Little Miracles

Parent Handbook(Operational Procedures)

Welcome to

Little MiraclesAbout Us

Welcome to Little Miracles, where we are committed to providing your children with the highest quality education and care possible through developmentally appropriate practices. We are always encouraging your child to explore the world around them and build their own knowledge from these interactions.

We know that children are God’s little miracles, and in his infinite wisdom he made all of his children different with no two the same. Therefore, our center encourages individuality along with a sense of belonging where all God’s children are accepted and appreciated. The teachers have designed a variety of daily activities so that all children, regardless of learning style, economic background, or race will find an activity they find interesting.

Our rooms are designed to have a warm, home-like feel so that your child will feel safe, loved and ready to take on the world. The rooms are equipped with materials designed to inspire curiosity and maintain interest. We also have multiples of our more popular toys to allow all children ample time with them. The rooms also have plenty of open space to allow our infants and toddlers room to practice crawling, walking, and climbing.

Lesson plans are designed to develop all developmental domains such as cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical. We will develop these domains through art, music, language arts, dancing, science, cooking, citizenship, water play and gross motor activities.

SchedulesRoom Breakdowns

Infant (Birth – roughly 12 months) Young toddler (roughly 12months– 24months) Pre-School (2’s & 3’s) Pre-K (4’s and 5’s) School Age (Kinder-6th grade)

* The ages of the rooms are not set in stone. Children will be placed according to developmental level. If you believe your child is ready to move up, then a Room Readiness Evaluation may be done to evaluate your child. Room breakdown may also fluctuate due to enrollment.

Hours of Operation

Little Miracles is open year-round from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday–Friday.

Center Holidays New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday Christmas Break (December 24-26th) Good Friday

Closing for Inclement WeatherIf Aledo I.S.D. is closed due to weather, then Little Miracles will also be closed. We

will also post on Facebook and ltmiracles.com if we are closed. If inclement weather should occur during the day, then parents will be contacted via text message/phone so that arrangements can be made for early pick-up. Be assured that we will take every precaution during threatening weather to protect your child. For the safety of the staff we ask that all children are picked up before closing. If parents are unable to make it in time you must send someone else. Late fees will apply after the set close time.

Payment Information

All costs are based per week. Prices shown are full day prices (more than 4 hours per day). Any children that stay less than four set hours a day will receive the price half of what is listed below.

Infants (6wks-12months) $165Young Toddlers (12months-23 months)$160Toddlers(2) $155Pre-School (3), $150 Pre-Kindergarten (4/5yrs)$145

After school $75 - (there are no additional charges for holidays)

Summer School$115 plus the cost of field trips, shirts, and gas

Daily Rate3 days - $ 1052days - $70

Drop-ins- We will accept drop-ins unless the class is full, parents must call ahead if they wish to drop a child in for the day ($40 a day)

Multiple child families, Police Officers, Military families, and Educators from surrounding school districts will receive a 5% discount on their total weekly bill.

Payment Contract Tuition is due in advance. We will accept payments Bi-Weekly or Monthly as long

as it is paid in advance. A $10 late fee will be assessed if payment is not received by Monday of that

week. Due to staffing and the state’s student/teacher ratios, families are expected to pay their contracted amount whether your child is present or not. This includes holidays as well as sick days.

If your child needs to attend on a non-contracted day, then you must call ahead to see if there is an opening and you will have to pay the drop in rate for that day as well as the normal contract amount.

We do accept credit cards. Each transaction will have a $5 processing fee unless you are set up on an automated payment plan.

Vacations

Each family will receive 2 free contracted weeks (five consecutive business days) each year to use for vacation time. You must let the director know a week in advance in writing to use these weeks.

Roster RemovalIf your child is absent for a full contract week without any contact from the family,

then your child will be removed from the class roster. Their spot may be given away if there is a waiting list on that class. Once your child is removed if you wish to get the spot back, then you must re-enroll your child. This includes all paperwork and fees.

Late Pick upFamilies will be charged a $10 fee at 6:05pm, and $1 a minute for every minute

after that, for late pick-ups. After 7:00pm, if we have not received any communication from your family, then the child will be considered abandoned and the authorities will be called for a pick-up.

