Plantation Child Care & Development Center
"Where Quality Care Builds a Unique Child"
3707 Plantation Grove Blvd. Suite 1
Mission, Texas 78572
(956) 580-7444
|
|
Parent Policies Introduction Welcome to Early Beginnings Child Care and Development Center, “Where quality care builds a unique child”. Choosing child care is a very important decision, and we thank you for choosing our child care center for your child. Our mission at Early Beginnings Child Care and Development Center is to provide families in the community a quality child care program that facilitates a unique learning experience for their children. It is our goal to provide early learning experiences that are unique to each child’s developmental stage. The staff at Early Beginnings Child Care and Development Center are carefully chosen based on their experience in child care and love for children. Each staff is highly trained in early childhood development and is dedicated to providing unique learning experiences for your child. Each caregiver receives at least 15 hours of training a year in child development, first aid and CPR. Each child will have a primary caregiver that will attend to all their needs, for example, diaper changing, feeding, and classroom instruction. We feel that this is an important element in providing security for your child while you are at work. We are dedicated to making each child’s time at Early Beginnings Child Care and Development Center a successful one, therefore we ask you to review our policies and procedures. It is very important that each family understands the policies and procedures and follows them. Please be aware that these policies are non-negotiable and are legally binding. The center reserves the right to change the following policies at any time. In the event of a change to the following policies, all parents will be notified prior to the change in writing. Enrollment Each parent must come to the center to complete a registration packet. All forms must be filled out for each child and returned before beginning childcare. Once your child is enrolled, if you have a change to your contact or emergency information please notify the director immediately. The registration forms will be updated every October or as changes occur. We accept Child Care Services (CCS) children. The center follows the enrollment procedures set by CCS for enrollment. We will not accept your child until CCS calls to authorize your child. For CCS parents, the enrollment fee is blended into their co-pay. CCS children can reserve a slot at the center for one week while waiting for CCS to authorize enrollment. At the time of enrollment, a non- refundable registration fee of $100 is paid for a family of 1. For a family of two or more children a non-refundable registration fee of $150 will apply. No spots will be reserved without a registration fee being paid. Parents and children may request a tour of the facility and a meeting with the caregiver. We ask that you make an appointment so that we can provide you with our full attention. No tours will be given during nap times from 12 noon until 3pm. During the tour and meeting, our staff will be able to answer all your questions at this time and make note of any special needs your child may have. We understand that each child will have an adjustment period; therefore, we would like to assist your child. If you feel that you would like for your child to attend on a trial basis, arrangements can be made with the director. The center reserves the right to refuse child care to any family and to ask a family to withdrawal due to any inappropriate circumstances. Curriculum Our center uses the High Reach Learning Curriculum. We chose this curriculum because of its approach to learning. Each program is based on the philosophy that children learn best through hands-on activities that address the needs of the whole child. The curriculum comes with materials that address all aspects of development: social, emotional, cognitive, and physical. There is a mix of teacher-facilitated and child-initiated activities. Each classroom has a curriculum appropriate for their age group. To find out more information on High Reach Learning, visit their web site at: www.highreach.com Homework We understand that your child’s education is very important to you. Our caregivers will allow children to do their homework in our after school program, however, we will not force a child to sit down to do their homework. Our caregivers are not properly trained to act as tutors but will offer assistance as much as possible. The center is not liable for your child’s success in their school work. Supply Fee An annual $60 supply fee will be required for each child. This fee can be paid in full at the time of enrollment or paid monthly for the amount of $5.00. For CCS parents, this fee is blended into their co-pay. Payments We understand that all families have different pay periods; therefore we will work out a payment agreement for your family. All parents must sign a payment agreement that states the amount due and when they will be making the payments. Payments can be made weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Payments must be received before children are in care. All payments are due by Friday for the following week of child care. If payment is not received by Tuesday afternoon, a $10.00 fee will be applied to your account. If payment is not received by the following Thursday, the center reserves the right to terminate your childcare unless arrangements are made with the director. The center reserves the right to terminate child care services due to insufficient funds. Payment will be accepted in the following methods: 1. Credit Cards 2. Personal Checks made out to: Early Beginnings Child Care and Development Center, LLC. with a valid drivers license number on the check. 3. Cash Post-dated checks will not be accepted for childcare. All checks must be dated for the day services are being paid. Returned checks will be assessed fees payable in cash or money order for: 1. The full amount of the check 2. A $25.00 service fee my bank charges and 3. Any additional fees incurred by me as a result of your check not clearing.
