Parent

HANDBOOK

2828 Glendale Blvd Los Angeles Ca 90039

www.playpreschools.com

DearFamilies,WelcometotheInfantandToddlerclassroomsatPLAYPreschool.Weareexcitedaboutworkingtogetherandformingarelationshipwithyouandyourchild.Theearlyyearsareveryexcitingwithalotofdevelopmentalchangesandissuesthatarespecifictothisage.ItisexpectedthatpriortochildrenstartingatPLAY(orwithinthefirstweekofschool)parentsmeetwiththeDirectortoreviewtheHandbookandaskanyquestionstheymayhave.ThishandbookisasupplementtoyourPLAYParentHandbook.TheParentHandbookanswersyourquestionsaboutgeneralpolicieslikeenrollment,drop-offandpickuppolicies,andbilling.Thishandbookisspecifictoyourchildandthepracticesandguidelinesrelatingtotheseclassrooms.Pleasetakethetimetoreadthroughthisinformation.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasefeelfreetoaskatanytime.StaffGabrielRoss............DirectorAnnieGekozyan.........AssistantDirectorAlemaniaGarcia……………InfantAssistantDirector

MissionStatementToprovidebothaneducationalandnurturingenvironmentwherechildrencanthrive.

Moto“Everychildneedssome“PLAY”intheirlives.

AdmissionsPolicyPLAYPreschoolisafor-profitchildcarecenter.Weacceptallchildrenregardlessofrace,sex,creedorcolor.Ourprogramserveschildrenfrom3monthsto5yearsofage.Enrollmentformsareacceptedyear-round.Childrenwillbeadmittedintothecenteronfirst-come,first-servedbasisdependingontheavailabilitywithinyourchild’sagegroupandprogram.

HoursofOperationPLAYPreschoolshoursofoperationarefrom7:30am–6pm&ourInfantcenterisopen8:00am–6pm,Monday-FridayexcludingHolidays.Alistoftheseholidaysisavailableonline.OurInfantcenterisopen8:00am–6pm.

SchoolCalendarTheyearlycalendarisavailableonourwebsite.WefollowLAUSD’soldschedulewitha10-monthschoolyearfromSeptember–Juneandstandardholidays.JulyandAugustaresummercampmonth.Familiesmustmaintainenrollmentfor12months.

WedonotofferdiscountsorcreditsforvacationstakenbyfamiliesoutsideoPLAYPreschoolspostedholidays.

HolidayDayClosed

MartinLutherKingJr.DayPresident’sDay

IndependenceDayLaborDay

MemorialDayCesarChavesDay

VeteransDayThanksgiving(Thur&Fri)

WinterBreakSummerBreak(4thofJulyweek)

SpringBreak

PLAYreservestherighttotakeuptoanadditional5daysoffforteacherservice.

EnrollinginPLAYPLAYPreschoolacceptsfamiliesyearroundonafirstcomefirstservebasisbeginningonJanuary2ndforthefollowingFall(September).Shouldafamilydecidetheywouldliketoenrollandhaveaspaceheld;acompletedRegistrationPacketmustbesubmittedalongwithanonrefundableregistrationcheck$500;firstmonthstuition(refundableunder30daypolicy.)

RegistrationPacketIncludeso Registrationinformationformso ContractforEnrollmento RequiredCaliforniaStateLicensingForms

Pleaseincludeacopyofyourchild’simmunizationrecordswhensubmittingregistrationforms.

RequestingChangesinScheduleFamiliesenrolledinPLAYwantingtochangeprogramsmaydosobyrequestingawrittenchangeinscheduleatleast30dayspriortothemonthwherethedesiredchangeistooccur.Changesinschedulearestrictlydoneonanindividualbasis.Requestsmaynotbegrantedifdesiredprogramsarefullorunavailable.AllrequestsmustbeapprovedbytheDirectorbeforethechangebegins.ChangescanNOTbemadeduringthelast30daysofwrittennoticetocancelenrollmentatPLAY.

FeesforPreschool/InfantCentero $500non-refundableregistrationfeeo $300non-refundableyearlybuilding/maintenancefeeo Latepickup$2.00/minute,$10minimumo Tuitionisduebythe1stofeachmonth.Paymentmadeafterthe1stwillincura$25latefeeforeveryweekthatpaymentislate.

TuitionPaymentsAllpaymentsmustbemadeinadvance.AutomaticpaymentsaremadethroughTuitionExpressusingProCarebillingsoftware.ThisisanautomaticpaymentprogramthatallowsPLAYtowithdrawpaymentselectronicallyfromachecking/savingsbankaccount.EnrollmentinTuitionExpressisMandatory.Parentsmaysubmitawrittencheckforthemonth’stuitionpriortothe1stshouldtheynotwantTuitionExpresstobeprocessed.Yourbankinginformationwillbekeptconfidentialandnotbesharedwithanyone.

Tuitionwillbeautomaticallycollectedonthe1stofeverymonth.Parentsmaysubmitarequestinwritingforthenextmonth’stuitioniftheywishtodelaytuitionbeyondthestandardpaymentduedateforthe1stofthemonth(aka“DelayPayment”).Thisrequestwilldelaypaymentuptothe5thofthemonth.Parentsarelimitedto2requestsperschoolyear.Anyrequestsfortuitiontobepaidbeyondthe5thofthemonthwillincura$25fee.Threelatepaymentsmayresultintheterminationofyourchild’senrollment.

Non-PaymentProceduresTheprogrammaydismissorsuspendservicesfornon-paymentoftuitionfees.Achargeof$25willbeassessedeachtimeanaccountpaymentisdeclined.Ifapaymentislate(duetoNSFcheckingorsavingsaccount),paymentmustbemadeby12pmwithinfivedaysaftertheparentreceivesthenotice.However,thatpaymentmustincludethecurrenttuitionandtheassociatedlatefees.Ifpaymentisnotreceivedbynoon,thestudentwillbeplacedona“hold-outlist”(withheldfromprogram)onthefollowingdayandmaynolongerreceiveservices.Threelatepaymentsmayresultintheterminationofenrollment.Ifpaymentismadepriortobeingsenttocollections,servicesmayberesumed,butonlyforthefirst-timedelayedpaymentsituations.

AcquaintanceTimeOnceenrolledwehighlyencourageparentstocallandscheduleatimetobringtheirchildforoneortwovisitspriortotheirstartdate.Weaskthatthesevisitstakeplaceintheafternoonfrom3:30to4:30pm.Duringthistimechildrencanbecomeacquaintedwiththeschool,playground,newfriendsandteachers.Itcanbeinstrumentalinhelpingeaseanyapprehensionchildrenmayhaveforbeingaloneinanewlocationwithoutaparentorknowncaregiver.

SigningYourChildIn/OutCaliforniastatelawrequiresfamiliesalwayssigntheirchildinandoutofpreschool.PLAYPreschoolusesadigitalfour-digitcode.Everyfamilyprovidedauniquefour-digitfrontdoorcodetoenterthepreschool.Preschoolparentsmaysigntheirchildinupto5minutesbeforetheirscheduledstarttimewithoutaddingearlymorningdropoff.Pleasenotethatthereisnograceperiodsforpickuptimes.Parentspickinguptheirchildaftertheirpredeterminedpickuptimewillautomaticallyhavethenexthourofcareadded.

FirstDayofSchoolPreschoolProgram

Onthefirstday,youshouldbringthefollowingitems:

o Alunchboxwithyourchild’snamewrittenonit.Parentsnotenrollinginthehotlunchshouldincludeaproteinmaincourse,fruit/veggieandsnacks.FamiliesenrolledintheFulldayprogramshouldincludeanextrasnackforafternaptime.Familiesenrolledforextendedcareshouldalsopackanadditionalsnack.Pleasemakesureyourchild’slunchboxalwayshasanicepackinit.

o Acanteen/thermosorreusablewaterbottlewithyourchild’snamewrittenonit.

o Alargeplasticbagwithacompletechangeofclothing,weather-appropriatewithyourchild’snameonthem.Pleaseincludesunscreenwithasignedwrittennotesaying“APPLYLIBERALLYASNEEDED”(Thiswillstayinyourchild’scubby).Diapersandwipes(ifneeded).Theseitemswillstayatschool.

o Naptime:smalltoythatyourchildmaybeattachedto;asmallpillowandblanket.Parentspleasedonotpacklargeblanketsandpillows.

