ii - Children Of America Oswegoii Welcome Family: Congratulations for choosing Children of America as your early childhood learning program for your child. We appreciate the confidence

Revised February 2015

©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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Welcome Family:

Congratulations for choosing Children of America as your early childhood learning program for your child. We appreciate the confidence you place in us to provide a caring, learning environment in which your child will grow and develop skills for a lifetime of learning.

Our commitment to you is to give your child challenging and fun learning experiences every day. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that your child receives opportunities to explore, investigate and discover new and exciting concepts about the world. We provide developmentally appropriate activities through our proprietary curriculum that is developed for each stage of learning. The curriculum focuses activities that will build your child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth and developmental abilities.

This guide will acquaint you with pertinent information, school policies and specific ways we will partner with you during the important early childhood years.

We look forward to sharing your child’s experiences with you each and every day.

Welcome to Children of America,

The Children of America Staff

Table of Contents

About your school

Administrator’s Names _______________________________________

_______________________________________

School Address _______________________________________

_______________________________________

School Telephone Number ___________________________________

Days & Hours of Operation ___________________________________

Your child’s teacher’s name __________________________________


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Table of Contents

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE .................................................................................. 1 MISSION STATEMENT .............................................................................................. 1 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHILDREN WE SERVE ....................................................... 1 INTAKE PROCEDURES .............................................................................................. 1 CHILDREN OF AMERICA’S EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY ................................................ 1 PROGRAM GOALS & OBJECTIVES ............................................................................. 2 NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT ........................................................................... 3 CLASSROOM DESIGN .............................................................................................. 3 CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSITIONS .......................................................... 4 CHILD GUIDANCE .................................................................................................... 4 OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES ......................................................................................... 5 NAP TIME ............................................................................................................... 5 ITEMS FROM HOME ................................................................................................. 5 NUTRITION ............................................................................................................. 5 SPECIAL OCCASIONS .............................................................................................. 7 DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULES .................................................................................. 7 PROCEDURE FOR PARENT INPUT .............................................................................. 7

HEALTH PRACTICES ............................................................................................ 7 PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................ 7 CLOTHING .............................................................................................................. 8 ILLNESS & CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ........................................................................... 8 DIAPERS ................................................................................................................ 8 ALLERGIES ............................................................................................................. 8 SMOKE FREE ......................................................................................................... 9

MEDICATION ......................................................................................................... 9 MEDICAL RECORDS AND VACCINATIONS .................................................................. 10 ILLNESS POLICY GUIDELINES ................................................................................. 10 COMMON CONTAGIOUS DISEASES .......................................................................... 12 HEAD INJURIES ..................................................................................................... 12 INJURY ................................................................................................................ 12 BITING ................................................................................................................. 13 CONFIDENTIALITY & ACCESS TO CHILD’S FILE .......................................................... 13 SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT ................................................................... 14


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FAMILY COMMUNICATION ................................................................................. 14 DAILY COMMUNICATION ......................................................................................... 15 LEARNING PLANS .................................................................................................. 15 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES .......................................................................... 16 ASSESSMENTS ..................................................................................................... 16 REFERRALS ......................................................................................................... 16 NEWSLETTERS ..................................................................................................... 17 OPEN COMMUNICATION ......................................................................................... 17 SPECIAL EVENTS .................................................................................................. 18 REFER A FRIEND................................................................................................... 18

SCHOOL POLICIES ............................................................................................. 18 ENROLLMENT ....................................................................................................... 18 PART-TIME ENROLLMENT ....................................................................................... 19 SIGN-IN/ OUT ....................................................................................................... 19 OPEN DOOR POLICY ............................................................................................. 19 TUITION AND FEES ................................................................................................ 20 PAYMENT METHODS ............................................................................................. 20 DISCOUNTS AND CREDITS ...................................................................................... 20 HOLIDAY CLOSINGS .............................................................................................. 20 AFTER HOURS POLICY .......................................................................................... 21 INCLEMENT WEATHER ........................................................................................... 21 EMERGENCY EVACUATION ..................................................................................... 21 WITHDRAWAL ....................................................................................................... 21 OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT FOR STAFF ........................................................................ 22 RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTATION/ UNUSUAL TREATMENT ...................................... 22 TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION ............................................................................... 22 TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................. 23 UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES .................................................................................... 23 FAMILY CODE OF CONDUCT ................................................................................... 24

Appendix

Two Weeks Notice Acknowledgement and Agreement

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We at Children of America know that young children are active learners. Our approach to early

childhood education is one of teaching through activities that are based on developmental

appropriateness. Our goal is to facilitate growth in the areas of social, emotional, physical and

cognitive development as we focus on experiences that are based on the needs of the child and

the expectant abilities for each of the chronological age groups in our program. In this regard, we

pattern our philosophy after the National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC) standards, that of developmentally appropriate practices. A growing body of

research ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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Statement of Purpose

Mission Statement Children of America’s commitment to families with children is to enhance developmental growth

and learning in a nurturing environment. We accomplish this by providing high quality

educational programs that foster self-esteem and encourage curiosity within daily, diverse

learning experiences that maximizes each child’s learning potential.

Characteristics of the Children We Serve Children of America staff members serve young children from one month old infants through

preschoolers. We also offer care for school age children through the fifth grade before and after

school during the school year and with full time camp programs in the summer. Services include

snacks and meals as warranted for children eating solid foods, transportation for school age

children when available and special programs and activities as scheduled.

