Childcare Program

Parent Handbook2015-2016

Apollo CenterGwen Fannon

Early Childhood Programmer

2029 North Milford RoadHighland, MI 48357

(248) 684-8245

Huron Valley Recreation and Community EducationUpdated April 2015

INDEX

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….3

Education & Curriculum……………………………………………………………………….….4

Family Involvement & Communication…………………………………………………………..5

Enrollment & Tuition Guidelines…………………………………………………………………6

Personal Items……………………………………………………………………………………10

Nutrition & Meals………………………………………………………………………………..11

Activities…………………………………………………………………………………………12

Behavior Management…………………………………………………………………………...13

Safety & Security………………………………………………………………………………...15

Health & Medical Guidelines……………………………………………………………………16

Licensing & Legal Regulations………………………………………………………………….21

Daily Routines…………………………………………………………………………………...23

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INTRODUCTION

WELCOME Welcome to the Huron Valley Schools Childcare Program at Apollo Center. We are self-sustaining through childcare fee collection and are licensed through the State of Michigan Department of Human Services.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES To provide a safe and inviting learning environment. To communicate openly with parents and children. To recruit, hire and train qualified professionals. To provide developmentally appropriate experiences for children.

EARLY CHILDHOOD OFFICE HOURS AND LOCATIONThe Early Childhood Registration office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. The office is located at 2029 N. Milford Rd, Highland MI. 48357 and is open year round. The office will be closed when the Huron Valley School district is closed due to weather or building related concerns. For further information, visit www.huronvalleyrec.com or call 248-676-8496.

The office will be closed Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day, Good Friday, Monday after Easter, Memorial Day, and July 4th.

APOLLO CHILDCARE HOURS AND LOCATIONApollo Childcare is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Children may be combined in classrooms during the early morning or afternoon hours if needed to accommodate staff to child student ratio standards as outlined by State of Michigan Department of Human Services. Apollo Center is located at 2029 N. Milford Rd. Highland MI. 48357. The office phone number is 248-684-8245. To access any of our childcare classrooms you should dial 248-684-8245, and then listen to the prompts in order to reach the appropriate classroom.

CENTER CLOSINGSWe will provide a calendar each month which will indicate scheduled closings. In the event of inclement weather or a building related concern, Huron Valley Schools will make a decision on whether or not to close for the day. Apollo Center Childcare and the Recreation and Community Education office will be closed when Huron Valley Schools are closed.

EDUCATION & CURRICULUM

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EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHYIn conjunction with the family, Huron Valley Schools Childcare commits itself to providing enriching experiences for each child in an atmosphere conducive to the child’s maximum development of his or her potential. We strive to meet each child’s social, emotional, intellectual, physical, communicative and creative needs by providing a balanced variety of experiences. The program follows the fundamental premise that children are active learners who learn best from activities they plan and carry out themselves along with a predictable daily routine.

CURRICULUM We are committed to providing your child with the highest quality early childhood education and care in an enriching environment. Our program is designed to encourage each child to reach their full potential and develop a love for learning through numerous activities and experiences throughout the day.

We believe that children learn best through hands-on experiences with people, real materials, events and ideas. Children and teachers follow a consistent daily routine that encourages open ended activities and interactions independently and as a group. We offer children the opportunity for hands-on learning each and every day, and the teachers have the freedom to plan lesson plans based on the children’s interest and choices.

HOME & CLASSROOM TRANSITIONS A positive transition from home to our center is a collaborative effort between you and our teachers. As each child reacts differently to separating from their parents, it is important to meet the teachers in your child’s classroom and let them know if your child has a difficult time separating and what our teachers can do to ease the situation for you and them.

When the time comes for your child to transition up to another classroom we will contact you to discuss the move. The move will always be a collaborative decision between you and our teachers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTTeachers and Assistants receive a minimum of 24 hours professional development each year so that they are equipped with the skills and competencies to provide the highest quality education for your child.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDSIn acting with compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and other federal laws pertaining to the provisions of services with children with disabilities; our goal is to meet the individual needs of the child within the structure of the program, while maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all children and teachers.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT & COMMUNICATION

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OPEN DOOR POLICY Parents are always welcome visitors. We encourage you to visit your child in their classroom, on the playground, even for lunch. Parents are always welcome when we have special events and activities. We encourage your active involvement and input into our center’s programs, goals and improvements.

