Handbook - Peace Lutheran Church

Parent Handbook

Statement of Philosophy

The purpose of the Peace Lutheran Daycare Center is to provide a caring atmosphere for young children in which they experience the love of God and His people. The Center is committed to excellence in its programs, offering children a healthy, loving, Christian environment in which to learn and develop creativity and mature emotional, physically, socially, and spiritually. The Center’s commitment to our community is to provide quality care at a reasonable cost.

We ask three things of our parents:

We want you to feel welcome in our Center and visit often to watch your child playing in our busy, creative class areas.
We went you to know, understand, and discuss with the staff at Peace Lutheran Daycare Center the goals for your child.
We want you to realize the importance of that play and to work with our teachers so that together we can help your child develop to his/her full potential.

Peace Lutheran Daycare Center admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities available to students at the Center. The Center is in compliance with and is licensed by the Department of Social Services of the State of South Dakota and is a non-profit organization.

We are pleased to be able to offer you a quality and caring daycare environment for your child. We are confident that you will find our program to be a loving and cheerful experience for your child.

Admission

Before your child is enrolled, a short pre-admission conference will be scheduled with the director. This meeting will give you and your child the opportunity to become comfortable with our environment, staff, and schedule, and give us the chance to get to know you better. This conference can be done at the time that is convenient for the parent and the director.

The program, as a state-licensed center, is required to maintain a file on all registered children. Parents have the responsibility to return the following completed forms:

Enrollment Form for Peace Lutheran Daycare: This form gives the Center the necessary information about your child, where you can be reached in an emergency, the child’s source of medical care, and parent release information required for specific parental authorization. The emergency portion of the form must be completed and signed by the parents for each child enrolled in the program. It must include emergency phone numbers, the name and phone number of the child’s physician, and a release for emergency care.

Copy of Immunization Record: The child’s immunization record must be provided to the Center where a copy will be made and kept in the child’s file. (See Immunizations, page 13)

Registration Fee: A $50 registration fee is required as part of the admission process. This fee will also be used to hold your child’s spot for ages 1 year to 5 years. We do require that a $100 holding fee be applied for an infant spot. These fees are non refundable.

Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program Forms: This program reimburses Peace Lutheran Daycare Center for lunch and snack costs at different levels depending upon the income of each of our clients and reduces the Center’s food expenses. Because the amount of the financial assistance we receive from the government is based upon your income, it is vitally important that the income surveys distributed to you annually are completed and returned. Your honest and complete answers will allow us to receive the full benefit available from the government through this program and assist us in keeping our costs down. The financial information you provide is kept strictly confidential. Even if you are certain you fall above the income guidelines, please read the parent letter carefully-your signature and other basic information may be required.

Hours of Operation

The Daycare Center is open five days a week (Monday – Friday) from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Daycare Center will be closed the following Holidays:

New Year’s Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving

Christmas Day

If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the Center will be closed the Friday prior to the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Center will be closed on the following Monday. The Center may close if there is an insufficient number of children scheduled for care (such as during the holidays). Every attempt will be made to let parents know at least a week in advance.

Payment Information

Charges for daycare are assessed at follows:

Children 4 weeks – 3 years old $3.30/hour

Children 3 years and older $3.15/hour

Drop in care $5.00/hour

Drop in care is defined as childcare hours not included on your calendar and scheduled with less than 24 hours notice or care for children who are not routine clients. Rates are subject to revision by the Early Childhood Center Board. Clients will be given written notice of rate changes at least 30 hays in advance.

Invoices for childcare hours utilized the previous week will be distributed to the client’s Center mailbox by Tuesday. Payment is due Friday by 5:30 PM. It is the client’s responsibility to pick up the invoice and pay by the due date, without exception. Prepayment on account is accepted. Childcare bills are considered delinquent after Friday. Delinquent accounts will be charged weekly with a late fee of $5.00.

If payment is ten days past due or overdue balance exceeds $200, your child will not be accepted at the Center until payment is made current.

If a check is returned due to insufficient funds, the client will be required to pay with cash or money order for the next six months. Following a second occurrence, all subsequent payments must be made with cash or money order. Overpayment to the Center will be credited to your account, no refunds will be granted.

Financial assistance for childcare is available for low-income South Dakota families. Assistance is based on household size and gross monthly income. For more information regarding child care assistance, contact Child Care Services at 1-800-227-3020 or e-mail CCS@dss.state.sd.us.