Insufficient funds Little Miracles will charge a $35 fee for all returned checks. Declined credit cards will be charged $10

Parent InformationPolicy Changes

All parents shall be notified of any policy changes at least one week before they will go into effect, when possible. Anytime there is a change in policy you will receive a written copy of the change along with a form to sign, acknowledging that you have received a copy of the change.

Policy Concerns

If you would like to review or discuss any questions or concerns about our policies and procedures please stop by the office to speak with Ms. Andrea or Ms Brittany. If they are not immediately available you can leave a note in the payments drawer, leave a message on our voicemail, or email aledocasey@aol.com and we will contact you with a time to meet.

Parent involvementParental involvement is a must when you want your child to succeed in school, and

there is no better time to start than now. Little Miracles has an “Open-Door” policy when it comes to parents visiting. Parents may come anytime and participate in any activities your child is involved in. We do ask that when you are in the room that you are positive role model and not a hindrance to your child, teacher, or other children. If the teacher or director feels that you are hindering the class you will be asked to leave. This will do wonders for your child in seeing that what they are doing is important and exciting to you.

We ask that you do not try to conference with your child’s teacher during activity times. This distracts our staff from their number one responsibility, which is your child. If you need to talk to a teacher or director, then we welcome your questions and concerns. Please schedule a time to meet with any staff member you desire at a time that is convenient for both you and the center.

Keeping Parents PostedWe do our best to let you know exactly what is going on in your child’s classroom

by making sure: Parents will receive daily reports for children in the Infant, Young Toddler, and

Toddler classes. One year olds and up will post Weekly Activity Plans outside their rooms Join our closed Facebook group called Little Miracles Information Board to see

videos, pictures, and announcements Sign in computers may have notes to individuals or classes that will pop up after

signing in. An Information Bulletin Board is located above the check in desk in our Infant

building. This board houses all notices from management which includes, but is not limited to, information about preventing and responding to abuse, parent workshops, news from Childcare Licensing, or any other Early Childhood related topics or offers we come across. You can also find notices, field trip information, and lesson plans on the main exit in “Big Kids” building.

The center’s rooms and walls will be lined with the children’s work. At Little Miracles you will not see “cookie-cutter” work. All work is done by the child with minimal help from the staff. This ensures that no two shall be alike, and although they will not look perfect we will be showing them all with pride. The important thing to remember is that it’s something the children worked hard on, learned from, and feel good about.

Special GuidelinesClothing

Dress for fun. Your child will be involved in many hands on activities while they are in our care. They will be playing outside, using a variety of art medias, and many other activities that will require washable clothing and comfortable shoes.

We ask that you bring an extra set of clothing to leave at the center for any messes that may occur. Include pants, a shirt, underwear, and socks. Please make sure that, like all personal belongings, everything is labeled with your child’s name.Outdoor Dress

Weather permitting (dry and 40-100 degrees); we will participate in outdoor activities on a daily basis. Outside times may be shortened if conditions are not ideal but possible. For this reason we ask that you make sure your child is properly dressed to go outside. In the event of unfavorable weather the children will be given an opportunity to do gross motor activities or free play indoors.

Teachers will apply sunscreen if you provide the sunscreen and written instructions on when and where to apply. Schoolers will apply sunscreen to themselves unless they need help from a teacher.Personal Belongings

Along with a small blanket and child sized pillow, the children may bring one item from home to help them go to sleep each day. Keep in mind that when choosing this item that it must fit in the child’s cubby for storage throughout the day. If your child brings any bottles, sippy cups, bottle coolers, pacifiers, or any other personal belongings they are to be all labeled with your child’s first name and last initial to discard any confusion. Due to space limitations all children under the age of two must use bags provided by Little Miracles for their personal items. If you bring a non Little Miracles bag it must be 13.5 x 13.5 or smaller. Larger bags will be emptied and sent home. Little Miracles will not be held responsible for any lost or damaged items. Breast feeding Moms

You have the right to breast-feed your child wherever necessary, this includes here at Little Miracles. If you are able you can stop in and feed your child as needed while in care. We will pull up a Glider for you and your child in our Infant room. We also have refrigerators and bottle warmers in the room so you can continue to nurse even if you go back to work.Diapers and Wipes

During the duration that your child is in diapers or pull-ups, all diapers/pull-ups and wipes must be provided from home. Diapers will be changed as needed and will be checked every two hours. Teachers will keep you informed when you are running low so that you may restock.

If parents do not provide diapers within 2 days of notification you will be charged $10 a day until they are provided.