PARENT AND RECALL INFORMATIONThe center recall board along with other posted health and safety concerns will be located on the wall directly in front of the main entrance. Parent information boards will be posted outside your child’s classroom and will contain information such as lunch choices, monthly calendar, weekly lesson plan, and any other information pertinent to families. Please make sure to check this on a daily basis.

DAILY SCHEDULESThe daily schedule will vary depending on the age and classroom of each student and will be posted in the classroom. It will provide you with information on what your children will be doing both in and out of the classroom.

COMMUNICATIONIn an effort to keep our parents informed about what is happening in our classrooms, once a month, teachers will distribute newsletters. They will contain information about current child/parent topics, home activity ideas and information about our curriculum.

CONFERENCES AND DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONESConferences will be held in the fall and spring for all students. These conferences are designed for parents but please share any appropriate information with your child. Your child may be very curious about your visit with his/her teacher. Parents may also request additional parent/teacher meetings at any time throughout the year.

SCHOOL PICTURE DAYWe participate in the Huron Valley Schools picture program each fall. Your classroom teacher will have details on specific dates and times.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST / BABYSITTINGIn an effort to maintain the professional status of Huron Valley Schools Early Childhood Programs and prevent any potential conflict of interest, babysitting by center staff for center children is strongly discouraged by Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education. However, if you choose to have one of our staff members babysit your child, services must be outside the center premises and with the understanding that such arrangement and payment for services are solely between you and the person who is caring for your child. The arrangements are not sanctioned and no liability is assumed by the center, the client sponsor, or Huron Valley Schools.

ENROLLMENT & TUITION GUIDELINES

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ENROLLING YOUR CHILD When you enroll your child, you are expected to complete our Enrollment Packet. These forms give us important information about your child so we can provide the best possible care. It is vitally important for your child’s health and safety that these forms are completed accurately. Our Director will review the packet with you to ensure all the needed information is included.

ENROLLMENT & WITHDRAWAL GUIDELINESEnrollment is open to children six weeks of age to kindergarten. Pre-registration is required with an annual non-refundable enrollment fee of $50.00 per child or $75.00 per family of two or more children. A registration form must be filled out as well.

All children must have proof of up-to-date immunizations and a signed health appraisal by a licensed physician before they may attend. Enrollment packets may be obtained from the Early Childhood office or at www.huronvalleyrec.com. After registering and paying the enrollment fee, the following forms must be completed and taken to childcare on or before your child’s first day of attendance.

Enrollment Checklist: Schedule Confirmation

Child Information RecordAs part of your Enrollment Packet you will find a Child Information Card. The State of Michigan Office of Child and Adult Licensing require that each child have information cards on file and that these cards are updated yearly. If your personal information or work information should change throughout the year please be sure to update your child’s card so that we may have the most accurate contact information.

For the health and safety of your child it is imperative that the cards are accurately completed and submitted before your child begins school with us. You will be asked to provide telephone numbers where you can be reached immediately. Please notify us as soon as any of these numbers change. You will also be asked to provide us with the name and telephone numbers of at least three other individuals that you authorize to pick up your child from the center. Please let these individuals know that we cannot release your child to them without valid government issued identification. Please note that the name that you list should 100% match their identification.

Health Appraisal (Physician Signature on back)

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Before your child’s first day of attendance we must have on file a completed, current health appraisal, including your child’s immunization record. You will find the health appraisal form in your Enrollment Packet.

The state requires that health appraisals be completed annually for children birth through 2 ½ years of age and every two years for children 2 ½ through 5 years of age.

Validated proof of immunizations should be submitted as soon as your child receives new immunizations or booster shoots.

If you choose to waive certain or all immunizations the Health Department requires that a waiver be completed by the parent/ guardian or doctor (if for medical reasons). This waiver must be kept on file at the center and a copy will also be submitted to the local Health Department. The waiver can be obtained from the office and must be resigned yearly.

Medication Form (If Applicable)

Enrollment Contract

WITHDRAWALIf it is necessary to withdraw a child from the program, a two week advance notice must be given in writing. Tuition will be due for the two week time frame and any paid tuition will not be refunded. We reserve the right to dismiss a child due to parent’s failure to adhere to school policies and procedures or when a child’s inappropriate behaviors prevent staff from providing adequate care to the group.