Scheduling for Care

It is extremely important that scheduling calendars be turned in to the Director by their due date (which is always the third Wednesday of the month). If calendars are not received by the due date a $20 late fee will be added to your account. We realize that schedules change throughout the month, but please be as accurate as possible when completing the calendars. Since staffing is based upon the calendars returned, we can only guarantee childcare availability for the hours listed on your calendar. If you need additional hours after the calendar is turned in, arrangements will need to be made with the Director. You will be allowed to drop one day per calendar month without charge.

Drop-in care is approved on a daily basis by supervisory staff when adequate staffing is available.

Absence

Parents must contact the Center immediately if their child will not be attending at his/her scheduled time due to illness, family emergency, etc.

Withdrawal/Termination

When parents decide to terminate the child care arrangement, a two-week’s written notice to the Center Director is required. In the great majority of cases, termination of care by the parent is due to reasons such as relocation, child entering school, etc. However, we also recognize that not every situation is appropriate for every child. If, for any reason, this program is found to be unsatisfactory for any particular child, we will make every effort to discuss this with the parents in order to determine the cause. Sometimes, we can help the child make the adjustment. If this is not possible, the parent and/or program may choose to terminate the arrangement on a time line that is in the child’s best interest.

Termination of Care by the Center

As stated above, the child’s adjustment to the program and the appropriateness of this particular care arrangement for an individual child may cause concern for the child’s well-being. If the Center staff does not feel that it is meeting the child’s needs, we reserve the right to terminate the care arrangement on a time line that is in the child’s best interest. Other reasons that may result in the termination of a specific care arrangement are as follows:

Non-payment for child care services and/or lack of adherence to our policies.
Lack of cooperation from parents with the program’s efforts to resolve differences and/or to meet the child’s needs through parent/staff meetings or conferences.
Abusive behaviors and/or verbal threats by parents toward program staff or other parents (immediate termination)
Parents disciplining, in any way, children (other than their own) while at the Center.

Parent-Center Communication

Parents will be regularly informed of the program’s plans through posted weekly lesson plans (including food menus) and newsletters. Special events including conference schedules may be posted on a parent bulletin board or sent home as a memo. Parents of infants and toddlers will receive a daily report of food intake, elimination, sleeping patterns, and general behavior. Teachers will communicate with parents on a regular basis via handwritten notes. Parents will be informed of all field trips. If an injury occurs at the Center, a form will be filled out for parents with a copy retained at the center.

Parent participation and observation are encouraged. Parents who have a child enrolled in the Center are encouraged to visit the Center anytime during the hours of operations. In this manner, parents can gain a deeper understanding of their child and the Center. Parent involvement is necessary for the continuing success of the Center. Parents are encouraged to share their time and talents, go on field trips, and donate useful items to the Center for use in the curriculum. If a parent wishes to take their child to lunch, please notify the child’s teacher the day before.

Children’s Arrival and Departure

Arrival:

For your child’s safety, we require that you or another authorized adult bring your child into the Center each day and help his/her get settled at the cubby/locker before bringing the child to the assigned area. Punch his/her time card upon arrival. Parents must notify the Center if you are going to be more than one hour late. If you are going to be away from your place of work for the day, be sure to leave a phone number where you or a spouse can be reached by the child’s teacher in case you are needed for a medical emergency.

In order to maintain accurate adult/child ratios, a staff person is assigned for the time that your child is scheduled for care. For this reason, parents are required to contact the Center Director before their child’s scheduled time if the child will not be attending that day.

Departure:

When picking up your child, be sure the teacher knows that he/she is leaving. (This procedure is for your child’s protection.) Check your child out of the Center by punching out on his/her time card. If, during the day, you become aware that you will be delayed beyond your originally scheduled pick-up time, you must call the Center staff. If there is enough staff available, your child will be allowed to stay. If staff is not available, you will need to make alternate arrangements for your child to be picked up. We cannot guarantee staff availability for hours not listed on your calendar.

Parents who are late in picking up their child at closing time will be charged $1.00 for each minute they arrive after the Center closing time of 5:30 pm. If emergency delays you and you are going to be late picking up your child, please notify the center before closing time.