Dressyourchildincomfortable,practicalandweather–appropriateclothingforpaintingorplayoutdoors.Tennisshoesarepreferable.Dress-upshoeshaveslicksolesandsandalsandflip-flopsaredangerousandinappropriateforactiveplay.Children’sclothingshouldbeuncomplicatedsothattheycaneasilyusethebathroombythemselves.Pleaselabelallsweaters,jackets,coats,schoolbags,backpacks,etc.withyourchild’sname.Besureyourchildisalwaysdressedcomfortablyandwearingsturdyplayshoes.Itisalwaysbesttolayerclothesonstartingwithat-shirtthenaddingapatternshirtfollowedbyasweaterasopposedtoat-shirtandparka.

InfantProgram

Clothing/Seasonalitemsactiveandsometimesmessyplayisgoingtobeapartofyourchild’sday.Itisrecommendedthatchildrenwearcomfortable,washableplayclothesthatareeasytomovearoundinandokifsomethingspillsonit.Childrenmustbedressedinclothingandnotjustwearingadiaperand/oronesie.Parentsareaskedtobringacompletechangeoflabeledclothing,includingsocks,onesies,shirts,pants,shorts,etc,tobeleftatschool.Ifclothingitemsarenotlabeled,itmakesitextremelydifficulttorememberwhichitemsofclothinggotowhichchildren.Itisalsoagoodideatokeepalightsweaterorsweatshirtinyourchild’scubbyincaseitfeelsalittlechillyintheclassroomorchillyoutside.Forolderinfantswhoarewalking,itishelpfulifparentskeepacleanpairofshoeshereatthecenterforyourchildtowearintheclassroom.Childrenwhoareenrolledinwarmermonthsshouldalsobringahat,sunglasses,andsunscreen.Sunscreenwillnotbeappliedtoinfantsunder6months.Ifyouwantyourchildtohavesunscreenappliedbeforereaching6monthsofage,adoctor’snotemustbeprovidedtothecenterstatingyourchildcanhavesunscreenapplied.Childrenwhoareenrolledinthecolder,wintermonthsmustbeproperlydressedtogooutside.

Bottles

Parentsofinfantsareaskedtobring2-3labeledbottlestobekeptatthecenter.Itiscommonpracticeforchildreninthetoddlerroomtodrinkfromsippycupsinsteadofbottles.

OtherItems

Ifyourchildusesapacifier,parentsareaskedtoprovidealabeledone.Childrenintheinfantroomwhousepacifierswillhavethemonanas-neededbasisthroughouttheirday.ChildrenintheToddleroomwhousethemwillhaveapacifieronlyatnaptimeorassoothingtoolwhennew.

Ifyourtoddlerhasaspecial“lovey”tosleepwith,likeasmallstuffedanimalorsmallblanket,pleaselabelitandyourchildwillhaveitduringnap.Attimesanewchildmayhaveahardtimetransitioning;wetrytoworkwiththefamiliesinhelpingthisadjustmentbelessstressful.Atoddleriswelcometobringacomfortitemtohelphimorhertransitionintochildcare.Eventually,yourchildwillnotfeeltheneedforitatschoolandwillhaveformedpositiverelationshipwithhis/herteachers.We

viewtransitionalcomfortitemsassomethingthatwillbenefitthechildinhelpinghim/herfeelsecureinthisnewenvironment.

Belowisacheatlistofitemstobring:

o Diaperso Wipeso Diaperointmento ExtraformulaPlus1bottleemptyo Foodo Bottlespre-madereadytobewarmedupo Atleast2changeofclotheso Burpclothso Bibso SippyCupso BentoBoxfortheirfoodo Hato Sunscreen

DailySchedulesThedailyscheduleforthechildrenisaguide.Itprovidesaframeworkforplanningandorganizingthedailyroutineandplayactivitiesforthechildren.Thedailyroutinesforchildrenmaybealittledifferentbasedontheageofyourchild.

InfantProgram

Infantsfollowtheirownbiologicalneeds.Theyarefed,changed,andnapwhentheyneedit.Adjustmentstotheschedulearemadeeverythreemonths,asyourchildgetsolderandhis/herneedschange.Youmayalsonoticethatasyourchildgetsolder,she/hemayalterhis/herownscheduletofitinwiththegroup.Somecommonchangesyoumaynoticeinyourchild’sbehaviorafterenrollmentinanygroupcaresituationincludealteredsleep/wakepatterns(stayingawakeforlongerhoursornappingmorefrequentlyforshortperiodsoftime)orchangesinappetite.Keepinmindagainthat,ifneeded,theschedulewillincludechildren’sindividualneedsbasedontheirage.Thisisasamplethatincludesthedifferenttypesofcomponentstothedailyschedule.

PreschoolProgram

Thedailyscheduleforchildrenfromages2-5yearsoldaresetschedules.YoucanfindeachclassroomschedulepostedintheirclassroomontheParentBoardCorner.

MealTime/HotLunchProgram

InfantProgram

Younginfantswillbefedaccordingtotheirownschedule.Astheygrowandstarteatingsolidfoods,theireatingneedswillchangeandtheeatingtimeswillbeadjustedtowardthegroupschedule.Duringlunchtime,infantsnotyeteatingtablefoodshouldbeservedcerealsandjarredfoods.Parentswithchildrenolderthan12monthsoldhavetheoptionofchoosinghotlunchfromourhotlunchprogram.Asyourinfantgrowsandbecomesmoreadeptateating,he/shewillbeusinghisfingersforeating“fingerfoods”andworkingonusinginfantutensils.Asinfantsgraduallystarttoeatcereals,jarredfoods,andtablefoods,parentswillinformtheteachersintheclassroomastowhattheirchildcaneat.Itisrecommendedthatinfantstrynewfoodsathomefirst,thenparentscanaddthenewfoodtotheirlunchboxesforschool.

Bottles

Parentsofbottle-fedbabieswillneedtoprovide2-3labeledbottles,nipplesandlids.Ifyouarebreast-feedingyourchild,allbreastmilkmustbedatedandhaveyourchild’snameonit.Freshbreastmilkwillbesortedforonedayinourrefrigerator.Milkthatispresentattheendofthedaywillbediscarded.Contentsremaininginanybottlemustbediscardedwithintwohours.Onlybreastmilk,formulaorwaterwillbeplacedinyourchild’sbottle.Nobottleswillbeservedwithcerealoranyotherfoodproductinthem.Theonlyitemsservedfromabottleincludewater,breastmilkandformula.Thisisalicensingstandard.Bottlesarenotheatedinthemicrowave,asthiswillproduce“hotspots”intheformulaorbreastmilk,andarewarmedbyabottlewarmer.

OlderInfantsandToddlers

Childrenwhoare12monthsandolderwillbegiventheirlunchesandsnacks.DuetounknownallergiesNOSNACKisprovidedbytheschool.Theolderinfantswillbesittinginchairswithtraysorasmalltablewithchairs;toddlerswillbeattablesandchairstoeattheirmeals.Childreninthetoddlerroom(andsomeinfants)willbeusingsippycupsorregularcupsandusingutensils.DependingontheagegroupingofchildrenintheToddlerroom,bottledrinkingmayormaynotbepractice.Forexample,ifayoungtoddleraround12monthsisinthisroom,thenconsideringthischild’suseofabottle,itmaybecomfortingorhelpfulinthetransitiontoasippycupforthebottletobeusedattimes.

PreschoolProgram

Childrenages2to5yearsoldallhavetheirownscheduledlunchandsnackbreaks.Wegiveparentstheoptionofchoosinghotlunchfromourhotlunchprogram.PLAYdoesnotprovideanylunchorsnacktopreschoolprogram,unlessparentssignup

fortheHotLunchprogram.Weaskparentstoprovide,lunch/snacksandwaterbottlesintheirlunchboxes(includingicepacksinthem).

HotLunchProgram

PLAYoffersfamiliestheoptionofenrollinginourhotlunchprogramcateredbyalocal3rdpartyrestaurant.Amenuforthefollowingmonthwillbesentout1weekbeforethe1stofthemonth.Familiesmayorderlunchbythedayormonthdependingontheirneeds.Feesvery.