Intake Procedures Children of America will obtain all state required information in order to provide the best possible

care for the child both on a regular basis and in emergencies. We will not admit or enroll, at any

one time, more children than the licensed capacity of the program. In admitting a child, we will

require all information listed in Section 102 CMR 7.00 Standards for the Licensure or Approval of

Group Day Care and School Age Child Care Programs 7.09. All of this provided information will

be made part of the child’s record. Such information will include but not be limited to identification

information, history and parental preferences, authorizations, consents, immunization and

screening records and progress reports.

Children of America’s Educational Philosophy


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has emerged affirming that children develop most effectively through a hands-on approach to

learning.

Our preschool classrooms provide daily opportunities for learning to occur. We see evidence of

learning as children problem solve through experiences, use higher level thinking such as critical

thinking skills and as teachers pose situations to children to figure out for themselves. We

encourage self-help skill development as children grow toward independence and self control.

Our proprietary curriculum is designed to provide learning through interaction between learners

and learning tasks. For example, our Tray Tasking learning area provides children with the

opportunity to prepare their whole body for reading and writing through a series of tasks that

require the child to move the body through the motions of the two movements necessary for

reading and writing to occur; top to bottom and left to right directions.

Children of America believes that a high quality early childhood program encompasses an

appreciation for childhood as a unique and valuable stage of development. To this commitment

we support a close partnership with parents in the context of families, culture, and society. We

believe in respecting the dignity and worth of every individual within each family and value every

child as unique.

Program Goals & Objectives Our first program goal is to recognize that children’s ways of learning are categorized by

distinctive learning styles. Many children are visual learners. They perceive a sense of the

objective by seeing the teacher demonstrate a lesson, or showing objects to be used in a game.

Some children are auditory learners. The concept or information presented is channeled through

hearing the information, then acting upon it. Still, other children’s learning takes place through

kinesthetic or tactile (hands-on) learning. These children learn through hands-on manipulation of

objects or learning materials and only after sensory stimulation of the lesson or game does the

objective become apparent. Our learning plans target these learning approaches. Please review

your child’s learning plan found on the family board outside each classroom.

We also address the foundational areas of growth as children develop:

As children transition to each classroom the learning areas increase. Interest areas in the

preschool classrooms include art, blocks, computers, language acquisition, math and small

manipulatives, music and movement, sensory and science areas. Each of these areas promote

concept and skill building as children choose activities that interest them. ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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Social-Emotional Growth: We support children in this area by nurturing their sense of trust and

belonging. We provide opportunities to build self-confidence as they build their self-concept.

Children engage in social experiences through play, group activities and partnering with other

children as they pretend, discover and investigate their learning environment.

Intellectual Growth: We foster children’s abilities to ask questions and describe their feelings and

thoughts. The curriculum offers experiences that encourage problem solving, decision making

and challenges through activities that promote emerging literacy.

Physical Growth: We promote the strengthening and refining of the body through eye/hand

coordination, eye tracking, coordination of movements, spatial relationships and crossing the

midline which leads to emerging reading and writing skills.

Non-Discrimination Statement Children of America does not discriminate based on race, cultural heritage, national origin, marital

status, religion, political beliefs, disability or sexual orientation. We believe in trying to provide the

best care for young children using NAEYC criteria as our guide. As families’ enroll their children

in our program, we promise to provide an excellent quality of care from 6:00 am until 6:30 pm.

This includes snacks and meals, when appropriate, transportation for school age children to and

from their schools and special activities and projects throughout the year.

Classroom Design Children of America classrooms are specially designed to respond to each age level’s needs and

abilities. Enter a classroom and survey the room arrangement and especially selected learning

materials to compliment the curriculum strategies. The selection of books, learning materials and

manipulatives are accessible and available throughout the day. Teachers plan their day using the

daily schedule and their learning plans.


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Classroom Assignments and Transitions At the time of enrollment your child is assigned to a classroom based upon your child’s

chronological age in relation to eligibility to begin public school. As your child progresses in

abilities and age we transition to the next learning environment based on teacher and

administration recommendation. You are kept informed of your child’s progress through daily

communication forms. You are notified of a transition with a letter from administration. We follow

a transition schedule to begin to acquaint your child with a new classroom and achieve a level of

comfort.

Children arrive at different times during the morning; so there may be occasions when we

combine children in a transition room until all children and staff has arrived. We may also

combine in the evening according to parent pick up times and staff schedules.

Child Guidance At Children of America we promote self-esteem building by helping your child develop self-control

and responsibility for actions. Our guidance policy maximizes growth and development, protects

the group and individuals within, sets reasonable and positive expectations, offers choices,

provides an opportunity to verbalize feelings and encourages self-control through understanding.

Expected behavior is based on your child’s developmental level. Appropriate guidance

techniques used by our teachers include redirection, diversion and substitution. We never

advocate the use of punishment, either verbal or physical as a means to correct inappropriate

behaviors. We prohibit spanking or other corporal punishment cruel or severe punishment

including humiliation, verbal or physical abuse, neglect or abusive treatment, denial of food, force

feeding, or disciplining for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet. We turn incidents into learning

situations, according to the ability of the children involved, to help understand the consequences

of their actions. Children of preschool age are encouraged to use words to resolve conflicts. We

look for acceptable behavior rather than dwell on negative behavior. The children are

encouraged to participate in the development of rules whenever possible. By providing a positive

role model for children we manage the classroom using positive words, encouraging actions and

focusing on the child’s ability to make the right decisions.

and state licensing rules and regulations. ▪The food choices provide wholesome food selections ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

5 Outdoor Experiences Our outdoor playgrounds are designed to stimulate physical fitness and social interactions. Our

teachers participate with the children by providing games and activities that increase your child’s

physical abilities. Balls, bean bags, hoops and other materials are available to build coordination,

strength and agility development. Your child should come to school in clothes that allow him or

her to move freely. Sneakers or enclosed shoes are the best choice for safety when playing

outdoors. Children remain indoors during inclement weather and activities are supplemented

through music and movement experiences and visiting COA City Place.