In the event that your child is still at the Center after closing and no communication has been received from the parent, the following steps will be taken (in order):

Attempt to reach you at home, work, or school
Call the people listed on the Emergency and Authorization Card
Call the Authorities

Persons Authorized to Pick Up Child

At the time of enrollment, parents must provide the names and telephone numbers of persons authorized to bring/pick up the child. It is the parent of guardian’s responsibility to notify the Center of any changes in this authorization. If someone other than the authorized person (as indicated on the child’s enrollment form or in the child’s file) is to pick up your child, please notify the Center in Writing. We will release the children to the authorized person only. The teacher may request the person’s signature or identification for verification before the releasing the child.

Feedback/Suggestions/Grievances

We feel that a positive emotional environment exists when parents and the Center work together as partners. Our staff welcomes comments and suggestions to improve the quality of care for your child. When areas of concern arise, the problems should be brought to the attention of the child’s Head Teacher who will hear your suggestion and/or grievance and attempt to work through the problem. If additional communication is necessary, the problem may be taken to the Director.

Confidentiality

All child and family records and personal information will be kept confidential. Any medical, behavioral, or financial information provided by parents about their enrolled children or their personal family matters is considered personal information and such information will not be released without permission, except as otherwise provided by law.

Insurance

Each child enrolled at the Center will be covered under a liability and premise medical insurance policy while they are at the Center and/or on Center-sponsored activities and field trips. The Center does not carry accident insurance for children enrolled. Please review your personal insurance to be certain that your child has the proper coverage.

Outdoor Play

Daily outdoor activity is very important for young children and is planned whenever possible. In the winter we will go out as long as the temperature and wind chill is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It is our policy that children who are well enough to come to the Center are well enough to go outdoors. If children are dressed appropriately, weather conditions should not pose any health risk. Please supply appropriate clothing allowing for the weather extremes found in South Dakota. In the winter, children should have available to them: mittens, boots, shoes, hats, a snowsuit, or snowpants with coats. In the summer they should have available cool tops, shorts, and swim suits for swimming days. At the parent’s discretion, infants will be able to go outside when appropriate temperature exists.

Field Trips

First hand experiences such as field trips and nature walks are considered an important part of the educational program at the Center. The Center will provide the same quality supervision for excursions as is provided to the children while in attendance at the Center. A notice listing the date, time, place, cost, and purpose of the trip will be posted or sent home each time a trip is planned. Permission for field trips is authorized on your child’s enrollment form.

Transportation

Transportation will not be provided for children by the Center.

In the event of a field trip, the children will be transported by the city owned Brookings Area Transportation Association. You will be notified as to the nature of the field trip. During the summer months (June, July, August) the children go to the pool and other places. In order to help offset the cost of transportation in the summer a $20 a month fee will be added to you account.

Nap and Rest Policy

Naps and rests are appropriate for children and will be held immediately following the clean up from lunch. General rest time is one to two hours depending on the age and development of the child. Children are welcome to have security objects at nap time. We would suggest small stuffed animals, small blankets, travel sized pillows, and pacifiers. These items need to be able to fit in your child’s cubby. Napping children will not be left alone. Parents who do not wish for their child to nap will need to discuss this with the child’s Head Teacher. A child who is not required to nap will still need to have quiet time during the entire allotted nap time.

Infants will nap on their own schedule. All infants and toddlers will have their own individual crib or blanket. Parents will need to provide a washable, labeled blanket for their children to use during nap time. These will be kept in the child’s cubby during non-nap times. Parents are responsible for laundering of these items every Friday.

Infants will be placed on their back during nap time as is recommended by the Academy of American Pediatrics for the prevention of SIDS. If a parent desires another sleeping position for their child, the request must be put in writing and given to the Center Director.

Children’s Belongings

Each toddler and preschooler will be provided with a cubby for his/her personal belongings. Infants will each have a basket. All belongings must be labeled with the child’s name. Children must have an appropriate change of clothing in their cubby at all times in case their clothes get dirty/wet while playing. Please make sure the clothes are appropriate for the season.

Because the Center is equipped with adequate toys and supplies, we request that children’s toys and items of value remain at home. We cannot assume responsibility for materials brought from home. Children’s personal items will need to stay in their cubbies while at the Center. Children are not allowed to bring food or candy from home as appropriate meals and snacks are provided at the Center. A lost and found area will be provided in the Center and lost items that are not claimed for a designated period of time will be donated to charity.

Clothing

ALL clothing must be labeled with the child’s name.

Play is children’s work so they need to wear clothes appropriate for their work such as washable, comfortable clothing and non-skid shoes.