CUSTODY DOCUMENTATIONIt is our policy to avoid interference with custody issues with regard to the children in our care. Without court documents to the contrary, we assume both parents/guardians have equal rights to pick-up/drop off, visit, or request documents about their child.

It is the parents/guardian’s responsibility to provide us copies of court documents and/or legal parent agreements clarifying the rights and responsibilities regarding the time your child is in our center. We follow the last court documents on file, without prejudice, with regard to either parent or guardian.

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TUITION/SCHEDULING/FEES1. Child Care Fees are due by the 10th of every month for that month OR can be made in

four installments monthly (the 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st).2. Child Care Fees are:

a. $47 per day for INFANT care; $42.30 for HVS Employees & Full Family members of Huron Valley Pools & Fitness Centers

b. $43 per day for TODDLER care; $38.70 for HVS Employees & Full Family members of Huron Valley Pools & Fitness Centers

c. $38 per day for PRESCHOOL care; $34.20 for HVS Employees & Full Family members of Huron Valley Pools & Fitness Centers

i. $28.50 for a PRESCHOOL partial day from 6:30am-1:00pm OR 11:30am-6:00pm

ii. $25.65 for a PRESCHOOL partial day from 6:30am-1:00pm OR 11:30-6:00pm for Full Family members of Huron Valley Pools & Fitness Centers and Huron Valley School Employees

3. Families with 2 or more children enrolled will receive 5% of their total tuition4. No Minimum Sessions required5. Child Care Fees are determined by the schedule you have provided to us in writing. 6. Schedules should be submitted directly to Apollo, in writing, by the 20th of each month

for the following month. (Do not send to the early childhood office).7. Families who do not submit their schedule by the 20th of the month will receive a $10

Late Scheduling Fee.8. Bills for the month will available no later than the 1st. When paying, please put payment

(along with your bill) in your family envelope and drop in the DROP BOX outside the main office. Please do not take Child Care Fee envelopes home.

9. Your bill (stamped ‘paid’) will be returned to your envelope each month. This will be your only receipt unless you’ve paid by credit card. It is extremely important to keep this receipt for tax purposes as no other payment information will be issued.

10. You may request to ADD days, in writing, at any time. If there is available space, we will put your child(ren) on the schedule. Verbal requests cannot be accepted.

10. Due to child day care licensing rules concerning staffing, we cannot allow students to attend without being scheduled in advance.

11. Your child’s space is reserved when you have submitted your schedule. When your child is absent, there will be no credit, refund or swapping that day for another day.

12. Accounts with balances on the 21st of the month will be assessed a late payment fee equivalent to 10% of the total due. Please note that payments must be in the early childhood office by this date. If they are on-site at the program, they will be considered late.

13. Checks should be made payable to ‘Huron Valley Schools.’ Visa, MasterCard and Discover payments are also accepted. ALL INFO should be clearly written and communicated, including: card number, expiration date, CVU code, and billing zip code. Payments with incomplete information will be returned and may be considered late.

14. Parents who receive assistance from the Department of Human Services are responsible

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for all paper work required for payment to Huron Valley Schools. Parents need to present DHS paperwork when they register or when they become eligible. Parents receiving assistance from the DHS for their child care should pay their “Total New Balance” shown on their bills. If the balance is not paid by the 21st of the month a 10% late fee will be charged.

TAX INFORMATIONHuron Valley Schools is a 501 C-3 corporation. The Dependent Care Provider’sTaxpayer Identification and Certification Number is B38-6003064.

Huron Valley School District of Oakland & Livingston Counties2390 S. Milford Road, Highland, MI 48357

We do not provide “end-of-the-year” tax statements.

A tax statement request may be submitted to Michelle Meek at michelle.meek@hvs.org. Please allow at least 5 business days for information to be completed and returned. A charge of $3.00 will be added to your account for each statement requested

LATE PICK-UP FEESParents who are late picking up their child(ren) from childcare will be charged $1.00 per minute per child. It is imperative that parents set their watches and/or clocks to coincide with the clock in the childcare room. After the third late pick-up, you may be asked to find alternate childcare.

SUMMER DAY CAMP For parents of school aged children, Apollo Center offers Summer Experience, a summer day camp program. Due to the different policies and procedures of Summer Experience, a separate registration, handbook, and paperwork are required.