Nap Time

Nap times are provided in accordance with your child’s age. The infants in our program sleep

whenever they wish. Individually labeled cribs for infants under 12 months are assigned so that

an infant may rest at any time during the day.

Programs serving infants must:1) place infants on their backs for sleeping, unless the child’s health care professional orders otherwise in

writing; 2) nap infants in an individual crib, portacrib, playpen or bassinet; 3) ensure that cribs have firm,

properly fitted mattresses with clean coverings, and do not contain any potential head entrapment areas;

4) ensure that slats on cribs are no more than 2- 3/8 inches apart; and 5) ensure that cribs, portacribs,

playpens or bassinets used for sleeping infants under the age of 12 months do not contain pillows,

comforters, stuffed animals or other soft, padded materials.

All children over 12 months of age rest on an assigned cot. As our children grow, we have a scheduled

nap time as noted on the Daily Schedule on the Family Board outside each classroom. The length of

quiet time is in accordance with the state child care rules and regulations. Check with your

administrator for needed napping materials. Children two years of age and under may not rest with

pillows. Items from Home Toys and other personal belongings should not be brought from home as each classroom

provides sufficient learning materials for your child’s day. During specific sharing days your

child’s teacher may ask your child to bring something in for “Show and Tell”. In that instance the

item must be labeled with your child’s first and last name and taken home the same day.

Choices for a “Show and Tell” day may not include guns or other war toys. We cannot be

responsible for lost items. Nutrition Our nutritional program is guided by the following goals: ▪

The menu meets the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) nutritional standards


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▪Mealtime is pleasant with conversation and food group discussions. ▪ Mealtime encourages

family style dining.

Our infant food needs are provided by the families except when participating in the USDA Food

Program. All bottles must be labeled, come prepared to be served and covered with a labeled

bottle cap. We do not accept opened jars or boxes of baby food. Labels including the infant’s first

and last name as well as the date must be on food containers, bottles and caps. We cannot

accept bottles that have cereal or other foods mixed in. Nursing mothers may visit the center to

feed or provide breast milk ready to serve (labeled properly). Your daily communication form

provides an area for you to insert the infant’s last feeding and diaper change of the morning so

we can continue the schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that refrigerator

formula does not have to be warmed prior to feeding. We warm refrigerated bottles by holding

under tap water for several seconds and use bottle warmers for heating at most centers. Families

are required to provide the center with an emergency supply of ready-to-feed formula, frozen

breast milk, extra bottles & nipples.

Children who eat table food are served snacks and lunches that follow the recommended daily

dietary allowances. Please review our menu to insure that your child is not allergic to any food

being served. Many of our schools serve a light snack for early arrivals. Your child is welcome to

participate in our early arrival snack. Bringing in food for breakfast is permitted in the first hour of

operation only. Children may be fed in the center lounge or in a room designated by the Center

Director; however, the children must be accompanied by their parent or guardian and may not

bring the food into their classroom.

If you identify a day when a snack contains foods your child is allergic to please send in

alternative foods that reflect several food group choices which meet USDA guidelines. A list of

the types of nutritious foods that should be sent in will be provided if requested. We do not serve

foods that may cause choking. If you are asked to provide a special snack food, do not include

grapes with skin, popcorn, raw vegetables or candy. We are a peanut free school therefore no

nuts, peanut butter or other foods containing peanuts are served or can be brought into the

school.


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Family style dining is advocated unless restricted by a state’s child care rules and regulations.

Teachers are encouraged to sit with the children and food is served in containers so children may

serve themselves.

Special Occasions Speak with your administrator about your child’s birthday or other special occasions when you

wish to provide a special snack and/or beverage. We encourage healthy treat choices keeping in

mind local health regulations governing what foods may be brought into our school. Celebrations

must be coordinated with your administrator in case of allergies in your child’s classroom. Many

states require that food brought into a school must be store bought rather than homemade.

Check with your administrator for specific details.

Daily Program Schedules Our daily program schedules are created based on the developmentally appropriate practices for

each age group. The times allocated to each activity may vary depending upon the children’s

interests and abilities. A copy of the typical schedule for your child is also posted outside of their

assigned room.

Procedure for Parent Input Here at Children of America we encourage families to give their input in the development of

program policy and programs. At any time, this input may be discussed with the school

administrators or written and placed in the suggestion box in the lobby area.

HEALTH PRACTICES

Precautions The health of everyone at Children of America is very important to us. We adhere to the concept

of Universal Precautions which means our staff helps to teach your child the personal skills

necessary to keep them healthy and help to stop the spread of illness and disease. The children

are taught to wash their hands after toileting, before and after meals, when coming in from

outside and as needed. We also provide a consent form for your signature in the event you wish

to have sun screen, insect repellant, or ointment applied to your child.


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Special booties are worn over shoes in the infant room to help contain the spread of bacteria

which might be brought in from the outside. Our facilities are professionally cleaned nightly and

carpeted areas are cleaned frequently.