Lack of wipes will result in a $5 a day charge.Toilet Training

Little Miracles will aid families with toilet training if the child is older than 18 months. Children will never be punished or forced to use the toilet. If your child is in underwear and still potty training please make sure you have 3 changes of clothing. We will allow them to stay in underwear for 2 accidents before we return them to a diaper/pull up. We will not work on potty training if the child is still in diapers.

Infant BlanketsAs per the state legislation, in an effort to reduce crib death/SIDS children under

the age of one year are not allowed to sleep with blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, sleep positioners, or pillows. All infants that cannot roll over must be placed on

their back in a crib. All new staff and children under the age of 12 months must have a signed Infant Safe Sleep form before their start date.

LITTLE MIRACLES SAFE SLEEP POLICYAll staff, substitute staff, and volunteers at Little Miracles will follow these safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for infants to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUIDS):

Always put infants to sleep on their backs. [§746.2427 and §747.2327].

Place infants on a firm mattress, with a tight fitting sheet, in a crib that meets the CPSC federal requirements for full size cribs and for non-full size cribs [§746.2409 and §747.2309].

For infants who are younger than 12 months of age, cribs should be bare except for a tight fitting sheet and a mattress cover or protector. Items that should not be placed in a crib include: soft or loose bedding, such as blankets, quilts, or comforters; pillows; stuffed toys/animals; soft objects; bumper pads; liners; or sleep positioning devices [§746.2415 and §747.2315]. Also, infants must not have their heads, faces, or cribs covered at any time by items such as blankets, linens, or clothing [§746.2429 and §747.2329].

Do not use sleep positioning devices, such as wedges or infant positioners. The AAP has found no evidence that these devices are safe. Their use may increase the risk of suffocation [§746.2415 and §747.2315].

Ensure that sleeping areas are ventilated and at a temperature that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult [§746.3407(10) and §747.3203(10)].

If an infant needs extra warmth, use sleep clothing (such as sleepers or footed pajamas) as an alternative to blankets [§746.2415 and §747.2315].

Place only one infant in a crib to sleep [§746.2405 and §747.2305].

Infants may use a pacifier during sleep. But the pacifier must not be attached to a stuffed animal or the infant’s clothing by a string, cord, or other attaching mechanism that might be a suffocation or strangulation risk [§746.2415 and §747.2315].

If the infant falls asleep in a restrictive device other than a crib (such as a bouncy chair or swing, or arrives to care asleep in a car seat), move the infant to a crib immediately[§746.2426 and §747.2326].

Our child care program is smoke-free. Smoking is not allowed in Texas child care operations (this includes e-cigarettes and any type of vaporizers) [§746.3703(d) and §747.3503(d)].

Actively observe sleeping infants by sight and sound [§746.2403 and §747.2303].

If an infant is able to roll back and forth from front to back, place the infant on the infant's back for sleep and allow the infant to assume a preferred sleep position [§746.2427 and §747.2327].

Awake infants will have supervised “tummy time” several times daily. This will help them strengthen their muscles and develop normally [§746.2427 and §747.2327].

Do not swaddle an infant for sleep or rest [§746.2428 and §747.2328].

Parents can review information on safe sleep and reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUIDS) at: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/agesstages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx

DisciplineDiscipline comes from a Greek word meaning “to train”. Discipline is not a

negative word at Little Miracles. We use compassion in training your child to be responsible and independent. All children are different; therefore, discipline is

individualized and consistent for each child. All consequences will be developmentally appropriate and designed to teach acceptable behavior/self control.

Our personnel will only use positive methods of discipline and guidance in order to encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-directions. The focus will be on what your child is doing correctly with as little negative reinforcement as possible. Redirection and positive statements will always be used first. If needed, a child will be given a time-out. Time-outs will last one minute for each year of the child’s age. Corporal punishment of any kind is strictly prohibited by anyone in the center at any time.

Notwithstanding our best efforts, the staff of Little Miracles cannot be a substitute for the daily teaching, discipline and nurturing provided by you, their parent. We take our obligations to your child seriously. This is true not only with respect to your child, but with all of the children in our care. Parents will be notified of discipline problems via Ouch Reports, Teachers, and Management. If a child is a constant disruption or a danger to the other children/staff members Little Miracles may suspend a child for the day and then refuse service permanently if they behavior does not improve, or escalates. Little Miracles also reserves the right to refuse service to any child that requires additional staff or equipment solely for that child.