All children must have at least one complete change of clothing including socks, underwear and outer wear, in their cubby at the Center. Please change the type of clothes you bring as “extras” as the weather outdoors changes. Please provide several changes of clothes for infants and toddlers.

Winter Clothing: Snow pants, hat, mittens, and boots will be required for winter play for children.

Meals and Snacks

Meals and snacks will be provided by the Center in accordance with guidelines set by the State of South Dakota. The guidelines insure that balanced meals offering a variety of foods from the basic food guide pyramid food groups and which supply at least one-third of a child’s nutritional needs are available to the children. Peace Lutheran Daycare Center participates in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food program. The program is designed to financially assist childcare providers in serving nutritious snacks and hot, balanced lunches.

The Center provides meals and snacks for children who are able to eat table food. Children are encouraged to feed themselves as much as possible. Meals and snacks are served family style, thus creating additional opportunities for the children’s social and language development. A rotating menu plan will be posted. The menu is designated daily. If a child needs a special diet because of food allergies or families choosing different food patterns we need to receive a statement from your physician. The Center will then make the necessary arrangements in the food program. Please do not bring food for your child.

Baby food and formula/breast milk will be provided by the parents for infants. (Each container should have child’s full name on it.) The Center provides formula and baby cereal for your infant. If your child is not on the same formula that we use, you will need to provide your own. Please bring plastic bottles, nipples, rings, and caps for the day. Breast milk must be marked with the child’s name, date, and time on each bag or bottle. All bottles and caps must be clearly marked with the child’s name.

No baby of any age will be put in bed with a bottle unless requested by the parent in writing. Bottles will not remain unrefrigerated for more than 45 minutes. Breast milk left at the end of a feeding will be discarded unless requested by the parent. Bowls and spoons are provided. Infants will be fed according to their won schedule and will be held by a caregiver during bottle feedings. The appropriate time to introduce table food will be determined by the parent or guardian.

Meals and snacks are served at the following times (times may vary in each age group).

Breakfast 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon Snack 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Birthdays

Children enjoy celebrating their birthdays in the classroom with their friends. You may want to send a special snack for the day of your child’s celebration. If you do plan to send a snack to school, please make sure that it is “store bought” and not homemade. Please send enough for all the children and teachers in your child’s age group.

Our licensing requires that treats be store-bought and we request that you bring nutritious snacks. For snack ideas see the Head Teachers or Center Director. Please check with the teacher regarding food allergies of children in the class.

Toileting

To prevent the spread of infectious organisms and to keep the diaper changing area more sanitary, only disposable diapers will be used at the Center. Diapers and wipes are provided by the parents. You may bring bulk packages of diapers to be stored at the Center. Please mark each diaper and wipe packages, with permanent marker, with the child’s full name. If for some reason not enough diapers are provided, the Center will supply diapers at a charge of $1.00 per diaper.

Toilet training will begin when parents decide it is appropriate. Parents will be encouraged to wait until the child is at least 18 months to two years old (or as advised by their physician), is walking well, and has enough language to understand and use a work or phrase as a cue. Feedback will be provided on each child’s progress at the Center.

Children will be offered frequent opportunities for toileting, particularly after meals and before naps.

Procedures for toilet training:

When parents and staff agree to begin toilet training, the child will be taken to the toilet at frequent intervals.
The child is allowed to sit as long as he/she is willing
The child is never punished or embarrassed for accidents.
Children’s hands will be washed with soap and water after toileting.
Caregiver will wash hands thoroughly after helping each child.
Bathroom floor, sink, and toilets will be cleaned and sanitized twice daily.

Behavior Management

Our program promotes a positive approach to managing the behavior of all children. Behavior guidance at the center has three primary goals. First, we strive to find a solution to the current situation. Second, we attempt to help the child process feelings, recognize consequences, explore alternative solutions and outcomes, and develop internal self-control. Third, to provide opportunities for the child to feel good about the guidance process in order to develop a positive self concept. To accomplish these goals we use the following techniques on a daily basis.

Prevention

A well-designed and well-equipped classroom tailored to the developmental level of the children prevents frustration, interruption, and hazards. It offers privacy, independence, and easy adult supervision. In addition, the daily routine provides enough time for play, a sense of security, little waiting, and few transitions.