Clothing For the safety and comfort of your child washable clothing with closed-toe, rubber soled shoes

are required for your child to wear at Children of America. All children should bring at least one

change of seasonally appropriate clothing, including socks in a labeled zip-locked bag. We ask

that everything be labeled with your child’s first and last name including hats, jackets, mittens,

swim suits and towels. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged clothing.

Illness & Contagious Diseases

Parents will be informed of any instance of contagious disease that affects children who may

have been exposed at the school. The local health authorities will be contacted if there is an

outbreak or it is a reportable illness. A child who is suspected of having a communicable disease

will be isolated from other children until their family can come and get them. Children who are

absent because of a contagious disease may not return to the school until the transmission

period is over. In some instances a note from their doctor may be required. If your child or

anyone in your immediate family has been exposed to a contagious disease you must notify

Children of America within twenty-four (24) hours.

Diapers

Parents will provide disposable labeled diapers and wipes for their child if not fully toilet trained.

Cloth diapers are permitted if the child’s health care provider requests they be used. The cloth

diapers need to be laundered by a commercial diaper service. We will support your efforts to

help your child become toilet trained. We ask that you supply us with at least two complete

changes of labeled clothes and a supply of labeled disposable diapers and training pants each

day. All soiled clothing will be sealed in a disposable bag and given to you at the end of the day.

We will make every effort to follow your directions to ensure consistency between home and

school.


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Allergies

The staff at Children of America takes every precaution to make sure that children who have any

kind of allergies are protected. Upon enrollment families are required to complete a

developmental history form which includes a section on allergies as well as a medical history. A

copy of this form is kept in the child’s classroom as well as I the child’s file. A confidential allergy

list which is continually updated is kept in each classroom with all allergies in the facility listed.

We also require that on any special occasion when food is brought in that it does not contain any

peanut products.

Smoke Free In order to maintain a safe and comfortable working environment, Children of America prohibits smoking throughout the school.

Medication Children of America will provide to parents, prior to admitting a child to the program, the program’s

policy on administering prescription and non prescription medications. We will not administer

prescription or non-prescription medication to a child without written parental authorization which

indicates that the medication is for the specified child. Additionally, we will also not administer the

first dosage of new medication prescribed to a child.

To ensure the proper dispensing of medications to the children, all medications will be given to the

administrative staff which will store and dispense it properly. The administrative staff will provide

you with a medication authorization which must be completed and on file. The non-prescription

medications can only be administered by Children of America staff with health care provider’s

written notification which must indicate that the medicine is for the specific child and specify the

dosage, number of times per day and number of days the medication is to be administered.

The authorization forms for these will be made available at the time of registration and are

available at any time at the front desk. Labeled dosage will be followed. All medications must be

in their original packaging and labeled with: Child’s first and last name, Medication name,

Dosage, Frequency, Duration (e.g. days to be given), Expiration Date.

Children at the school will be excluded from activities if their symptoms or illness prevent them

from participating in routine activities and/or pose an increased risk to the child or other children

or adults with whom the child comes into contact. Please keep your child at home if he or she

is ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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Medication labeled “as needed” will be administered only when accompanied with explicit

instructions informing staff of when medication will need to be administered, and signs and

symptoms to look for must be clearly stated. A health care provider’s authorization is also

required for as needed and long term medications. All medications left at the school past the time

allotment listed on the medical authorization will be disposed of by the school staff. Topical

ointments and sprays such as petroleum jelly, sun screen and bug spray, etc. will be

administered to the child with written parental permission. The signed statement from the parent

will be valid for one year and include a list of the topical non prescription medications. These

products must be in their original container labeled with the child’s first and last name.

Manufacturer’s instructions will be followed.

Medical Records and Vaccinations

All current medical and immunization records for your child must be submitted prior to your child

attending on the first day. Our staff will inform you when immunizations need to be updated. For

more information, visit the Schools for Disease Control website at www.dcd.gov. Families

requesting that immunizations be waived on religious or philosophic grounds must submit their

request for a waiver in writing using the appropriate state forms. If you choose not to get the

immunizations, your child may be sent home when there is any instance of contagious disease.

You child may also be excluded from some activities that could put him or her at risk.

Illness Policy Guidelines

Children that are showing mild symptoms such as runny nose, mild to moderate chest

congestion, isolated loose bowel movements and minor skin irritations are permitted to attend

school as long as their health does not violate any of the following standards as outlined below

Children that are mildly ill will be cared for in their classrooms by their classroom teacher.

Teachers will monitor child’s health and keep parents and administrators updated throughout the

day. If symptoms worsen then children will be required to leave the program for the remainder of

the day.

http://www.dcd.gov/�


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not well enough to participate in normal day’s activities. A child may not come to school for 24

hours or will be sent home if he or she has a fever of 100° F or above and not be able to return

for 24 hours and/or has one of the following symptoms:

▪ Diarrhea (more than one loose stool or increased number of stools)

▪ Severe coughing ▪ Difficult or rapid breathing (especially in infants under 6 months)

▪ Yellowish skin or eyes (may be signs of hepatitis)

▪ Tears, redness of eyelids, with discharge conjunctivitis (pink eye)

▪ Mouth sores with drooling ▪Severe itching of body or scalp

▪Unusual spots or rashes ▪Tea-colored urine

▪Headache and still neck ▪Loss of appetite

▪Sore throat or trouble swallowing ▪Unusually cranky, less active behavior

▪Vomiting ▪Infected skin patches

If your child is suspected of developing a communicable disease, he or she will be isolated from

the rest of the class until you arrive.