Tuition will be charged for the full week whether the child comes for one day or all five. Payment will be required for all holidays the center is closed. If you take a vacation, the full amount of tuition will be due. If vacation is taken and your tuition is not paid, your child’s slot may no longer be available. In case of an emergency or weather related incident, the center will notify parents immediately of a closure. Payment is still expected under these circumstances. CCS Clients For CCS clients, a payment agreement will be signed that states when payment will be made. The center understands that parent co-payments can change from time to time, therefore the amount due will be based on their CCS form. Payments are due by Friday. If the center does not receive a payment by Tuesday afternoon, the center will call CCS to report the late co-payment. The center will follow all procedures set by CCS regarding reporting late co-payments and termination. Co-payments will be expected unless your caseworker calls to notify us of an adjustment in the case of a holiday closure, vacation or sick day. All rates are subject to change at any time with a two week written notice. Failure to comply with a rate change after the two week notice is subject to termination of child care services. Hours/Days of Operation/ Holiday’s Early Beginnings Child Care and Development Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am-6:00pm. We are open year round and observe the following holidays: Closed Early Release 1:00pm New Year’s Day Christmas Eve Good Friday New Year’s Eve Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving & Friday, Christmas Day & Day After A week notice of the holiday will be posted. The center reserves the right to make amendments and additions to any holiday with a 2 week written notice. In case of an emergency or weather related incident, the center will notify parents immediately of an early release or closure. Emergency Relocation Plan In the event of an emergency and evacuation of the center, we will follow the following steps: 1. The building will be evacuated according to the fire evacuation routes. 2. All children and staff will be transported to T-Mobile located at 3711 San Gabriel Rd. 3. The director will call all parents/guardians to notify them and request that they come to pick up their child immediately. Tax Information At the end of the year, you may request a report of the amount of child care paid to the center. Nap Time Each class will have a designated rest period according to state law. We ask that you do not drop off or pick up your child off between the hours of 12 noon – 3pm so there are no disturbances. If you need to do so, please call the director to make arrangements. Late Pick Up All children are required to be picked up by closing at 6:00pm. If you will not be able to pick your child up by closing, please call the center. A $2.00 per minute per child will be charged. Payment is due at the time of pick up and payment is to be made directly to the caregivers. Transportation The center is considering transportation services for children in elementary school only. We will only offer pick up from the school to the center. We abide by the Texas State laws and require all children to be properly restrained in a seat belt or car seat. If you child requires a car seat, please inform the center and be advised that you may be asked to leave one for your child. We are considering the following pick ups: 1. Ruben Hinojosa School 2. Martinez Elementary Signing in and out Each child will be signed in and out on the computer screen daily using a code. Each parent will designate their security code at the time of registration. Once the child/children have successfully been signed in, /out, the security door will open for entry into the center. In order to protect your children, we ask that you do not give your code out to anyone and only the designated persons will have access to the code. If someone other than the designated persons picks up your child, the director will escort them to your child’s classroom. Release of Children Only designated persons will be allowed to pick up your child/children. In the event that another person needs to pick up your child/children, the parent/guardian must authorize the person in a written note or phone call to the director. We will request a photo ID of the person picking up the child. If we do not have a note/ phone call authorizing the person to pick up the child, we will not release the child. If your family is going through a custody situation, please inform the director of your situation so we can assure the safety of your child. If you have any special concerns regarding the release of your child please speak to the director so we can make note of it. Attendance Parents should notify the center if their child will not be in attendance. If a child is not in attendance for three (3) consecutive days without parent notification, the child’s slot may no longer be available. CCS clients The center will follow the attendance policies with CCS. We will notify CCS of an absence of three consecutive days without parent notification. We will terminate care according to CCS authorization. Withdrawal Parents are responsible for providing a two-week notice if they decide to terminate. Failure to provide such notice will result in being charged the full rate for two weeks, plus any back childcare owed. Failure to pay these fees within 10 calendar days will result in being sent to small claims court. CCS clients We will follow CCS policies regarding termination. If you have a balance at the center, we will report it to CCS. Illness A child will not be allowed to attend the center if they have one or more of the following conditions: 1. The illness prevents the child from being comfortable and participating in activities. 2. The illness requires a greater need for care than the caregivers can provide without compromising the health, safety and supervision of other children. 3. Oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater, rectal temperature of 101.4 degrees or greater, armpit temperature of 99.4 degrees or greater, accompanied by other symptoms of illness 4. Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea, two or more vomiting episodes within 24 hours, mouth sores with drooling or other signs of illness.