PARENT REFERRAL CREDITIf you refer a new family to Apollo Center, you are eligible to receive a Referral Credit of $50 that will be applied directly to your account. In order to receive the bonus, the family in which you referred must be a new enrollee and they must notify us that they were referred by you.

PERSONAL ITEMS

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TOYS FROM HOMEPlease do not send any toys to the center as they may be lost or broken. We provide a wide variety of materials for children to discover and explore.

CLOTHING AND PLAYGROUNDAll children should be dressed in clothing that may be worn for activities such as art and active play. We ask that you keep a clearly labeled extra set of clothing, including socks and underwear, in your child’s locker. Soiled clothing will be wrapped and placed in your child’s locker. Due to Universal Precautions, staff does not wash soiled clothing.

We believe outdoor play is an important part of your child’s health and social growth. This outdoor time is scheduled daily and staffed appropriately. In case of inclement weather, children will remain indoors and will be provided with alternative gross motor opportunities. Please dress children for the weather and the season. Flip flops and open toed sandals are discouraged because they are very unsafe to climb and run in. In addition, wood chips may get into shoes and hurt children’s feet. You may also consider sending in a sun hat clearly labeled with your child’s name.

LOCKERSChildren will be provided with a locker in which to keep nap items, outdoor clothes and boots, extra clothes, etc. Lockers may be shared between children due to limited space.

MAILBOXESChildren will be provided with a mailbox located close to their classroom. Please check this mailbox daily. Items such as monthly statements, monthly calendars for scheduling purposes, classroom monthly calendar, notes, book orders, and children’s art work are some the important items found in this area.

NUTRITION & MEALS

NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICE

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Due to several students with potential food allergies, lunch and snack will not be included in child care fees. We also strive to be a peanut free facility and encourage all parents to pack a peanut free lunch for your child. You will be provided with suggestions as to what to pack. In addition, we work with the Huron Valley Schools food service to provide hot lunches for an additional fee. A lunch menu from the cafeteria will be posted on the parent info board. A weekly lunch order form will be sent home on Mondays and will be due back with lunch choices indicated and paid for on Thursdays for the upcoming week. Single milks may be purchased weekly as well. Foods high in sugar or fat content are discouraged. Carbonated beverages and glass containers are prohibited.

Refrigeration is available; however we encourage you to send a thermal lunchbox with an ice pack on a daily basis. Sippy cups and thermoses should be labeled with your child’s full name, date and contents.

PLEASE make sure to label all cups, bowls, containers, lunch boxes, silverware, etc. with your child’s name.

By signing the statement that you received the parent handbook, you are also agreeing to provide your child’s food.

PEANUT & NUT FREE CENTER Nut allergies can be so severe that exposure to such items can go from skin rash and irritation to severe breathing impairments and/or vomiting in a matter of seconds after exposure.

Because of the extreme nature of allergic reactions to peanuts, nuts and products containing nuts of any type that some children experience, Apollo Center does not allow peanuts, nuts, and/or foods containing nuts or nut products.

A child with a nut allergy can have a reaction simply by smelling nuts on someone’s breath, or touching peanut oil residue left on a counter top. Please help keep our children safe by adhering to this policy.

BIRTHDAYS AND HOLIDAYSBirthdays and holidays are special times in which our classrooms enjoy acknowledging. If your family does not observe specific celebrations please inform the center and arrangements may be

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made to accommodate family observances. Parents are welcome to provide a small treat for your child’s birthday, however, due to the number of allergies, it is encouraged the treat be peanut free. Popsicles are a great idea…

If you wish to provide the class with something special for your child’s birthday or a holiday, here are a few suggestions:

Goodie bags with trinkets such as stickers, pencils, crayons etc. Party decorations Hats or noise makers A classroom art project A classroom gift such as a book dedicated to your child

ACTIVITIES

OUTDOOR AND GROSS MOTOR PLAY All children go outside at least twice per day. For the health and well-being of the children between the ages of 2-6 years of age, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have between 60-90 minutes of active outdoor play within an 8 hour day.

If your child cannot go outdoors due to documented medical reasons which stipulate restrictions, we will try to accommodate your request.

If weather does not permit us to take the children outside, gross motor activities are provided in the gross motor area and the gym.