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Common Contagious Diseases

Disease Incubation Period

When it is “catching”

Symptoms Length of Illness

Chicken Pox 4-21 days 1 day before Fever Rash Itching- Individual spots begin as water blisters, spread over the whole body, form crusts by the fourth day.

7-10 days Preventative- Varicella

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

Eggs hatch in 7-10 days and reach maturity 1-3 wks later

By direct contact with an infested person or their personal belongings such as comb, brush or hat

Severe itching and scratching. Nits attach to hairs as small, round, gray lumps

Exclude from school until treated

Conjunctivitis 24-72 hours By contact with discharges from conjunctivae or contaminated articles

Pink or red eyeball with swelling of the eyelids and eye discharge

Exclude from school while symptomatic or 24 hours after treatment is completed

Ring Worm 4-10 days By direct or indirect contact with lesions or contaminated surfaces

Circular with demarcated lesion. Itching is common

Exclusion from school not necessary as long as lesion is properly covered

Streptococcal Diseases

Variable, often 1-3 days, maybe longer

By direct contact with infected persons and carriers or by contact with their respiratory droplets

Impetigo- multiple skin lesions, blisters turn into brown crusts Scarlet fever- fever and sore throat, Strep throat-sudden onset of fever, sore throat, sandpaper like rash Symptoms may be absent in some cases

Exclude from school until 24 hours of appropriate drug therapy is completed

Whooping Cough

7-14 days From beginning of cough for 3-4 weeks

Cold Whooping cough Vomiting

4-6 weeks Preventative- DPT vaccine

Head Injuries All head injuries are assessed by trained staff members for symptoms of concussion and open

wounds. If warranted, 911 and parents will be called.

Injury You will be informed by telephone or by written report upon pick up if your child is injured. In the

event of a minor injury, trained staff will perform proper first aid care. You may want to consult

with your family health professional to determine whether the nature of the injury requires medical

A child's parent(s) shall have the right to request deletion or amendment of any information

contained in the child's record. If the family is of the opinion that adding information is not

sufficient to explain, clarify, or correct objectionable material in the child's record, the parent

shall ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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attention, vaccination or any other care. In the event that a serious injury has occurred, staff will

call 911 and you will be notified immediately. We will use the Authorization for Medical Treatment

of a Minor form that you signed when enrolling, authorizing us to act on your behalf if you cannot

be reached allowing for no delay in your child’s treatment. If you provided us with a name of a

certified practitioner because your child is exempt from medical care on religious grounds, they

will be contacted in the event of an injury. Children of America carries a student accident policy

that will cover the cost of treatment for any injury on our premises or while off site on a school

activity.

Biting Children of America strives to minimize biting incidents. Toddlers especially, will often use biting

as a form of communication. If your child is bitten by another child, we will comfort them and care

for their needs immediately. If your child bites another child, we will develop a plan with you to try

to correct the behavior. If biting continues, to protect the other children, you may be asked to

temporarily remove your child or he/ she may be suspended or dis-enrolled from the program.

Confidentiality & Access to Child’s File Before beginning your child’s first day, you will be asked to complete paperwork which will be

kept on file at the center. We respect the right of each family to privacy and confidentiality

regarding all health, behavioral and developmental records and information. Children of America

will not distribute or release information in a child's record to anyone not directly related to

implementing the program plan for the child without the written consent of the child's parents and

will notify the parents if a child's record is subpoenaed.

The child's parents shall, upon written request, have access to their child's record at reasonable

times. Assess will not be delayed more than two business days after the initial request without the

consent of the child's parents. There will be a permanent, written log in each child's record

indicating any time a child's record has been released. Families have the right to add information,

comments, data or any other relevant materials to the child's record.

Family Communication Children of America invites parent involvement. Staff will engage in a supportive partnership

around the child, program, and home to build mutual understanding and consistency for the child.

Staff will support parent(s) as the primary educators of their child and will be respectful of the

home and culture. Staff and parents will keep each other well informed about the child and

program. Written information about the program is given to parent(s) upon admission. It

includes ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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have the right to have a conference with Children of America to make any objections known.

Within one week after the conference, a decision in writing stating the reason or reasons for the

decision will be given to the family. If the decision is in favor of the family, steps shall be taken

immediately to put the decision into effect.

Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect Children of America employees are mandated reporters and are required by law to report any

suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities by calling or going online:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD

Massachusetts Toll-Free: (800) 792-5200

URL Link to report abuse:

http://mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Family+Services&

L3=Violence%2c+Abuse+or+Neglect&L4=Child+Abuse+and+Neglect&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalc

ontent&f=dss_c_can_reporting&csid=Eeohhs2

Children of America will cooperate in all investigations of abuse and neglect, including identifying

parents of children currently or previously enrolled in the program; providing consent for

disclosure of information from, and allowing the DCF & ECC to disclose information to any person

and/or agency the DCF & ECC may specify as necessary to the prompt investigation of

allegations and protection of children.

If a staff member is suspected, they will be taken out of their work area and suspended with pay

until the investigation has been concluded. The staff member cannot return to the school until

they are cleared. Once cleared, they may return to their normal work schedule. If the allegations

are proven, the staff member will be terminated immediately.


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the Family Guide and other appropriate documentation that the parent(s) or guardian(s) have

received. The orientation process includes the opportunity to visit the classroom, meet the on-

site administrator, review written material and observe and talk with staff prior to enrollment while

they verify that the family understands the policy information. Time is taken to learn about each

child’s and family’s interests and needs. A developmental history for each child is completed by

parent(s) upon enrollment, discussed between staff and parent(s) as needed and placed in the

child’s folder. If other forms are used they must include the same required information. Child

rearing practices are discussed between staff and parent(s), as needed, to support mutual

understanding and consistency. As applicable, opportunities are provided for parents to further

develop their skills as their child’s principal educator. Parent support activities are offered

including parent meetings. Staff and parents share partnering ideas for promoting children’s

healthy development and learning at home. The program is culturally sensitive to children and

families. There are opportunities for parent participation at the school.