We encourage you to seek input from us about your child’s progress and development in their class. We cannot be as useful to you in your parenting without consistent dialogue. The cornerstone of the relationship between Little Miracles, its staff, and the parents of the children in our care is TRUST. We strive to work with you, the parent, to ensure that your child: learns to interact socially with peers and teachers in an acceptable manner, is prepared to enter the school environment by learning to respect group dynamics; and has fun along the way.Field Trips

Little Miracles believes that the field trips should be educational and fun. The children that get to participate in these field trips are the Pre-K and School age children with a positive attitude. As a parent, you can decide whether or not you would like your child to participate in each specified field trip. Little Miracles can refuse your child’s attendance on a field trip due to any behavior problems.

All field trips are posted on the monthly Summer Schedules located on the Parent Information Board above the check in desk in the Infant Building and on the exit door of the “Big Kids” building. Any additional trips will be posted there at least two days prior to the trip. A weekly calendar is also posted on the exit door. This calendar has the trips planned for the week as well as the times the children are scheduled to leave and return to the center.

TransportationWe do pick up children from most Aledo ISD schools. All arrangements must be

made in advance and all paper work must be completed before we pick up a child.Water Activities

Within the rooms children may have access to water and sensory tables. During field trips children may visit pools/splash pads. All children must bring the appropriate swimwear and a change of clothes in order to participate in these field trips as well as prior approval from parents.

Animals

Any animals introduced into the center will have required documentation by our Licensing Agency (Texas Department of Family & Protective Services). Parents will be notified of any new animals one week prior its introduction into the center. A copy of a the animals records will be kept on file for review.

SecurityChecking In and Out

We believe in the importance of security for you, your children, and our staff. For this reason we have procedures in place for pick-up and drop-off of the children in our care. Our office and classroom teachers keep updated file of names, addresses and phone numbers of all authorized people to pick up children in case of an emergency. No child is released without proper authorization and identification. We will make copies of all authorized persons divers license to keep in the child’s file in the office. Parents, family, and friends all may be asked to show proper ID if they are new or we have a new staff member.

Sign InEvery time you arrive at Little Miracles your child must be signed into our

computer. These records are required by law for state licensing. Once your child is checked in please walk them to their room and let their teacher know they are present.

Sign OutOur office keeps updated file of names, addresses and phone numbers of all

authorized people to pick up children in case of an emergency. No child will be released without proper authorization and identification. Anyone picking up your child must show their license before we will release your child. No one under the age of eighteen may pick up a child unless it is the child’s parent or they are listed on your child’s admission forms. If there are any special circumstances involving custody the parent with custody must indicate on your enrollment form (1) who has the custody and (2) who may pick up your child. A copy of the custody agreement must also be given to the center to keep on file for your child’s safety.

Visitor PolicyFor the safety of your child and our staff, all visitors will be greeted and asked to

state their purpose. Visitors are never left alone in the center. If the visitor is authorized to pick up a child, but is unknown by office staff, they must still produce identification.

Gang Free ZoneUnder the Texas Penal Code, any area within 1,000 feet of a child-care center is a

gang-free zone, where criminal offenses related to organized criminal activity are subject to harsher penalty.

HealthNutrition

At Little Miracles, once your child is able to eat table food we will provide breakfast and two snacks for you child. If your child is unable to eat table food, then all food and snacks must be brought from home. Breakfast will be served from roughly 7:00 to 8:15 a.m.Lunch must be brought from home.

Please pack a nutritious meal for lunch and limit the amount candy, chips, soda, etc. , Little Miracles is not responsible for the nutritional value of the lunch, or for meeting your child’s daily food needs. Please only send one item that has sugar as the first ingredient.

Do not send anything that requires more then one minute to heat up in a microwave.

If your child is over 12 months please send food that your child can feed themselves.

Classroom refrigerators are available for labeled Ziploc and paper lunch bags. Insulated lunch bags must have ice packs if cooling is needed since they must

be left in the students cubbies not the refrigerators. In an effort to make sure all children have the correct food we will not split lunches

between lunch boxes and refrigerators. If your child does not have a lunch the center will provide one for that day for an

additional fee of five dollars. All unopened leftovers will be left in the child’s cubby for the remainder of the day.