REST PERIODEvery child will have a rest period available to them. If your child is a non napper they will still be required to have a “rest time” where they may get up to do quiet activities such as coloring, puzzles or reading books. Please provide your child with a blanket, crib size sheet and small pillow. PLEASE make sure to label all belongings and take items home to be laundered weekly. Each child will have a cot to sleep on.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

DISCIPLINE

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Discipline means “to teach” not punish. We strive to teach your child acceptable behaviors and inner control. This is done through various techniques used by our staff. The following is a list of forms of discipline used:

Re-direction Guidance Model appropriate Behavior Establish eye contact when talking to child Encourage problem solving and conflict resolution Provide appropriate language when necessary Let child know what they can do Removal from activities if child has lost control

Along with our discipline policy there are LIMITS of BEHAVIOR. These limits will be posted in each classroom. They are as follows:

1. YOU MAY NOT HURT OTHERS.2. YOU MAY NOT HURT YOURSELF.3. YOU MAY NOT DAMAGE SCHOOL EQUIPMENT AND /OR PROPERTY.

This, along with clear classroom guidelines will allow children the opportunity to know what the expectation is for their behavior.

In the event a child is displaying behaviors that are disrespectful or harmful to fellow students or teachers the following will take place.

1. Parents will be notified in writing. (A phone call may be warranted in some instances.)2. If the behaviors continue a conference will be scheduled with all interested parties to

discuss a behavioral plan. 3. Continued inappropriate behavior will result in a short suspension. (1-5 days) Tuition will

still be due for days missed.4. Serious misconduct which continues to take place after a behavioral plan and suspension,

will result in the removal of the child from the program. Tuition will not be refunded.

BITING

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If you are a parent of an older infant or toddler chances are high that your child will bite or will be bitten by a friend. Experts in the field of child development agree that biting, while very stressful, is within the range of expected behaviors among toddlers 13 months-3 years of age. At the first sign of biting, we will evaluate the environment and activities at the time the incident occurred. If warranted we will make adjustments in the environment, routines or activities that occurred.

If a bite occurs the teacher will first attend to the bitten child by comforting and gently cleaning the bitten area with soap and water. The child who has bitten will be closely supervised.

Parents are expected to work with staff to identify methods and strategies to curb this behavior. If excessive biting incidents occur in one day or skin is broken during a bite, the parents of the child who has bitten will be called to pick up their child to be excluded from child care for the remainder of the day.

Children older than 3 years of age may occasionally be involved in a biting incident. For children in this age group who bite, the staff will use the discipline procedures outlined above, as well as observe the child to determine what provokes or elicits this inappropriate behavior. Parents are expected to cooperate with staff to help their child control this behavior. If a child bites who is over the age of 3, the parents will be called to pick up their child to be excluded for the remainder of the day. Furthermore, children, in the older age groups, who bite 3 times in a school year, will have their services terminated. The safety of all the children in the program is of the utmost concern.

Teachers cannot discuss with either parent the identity of the child who bit or was bitten, nor can teachers discuss the medical history of either child.

Children bite for many reasons. Some of the following include: Exploration / Sensory experience Teething To gain attention or response Frustration due to communication limitations Anxiety, relieve tension

SAFETY & SECURITY

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DROP OFF AND PICK UPWhen dropping off or picking up your child, please make sure you sign your child in and out on the daily attendance sheet. Your child may only be released to the contact people on his/her emergency card. If you would like your child released to a person not on the emergency card, inform the staff, in writing, prior to pick up. All staff reserves the right to ask for a picture ID when a child is picked up.

SMOKING Smoking is prohibited on all center property, including our parking lot and playgrounds.

WEATHER AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURESApollo Center conducts weather and emergency drills and procedures on a regular basis. Procedures to be followed are reviewed by the teachers and children often and are posted in each room. A telephone for emergency use is available in each classroom as well, along with emergency numbers posted nearby.

FIRE, TORNADO, LOCK-DOWN, AND EVACUATION All teachers and staff members employed at Apollo Center are trained and prepared to handle emergency situations. In the event of a true fire, tornado, disaster, etc., the childcare staff will be notified immediately and the proper procedures will take place. When the conditions warrant, children will be moved to a designated safety area within the building or outside on school grounds.

Fire, tornado, and lockdown drills are practiced throughout the year so that children and staff will know what to do in the event of a true emergency. During a fire/emergency drill, parents may not sign children in or out of Apollo Center. They must wait until the drill is complete and the children and teachers have reentered the building. In the event that parents are present, they can wait with their child’s class in the designated safe areas inside and outside of the building until the drill is complete.