NutFreePolicyPLAYhasanumberofchildrenwithconfirmedorsuspectedallergiestopeanutsand/ortreenuts.Tokeepourschoolsafeandfunforallofourstudents,PLAYhasadoptedanut-freepolicyforallagegroups.Pleasedonotbringanyfoodscontainingpeanutsandtreenuts.Thisincludesproductsprocessedinfacilitiesthatalsoprocessnuts.Pleasereadallfoodlabelscareful!Wehaveputtogetheraprintablelistofsafesnackideas,pleaseaskyourclassroomteachersforalistoffoodsuggestions.

BirthdayCelebrations@PLAYParentsarewelcometocelebratetheirchild’sbirthdayatschool.Shouldyouchoosethisoptionweaskthatparentspleaseprovidemuffinsorcupcakeswithnofrosting&NUTfreefortheentireclass.ParentswhodonotwanttheirchildtoparticipateinBirthdaySchoolcelebrationsarewelcometoOPTout.

NapTimePreschoolProgram

Everyeffortismadetoadjusttotheindividualneedsofeverychildregardingthedailynap.Afteratleast45minutesofquietrest,childrenfromtheStrawberry/RaspberryandPineappleclassroomswhoremainawakemayrejointheirclassmates.

Parentsmayprovidethechildwithastuffedanimalfornaptime.Weaskparentsnottobringpacifiersorotheritemsthatwhenlostaredifficulttoreplace.Napitemsshouldremainatschoolandwillbesenthomeonsheetday,whichiseveryotherThursday/Friday.

InfantProgram

Infantsnapaccordingtotwoschedules,twonapsadayoronenapaday.Whenachildreaches12/13months,cotsleepingwillbeencouraged.SheetsforinfantsandtoddlersisprovidedbythecenterandsenthomeeveryThursday/Fridayforwash.Childrenwhoareoncotsmaybringasoftstuffedanimalorothersoftattachment

item.Childrenarenotlefttosleepincarseatsatdropoff.Childrenarenotplacedincribstoplay;onlytosleep.

SafeSleepingPractices

Itisourpracticeforinfantsunder12/13monthstobeplacedontheirbackstosleepincrib.Theinfantsunder12monthsareprovidedwithafirm,tightfittingmattressinacribthatmeetscurrentsafetystandards.Therewillbenopillows,quilts,bumpers,comforters,sheepskins,stuffedtoysorotherfluffyproductsinthecrib.Twochildrenareneversharingacribatthesametime.Asheetwillbeprovidedforeachinfant.ThesespracticesarerequiredbytheDCFSlicensingstandards.Weunderstandthatpracticesmaybedifferentathomeandthatsomechildrenhaveuniquesituations(ex-twinsthatmaysleeptogetherinthesamecrib).However,wemustfollowlicensingguidelinesandadheretotheabovestatedpolices.Itmayormaynotbedifficultforsomechildrentoadjustiftheyareusedtosleepinginadifferentpositionorwithparent/sibling.

DiaperingforInfants/ToddlersParentsmustbringdisposablediapersandwipesfortheirchild.Yourchildwillbechangedatregularintervalsthroughoutthedayandasneeded.WeencourageparentstohaveDestintoputonrashes;feelfreetobringinanyothercreamifyouwouldlikeittobeappliedtoyourchild’srash.Wewillnotbeapplyingbabypowderontheinfants.Theuseofpowderhasbeenlinkedtochildhoodasthmaandotherrespiratorydifficulties.Duetosanitationpurposes,clothesdiapersareNOTallowed.

PottyTraining/SoiledClothingChildrenwhoarenotpottytrainedmaydosoatPLAY.Pottytrainingtypicallytakeplaceduringthesummersession(July/August).Achildmustbeenrolledfortheschoolyearfollowingthepottytraining.Noexceptionsaremadeforthisoption.

Asaemployeehealthstandard,thecenterstaffwillnotwashclothingsoiledwithurineorfecalmaterial.Washingorrinsingsoiledclothingincreasesthechancesthatstaffandchildrenmaybeexposedtogermsthatcausediseases.Iftheclothingissalvageableparentswillbegivenclothinginaplasticbagtotakehomeattheendofthechild’sday.Underwearthathasbeenseverelysoiledisdisposedof.Weaskparentstopackextraclothingandunderwearthatischeap,incasewedoneedtodisposethem.

InfantProgram–LimeClassroom–ShoeFreeAshoefreeenvironmentfortheLimeroom(3-12months)isenforcedasinfantscommonlyplayonthefloor;PLAYwantstoprovideaclean,safeandhealthyenvironmentintheInfantRoom.Wepracticea“shoefree”policyinthisroom.Weaskthisactiontopreventoutsidecontaminantsfrombeingbroughtintotheroom

andspreadontothecarpet.Infantsspendmuchoftheirtimeexploringonthefloor,soitisbestthattheseareasbekeptascleanaspossible.

ParentConcernsAsachildcarecenterweareacommunityofchildren,parents,andstaffallinteractingandsharingourlivestogether.Inacommunity,peopleworkcloselytogetherandhopefullyinteractionsarepositive,helpful,kindandunderstanding.Yetitistobeexpectedthatfromtimetotimepeoplewillexperiencesomeconflict,someconcerns,andsomedifficulties.

Werecognizethatparentingisoneofthemostdifficult,intenseandrewardingexperiencesinyourlife.Wewantyoutoshareyourthoughts,hopesanddreamsforyourchild.Youwantwhatisbestforyourchildandweknowitisyourjobtoadvocateandprotectyourchild.

We,asastaff,willmakemistakes;createmisunderstandings,andoccasionallyhavemiscommunications.Whenthesemistakesoccur,wewantyoutotellus.Asastaffitisourgoaltoofferyourfamilythebestinchildcareservicespossible.Inordertomeetourgoal,weneedyourinput,yoursuggestions,yourquestions,andconcerns.

Whenyouhaveaconcern,pleaseremember….

o Teacherswanttheparentstofeelverysatisfiedwiththecaretheirchildisreceiving.

o Talktotheteachersdirectlywheneverpossible.Ifyoufeelcomfortable,askyourchild’steacherfirstaboutanyconcern.Teacherspreferthatyoutalkwiththemdirectly,buttheydounderstandifyouwouldprefertotalkwiththeAssistantDirectororDirector.

o Realizethatifyouhaveaconcernwithateacher,theAssistantDirectororDirectorwillneedtoinvestigateandtalkwiththeteacherdirectlyaboutyourconcernanddealwiththeissueinastraightforwardmannersothattheteachercanimproveherperformanceand/orcorrectanymistakesormisunderstandings.

o Beassuredthatteachersdonotholdagrudgeagainstyourchildor“takeitout”onyourchildafteryouhaveexpressedaconcern.Wewouldnothireanyoneatourcenterthatwouldreactinsuchinappropriatemanner.Actually,afterexpressingaconcern,yourchild’steacherwillbemoreconscientiousaboutyourissueandtrytoimprove.

o Considerusingthe“onceisOK”rule.Withminorissues,allowstafftomakeamistakeonceortwice,butwhenitbecomesapattern,itisdefinitelyatimetobringittotheirattention.

o Ontheotherhand,don’tallowconcernstobuildup.Asconcernsoccur,sharethemwiththeteachers.Itisdisturbingtofindout“later”thataparenthadanumberofconcernsandneverexpressedthem.

o Sometimeswecannotmakechangesyoumayrequestduetootherrestrictions,butweALWAYSwanttohearyoursuggestions.Wepromisetoconsiderthemseriouslyandrespondtoyouinatimelymanner.

ParentInvolvementHome-SchoolCommunication

ParentPocketandCubby–InfantChildrenwillhaveacubbyandarefrigeratorbinassignedtothem.Cubbieswillholdachild’soutdoorclothing,bags,diapers,wipesorotherpersonalitems.Cubbiesshouldbecheckedeveryweekyourchildcomestoschool.

DailyVerbalCommunication

Weencourageparentstotalkwiththeirchild’steacheratdropoff/andorpickup.Itisimportantfortheteachertoknowinformationaboutyourchild,likehowtheysleptatnight,whentheyatelast,iftheyhaveanymedicine,iftheyareteething.Thesharingofthisinformationisimportanttobestmeetyourchild’sneeds.

