REMEMBER YOU
WILL BE ASSESSED THE DAY IF YOU HAVE GONE OVER THE 5 DAY MINIMUM.
A Parent will be charged the regular Daily Charge for a No Show/No Call Fee.
After Three No Show/No Call the Child
receiving Services will be terminated and unable to attend the following the
third day.
A total of five Vacation Days will be given, by the Center to parents who schedule at least two weeks in advance. These Days will be free without charge; anything over 5 days will be charged the full time pay. (REVISED July 2005)
Late Pick-Up Policy: If a parent realizes that circumstances beyond their control will cause a delayed pick-up a phone call is requested. This is important as many children fear they have been forgotten when parents do not arrive at their usual time.
Supervision Policy
A major responsibility of the staff is to ensure the health and safety
of each child entrusted in our care.
Staff persons are alert to the safety needs of their children,
anticipate possible hazards, and take necessary, appropriate, precautionary,
and preventative measures.
Arrival/Departure: Parents
must key in on the keypad with your code upon arrival and departure. Any special messages, medications, or
instructions are to be given to the supervising staff member. Children may not be dropped off at the
entrance of the building or be sent inside alone. Staff must be made aware of each child’s presence before the
parent departs. At the time of pick up,
parents are asked to make contact with their child’s supervising staff member
to ensure that staff is aware that the child has been picked up.
Supervision of Infants/Toddlers/Preschoolers: At no time will a child be left
unattended. Staff will supervise
children at all times, including naptime.
If a child becomes ill, they may be isolated in a section of the room not
in use, but within the sight and hearing of a staff member.
Supervision of School age Children: School age children will be
supervised in the same order as toddlers etc.
Release of a Child: Staff will release children only to persons
on the release form provided by the parent.
If an emergency arises, the parent must provide a written signed note
giving the person permission to pick up their child. Staff will check the identification of anyone they do not
recognize. Please let people know about
this ahead of time so they bring a picture ID and they are not offended. The children’s safety is our priority!
Staff will not release children to anyone, including parents, who
appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Emergency contacts will be called to transport the child
home. Police will be notified if
necessary.
Custody Agreements: If
there is custody issues involved with your child, you must provide the center
with court papers indicating who has permission to pick up the child. The center may not deny a parent access to
their child without proper documentation.
Transitioning: Transitioning from one classroom to the
other can be a little frightening to every child; we will strive to make the
transition time less stressful to you, as the parent, and the child by creating
a transition plan. You as the parent will be involved in each step of your
child’s development by conferring with you. If you, as the parent, feel that
your child should remain in his/her current room, we will accommodate your
wishes and look to a future date for transitioning.
ANY Parent can request their child to be transitioned if room is
available in the next classroom and it would prove to be in the best interest
of the child.
Child Abuse Reporting:
All staff members are mandated reporters of child abuse. If staff has suspicions that a child is
being abused or neglected, they must make a report to the local children’s
services agency. The safety of the
children is always our first concern.
YOU MAY BE ASSURED, That only after a complete investigation and
conference with the Governing Board and all are in agreement, the Children’s
Agency will be asked to intervene in the behalf of the child.
FRIENDLY REMINDER: Most
parents prefer that only Small Steps Staff Members hold the children other than
their own. Talking to other children is OK and encouraged, however please
refrain from holding another parents’ child.
ALSO please remember our Staff love and appreciate your child and their
job can be stressful and frustrating at times; please remember that we are all
part of a team and that the teachers are people too. Please respect and treat
them with respect and kindness….THANKS.
Transportation
There is no transportation available at this time by Small Steps Day Care,
however New Boston school system is providing pick up and return of children to
the Day Care, if your child attends this school district.
Swimming Information
Younger children will be provided with water play opportunities at the
daycare. We have weekly swim days in which your child will be given the
opportunity to play outside in the small pools and sprinklers. Please remember to send sunscreen for your
children for outdoor activities.
Sunscreen must also have a medication form completed for it.
Guidance Policy
Small Steps staff believes that helping the child to learn self-control is very important. Our hope is that eac