If a child presents symptoms of illness in the care of the center, the parent will be notified immediately to pick the child up. A sick bed will be available for children that are waiting for their caregiver to arrive. Please be advised that this is only an isolation area and it is not intended for the child to stay there for the remainder of the day. The child may not return until all symptoms are clear and a Doctors excuse may be required. Medication A medication form must be filled out with the director and signed by the parent/guardian before any medication will be administered. All medication will be stored in the director’s office and for refrigerator items in the cooking center in the art room. The director will administer all medication. Medication can only be given if it is in the original container, labeled with the child’s name. We will not give any medication that is not age appropriate for the child, for example, cold medicines, Tylenol, cough syrups unless there is a prescription from a doctor on the container stating otherwise. The center does not provide Tylenol or other over the counter medications. Please don’t send any medications in your child’s diaper bag or back pack. Our caregivers are very busy attending to the children and do not have time to check your child’s bag. This is for the safety of all children. If you would like to leave over the counter medication at the center for teething or fevers, you may do so if it is labeled with your child’s name and left in the director’s office. Please be advised that we will only administer this medication if you follow the above procedures. If we feel that your child may need Tylenol or other medication, we will call to inform you. Medical Emergencies If your child becomes critically ill or injured at the center, and requires immediate medial attention of a physician, the following steps will be taken:
It is very important that you inform the center of all changes to emergency contact information. Accidents In case of an accident, an accident form will be filled out, signed, and filed into child’s history folder. You will receive a copy of the report when you pick up your child. Depending on the accident, the parent may be notified of the incident immediately by the center director. Schedules The rate for full time tuition includes from the hours of 6:30am-6:00pm. Part time care is up to 6 hours of care. At the time of registration, you will need to identify the hours of care your child will be attending the center. We ask that you follow your schedule in order to properly staff the center. If you need to make an adjustment to your schedule you must meet with the center director and amend your schedule form. Once you have received approval from the director for your new schedule, your child may attend during those hours. Failure to comply with this procedure may result in a late fee charge or termination. Clothing and Supplies Each classroom will provide you with a list of clothing and supplies you will be required to bring for your child. Please bring at least 2 sets of extra clothes for your child. If your child is potty training you may want to pack up to 5. All children’s belongings must be labeled with their name written on it somewhere. The center does not provide insect spray or sun block. The center is not liable if your child gets sunburn or a bug bite. The caregivers will apply the lotions on your child before outdoor play only if a letter is sent from the parent/guardian. The center is not responsible for lost items. Please do not allow your children to bring toys from home. If a child should bring a toy, it will be held in the office until the parent comes to pick the child up. Please send your children in appropriate clothing for the weather. When in doubt, please pack an extra set. There will be an emergency clothing container; however, this is only for emergencies and not to be used on a regular basis. The center will provide cribs, crib sheets and sleeping mats for each child, however we ask you to bring sleeping items such as a small pillow & blanket for your child to use for naptime. Parent/Guardian Notification Parent/ Guardians will be notified of all activities and changes to center policies in writing. Parents will be notified through letters, notices posted on the parent’s bulletin board in each classroom as well as on the web site. In the library, we have a parenting resource center with information and materials on child care related topics. All center notifications can also be found here. Discipline Procedures In case of disciplinary measures, the center will use re-direct the child to another activity first. The Time-out method will also be used. Time out is removing the child from the situation and placing him/her by him/herself for a period of one minute for age of the child. If a child has reoccurring misbehaviors, a meeting will be scheduled with the child’s primary teacher, director and parents/guardians. The teacher will write an incident report for all misbehaviors and the report will be filed for documentation. Together the three of us can determine a course of action to rectify the problem. If the problem still persists after three attempts to rectify it, the center reserves the right to withdrawal the child from the center. Biting If a child has 3 consecutive biting incidents, a meeting will be scheduled with the child’s