ScheduleBoard–Intheinfantroomthereisadry-eraseboardthatcommunicatestoparentstheirdailyschedule,naptimes,andfeedingtimesofallthechildren.Adigitallogwillbekeptviaourapp.

CommunicationApp

Anappisprovidedtoparentssharinginformationonyourchild’sdayaswellaschilddevelopmenttopics,curriculum,messaging,pictures,videosandotherannouncements.

ParentVisits

Forsomechildren,particularlypreschoolchildren,multipleseparationsfromtheparentsduringthedaymaymakethetransitiontoschoolmoredifficult.Ifyoufindthatyourvisitsaremoreupsettingtothechildthanconsoling,youmaywanttodelaydoingsoforawhile.

SayingGoodbye

Whenparentsareleavingtheirchildforthefirsttimeinanewplacetheyoftenhaveambivalent feelings. Theymaybe feeling guilty or sad about the separation, or insome cases relieved about having some time to themselves. All these feelings arevalidbuttheycreateinsecuritiesabouttheseparationinboththechildandparent.

Some parents, especially when they are new to the program, feel soapprehensiveaboutleavingtheirchildthattheystarttoleaveandthencomeback.Otherswanttoavoidupsettingthechildwhentheygoandprefertoleavewithnogood-bye.Thesebehaviorsareconfusingandprolongtheanxietyofseparation.

Pleaseprepareyourchildforyourleavingbytellinghim/herwhenyouareleavingandsaying “Mommy/daddy lovesyouandwill comeback topickyouup.”Youalwayswanttovalidateanxiousorsadfeelingsiftheyareexpressed.Ifrequiredhavea teacherhelpwiththetransition. It’s truethatwhenyousay“Good-bye” inthismanner youmay have to leave seeing your child unhappy or crying, but yougivenhim/hersupportandvalidationfortheirfeelings,andthesecurityofknowingyoucanbetrustedtonotdisappearandreappearasifbymagic.Youwillalsohavethebenefitofseeingyourchildgrowintoapersonwhocanmakefutureseparationswithtrustandease.Evenifyourchildisalwayshappytocometoschoolandhappyto stay, give him/her the security of knowing where you are by always saying“Good-bye.”

FamilySocials

Eachsemesterafamilysocialisplanned.Thiscouldincludeeventslike:apotluckorabreakfast,showandcarnival.Attendingtheseeventsaregreatwaystoshowyourchildthatschoolispartofthefamilyroutineandtostrengthenthebondbetweenhomeandschool.

ConfidentialityIssues

Therearetimesintheclassroomsdifferentissuessurroundingconfidentialityandmaintainingthechild’spersonalspaceandprivacywillarise.Theseareclassroomswheremanytimesparentsarefreshtoparenthoodandseekinginformationtohelpthemmakesenseoftheirquicklydevelopingchild;aswellas,wantingtobeapartoftheclassroomandtheirchild’sschoolenvironment.

Thereareareasinwhichaparentwillneedtobeawareofwheninteractingintheclassroomandbeingaroundthechildren.Confidentialityisanimportantcomponenttotheparent/schoolrelationshipandtheteachershonorallchildrenandtheirfamilies.Pleaseunderstandthattheteachersdonotandcannotdiscussanychild’sdevelopment,familysituation,oranyotherpersonalinformationuniquetothatchildwithotherparents.Confidentiallyleadstotheissueofdevelopmentalcomparisonsbetweenchildrenintheclassrooms.Werealizeitisanaturalparentalresponse-youseeyourchildgrowingupamongagroupofotherclosetothesameagerange.Comparingchildrenissometimesrelevantorhelpfulbutisalsoa“dangerous”thingtododuringthewindowoftimethatanyskilltakestodevelopintheearlyyearsthataresovastthatistrulyservesnopositivepurposetonotethatyourchildeithercanorcannotaccomplishthesamedevelopmentaltasksasthenextchild.Forexample,thewindowoftimeforachildtoaccomplishwalkingcanrangeanywherefrom9to18months.Ifyour11montholdiswalking,butthechildnexttohimis13monthsandnotwalkingthatiscompletelynotanissueorconcern.Theteachersperformassessmentsonallthechildren-notbycomparingthemtoeachother-butratherbyobservingandnotingprogressandgrowththeyhavemadewithinthemselves.Youarealwayswelcomeintheclassroom;however,weaskyourefrainfrommakingcomparisonsandaskingaboutotherchildren’sdevelopmentallevels.

PersonalSpaceintheInfantClassroom

Beingaparentintheinfantclassroomisdifferentsometimesthenbeingaparentintheolderrooms.Wehavenoticedthatparentsintheyoungerroomsphysicallyareinthemmore,gettoknowtheotherchildrenonamorepersonallevelandtheyhavewellintentionsintryingtohelpoutanotherchild.Ibelievetheseobservationstobesimplyanaturalpartofbeinganinfantandtoddlerparentwhohastheirchildinthegroupcare.

Wedounderstandthewellintentionsofaparentseeinganotherchildcryingorwantingtopickupachildtoconsolehim/her;butwedoaskforyoutorefrainfromhandlingotherpeople’schildren.Ultimately,thecenterisresponsiblefortheinfantswhileinourcare.Thereareafewreasonswhyweaskforyoutorefrainfromalotofphysicalinteractionwithotherpeople’schildren.First,otherparentssimplymaynotwantorappreciatepeoplewhoarenotastaffatPLAYhandlingtheirchild.Thisisalegitimateandrespectedconcern.AllstaffhascompletedbackgroundchecksandbeenfingerprintedandtheyhavehadamedicalexamdonewithaTBskintest.Ofcourseparentsdonotneedtogothroughthesemeasuresbecausetheytypicallydonotinteractwithotherpeople’schildren.Andfinallyasstatedearlier,PLAYisresponsibleforthesafetyandcareofthechildreninourcenterwhiletheparentsareaway.Shouldanaccidenthappentoachildwhoisbeinghandledbyanotherparent–centerwouldultimatelybeheldresponsible.Althoughweappreciateparents’wellintentionstohelp,aparentpickingupanotherchildandwalkingacrosstheroom,helpingthegetacoaton,feeding,etc.iscrossingtheboundariesofthatchild’spersonalspaceandwhatareacceptedandpermissibleinteractions.

Itisnotthewishofthecenterforparentstofeelweareintendingextrememeasuresonthisissueandforparentstofeelliketheycannotsitonthefloorwiththeirchildforfearanotherchildwillcomeupandwanttointeract.Ofcourse,friendly,non-caregiving,warminteractionsareappropriate.Talkingwithanotherchildorreadingabookiftheyhandyouoneisfine.Asadministrators,weneedtoerroronthesideofsafety,cautiousness,respectforfamiliesandchildren,andwhatisacceptableandcomfortableforeveryoneincludingparents,childrenandstaff.

PrimaryCareGivingContinuityofcareishigh-qualitypracticeofhavingteachersandchildrenstaytogetherforaschoolyear.Becauselearningoccurssimultaneouslywithemotionalattachment,itisbestforyoungchildrentohaveastablecaregiverthroughouttheirearlyyears.Westriveforcontinuityofcare,whichloopsthroughInfant/Preschoolyears.

Childrenaremoveduptothepreschoolprogramontheir2ndbirthday.Onceinthepreschoolroom,theyhavethepotentialtoremainwiththisgroupuntilage5.Stayinginthesamepreschoolgroupsallowsforcontinuitybyhavingthesamegroupofchildrencreatelastingbondstogether.Thispracticefostersstrong

attachmentsandbenefitsthechildrenbygivingthemcaregiversthatarefocusedontheirdevelopment.

AllthechildreninourcenterwillhaveaPrimaryCaregiver/Teacher.Theprimary-caregiversystemensuresthateverychildhasa“special”personandthateachparenthasaprimarycontact.

Intheclassroom,theteacherwillbethe“expert,”knowingpertinentinformationsuchayourchild’sindividualschedule,developmentalabilitiesandspecialneeds,sleepingneeds,andindividualinterests.Havingaprimarycaregivergiveschildrenasecurebase.Theylearntotrustsomeonefamiliarwhowillcareforthemastheyexploreandwhowillbetherecomfortthemwhentheyaretired,upsetorfrightened.Theirrelationshipwithaprimarycaregiverhelpschildrentofeelsecureenoughtorelatetootheradultsinthechildcaresetting.However,“primary”doesnotmeanexclusive.Childrenshouldnotbecometotallydependentonthepresenceofoneperson.Theotherstaffintheclassroomwilldevelopwarmrelationshipwithyourchildandhavecaringandlearninginteractionsasyourchildexploresthelearningenvironment.