Positive Redirection

Emphasis on the positive is essential in guiding young children. The basic procedure used in all classrooms is positive redirection, which is redirecting unacceptable behavior to an acceptable alternative. This may be enhanced by verbal praise, encouragement, and other reward systems when positive interactions are taking place. We praise children for their appropriate behavior and successes by describing what we see and how we feel. For example, “I see the books are on the shelf. It’s nice to have such a clean room.”

Modeling

Teacher-modeled appropriate behavior and communication, as well as positive peer models, are provided to help children learn responsibility for their actions. Children should be presented with positive models of acceptable behavior. Staff actions and interactions set the tone through their actions, body language, and voice level. Children copy what they see and hear. If we wish to provide a peaceful and cooperative environment for children to grow and to learn, then we must demonstrate this in our actions and voice. When voice levels are soft and calm, the children set their tone in a similar fashion. Adults need to model appropriate expression of their feelings.

Problem Solving

We appeal to the preschooler’s growing intellectual and moral reasoning by using natural and logical consequences and asking questions to encourage problem solving. Teachers help children identify their needs, feelings, causes, alternatives, and choices. We provide cues such as the statement, “Use your words.”

Biting

Although unacceptable, biting in the toddler areas is age-appropriate behavior. These age groups may be aggressive because their verbal skills are not developed well enough for them to share how they feel, in certain circumstances they bite. Other causes of biting include curiosity and exploration, teething pain, boredom, fatigue, sensory overload, hunger, feeling ill at ease in a new setting, as a call for attention, or even as a display of affection. This behavior will eventually change.

The following guidelines for biting will be used:

A child who is biting on a regular basis will be in view of staff at all times.
A biting child will be told “no”, “it hurts”, and will be redirected to another activity or area that is better suited for his/her needs and fed if hungry.
The child who has been bitten will be taken care of by washing the area with soap, water, and disinfectant.
A staff member will write a note to the parents of the children involved in the biting incident stating how it happened and what action was taken by staff. The parents will not be given the name of the other child involved due to confidentiality.
Biting occasionally occurs in preschool-aged children. Preschool children better understand their limits. However, they are not always in control of their reactions. Staff and parents will need to work together to develop behavior modification plans.

Prohibited Actions

Children shall not be subjected to any form of corporal punishment, including rough handling, shoving, hair pulling, ear pulling, shaking, kicking, biting, pinching, hitting, or spanking. Children shall not be subjected to any form of emotional abuse, including name calling, ostracism, shaming, making derogatory remarks about the child or his/her family, or using language that threatens, humiliates, or frightens the child.

Toilet habits, or lack of, will not be a cause of punishment of any form.

The withholding of food, clothing, or medical care will not be used as punishment.

No physical restraints or mechanical restraints of any kind will be used on a child.

Managing Behavior

When a child has a physical or emotional outburst, we provide comfort and privacy. This allows the child to regain composure and insures the safety of other children and staff. “Think Space” will be used as necessary to help a child break a pattern of negative or attention-getting behavior. This is not a punishment, but a time of renewal for the child, a place to recover from a state of emotional upset, or to regain emotional balance. The Think Space is a specific place set apart from the normal activities of the Center, especially for thinking about future behavior. This space separates the child from inappropriate behavior in another location and is a place to “finish” or “drain” (express until completed) inappropriate behaviors and/or attitudes without influencing or hurting other people. The child will be encouraged to think about how to respond the next time and how to make better choices in the future. Once the child has finished ‘thinking’ and is ready to cooperate, he/she will be guided to repair damaged relationships and/or physical property as he exits the Think Space.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior is defined as any behavior that poses a physical or emotional threat to another child or staff member. Behaviors such as physical aggression toward other children or staff, inappropriate language, verbal abuse, conflicts arising over the physical property and the rights of others, and any behavior that threatens the safety of the other children and staff is considered unacceptable. Persistent unacceptable behavior will be dealt with in the following manner:

The child’s behavior will be recorded, dated, and initialed by staff member involved.
Staff member shall meet to discuss the unacceptable behavior and to develop a program plan to meet the individual needs of the child in question.
The parents of the child will be called in for a conference to discuss this plan and to enlist their cooperation and input.
If the child’s behavior continues, he/she will be asked to leave the Center.

Readmission may be considered after an agreed upon time period.

Child Abuse and Neglect

The Center staff is mandated by South Dakota law to immediately report suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect to the SD Department of Social Services or law enforcement.

Center staff is screened by the Department of Social Services Central Registry and is required to sign a statement which defines child abuse and neglect and reporting requirements.