In the event that Apollo Center must go into a true lockdown, parents will be notified via email or phone as soon as possible. During an actual lockdown, as well as during a practice drill, all exterior doors and windows to the building will be locked. Children will be moved to a safe place within the inside of the building until the situation is resolved. In this case, and for the protection of everyone, no one is allowed to come in or go out of the school until cleared by emergency personnel.

In the event of a real evacuation, the Director will inform the teachers that the school must be evacuated. Parents will be notified as soon as possible via email or phone. If it becomes necessary to remove the children from school property, children will be taken to the emergency evacuation site. In the event of an emergency evacuation, you may be contacted and asked to pick up your child.

HEALTH & MEDICAL GUIDELINES

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HEALTH & MEDICALMaintaining a healthy childcare environment is the shared responsibility of the childcare provider as well as the parents.

If your child is too sick to go outside, then they are too sick to attend childcare. Please keep your child at home if they display any of the following symptoms:

Sluggishness or unusual drowsiness without explanation Difficulty with breathing Diarrhea Vomiting Mouth sores Unexplained rash Crusty, goopy, red eyes Fever of 101 degrees or more Persistent Cough

If the above conditions become severe during the day while children are in our care, we commit to notifying parents immediately and will require that children get picked up from the center.

As adapted from the Academy of Pediatrician’s report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, children with any of the conditions below are not able to attend Apollo Center until the symptoms/conditions have been resolved and the child has been symptom free for at least 24 hours or has been on medication for 24 hours (We reserve the right to request a physician’s certification of health prior to readmitting a child who has been absent due to a contagious disease, extended illness or injury).

Herpes gingivostmatitis, thrush, mouth sores, or ulcers Conjunctivitis Children with specific infections such as but not limited to: Pertussis, Strep Throat, Head

Lice and Scabies, Coxsackie Disease, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Chicken Pox, Impetigo, Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis A

Influenza Discolored eye, ear, or nose discharge Evidence of severe illness: lethargy, unusual sleepiness, irritability, prolonged

Children need to be symptom free for a 24 hour period before they may return to the center.

The following may be used as a guideline for re-admission to the center after communicable and infectious diseases:

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Chicken pox: Ten days from appearance of the first crop of vesicles, or until skin is

clear.

Impetigo: Until recovery or until child is receiving treatment from a physician.

Measles (hard): Seven days after the appearance of the rash or when the skin clears.

Measles (3 day): Four day exclusion if accompanied by a physician statement, otherwise

7 days.

Mumps: When the swelling has subsided.

Pertussis (Whopping cough): Not less than three weeks from the onset of the

characteristic cough and statement from the physician saying the child can be in school.

Ring worm: Until area is non-infectious or completely healed or medical authorization

is given to return.

Strep infection including: Scarlatina, Scarlet Fever, Strep, Strep Throat and

Rheumatic Fever: Until full recovery or a physician statement saying the child can be in

school.

Pink Eye: After 24 hours of antibiotic drops or it has completely cleared.

Hand Foot and Mouth: Fever has disappeared, no new sores are appearing.

Scabies: After having been seen and treated by a physician.

Lice: After nits and eggs have disappeared.

Please inform Apollo Center of an absence due to illness. Please state the date, the name of your child, and the illness. The center must report all communicable diseases to the health department. The center will inform parents if their child may have been exposed to a communicable disease. For more information on health related issues, please visit www.oak.gov/health.

ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS, & INJURIESYour child may be involved in a minor injury, accident or incident while in our care. When an injury or accident occurs, our teachers will perform basic first aid to treat an injury. Parents will

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be notified, to inform them of the situation and an accident report will be completed detailing the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Children are often involved in incidents which do not require First Aid. These are often related to behavioral changes and may include sudden mood swings, difficulty getting along with other children or a teacher, trouble sleeping or eating at school, or choosing to not follow classroom or center guidelines. We believe that communication between school and home is pertinent in order to correct these incidents. If your child is involved in an incident that you need to be made aware of, your child’s teacher will let you know.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES If an illness or injury requires more than basic first aid, you will be contacted and asked to pick up your child to transport home or to a medical care facility for treatment. In the event of a severe medical emergency, we may act under the authority of the signed Authorization for Medical treatment of a minor form in your Enrollment Packet and take the emergency measures deemed necessary for the medical care and protection of your child, including contacting EMS. In the event that we cannot contact you, we will make continuous efforts to contact you or someone listed by you as an emergency contact. If your child is transported by EMS, an Administrator or teacher will accompany your child and remain with them until a parent/guardian arrives.