Please make sure that you let us know if your child has any food allergies or other special dietary needs, so that we can work with you to make sure that your child’s health is the best it can be.Immunization Requirements

At the time of enrollment, shot records must be up-to-date as mandated by the Texas Department of Health. Shot records must show all vaccines and the dates that each dose was given. If your child attends another school other then Little Miracles, Pre-K and up, you must provide a copy or check box on admission forms stating it is up to date and on file at that school.

The Varicella vaccine is not require if you child had chickenpox disease. If your child has had chickenpox the date must be written on your shot records in place of the Varicella doses. All shot records must be signed by a health care professional. Vaccine schedules are available upon request.

Employees are not required to receive the recommended Flu, Pertussis and Whooping Cough, or Hep-A shots to work at Little Miracles.

Hearing and vision screening These are required for four-year-olds within 120 days of admission or four-year-old

children within 120 days of their fourth birthday.Special Circumstances

If your child has any special circumstances such as, but not limited to, asthma, diabetes, or allergies then please notify the director and teachers when you enroll your child and their first day of attendance. This way, we can make special arrangements for you and your child as needed.

Health ChecksIf a child shows signs of injury and/or illness, then we will evaluate them to see if

they will need further care. This includes, but is not limited to, checking children from head to toe for rashes, lice, fever, or other bumps/marks.

If center staff believes that your child is ill or needs medical attention we will contact parents. For the safety of all children we require someone come within an hour of contact to prevent the spread of illness.

Return after illnessChildren must be fever and symptom free for at least 24 hours. Sick

children must have a note from a healthcare provider clearing them if they were diagnosed with a communicable disease.

Communicable DiseaseIf your child has a communicable disease, then please let us know right away so

we can alert other parents. Also, you must keep your child at home until all symptoms are gone, your child is on antibiotics (if applicable), and you have a “return to school” note from a doctor. Communicable Diseases include but are not limited to:

o Chicken Poxo Measles (Measles, 5th Disease and similar illness)o Mumpso Strep Throato Pink Eyeo Head Lice (can return after hair is treated and combed out)

Minor Illness We do our best at Little Miracles to keep illness from spreading, but we cannot do

it alone. If your child is ill, then please find other arrangements for them. Unfortunately, we are not licensed to care for sick children. Your child is considered ill if:

The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in the daily activities.

The illness results in a greater need for care than the caregivers can provide without compromising the health, safety, or supervision of the other children.

The child has one of the following; Oral temperature of 101 degrees or greater Rectal temperature of 102 degrees or greater Armpit temperatures of 100 degrees or greater Symptoms or signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy,

abnormal breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea (3 or more times in a 4 hour time span), two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours, unidentified rashes/spots, mouth sores with drooling, behavioral changes or other signs that the child my be severely ill.

A healthcare professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable disease, and the child does not have medical documentation to indicate that the child is no longer contagious.

MedicationBefore we can give your child any medication we must have written authorization

from the child’s legal guardian. If possible, we ask that you give medications before and after school so you don’t

have to worry about bringing them to the center. We will only give medications between 12-1pm.

Each day you must sign the medical authorization form for as long as your child needs the medication.

All medications must be given directly to the director or assistant director or left in the medicine cabinet in the office.

All medications will be kept in the office and distributed by the director or assistant director at noon.

All medications must be labeled with your child’s name. If your child needs a prescription medication, then it must be in its original container with your child’s name on it as well as the type of medication, side effects, date, amount and dosage.

With your help, and our precautions, we hope to be successful in keeping your child as healthy and happy as possible.

EmergenciesEmergency Contacts

As mentioned, Little Miracles keeps files on all children in the center. These forms are given to you when you enroll your child. It is important that if any of the information changes, then you must notify us immediately and change the information on these forms. This way, in case of an emergency we will be able to contact you and, if need be, release your child to the proper person(s).

Emergency Training for Staff All staff members will be trained in both first aid, CPR, and in our Emergency

Preparedness Plan. Little Miracles wants you to feel safe and have peace of mind when you leave your most precious gift with us.