Center staff who are placed under investigation for child abuse/neglect will be temporarily suspended until the investigation has been completed. Upon completion of the investigation and if charges are substantiated, the staff will be discharged immediately. If charges are not substantiated, the staff may return to work.

Medications

Absolutely no medications (prescription or non-prescription) will be administered to any child unless written permission and instructions from the past are obtained. Prescription medications will only be given to the child listed on the label and with specific direction of a licensed physician. Medications that are not kept in their original containers with the original label, legible directions for use, expiration date, the child’s name, and physician’s name, will not be administered to the child. The contents in any drug container without a label or with an illegible label will not be permitted at the Center. All medications will be stored in an area inaccessible to children.

Parents must complete a medication form if they want their child to have medication. Staff will document medication administration on this form. Medications left at the Center more than one month will be discarded.

Immunizations

State law requires that only children whose immunizations are current upon admission throughout enrollment are eligible for care. The Center requires that you provide documentation of each immunization prior to the end of each designated dosage period. When your child receives the needed vaccine, please bring the child’s immunization record to the Center so that a copy of it can be made for our files. A child’s immunization level must be kept current at all time. Failure to provide notification of updated immunization before the due date may result in termination of care for your child at the Center.

Minimum Age-Specific Immunization Standards for Children

Age Number of Doses of Vaccine

2 months 1dose DTPor DTaP; 1 dose Polio; 1 dose Hib

4 months 2 doses DTP or DTap; 2 doses Polio; 2 doses Hib

6 months 3 doses DTP or DTap; 3 doses Polio; 3 doses Hib

12 to 15 months 4 doses DTP or DTap; 4 doses Polio; 4 doses Hib; 1 dose MMR

4 to 6 years 5 doses DTP or DTap; 4 doses Polio; 4 doses Hib; 2 doses MMR

A child is exempt from meeting the minimum age-specific immunization levels if the child’s parent or guardian has written certification from a licensed physician stating that the physical condition of the child is such that a test or immunization would endanger the child’s life or health or if the child’s parent or guardian has signed a written statement that the child is an adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to such tests and immunizations. Written documentation of either of these exemptions must be submitted to and kept on file at the Center. Children are eligible for the following immunizations for a nominal fee or at no cost from you local primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or Community Health. For help locating a provider, call the SD Department of Health Immunization Program at 1-800-592-1861.

Health Exclusions

South Dakota Department of Health requires us to report contagious diseases. Children that exhibit any of the following conditions will not be allowed at the Center. All parents and the Department of Health will be notified, as required by law, if any child in the Center contracts a communicable disease.

Fever: Axillary (under arm) or oral temperature: 100 degrees or higher – especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, headache and stiff neck, or undiagnosed rash.

Respiratory Symptoms: Difficult or rapid breathing or severe coughing: child makes high-pitched croupy or whooping sound after he/she coughs, and child is unable to lie comfortably due to continuous cough.

Diarrhea: Two episodes of abnormally loose stools in a two hour period.

Vomiting: Two or more episodes of vomiting in a two hour period.

Eye/Nose Drainage: Thick mucus or pus draining from the eye or nose.

Sore Throat: Sore throat, especially when fever or swollen glands in the neck are present.

Skin Problems: Rash – skin rashes, undiagnosed or contagious. Infected sores; sores with crusty, yellow or green drainage which cannot be covered by clothing or bandages.

Itching: Persistent itching (or scratching) of body or scalp.

Appearance/Behavior: Child looks or acts differently, unusually tired, pale, lacking appetite, confused, irritable, difficult to awaken.

Unusual Color: Eyes or skin; yellow (jaundice). Stool; gray or white. Urine; dark, tea colored.

At the discretion of the primary caregiver, the parents will be called to take the child home if the above symptoms occur. A designated area in the Child Care Center separated from other children will be provided for children who are ill where they can rest and play quietly until a parent arrives.

Guidelines for Readmitting

Chicken Pox: Exclude until all blisters have dried into scaps; about six days after rash onset.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Exclude until drainage stops or after 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

German Measles (Rubella): Children who have not been immunized excluded for 24 days after exposure; other children exclude until seven days after the rash appears.

Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease: Exclude until fever is gone and child is well enough to participate in normal daily activities (sores may still be present).

Hepatitis B: No exclusion necessary unless infected child exhibits biting behavior or has open sores that cannot be covered.