All staff are certified in First-Aid and CPR.

SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND ALLERGIESPlease notify us immediately if your child has any specific medical, developmental, physical or emotional conditions, as well as allergies. If a child requires medication for a life threatening allergic reaction (for example, bee stings) your child’s medication may be kept at the center and administered when necessary. Parents are responsible for providing the center with the proper medication along with written instructions on how to handle the reaction. A medication permission slip must be filled out and signed by a parent upon leaving medication at Apollo Center.

MEDICATIONS

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Medication, prescription or nonprescription, shall be given to a child by an adult caregiver only.

Medication, prescription or nonprescription, shall be given or applied only with prior written permission from a parent.

All medication shall be its original container, stored according to instructions, and clearly labeled for a named child.

Prescription medication shall have the pharmacy label indicating the physician’s name, child’s name, instructions, and name and strength of the medication and shall be given according to those instructions

All medication shall be kept out of the reach of children and shall be returned to the child’s parent or destroyed when the parent determines it is no longer needed or it has expired.

A caregiver shall give or apply any prescription or nonprescription medication according to the directions on the original container unless authorized by a written order of the child’s physician.

Topical nonprescription medication, including, but not limited to sunscreen and insect repellant, requires written parental authorization annually.

The center shall maintain a record as to the time and the amount of medication given or applied, on a form provided by the department or a comparable substitute approved by the department. The signature of the caregiver administering the medication shall be included.

In addition: Children should not be allowed to transport medication at any time. At no time should

medication be packed in a lunch box, back pack, food container or any other transportation device.

A new form needs to be filled out every time there is a break in the administration of the medication.

For non-prescription/over the counter medication: o Children under two years of age must have a doctor’s note stating the exact

dosage and frequency of the non-prescription medication provided. o Children over two years of age can be administered non-prescription medication

without a note from doctor as long as the medication is in the original container. Medication will be administered based on what the instructions to the medication state unless a parent requests a lesser dose.

o Medication parental permission forms are filled out completely for non-prescription medication. Included on this form are the exact time(s) the medication is to be given and the parent/guardian’s signature.

o A medicine spoon must be provided for any oral medication.

HEARING & VISION SCREENING

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4 year old students participate in the Oakland County Health Department hearing and vision screening program. Your child’s teacher will inform of in advance of screening dates, which take place during the regular child care day at Apollo Center. Please contact your teacher if you need information regarding other special services.

HEALTH CARE POLICYThe program’s health care policy includes the following health practices and procedures: Children and staff wash their hands after using the restroom, before eating or preparing

food, after outdoor play and as needed to prevent the spread of germs and disease.o 1. Wet handso 2. Use soapo 3. Wash handso 4. Rinse handso 5. Dry handso 6. Turn off water with a paper towel

Safe handling of body fluids will include the use of vinyl gloves and standard Universal Precautions.

o 1. Wear disposable gloves.o 2. Wash the area with soap and water, and dry the area.o 3. Disinfect the surface with a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water.

Allow the area to remain wet for at least 3 minutes, before drying.o 4. Use disposable cleaning materials if possible, such as paper towels instead of

cloth.o 5. Dispose of cleaning materials and gloves in a sealed plastic bag.o 6. Wash hands with soap and running water (disinfectant waterless hand cleaners

or towelettes may be used if soap and running water are not available). Cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment, toys and other surfaces will be completed on a

daily and/or weekly basis or as necessary to ensure a healthy environment.o 1. Thoroughly washed in detergent and watero 2: Rinsed in clear watero 3: Sanitized in bleach watero 4: Air dried

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Integrated Pest ManagementHuron Valley Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest management (IPM) program. Inherent with this are the District’s efforts to reduce pesticide use as much as possible. While it may occasionally be necessary to apply a pesticide, these will only be used as a last resort.

This program does not rely on routine pesticide applications to resolve problems. We use various techniques such as habitat alteration, sanitation, mechanical means, exclusion, etc. to prevent pests from becoming a problem.