Emergency Preparedness PlanIt is important that in case of a fire or severe weather your child will know what to

expect and what to do. Therefore, the staff and children will practice these drills regularly, so that in the event of an actual emergency your child will know exactly what to do. If you have any questions about these drills, then you may speak to any of the staff members. Emergency Drills

Fire Drill- Once a month one staff member will sound the alarm over the walkie-talkies until all children and staff has cleared the building. Once the alarm/bell sounds staff and children are to exit quickly and quietly out the closest door not blocked by danger. Staff brings children, attendance/emergency contact folder, evacuation bags, and flashlight. Everyone keeps walking until they reach fire relocation spot A or B depending on where the fire is. Once arrive at the relocation spot they will sit in line until the “all clear” is given.

Severe Weather Drills- At least once every 3 months one staff member sounds the alarm over the walkie-talkies and announces “weather drill” until all children and staff has entered their designated bathroom. Once the alarm/bell sounds staff and children are to exit rooms quickly and quietly to their designated bathrooms. Staff brings children, attendance/emergency contact folder, and flashlight. Children and staff stay tucked in the Weather relocation bathrooms until the “all clear” is given.

Lockdown- In case of an intruder/volatile person staff announces “Intruder Lockdown” over the walkie-talkies. If there is someone in any of the buildings they shut and lock their doors from the inside. Any children in the hall will be pulled in by the closest teacher. They then hide their children away from view of the door until the “all clear” is given. Teachers may use their phones to contact other teachers.

Evacuations- If we must leave the center we will first evacuate all children and contact local authorities for assistance if needed. Then, once the children are safe we will contact parents to let them know about the evacuation and their child’s pick up location. Finally we will contact Licensing to let them know we had to move.

On Campus Evacuation- In the case that the immediate building is not safe we will relocate with the children, clipboards, and evacuation bags to the vacant building on campus. The children and staff will wait for parent pick up here.

Off Campus Evacuation- If the emergency requires offsite relocation we would relocate with the children, clipboards, and evacuation bags. We have partnered with Aledo ISD to be able to use their facilities in case of evacuations. Depending on the location and time of day our Aledo ISD contacts will choose the relocation location. If an Aledo ISD is not an option we may also relocate to Trinity Christian Academy, 4954 E. IH-20 Service Rd. South, Willow Park, 76087.Emergency Notes:

If we are not in immediate danger we will load the center vehicles and move the children class by class in infant carriers and high-backed boosters. While car seats and childcare vehicles are usually a must, if there is an immediate threat to the lives of children and staff in extreme cases some children may have to ride without car seats or in employee vehicles.

Younger children, those under 24 months will be moved in Evac Cribs or in Staff arms due to limited mobility. Children with Special needs will be assisted by a staff according to their needs.

Before we leave the rooms/center and after we get to our destination we will again check attendance using Face to Name attendance sheets and grab our Evac Bags with supplies and contact information for each child in care. Staff members would use Walkie Talkies or cell phones, depending on distance, in this case to communicate to each other or emergency personal.

Evac Bags: contain diapers, wipes, snacks, first aid kits, and toys to care for the children while we are waiting for children to be picked up

Clipboards: contain attendance, emergency contacts, authorized persons, medical needs, and medical authorization forms for each child in the class

Once safely relocated Staff will contact parents via text message first then by phone to let them why we relocated and where we relocated to for immediate pick up. You will still be able to reach the staff at 817-458-0860 since it is a cell phone and will relocate with us.

Medical EmergenciesIn case of a medical emergency Little Miracles will call 9-1-1 and immediately

notify you or your emergency contact on your admission form. If you cannot be contacted we will continue with the recommendations of emergency personal for your child’s safety. You will be asked to sign an incident report to acknowledge that the matter was handled and reported to you promptly. You will also very likely be contacted by Childcare Licensing since all calls to 9-1-1 are investigated to insure we did everything we could to keep the children in our care safe.

Accidents and InjuriesOf course, Little Miracles will do everything in our power to keep your child safe

at all times, however, accidents will happen as your child grows and starts testing their limits. If your child undergoes a minor injury (bumps, scrapes, or bruises), then we will administer first aid and notify you via an Ouch Report when you pick up your child.

If your child needs non-emergency medical attention (fever, twists, sprains, or breaks) Little Miracles will call you or your emergency contact, if you can not be contacted, immediately. This way, you can arrange for your child to see a doctor/be picked up from the center within the hour of first contact.

In accordance with state licensing regulations if your child receives a serious injury at Little Miracles, then you will be asked to sign an incident report to acknowledge that the matter was handled and reported to you promptly. Any suggestions you have for making our center safer are always welcome.