Daily Communication Communication between school and home is essential. One method is providing you with a daily

communication sheet. For infants we send home an Infant Daily Information sheet, for toddlers

we provide a Toddler Daily Times sheet. For our two year olds we provide a daily Two’s News

and for the Preschool I, II, and III classrooms we send home a Preschool Post. School Age

children also have daily communication forms. These communication sheets provide a summary

of your child’s day at Children of America. For the younger ages it will share diaper changing

times, food intake and napping times as well as inform you when supplies are needed. The top

portion of the infant sheet asks you to note your child’s morning times for feeding and diaper

changing. The preschool and school age forms provide information about the learning day.

Learning Plans Every classroom follows a specially written learning plan that is designed to meet the children’s

learning needs. Please review the posted learning plans so you know what concepts, skills or

special activities your child may be doing each day. Our infant and toddler curriculum includes a

Baby Signs program. You will receive monthly newsletters that show you how to form the words

your child is learning. Our Preschool programs include Spanish, Journeys into Early Music and

Tray Tasking activities. Their daily learning plans are also posted for your review.

Each child will be observed annually (Twice a year for Infants & Toddlers). Parents will be

notified if there is a concern and a meeting set up. If parents consent in writing, the administrator

will gather information from school and/or health care or service providers. Documentation will

be made of these observations to record the child’s behavior prior to making a referral. The

administrator will document in writing specific accommodations required and determine whether

the accommodations required present an ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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Parent/Teacher Conferences We offer an opportunity for you to visit with your child’s teacher twice a year to review how your

child is developing and learning. Individual conferences may also be arranged at other times by

contacting your administrator. Teachers create a portfolio of your child’s abilities which is shared

during the conference times. Included in the portfolio will be a Developmental Checklist which

shows the ability acquisition. Preschool age children will have prescribed activities to accomplish

each month that are added to the portfolio. These activities may include writing, cutting, drawing

and assembling.

Assessments Our Pre K classroom of four and five year olds participates twice a year in an assessment of

learning called PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) and EMDA (Early Math

Diagnostic Assessment). This assessment is administered in the fall and spring to document

growth over time of each child’s emerging reading and math abilities. This helps your child’s

teacher plan learning experiences that enhance your child’s intellectual growth and development.

We also assess our infants every three months & toddlers twice-a-year for developmental

abilities using our Learning Standards.

Referrals As assessments are made of your child, either at intake or after enrollment, Children of America

classroom and administrative staff might observe areas which would require additional evaluation

by trained professionals. If warranted, any social, mental health, educational and medical

services, including but not limited to dental check-up, vision or hearing screening referrals will be

given to the family. All staff is required to inform administrative staff of any concerns they may

have regarding your child’s development.

We offer opportunities to visit with your child’s teacher twice a year to review your child’s progress

throughout our toddler-preschool programs. In our infant programs we offer this opportunity

every three month. Individual conferences may also be arranged at other times by contacting

your administrator. Teachers create a portfolio of your child’s ability which is shared during

conference times. Included in the portfolio are learning standards which shows ability acquisition.

Preschool aged children also have prescribed activities to accomplish each month that are

added ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

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unreasonable or undue burden, considering the nature and cost, impact on the program, financial

resources and availability of funding or services elsewhere.

When notified, the parents will receive a written statement including the reason for recommending

a referral for additional services, a brief summary of the program's observations related to the

referral and any efforts the program may have made to accommodate the child's needs. Parents

will be given a current list of referral resources in the community for children in need of social,

mental health, educational or medical services.

A written record of any referrals, including the parent conference and results from it will be filed in

the child’s file. Children of America will follow-up the referral, with parental permission and

contact the agency or service provider who evaluated the child for consultation and assistance in

meeting the child's needs at the center. If it is determined that the child is not in need of services

from this agency, or is ineligible to receive services, Children of America will review the child's

progress at the center every three months to determine if another referral is necessary.

If it is determined that other available services would best meet the need of the child, Children of

America will prepare the child in an age appropriate manner for termination from the program.

Newsletters Children of America provides a quarterly newsletter that shares relevant information about our

schools, new programs and upcoming events. The newsletters are available at the front desk

and on our Children of America web site. Your specific school may also publish a newsletter

regarding newsworthy information, special celebrations and events happening at your child’s

school.

Open Communication

We accept children with disabilities and special needs based on our ability to meet their needs

and will make “responsible accommodations” based on the recommendations of the child’s health

care provider and families. Upon enrollment of any child with a disability parents will provide

Children of America with a specific plan for their care. The plan will be shared will all teachers

involved with the child and a copy will be kept in the child’s classroom as well as in their center ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

18

to the portfolio. These activities include such skill examples as riting, cutting, drawing and

assembling.

Special Events Our school offers several events during the year to encourage families, children and others to

come together and join in the fun. These events may include Open House, Special Nights, Fall

Harvest Fun as well as holiday celebrations. We encourage you to participate and meet other

families who attend your school.

Refer a Friend We encourage you to tell your friends about our school. If a family enrolls a child as a result of

your referral you will receive, after the child’s fourth week with us, one week free for your oldest

child at Children of America. Your friends need to notify us at the time of their child’s enrollment

that you have referred them. The offer is void if referral notification is made after the child’s

enrollment.