Impetigo: Exclude until sores are healed or can be covered with bandages, or until child has been treated with antibiotics for at least a full 24 hours.

Lice (Pediculosis): Exclude until first treatment has been completed and no live lice are seen.

Measles (Rubeolla, Red Measles, Hard Measles, 9-10 day Measles): Children who have not been immunized excluded for 21 days after exposure; other children excluded four days after onset of rash.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Exclude until 5-7 days after antibiotic treatment begins.

Respiratory Illness: Exclude until child is without fever for 24 hours and is well enough to participate in normal daily activities.

Ringworm: Exclude as long as lesions are present and living spores persist.

Streptococcal Sore Throat, Scarlet Fever: Exclude until at least 24 hours after treatment begins and child is without fever for 24 hours.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for Child Care Center Infants and Children, “Any child with diarrhea should be dismissed until the problem subsides. The definition of the term is presumed to be an increased number of watery stools. If symptoms persist, the child should be seen by a physician for a written OK before returning to the Child Care Center.” After symptoms subside, the child may return using the following guidelines:

Campylobactor: After three consecutive stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.

Clostridium Difficile: After three consecutive stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.

Giardia: 72 hours after symptoms subside and after three consecutive stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.

Rotavirus: After three consecutive stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.

Salmonella: After three consecutive stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.

Shigella: After three consecutive stool specimens, obtained 24 hours apart, are negative.

Other Diarrheal Illness: If symptoms persist, the child should be seen by a physician for a written “OK” before returning to the Child Care Center 24 hours after symptoms have subsided.

Medical Emergency

Children with true medical emergencies will be transported immediately to a hospital or other emergency medical treatment facility. The Child Care Center will follow these procedures when a true emergency arises:

Obtain emergency transportation to a medical facility.
Call the hospital or emergency facility and alert it to the nature of the patient being sent.
Call parents or guardian.

The Center will contact the parents immediately as to their wishes about the source of medical care when an emergency is not life threatening.

Fire or Emergency Evacuation

Licensing requires the Center to conduct at least four fire drills every year. The state fire marshal, a local fire authority, or the Department of Commerce will inspect the Center each year. During fire/evacuation drills the children and staff will evacuate out the nearest exit to the playground area.

Tornado Evacuation

The Child Care Center will hold at least one tornado drill during the Spring and Summer months. During severe storms, or if alerted by civil defense regarding a tornado warning, the children will be gathered at the safest location.

Center Closing

If it becomes necessary to close the Center, the following procedures will be followed: Local radio stations will be used to notify parents the Center is closed or will be closing. Parents or guardians will be called if possible. The Center may close for weather related and other reasons including a funeral at the church.

In the event of an emergency where it is not safe for the children to remain at the Center, contracts have been made with Stoneybrook Assisted Living Center and the Meadow Creek Community to utilize their facilities to safely house the children. The Center has put together Emergency Preparation Bags that will be taken to each site to assist in the care of your children. In the event of an emergency parents will be called, an announcement will be made on local radio stations, and a note will be posted on the south doors of the Center notifying parents where to pick up their children.

Center Changes

Our Center is required by law to report any changes in operation to the Department of Social Services and our families. These changes include (but are not limited to) changes in director, staff location, or remodeling. Our families will also be made aware of any convictions of staff members.

THANK YOU for choosing Peace Lutheran Daycare Center

and for taking the time to learn about the Center and its policies.

These policies are established for the welfare and safety of your children,

the staff’s highest priorities.

[Jesus] said to them,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God

like a little child will never enter it.”

And he took the children in his arms,

put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:14-16

Acknowledgment of Parent Handbook

Peace Lutheran Daycare Center

This parent handbook outlines the policies and procedures for the Peace Lutheran Daycare Center. An understanding of an adherence to the policies and procedures will ensure positive parent/Center relations and ensure that the children’s needs are being met. Therefore, the Center requires that all parents and/or guardians of children enrolled at the Center read, sign, and return to the Center director the statement that follows:

I have read and studied the Peace Lutheran Daycare Center Handbook.
I will read and study any additions to, or revisions of, the parent policies.
I will adhere to the parent policies explained in this handbook.
I realize that lack of adherence to these policies may result in termination of the child care arrangement.

I understand that the policies in this handbook and communicated to me in any fashion are subjected to interpretation, review, and change by the Early Childhood Center Board.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________ Date ________________