Infant/PreschoolDevelopmentalIssuesSeparationAnxiety

Separationcanbeadifficultprocessforboththechildrenandparents.Whenbabiesaresomewherebetween8and10monthsofagetheyareoftendistressedwhentheyareseparatedfromtheirparents.Thisanxietycanlastintothesecondyearoflife.Typicalreactionsassociatedwithseparationanxietyarecrying,clinging,andtryingtofollow.Whenatoddlerbecomesmoreverbal,separationanxietymayincludewordsofprotest:“MommyStay”or“Igo.”Newpeopleandnewroutinescanbescaryforlittleones.Everychildisuniqueandtheyallrespondtoseparationsdifferently.Parentsshouldbeaware;however,thatchildrentaketheircuesfromthem.Whenaparentfeelsgoodandrespondspositivelytodroppingtheirchildoff,thechildwillsensethis.Thefollowingisalistofthingstodothatcanhelptheseparationprocessgosmootherforbothyouandyourchild.Thesehelpfulhintscanbeappliedfromtheyoungestofbabiestotheoldestofpreschoolers.

o Talktoyourchildaheadoftimeastowhatisgoingtohappen,suchas“Todayisaschoolday!”

o Talkwithyourchild’steacherdailyandestablishafriendlyrelationship.Thishelpswhenyoumayhavetogiveyourchildtoheratdropoffandthemorecomfortableyouare,thebetteryourchildwillrespond.Youcanhelpyourchildbegintosettlebyofferingatoyorreadabook.

o Sayyourgood-byestothechildandthenleave.Makethedeparturedefinite.Dependingonyourchild,he/shecangetmixedsignalsfromaparentwhohangsaroundfortoolongorfromoneswhogoandthenturnaroundand

comeback.Ontheotherhand,itisneverbesttosimplysneakawayfromyourchildwithoutsayinggood-bye.Alwaystellyourchildgood-byeandyouwillseehimlater.Sometimesitishelpfulforaparenttogetintoaroutineastosayingthesamethingeverydropoff,like“Iamgoingtoworknow.Haveagreatdayatschool.Iloveyouverymuch.”Childrenbecomecomfortablewithroutineandlifebecomessomewhatpredictableforthem.Whenachildseestheirparentdepartingpositively,andthendiscoversthateverydaytheydocomeback,separationsbecomeeasierandatrustisbuiltbetweentheparentandchildandmakeshim/herfeelcomfortableandgoodaboutbeinginschool.

o Thelastonemaybeadifficultonetodoforaparent.Ifyourchildbeginstocrywhileyouareleaving,pleasedon’trunaroundandcomeback.Itisanaturalreactionformanyparentstoimmediatelywanttogobacktocomforttheirchildwhentheyaredistressed.Ofcoursetheteachersaresensitivetothat.However,comingbacktoeaseacryingchildwillnotmaketheseparationanyeasierwhenaparentreallyhastoleave;infact.itmaybeharderforyourchildthesecondtimearound.Itistypicalforchildrentoregaintheircomposureandgetintotheirdailyroutineshortlyaftermomordadleaves.

Sometimeschildrenwhohavehadeasy-dropoffsforthefirstweekortwomaysuddenlystarttobecomeupsetattheirparents’departure.Thisisatypicalreactioninagroupcaresetting.Thenusuallychildrenbecomeaccustomedtotheideaofcomingtoschooleverydayoreveryweek.Providingcontinuityofcarewillalsobehelpful,asyourchildwillhaveaconsistentcaregiverandgroupoffriendsforalongperiodoftime.Havingcontinuityprovidesforaverytrustingandpredictableenvironmentforyourchild.

Biting

Childrenbitingotherchildrenareunavoidableoccurrencesofgroupchildcare,especiallywithtoddlers.Itisacommonhappeninginanychildcareprogram.Whenithappens,andsometimescontinues,itcanbescary,veryfrustrating,andverystressfulforchildren,parentsandstaff.Everychildintheinfantandtoddlerclassroomsisapotentialbiterorwillpotentiallybebit.Itisimportanttounderstandthatbecauseachildbites,itdoesnotmeanthatthechildis“mean”or“bad”orthatparentsofthechildwhobitesare“bad”parentsortheyarenothingdoingtheirjobasparentstomakethisstophappening.Bitingispurelyasignofthedevelopmentalageofthechild.Itisadevelopmentalphenomena,oftenhappensatpredictabletimesforpredictablereasonstiredtochildren’sagesandstages.

WhydotheyBite?

Everychildisdifferent.Somebitemorethanothers;orsomemaynotbiteatall.Thegroupcaresettingiswherethebitingderivesitssignificance.Ifachildhasnotreallybeenaroundotherchildrenverymuch,heprobablywouldnotbitebecauseneitherthecauseforbitingoropportunitieshavepresentedthemselves.Thereisalwaysthe

possibilitythatanychild,includingyourown,canbeeitherabiterorbebitten.Groupcarepresentschallengesandopportunitiesthatareuniquefromhome.Childrenaresurroundedwithothersforhoursatatime,eventhoughthereareplentyoftoysandmaterialsavailableforallthechildren,twoorthreechildrenmaywantthatoneparticulartoy.Thechildrenarelearninghowtoliveinacommunitysetting.Sometimesthatisnoteasy.Bitingisnotsomethingtoblameonthechild,parentsorcaregivers.Confidentialityisalsopracticedwithbiting.Wecannotandtellaparentwhobittheirchild.Therearemanypossiblereasonsastowhyaninfantortoddlermaybite:

1. Teething2. Impulsivenessandlackofcontrol.Babiessometimesbitejustbecause

thereissomethingtheretobite.Itisnotintentionaltohurt,butratherexploringtheirworld.

3. Makinganimpact.Sometimeschildrenwillbitetoseewhatreactionshappen.

4. Excitementandoverstimulation.Simplybeingveryexcited,evenhappilysocanbeareasonachildmaybite.Veryyoungchildrendon’thavethesamecontrolovertheiremotionsandbehaviorsassomepreschoolersdo.

5. Frustration.Frustrationscanbeoveravarietyofreasons-wantingatoysomeoneelsehas,nothavingtheskillsneededtodosomething,orwantingcaregivers’attention.

Whatdotheteachersdoinresponsetochildrenwhobite?

Itisourjobtoprovideasafesettinginwhichnochildneedstobehurtanotherachieveshis/herendsandinwhichthenormalrangeofbehaviorismanaged(bitingisnormalingroupcare).Again,thenameofthechildwhobiteswillnotbereleasedbecauseitservesnousefulpurposeandcanmakeadifficultsituationevenmoredifficult.Punishmentdoesnotworktochangeachildwhobites:neitherdelayedpunishmentathome,whichachildwillnotunderstand,norpunishmentatthecenter,whichwillnotbeusedandwouldmakethesituationworse.

Thereareseveralthingstheteachersdotoassessthebitingsituationandwhatcanbedonetopreventitfromhappeningagain.Teacherscantrytominimizethebehaviorby:

o Lettingthebitingchildknowinwordsandmannerthatbitingisunacceptable.

o Avoidinganyimmediateresponsethatreinforcesthebiting,includingdramaticnegativeattention.Theteacherswilltellthechildthat“Bitinghurts”andthefocusofcaringattentionisonthebittenchild.Thebiteristalkedtoonalevelthatshe/hecanunderstand.Theteacherwillhelpthechildwhoisbitingtoworkonresolvingconflictorfrustrationinmoreappropriatemanner,includingusinglanguageifthechildisable.

o Examiningthecontextinwhichthebitingoccurredandlookingforpatterns.Wasitcrowded?Toomanytoys?Wasthebitingchildgettinghungry/tired/frustrated?

o Notcasuallyattributingwillfulnessormaliciousnesstothechild.Infantsexploreanythingthatintereststhemwiththeirmouths,andthatincludesothersbodiesandlimbs!Whenbitingchangesfromarelativelyunusualoccurrence,itwillbeaddressedwithaddedprecautions.

o Theteacherswillkeeptrackofeveryoccurrence,includingattemptedbites,andnotelocation,time,participants,andcircumstances.

o “Shadow”childrenwhoindicateatendencytobite.Thistechniqueinvolveshavingateacherwithachildwhobites.Thisteacherwouldbeabletothenanticipatebitingsituationsandtoteachnon-bitingresponsestosituationsandreinforceappropriatebehaviorinpotentialbitingsituations.

o Theteachersmayconsiderchangestotheroomenvironmentthatmayminimizecongestion,commotion,competitionfortoysandmaterials,orchildfrustration.