SCHOOL POLICIES

Enrollment Children of America is an equal opportunity provider of child care services. Children of America

does not discriminate based on race, cultural heritage, national origin, marital status, religion,

political beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or toilet training status. We believe in trying to

provide the best care for young children using NAEYC criteria as our guide. As families enroll

their children in our program, we promise to provide an excellent quality of care from 6:30 am to

6:30 pm. this includes snacks and meals, when appropriate, transportation of school age

children to and from their schools and special activities and projects throughout the year.

know of your arrival so we can assist you. If our administrator is not available, our

assistant ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

19

file. All teachers will adhere to all appropriate specific measures as outlined in the care plan. At

this time, you will be informed of and given a chance to agree upon any variations in regular

procedures that need to be undertaken to meet the specific needs of your child. Toilet training is

not a requirement for enrollment.

Part-time Enrollment Children of America will offer part-time enrollment opportunities until a room is full. Once the room

is full, the family will be given the option to continue with the part time schedule or begin a full-

time schedule. Either way they must begin to pay the full- time rate.

Upon enrollment we introduce your child to the assigned classroom and teachers. You should

review the Family Guide so that any questions you might have may be answered prior to your

child attending. We request that all enrollment forms be completed and turned in on or before

your child’s first day. Your child’s health assessment, including immunization and medical records

and proof of birth must accompany the enrollment forms. The non-refundable registration fee and

first week’s tuition are due on or before your child’s first day of attendance.

Sign-In/ Out For the safety and security of your child, all children must be signed in and out by a parent or an

individual that has been specifically authorized by you on the enrollment form using our touch

screen pin system. For security purposes, please do not permit unauthorized persons to enter

the building behind you. Everyone must have an access code to enter. All children should be

escorted through the parking lot and to and from their classrooms every day. This will give you a

chance to check your child’s cubby and the family board for upcoming events as well as speak

with the teacher for any additional information. Anyone you authorize to pick up your child must

present picture identification before the child is released to them. Older children (anyone under 18

years of age) may not sign themselves or their siblings in or out. If custody is an issue, please

provide a copy of the notarized court order so that we will follow the correct legal course of action.

Open Door Policy We welcome and encourage visits by families at any time. Custodial parents and guardians have

unlimited access to the school during business hours. Please stop in at the front desk and let us

Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

20 administrator will help you. We also designate an administrative assistant or teacher to be

accessible if the administrator and assistant administrator are unavailable.

Tuition and Fees The tuition agreement (Schedule of Fees) will be given to you with the enrollment packet. It

outlines the times and days of the week your child attends and the tuition that is charged. Tuition

is due the first day of each week and a late fee of $20.00 is charged if payment is not made by

close of business on Tuesday. Tuition for monthly payers is due by the first business day of the

month. A $20.00 late fee is charged if not paid by the close of the second business day of the

month. Tuition must remain current so that your child may continue to attend.

When children are not picked up at their scheduled pick-up times, a fee of $15.00 per family for

each quarter hour will be charged to your account. Please inform the school if you will be late so

that we can accommodate your child until you arrive. Tuition will not be refunded or pro-rated.

Enrolled children must have their full tuition paid whether absence is due to illness, holidays or

inclement weather. As your child transitions to a new classroom or there are changes to a

schedule of attendance at the school, a new Schedule of Fees must be completed.

Payment Methods Tuition and fees are paid using COA Fast Pay (reoccurring payment system) with either ACH or debit/credit cards (MC/VA/DISC). Cash or checks are not accepted. When using a credit card, a 2% fee will be added to your total payment. Any NSF will be charged a service charge of $50.00 and must be replaced immediately. Tuition payment methods will be restricted for repeat NSF. Discounts and Credits Check with the school administrator to see if you qualify for a corporate or family discount. All

discounts and coupons must be presented at time of enrollment to qualify. A child is also eligible

for a vacation credit (five consecutive days vacation week), on the enrollment anniversary for

each child’s continuous year of attendance. This credit is to encourage families to spend time

together. While using the vacation credit, your child may not attend the school.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Memorial Day

Labor Day

Day after Thanksgiving Day

Holiday Closings New Year’s Day

Presidents Day

Independence Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Halloween (early closing)

©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised March 2015

21 Schools may close early on the day before a holiday. Families will be informed by notices

posted on the front door and put in your child’s cubby box at least one week before the

closing. Children of America’s standard policy is to observe Friday as a holiday when a holiday

falls on Saturday, and Monday when the holiday falls on Sunday. Exceptions may occur and

will be announced in advance.

After Hours Policy Please observe the operating hours of the school and make every effort to pick up your child

before the end of the day. If you are late, our staff and administrators are not permitted to

remove your child from the school nor transport them to another location when this situation

arises. If such an event occurs the administrator will try calling all contact numbers including

parent/guardian numbers and authorized emergency contacts. If contact is unsuccessful, the

administrator will contact the appropriate community authorities. Late fees will be assessed in

such instances.

Inclement Weather Decisions to close a school will be made by following state and local restrictions in your area. In

the event that the school is closed, a notice will be posted on the front door and recorded on the

school’s voice mail. If a school is closed early due to severe weather conditions, natural or man-

made disasters you will be notified by the staff so that you can make appropriate arrangements

for picking up your child. The Administrator will try calling all contact numbers including

authorized emergency contacts. Child will be safely cared for by staff members until the child is

picked up. Tuition will still be due during such closings per the rate agreement agreed to.