You will receive advanced notice of the application of a pesticide, other than a bait or gel formulation at your child’s school. This advance notice of the application will be given 48 hours before the application. The law requires us to do this notification by using two methods. The first method required by the law is the posting at primary entrances to your child’s school. The entrances that will be posted are those entrances that have a sidewalk that leads directly to a parking lot. The second method we are going to use is the posting in a common area located by the main office of the school. Parents are also entitled to receive this notice by first-class United States mail postmarked at least 3 days before the application.

In an emergency (for example, bees nest), pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but you will be provided notice following any such application.

If you would like to be notified by phone, mail or email, please contact the Operations Department at the following number 248-684-8188. Please give the Operations secretary your name, mailing address or email address and what school your child attends.

In addition, you will be given a written copy of our annual notification from your child’s teacher in September.

You may review our IPM program or pesticide application records for your child’s school by calling by calling the Maintenance and Operations Department 248-684-8188.

LICENSING & LEGAL REGULATIONS

CONFIDENTIALITYAll information given on forms and in discussions will be treated as confidential. Information in children’s files, including, health, family needs, behavior, etc. will only be made available to staff and the child’s parents. If you have any question regarding our policies or program, your child’s development or any other issues, please feel free to contact our staff.

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STAFF SCREENINGAll employees of Huron Valley Schools comply with:

Fingerprinting Annual Criminal background checks through the Michigan State Police registry

(ICHAT). Documentation from Department of Human Services that they have not been named in a

central registry case as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect. TB tests are conducted. Reference check prior to working in the classrooms.

STAFF, PARENT AND VOLUNTEER GUIDELINESStaff shall not be present in our program and volunteers shall not have contact with children while in care at our program if either of the following conditions applies:

They have been convicted of child abuse or neglect. They have been convicted of a felony involving harm or threatened harm.

Before staff or volunteers may have contact with children while in care in our program, the staff or volunteer shall provide Community Recreation and Education with documentation from the Department of Human Services that he or she has not been placed on the central registry for substantial abuse or neglect.

If the volunteer in our program is a parent of one of our students, then this documentation will be waived and he / she may not be left alone with the students at any time.

MANDATED REPORTING All child care providers and volunteers are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Services. In compliance with the law, our procedure regarding suspected child abuse is as follows:

Department of Human Services will be contacted immediately We are required to file a written report within 72 hours after making the telephone report.

PARENT NOTIFICATION OF THE LICENSING NOTEBOOKOur centers go through a re-licensing inspection every two years by the Michigan Department of Human services. After each inspection a report is made and submitted to the state. A copy of that report (including all related corrective action plans) is kept in the office and is available for parents to view. Upon enrollment, each parent will sign an acknowledgement recognizing that they have the opportunity to view these reports at their convenience. Licensing inspection and special investigation reports from at least the past two years are available on the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare.

DAILY ROUTINES

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INFANT ArrivalBreakfastMorning NapGroup TimeSensory time or gross motor timeLunchNap Choice Time Snack Outside time or gross motor playPick up

YOUNG TODDLER Arrival Staggered & Choice TimeChoice Time & DiapersSnackGroup Time Diapers & Transition Outside (Dress)OutsideTransition Inside (Undress)Choice Time Group Time (music and movement)LunchDiapersNapDiapersSnackGroup Time Transition OutsideOutsideTransition InsideChoice Time/ DiapersClean-Up/Final Departure

OLDER TODDLER Children Arrive/Breakfast

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Choice Time--Table/Floor ActivitySnackLarge/Small GroupOutside/Gym/Gross Motor AreaLunchStory/Fingerplays/SongsNap/Quiet TimeSnackChoice TimeOutside/Gym/Gross Motor AreaLate SnackAll Children Depart for the Day

THREE YEAR OLD ROOMChildren Arrive/ Breakfast/Choice TimeLarge group – Greeting/Story/FingerplayOpen SnackSmall Group/Planned ActivityOutside or Gym TimeLunchStory TimeNap/Quiet TimeSnackOutside or GymChoice Time/Children DepartingChildren Depart

FOUR YEAR OLD ROOMChildren Arriving: All Centers OpenLarge Group/Morning MeetingOpen Snack Small Group/Planned ActivitiesOutside (weather permitting) or Gym TimeLunchStory TimeNap/Quiet Time SnackOutside (weather permitting) or Gym TimeChoice TimeChildren Depart

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