TemperTantrums

Ifyouhaven’tyetexperiencedthetempertantruminaction,youprobablywillsoon.Oftenitismarkedbyascreamingchild/frustratedandsometimesembarrassedparentperformingunsuccessfulattemptstomakethewholethinggoaway.Duringtoddlerhood,childrenstruggletodevelopasenseofthemselvesasseparatefromtheirparents.Thisprocess,calleddifferentiation,actuallystartsatbirthandlastswellintoyoungadulthood.Itistheprocessofbecomingaseparateandsuccessfulindividual.

Thefirststepindifferentiationisrelatedtocontrol-whoisincontrolmybody,myemotions,andme?Earlyinyourchild’slifeyouareincharge.Now,youwantyourtoddlertobegintotakechargeofsomeofhis/herownbehavior.Thisprocessoftransferringsomeresponsibilityforcontrolusuallyresultsinchildrenlosingexactlywhatyouarestrivingtohelpthemgain-control!

Whenyourtoddlerfeelsangry,frustrated,orhelpless,he/shemaykick,scream,andflopontheground.Tantrumsareanormal,naturalandinevitablepartofgrowingup.Thatdoesnotmakethemfun.Makeaplannowforhowyouwillhandleitwhenyourchildbeginstotantrum.

Thefirststepoftheplanispreventativeinnature.Helpyourchildhavesomecontroloverhis/herlife.Startsmall.Maybeyourtoddlecanhelpyoupickoutwhathe/shewantstowearfromseveralchoices.Givingyourtoddlechoicesgiveshim/herexperienceswithmakingdecisionsandhavingthemturnoutsuccessfully.Thisexperienceiscrucialinhelpingyourtoddlermakegoodchoicesaboutwhetherornottothrowatempertantrum.

Makesuretorewardappropriateprogressintakingcharge.Whenyourchildshowscompetenceingettinginoroutofthecar,eatingwithaspoonorfork,orpullingon

his/herownsocks,rewardtheseearlyattemptsatindependenceandself-controlwithlotsofhugsandkissesandvalidatingtheirefforts.(“Youdidit,youputyoursocksonallbyyourself!)

Pickasafeplaceforyourchildtobeoutofcontrolinyourhome.Whenyourchildisoutofcontrol-youcantakehimorherthere.Makesuretotellyourchildcalmlythathe/sheisfreetotakeasmuchtimeashe/sheneeds-remember;partofthisstageislearningthatyoucantakechargeofyourownbehavior.Choosingwhetherornotyouwanttoscreamforoneminuteorteniscertainlytakingchargeofyourownbehavior!

Itisimportanttofollowthroughwithyourresponsetotantrums.Ifchildrengetattentionfromtantrums,theywilllastmuchlongerthaniftheyhavenoaudience.Removingyourselfasanaudiencequicklyandcalmlyisthebestthingyoucandotolessenthefrequencyofatantrum.

Whenatantrumisover,itsover!Acceptthechildisbackintofamilylifeasifnothinghashappened.Tantrumsareadevelopmentallynormalstepindevelopingacompetent,capablechild.Asfrustratingastheycanbeforparents,acalm,confidentapproachwillgoalongwaytopreventingthisstagefromlastingverylong.

ManagingNormalAggressioninVeryYoungChildren

Everyparentdreadsthedaywhentheteacherreportsthathis/herchildisresponsibleforhurtinganotherchild.Butthatdaywillprobablycome.Aggressionisnormalpartofyoungchildren’sexperiences.Aggressionresultsfrompowerfulemotionsthatarenotyetunderthechild’sdirectcontrol.Childrenhit,pinch,bite,slap,andgrabwhentheiremotionscausethemtoactbeforetheycanthinkaboutdoingsomethingdifferent.Childrenatthisagehavesuchlimitedsocialandlanguageskillsthatthebestwaytocommunicateisoftenthroughphysicalmeans.

Childrenlearntomanageaggressionwhensupportiveadultshelpthemlearnotherskillsandconnectconsequenceswithaggression.Usingaggressiontostopaggressiononlyteacheschildrenthattheymustsubmittoadultswhoarebiggerandmorepowerful.Itdoesnothelpchildrengaincontroloveraggressivebehaviororreplaceitwithmoreappropriateskills.Replacingaggressivebehaviorwithmoresophisticatedskillsisaprocess.Learningtoexpressfeelingsappropriatelyislifelongtask.Thefirststepsaretakeninthefirstthreeyears.

Earlyexperienceswiththeconsequencesofaggressionhelpchildrenlearnovertimethataggressivebehaviordoesn’taccomplishmuch.Afterthislessonislearned,childrencanbegintheprocessofbecomingassertiveenoughtopreventfrombeingvictimizedandbecomingauthoritativeenoughtobeseenasaleader.Bothoftheseimportantlessonswillneverbelearnedunlessparentsandteachershelpchildrenlearntomanagenormalaggressionandconvertitintoconstructiveassertionandleadership.

PreschoolProgram

Discipline

Thekeytoeffectivediscipline(fromtheword“disciple”whichmeans“toteach”)isconsistencyandsettingclearreasonablelimits.Whendiscipliningachild,ourgoalistoguidethechildindeveloping“self-control”asopposedtoexternaloradultcontrol.Webelievethatpositivereinforcement,problemsolvingandredirectioncanbeveryeffectivewaystoteachself-discipline.Wealsobelievethatitisimportantforchildrentoknowthatitisallrighttohavebothnegativeandpositivefeelings.Wehelpthechildlearnconstructivewaystoexpressemotionsandsettleconflictswithanemphasisonverbalproblemsolving.

Withintheschoolprogram,weestablishclearlimitsorrulesbasedonrespectforoneself,othersandtheenvironment.Childrenlearntotrusttheselimitsandfindsecurityinthemastheybegintoseethatthelimitsarefortheirprotectionaswellasothers.Rulesandconsequencesarestatedclearly.Choicesareofferedonlywhenachoicereallyexists.Ifachild’sbehaviorisinappropriatealogicalconsequence,appropriatetothechildandthebehaviorisapplied.Generally,thisconsistsofredirection,talkingabouttheproblem(usingyourwords),orremovingthechildfromthesituation.Ifnecessarya“timeout”maybeused–askingthechildtositwithateacherorsomewherenearthegroupwhiletaking“timeout”tocalmdownandre-establishinnercontrol.Time-outsareneverusedtohumiliatechildren.Thechildrenareactiveparticipantsintheprocessandoftendetermineforthemselveswhentheyarereadytore-enterthegroupinanappropriatemanner.

Atnotimewillnaychildbestruck,handledroughly,orverballyshamesasadisciplinarymeasure.Inguidingchildren,ourgoalistohelpchildrenlearntotrustthepeoplearoundthemandtheenvironment,tofeelgoodaboutthemselves,andtodevelopself-discipline.

PLAYStaffAllstaffatPLAYareaccredited,CaliforniaStateCertifiedteachers.AllleadteachershaveaB.Aorteachingcredentials;AssistantteachershaveA.Sdegreeand/or+12earlychildhoodeducationunits.AllteachersmustalsoundergoabackgroundcheckandCPRtraining.Webelievethatteachersarethebackboneoftheschoolandwestrivetoemployonlythebest.

SafetyThefirstteacherondutyinthemorningwillmakeavisualinspectionoftheroomandcorrectanypotentialhazards.Staffwillusegoodjudgmentandpreventiontechniquestoavoidinjuries,burns,poisoning,choking,suffocation,trafficorpedestrianaccidents.

Intheeventofacommunityemergency/earthquakeandPLAYisdeemedunsafeforhabitationPLAYPreschoolstudentsareassignedto2nearbyfacilities.Thefirstis

Ivanhoeelementaryschool2828HerkimerStandthesecondisGriffithParkRecreationcenter3401RiversideDr.