Emergency Evacuation Should an emergency occur which requires evacuation of the school; you will be notified as soon

as possible and asked to pick up your child. To prepare your child for such an event, evacuation

drills are held monthly at the school. If such a drill or emergency occurs while you are at the

school, we request that you follow our procedures and evacuate the building immediately with the

children. This will reinforce proper responses for the children. The school administrator will give

you specific information related to the evacuation and natural disaster emergency procedures.

Withdrawal Should you need to withdraw your child, we require two weeks’ notice prior to your leaving. The

two weeks’ notice form located at the back of this handbook is used to inform us of your


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departure. If the school is not informed using the form, two weeks tuition will be charged to your

account. Upon written request of the family, Children of America will transfer the child’s record to

the parents or any other person the parents identify. There may be a small handling fee for this

service.

Outside Employment for Staff Children of America discourages its employees from making independent child care

arrangements with school families. If, in the event you enter into an arrangement with an

employee, it must be done off school grounds and with the full knowledge and understanding that

the employee enters into the agreement as a private citizen and not as an employee of Children

of America. Children of America is not responsible for its employees away from the school,

outside of their working hours and will not be liable for their acts or omissions. You may be

required to sign an acknowledgement and waiver to this effect.

Research and Experimentation/ Unusual Treatment

Children of America does not conduct research, experimentation or unusual treatment involving

children. Research and experimentation does not mean program evaluation or data collecting for

purposes of documenting services of the program which does not individual children.

Termination or Suspension Should one of the following situations arise, Children of America may terminate or suspend your

child with or without a two week notice. ▪ A failure to pay your child’s tuition in full and on time

▪ Any verbal or physical abuse by you towards management or staff or your child to other children

or staff

▪ If your child bites another child

▪ Non-compliance with immunization and exclusion due to illness

Every consideration will be taken to ensure the child’s best interests are considered so

suspension will be at the administrator’s discretion with advisement from corporate level staff.

In instances where Children of America decides that it is in the best interest of the child to

terminate enrollment, the child’s and the family’s needs shall be considered by planning with the

We also utilize a customer care component in our telephone system that records all calls for quality assurance and training purposes. ©2012 Children of America, Inc. Family Guide - MA Revised February 2015

23

parents to meet the child’s needs when they leave the school, including referrals to other

agencies or facilities when appropriate. We will provide documentation of reasons, including prior

actions taken by Children of America. Parents will be informed of the availability for other

services and provided with information, upon request. The child will be prepared for termination

from the program in a manner consistent with the child's ability to understand.

Transportation Children of America offers transportation to and from school and field trips only with written

parental permission. Drivers are trained in CPR/First Aid and all procedures for transporting

children. Vehicles utilized for transportation meet the safety standards set by DMV and are kept

in good condition. State statutes about safety belts and child restraints are followed. Children

are required to adhere to safety control standards such as buckled seatbelts and remaining

seated at all times. We reserve the right to deny transportation service to children behaving in an

unsafe manner while transporting. When transporting, the safety of all children is our primary

concern. Children of America reserves the right to discontinue bus transportation to and from

other schools during the school year and alter transportation routes as needed.

Unauthorized Activities Children of America does not allow children to participate in any activities unrelated to the direct

care of children without the written, informed consent of the family. These activities could be, but

are not limited to fundraising or publicity including photographs.

Always Close By

Our schools area equipped with video surveillance monitors in classrooms, outdoors and in the

lobby. This is part of our security system as well as a service families may elect to purchase to

view their child in the classroom through their computer.


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Family Code of Conduct

Children of America expects families to adhere to the following standards of behavior at our

schools:

1. Turn off your cell phones. This is a time to be child focused and not be distracted when

bringing your child to and from our school. No picture taking using cell phones or other

devices.

2. Watch your language. Use appropriate language when in our schools. Foul language will

not be tolerated and may lead to dismissal of your child.

3. Be careful of your behavior. Children are watching your behavior when in our schools. If

you have a concern please conduct yourself properly and seek administrative assistance.

4. Be security minded. After entering your code to open our doors please do not include

unregistered guests. Administration will be happy to attend to visitors.

5. Extend your courtesy to others. Your child is anxious to see you. Take a moment and ask

your preschool child about your child’s day. For younger children, read the daily

communication sheets prepared for you about your child.

6. Support our policy of discouragement in the participation of social networking such as

Facebook or Twitter with regards to divulging Children of America information.

7. Parents or visitors may not film or record any of our children with video, camera or phone

equipment. This protects the safety and security of all of our children.

Thank you for your support.


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Two Weeks Notice I, _______________________ the parent/guardian of ___________________ hereby give

Children of America a Two Weeks Notice from the date listed to withdraw my child from

________________________________________. (Location of Center)

Today’s Date: _______________________

Last Day Attending: __________________

Reason for Leaving: ________________________________________________

_______________________________________ __________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_______________________________________ _____________________ Administrator Signature Date

I understand that in order for my Two Weeks Notice to be valid, I must sign and date the form.

This form is also to be signed by an administrator of the program. I further understand that I am

to keep a copy of this signed form in my records for six months.


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Acknowledgement and Agreement of

Children of America’s Family Guide

I have read the Children of America’s Family Guide and agree and abide by the contents.

__________________________________ Child’s First and Last Name

__________________________________ _____________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Documents

ii - Children Of America Oswegoii Welcome Family: Congratulations for choosing Children of America as your early childhood learning program for your child. We appreciate the confidence