Licensing and AbuseA copy of the “Minimum Standard Rules for Child-Care Centers” is required to be in

the center at all times. Ours can be found in the check in desk in the Infant building or on the teacher’s desk in the Big Kids building. The Standards cannot be removed from the center, but you may view one of our copies or download it from the Texas State

Licensing website. Copies of our most recent Inspection Report and can be found on the bulletin board above the check in desk. All of our inspections can be viewed online on the Texas State Licensing website.

Childcare Licensing Numbers:Local Licensing Office (817) 321-8604Local Licencing Location 1501 Circle Dr, Suite 310, Ft. Worth TX 76119Texas State Licensing Website www.dfps.state.tx.usTexas Childcare search Website www.txchildcaresearch.org

Reporting Child AbuseOur employees are required to attend trainings annually and to report any signs of

suspected abuse, we may see. There are large fines, and possible prison time, if we do not report suspected abuse. It is not our job to investigate, but to observe and report. CPS investigates and decides on any actions taken.

We do work with CPS, parents, grandparents, and foster parents to help children who have been abused. If you have questions about signs/symptoms of abuse or are looking for counseling services, please stop by the office and we may be able to help. We may also be able to help you contact shelters, churches, or other organizations that can help.

Periodically we have postings, via our parent information board by the office, about health, abuse and child safety. Many times we will also send home information via your child’s mailbox.

August is our safety month. During this time we talk about community helpers, fire safety, car safety, and bike safety. We also discuss good health practices, things that should not go in our mouths, and safe touch. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month so many times we send home or have postings that pertain to identification and prevention techniques. If you have any questions about this curriculum or would like to help please contact the director.

If you expect abuse or neglect please contact CPS. You can report anonymously if you are concerned about repercussions for you or your family.

1-800-252-5400 - Call the Abuse Hotline toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nationwide.TxAbuseHotline.org - Report with the secure website and get a response within 24 hours.

Little Miracles Payment Contract

Tuition payments for each week are due on Monday. If full payment for the week is not received by the end of the day on Monday, a $10.00 late fee must be included with your payment for that week. If full payment is not received by the end of

the day on Tuesday, Little Miracles reserves the right to refuse service until full payment is made. This policy of “no pay, no play” has been established to encourage financial accountability for all parties involved. In the event that you desire to pay more than one week’s tuition at any time, we will accept such payments so long as it is paid in advance. By your signature below, you agree to be bound by the terms of this payment contract for each week until your child withdraws from school or you fill out a new contract with Management, whether your child is present or not. This includes holidays, weather days, and sick days. This allows Little Miracles to meet staffing and state mandated student-teacher ratios.You may not switch contracted days however If you wish for your child to attend on a “non-contracted” day, you must call before you show up to verify whether Little Miracles is able to accommodate your child. The daily rate for a “drop-in” service is $40.00 and must be paid the day and is in addition to your normal contracted amount.Each child will receive two (2) contracted weeks each year to use for vacation time. Families must give one week written advance notice to use these weeks. No tuition payment is required for vacation weeks, so long as the required written notice is received.If your child is absent for a full contract week without any contact from the family, your child will be removed from the class roster. Their spot may be lost permanently if there is a waiting list for that class. If your child is removed from the class roster, you will have to re-enroll your child by completing all required forms and paying an additional registration fee.Rotating contracts are allowed but must be turned in in writing before the month/week begins. If your schedule is not turned in on time we will not guarantee a spot for your child.

Days of the week and time of day contractedMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

I am enrolling my child(ren) for days per week at a cost of $ per week.

I have enclosed my $50.00 registration fee ($75.00 for two or more children) I understand that registration is non-refundable and will be assessed annually in

August. I will pay a $35 fee for all returned checks / $10 for all declined credit cards. I will pay a $10 late pick-up fee at 6:05pm and an additional $1 for each additional

minute. We do accept credit cards. Each transaction will have a $5 processing fee unless you

are set up on an automated payment plan. If parents do not provide diaper changing supplies within 2 days of notification you

will be charged $10 a day for diapers and $5 a day for wipes until they are provided. I will pay a $5 fee if I do not provide my child with a lunch.

Responsible Party (print) _______________________________________________________Responsible Party’s Signature _________________________ _____ _________ Date ________________