FireProcedureso Monthlyfiredrillswillbeconducted;alogiskeptfortheFireDept.o Primaryexitsofthebuildingareoutthesideand/orfrontdoors.o 911willbecalledifneededo Fireextinguishersareineachroomo Allstaffistrainedinfireproceduresatstafforientation

AccidentorEmergencyProceduresIfyourchildbecomesinjuredatthecenter,theteacherinchargewilladministersimplefirstaid,suchaswashingtheinjury,applyingice,andbandaging.Theteacherwillthenfilloutadigital“ouch”report.Ifthechildreceivesaseriousinjurythatrequiresmedicalservices,thefollowingprocedurewillbefollowed:

1. Callparentorguardian2. Callatleastoneofthepersonslistedontheemergencylist3. Callthechild’sphysicianforhis/heradvice4. Inthecasethattheabovethreefail,wewillcallanambulanceorparamedic

teamandhavethechildtakentotheemergencyroom.Astaffpersonintheparamedicsvanorambulancewillaccompanythechild.

**Anyandallexpensesincurredunder#4willbebornebythechild’sfamilyorguardian.Ifaninjuryissevere,procedures1-3willbewaivedand911willbeimmediatelysummoned.**

Attendance&HealthPolicesOurcenteriscleanedandsanitizedonadailybasistohelpcontrolgermsandbacteria.Forthehealthandwellbeingofyourchildandofothersatschool,pleasekeepyourchildhomeforthefollowingreasons:

o Fatigue(foranyreasons),lethargicbehavioro Afever(achildshouldremainathomefor24hoursafterthefeverisgone).o Prescribedantibioticsneedtobeadministeredfor24hoursbeforeachild

returns.PLAYcannotadministeranymedicationswithoutwrittenPhysiciansnote.

o Nausea,vomiting,diarrhea(achildshouldremainathome24hoursafterthelastepisode).

o Red,“crusty,”itchyeyes.Conjunctivitisor“pinkeye”isaverycontagious.(Achildshouldremainathomefor24hourswhilebeingtreatedwithantibioticsandshouldonlyreturntoschoolifthereisnodischargefromtheeyes.)

o Arunnynose,ifthereiscolorednasalmucous.

o Skinrasheso Headlice(achildcanreturnwhentherearenoliceornits).Ifachildreturns

fromthe24awayperiodwithliceoreggsstillintheirhairanotefromaprofessionalliceremovalcompanywillberequired.

HealthRelatedIssues&PracticesGroupcareposesmanydifferentandnewsituationsthatchildrenareexposedtoonadailybasis.Onethingtheyaretypicallyexposedtoisdifferenttypesofillness.Asageneralcenterpolicy,wedonotrefusemildlyillchildren.Childrenmayhaveacoughorasniffleandstillattendourcenter.PleaserefertotheParentHandbookformorecenter-relatedpolicesconcerningHealthandSafety.Itiscommonforinfantsandtoddlerstofrequentlygetsickin-groupcare.Perhapsyouwillseearunnynoselastingalongtimeoryoufindyourselfvisitingthepediatricianeveryfewweeksduringthosecoldermonths.Childrenthisyounghavenotyetbuiltuptheirnaturalantibodiesforfightingoffvirusesandbacteriathatinvadetheirlittlebodies.Youngchildren’simmunesystemsareimmature,makingthemlessresilienttoillness.

HealthyPractices

HandWashing

AtPLAYwearefirminthebeliefofhealthypractices.Handwashingisoneofthebestwaystocutdownontransmissionofgerms.Teachersintheclassroomsfollowproperhandwashingtechniquesthroughouttheday-includingbutnotlimitedto:beforeandaftereatingorhandlingfood;beforeandafterfeedingachild;beforeandafterdiapering;afterhandlingorcleaningbodyfluids-afterwipingnoses,mouths,bottoms,sores;afteroutdooractivities;uponenteringtheclassroom.Childrenaswellengageinmanyhandwashingsthroughouttheday.

GeneralDisinfecting

Toysthathavebeenmouthedintheinfant/toddlerclassroomsaredisinfectedeverydaythroughouttheday.Teachersoftenwillplaceatoyintoacontainerafterachildhasmouthedittobecleanedinthenextbatch.Attheendoftheday,otherequipmentandmaterialswillbecleanedaswell.Thediaperchangingareaisdisinfectedaftereachuse.Asanitizingsolutionofbleachwaterisusedforgeneraldisinfecting.Steamisusedforequipmentandtoys.Allfoodmustbetakenhomeeveryeveningforcleaningandreplacement.Leftoverfoodwillbediscardednightly.

FreshAir/OutdoorPlay

Classroomsareairedfrequently.Thechildrenplayoutdoorsdaily,weatherpermitting.Freshairinthecoldermonthsdoesnotcauseorpromoteillness.Itactuallyfacilitatesgoodhealth.Coldairisnotrelatedtomakingachildsick.Ifachildisinattendanceduringtheoutdoortime,he/sheishealthyenoughtothengooutsidewiththerestofthechildren.Allchildreninattendanceduringtheirclassroom’soutdoorplaytimewillgooutside.Pleasedonotaskforyourchildtostay

insideduringtheoutdoortime.Ifyoufeelyourchildcannotgooutside,theteacherswillletyouknowthateitheryoucancometostaywithyourchildatthetimewhentheygooutsideoryouwillneedtokeepyourchildhomefromschool.TheoutdoorpolicyisclearlystatedinthePLAYPreschoolParentHandbook.Theinfantsandtoddlerswillgooutsideunlessitisraining;theheatindexisover90,andonwinterdayswhenthewindchillisbelow50degrees.Parentsmaynotmakerequestsfortheirchildtostayinsidewhiletherestofthegroupisoutside.Iftheserequestsweregranted,therewouldbeseriousstaffingissues.Grantingtheserequestsisnotfeasible,notpracticalandnotfairtotheotherfamiliesandchildren.

Programsareexpectedtoincludeoutdoorexperiencesintheirdailyactivitiesduringallseasons.Childrenbenefitfromthefreshairbybreathingairthathasfewergermsinthanindoorair,andoutdoorexercisewillincreasetheirgeneralfitnessandresistancetoinfection.Coldsandfluesaremorecommonduringwintermonthsbecausetheyspreadeasilywhenpeoplespendmoretimeinclosed,heatedandstuffyrooms.Breathingwarm,dryindoorairirritatestissuesinthenoseandthroat,makingiteasiertocatchacold.Therefore,outdoorexperienceshelppromotehealthnotillness.Takingthechildrenoutsideisconsideredhealthypracticeinaqualitychildcareprogram.Ofcoursetheinfantsandsometimestoddlersarenotasmobileandfreetomoveandplayinthesnowasthepreschoolersare.Takingthemonshortwalksinthebuggiesandprovidingthemwiththatfreshairandsunshineiswhattheyneedtoget.

Laundering/SleepingMaterials

InfantProgram

Thebeddingonthecribsandcotsiswashedatleastonceperweek.Whenillnessesareprevalent,launderinghappensevenmoreoften.Aftereverysheetchange,thecotsorcribsmattressesaredisinfected.Awasheranddryerareonsiteforcleaning.Theinfantsofttoyscanbewashedasmuchasneededtopreventthespreadofgerms.

PreschoolProgram

Thebeddingonthecotsiswashedeverytwoweeks.Whenillnessesareprevalent,launderinghappensevenmoreoften.Awasheranddryerareonsiteforcleaning.Thesofttoyscanbewashedasmuchasneededtopreventthespreadgerms.

Immunizations/FeverReducers

Allchildrenenteringgroupcareshouldbeimmunizedagainstdiseaseatappropriateages,asrecommendedbytheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics.PerCalifornialicensingstandards,childrenmusthavemedicalexam,TBskintest(forthose1yearandolder),andimmunizationsinplacebythefirstdayofattendanceatCampusChildCare.Immunizationshappenonregularbasisduringthefirstyearoflife.Itisunderstandablethattherearesometimesside-effectsresultingfromthese,acouplebeingapainand/oramildfever.Ifadoctor’snoteisprovided,wecan

administeranoverthecounterpainrelieverbroughtinbyyouafteryourchild’simmunizationsifitindicatesthatitisspecificallyforthereliefofpainduetoimmunizations.Wecannotadministermedicationasafeverreducer.Thecenter’sdefinitionofafeverisoneof101degreesorabove.Pleaserefertoyourparenthandbookforcompleteinformationonillnesses.Ifachildhasafever,theparentmaynotbringinafeverreducerandadministerinlieuoftakingthechildhome.Medicationcannotbegivenbytheparentortheteacherifthepurposeistoreduceafeveror“keepitdown.”Thechildwillbesenthome.

Medications/OtherProducts

Sunscreen

PLAYasksfamiliestobringinsunscreenforyourchild.Theseproductsarenotrecommendedtobeprovidedtochildrenlessthan6months.Ifaparentwishestohavetheseproductsadministeredtotheirchild,pleasebringinadoctor’snotesupportingthispracticetobekeptinthechild’sfile.Sunscreenshouldbepurchasedwithhighlevelofblockage.Weaskforparentstonotbringinoldsunscreenfromlastyear.Theseproductsbreakdownandtheireffectivenessseriouslydeteriorates.Newlypurchasedsunscreenisthesafestandmosteffective.

TeethingRelief-InfantProgram

PLAYmaynotadministeranydrugprescriptionoroverthecounterdrugstoreducepaincausedbyteething.

OvertheCounterMedications

Shouldyourchildneedanon-prescriptionmedication,parentsorstaffwillbeabletoadministerthiswithaspecificnoteincludingdosage,forhowlongofaperiodisthisfor(cannotbeindefinite),howmanytimesthemedicationshouldbeadministered,andwhatthemedicationisspecificallyfor(cough,allergies,pain,congestion,etc).Pleaseunderstandparentsorstaffcannotadministeranoverthecountermedicationatthecenterunlessitisaccompaniedbyacurrentdoctor’snote.

PrescriptionMedications

Wewillbeabletoadministeraprescribedmedicationtoyourchildafteryouhavegiventhefirstdoseanditcomestousintheoriginalcontainerwiththeprescriptionlabelonit.Theprescriptionlabelservesthesamepurposeasthedoctor’snote.Amedicationpermissionformmustbefilledoutandsignedbytheparentforthisaswell.RefertothePLAYParentHandbookformoreinformationonmedications.

HealthRelatedIllnesses

CommonEarlyChildhoodIllnesses

Thefollowingisabriefbutcertainlynotcomprehensive,listofsomeverycommonillnessesinyourchildren.TheinformationgatheredbelowisfromaregisterednurseatAmericanAcademyofPediatrics,orfromotherhealthresources.TheillnessesarenoexclusivetoPLAY–theyareeverywhere.

Croup

o Itisaninflammationofthevoiceboxandwindpipe.Theairwayjustbelowthevocalchordsbecomesnarrow.

o Childrenaremostlikelytogetcroupbetween6monthsand3years.o Canoccuranytimeoftheyear,butmorecommonbetweenOctoberand

March.o TwotypesofCroup:Spasmodic(causedbyamildupperrespiratoryillness)

Viral(resultingfromanviralinfectioninthevoiceboxandwindpipethatoftenstartswithacoldthatslowlydevelopsintoabarkingcough.

o Mostchildrenwithspasmodiccroupdonotgetafever.Mostchildrenwithviralcrouphavealowfever,butsomehavetemperaturesupto104degrees.

o Treatment–steamtreatmentsand/orprescribedmedicationtoreducetheswellinginthethroatorshortentheillness.Antibioticsandcoughsyrupsarenothelpfulwaystotreatment.Ifyoususpectyourchildhascroup,callyourpediatrician.

Fifth’sDisease

o Occursmostofteninchildrenandismoreprevalentinlatewinterandearlyspring.

o Beginswithamildfeverwhichmaybeaccompaniedbyheadache,fatigue,andmuscleaches.Thesesymptomslastforonlyafewdaysandarefollowedbythecharacteristicrash.

o Intenselyredrashontheface,whichgivesa“slappedcheek”appearance.Itspreadstothetrunk,arms,legs,andarmsasafinerrash.

o Thevirusisspreadbyclosecontact,mostlikelythroughrespiratorysecretions.

o Childrenareinfectiousaboutoneweekbeforetherashappears-oncetherashappears;thechildisnolongerasinfectious.

o Nospecifictreatment;onlysymptomatictreatment.

Hand,FootandMouthDisease

o Thediseaseisacommonillnessofinfantsandchildren.o Characterizedbyfever,soresinmouth,andarashofblisters.o Beginswithamildfever,poorappetite,“feelingsick,”andfrequentlyasore

throat.o Onetotwodaysafterfeverbegins,soresdevelopinmouth.

o Skinrashdevelopsover1to2dayswithredspots,somewithblisters.o Rashdoesnotitch,anditisusuallylocatedonthepalms,hands,andsolesof

feet.o Causebyavirusandismoderatelycontagious;spreadpersontoperson.o Mostcontagiousduringthefirstweekofillness.o Nospecifictreatment;onlysymptomatictreatment.

RespiratorySyncytialVirus

o Oneofthemostcommoncausesofdiarrheainchildrenuntothreeyearofage.

o Mostprevalentduringwintermonths.o Spreadspersontopersonfromonetothreedaysafterexposure.o Childrenwiththisinfectionshouldbewatchedcarefullyfordehydrationdue

vomiting,diarrhea,andfever.o Nospecifictreatment;symptomatictreatment

Thrush

o Anoralinfectionthatappearsascreamywhite,cur-likepatchesonthetongueandinsidethemouth.

o Thisisatypeofyeastinfectionandcanresultfromtheuseofantibiotics.o Theorganism(Candida)thatcausesthrushmayalsoexacerbatediaperrash,

asthisyeastgrowsreadilyondamagedskin.o OralthrushandtheCandidadiaperrashareusuallytreatedwithan

antibiotic.

Roseola

o Isaviralinfectionandmostcommoninchildren6monthsto24monthsofage

o Symptomsincludeahighfeverthatlastsfor3to5days,runnynose,irritability,eyelidswellingandtiredness.

o Whenthefeverdisappears,arashappears,mainlyonthefaceandbody,andlastsforabout24/48hours.

o Spreadfrompersontopersonbutisnotknownhowandnotverycontagiouso Usuallyitgoesawaywithoutanytreatment;symptomatictreatment.Wewill

postanoteintheclassroomtoinformparentsifachildhasoneoftheseillnesses.

PictureDayProfessionalpicturesaretakenofallenrolledchildrentwiceayear.PicturesaretypicallytakeninOctoberandMay.Parentsgethandedanenvelopetoseethe

pictures.Topurchase,youcanmarkoffontheenvelopeandbringacheckand/orbuyonline.Parentsarenotobligatedtopurchaseanypictures.

FundraisingOfficialfundraisingisnotpartoftheschool’sbudget.PLAYhoweverdoesorganizetwoschoolperformanceduringtheschoolyear;WinterWonderlandShowandGraduationShow.Moneyraisedfromtheseeventsgoesdirectlytotheplaygroundandclassrooms.Familyparticipationisalwaysappreciated.

LatePickUpAchildwhoisleftatthecenteraftertheirassignedpickuptimeisconsideredlate.Familieswillautomaticallybechargedforthenextpickupperiod.Familiespickingupafter6pmwillbecharged$2perminute,$10minfee.ThisfeewillbeassessedbythetimeyouclockoutviaBrightwheelandchargedtoyourTuitionExpressaccount.

**Pleasehaveaback-upplanfordaysyouarerunningbehindorstuckintraffic,asthesearenon-excusablereasonsforbeinglate.**

RemovingYourChildfromPLAYMonthlycontractparentsmayterminatetheircontractupon4-weeks/31daywrittennotice.NonfictionliketuitionMUSTBEDONEBYTHE1stofthemonth.ShouldafamilynotifyPLAYafterthe1stofthemonth,thefamilyisresponsibleforthe2ndconsecutivemonth’stuition.Example:NotificationgivenJan2nd,parentisresponsibleforJanandFeb.IfnotificationisgivenbyJan1stparentisresponsibleforJanuarytuitiononly.ShouldparentfailtogiveappropriatenoticeparentauthorizeprovidertochargetotaltuitionamountlistedunderTOTALMONTHLYTUITIONforTWOMONTHS.