primary teacher, director and parents. The center will work with the child to identify the reason for the biting and work out a strategy to help the situation. After working with the child, if the child bites three more consecutive times another meeting will be scheduled to discuss possible termination or suspension of the child. CCS Clients The center will notify a CCS representative in the case of a discipline problem and follow the procedures set by CCS. Meals and Snacks Parents will be required to bring all infant formula, juices, snacks, and baby foods. After your baby turns 12 months old, they will be provided center meals. The following meals will be served: 1. Breakfast 2. Morning snack 3. Lunch 4. Afternoon snack * Please see child’s schedule for meal times. Meals and Snacks are carefully planned out based on the nutritional guidelines set by the Department of Agriculture. A monthly menu will be posted in each classroom on the parent bulletin board. If your child has any special diet concerns, please inform the child’s teacher. A doctor’s excuse may be required to accommodate your child’s need. If your child meals can’t be accommodated by our center, you will be asked to bring in your child’s meal in a container ready to be warmed in the microwave and served. If your child will be arriving late we ask that you please call in the morning and let the director know that your child will be here for lunch. Immunization Requirements Each child is required to have a current immunization record on file according to the immunization requirements specified by the Texas Department of Health. At every doctors visit where your child receives a shot you will need to bring a copy of the immunization record updated. If your child is past due on their shots you will have one week to comply. Failure to comply may result in termination of child care services. Tuberculin requirements Once your child turns one year of age a TB test will be required. Hearing and vision screening All children 4 years of age or older are required to have a professional examination for possible vision and hearing problems. A child in first, third, fifth or seventh grade must complete a screening examination within the school year. Field Trips On occasion the center will take a classroom on a field trip. Prior authorization and notice will be provided to every parent/guardian. A signed field trip form must be completed before the child attends. If your child requires a safety seat, you will be asked to bring one. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend with their child. Questions or Concerns At Early Beginnings Child Care and Development Center, we value our families. You may schedule a meeting with the center director or your child’s teacher if you have a concern regarding your child. A parent suggestion box will be located in the front lobby. Please provide any comments, questions or concerns you may have. Only the director will have access to the box and all comments will be kept confidential. You may also email the director on any concerns or questions you may have at jlindsey@EBChildCare.com. Open Door Policy Parents/ Guardians are welcome to visit their child at any time of day. Only authorized persons on your child’s admission form will be allowed to visit your child. If a relative or friend of the family would like to visit your child, you will be asked to inform the director ahead of time for the security of the children. An ID may be requested if this is the person’s first time at the center. If you have any special concerns regarding who may visit your child, please inform the center director immediately. Please keep in mind that a friendly visit might disturb your child’s day and they might be upset to see you leave again. Parent Involvement We encourage parent participation in our center. Parents will be invited to holiday celebrations, for example, Halloween parties, holiday parties. Throughout the year, the center will hold parent meetings and conferences to update you on policy changes. In each open play area, we have a family center where you can visit with your child for a snack, lunch or just hang out at the end of the day. Every two weeks, the center will showcase a family. The family will be asked to bring pictures and special things related to their culture. Mother’s Room We have a special Mother’s Room for those parents need a private area with their child aside from the classroom. This is a great place to nurse your baby or just spend a few minutes in private. Internet Camera Surveillance Each classroom and playground will be recorded on an observation camera. Each parent/guardian will need to sign a release form giving the center authorization to video record their child. This software will be available on a secure internet site. Each parent that would like this service will be required to pay a monthly fee of $10 per family. The director will issue you a user name and password. Be advised that you will be limited to viewing only your child’s classroom and viewing will only be available during operating hours. Failure to pay this monthly fee will deactivate your access to the software. Child Abuse and Neglect If you suspect child abuse or neglect you can contact the hotline at 1-800-252-5400. Child Care Licensing Every parent/guardian will have access to the centers licensing inspections located in the front lobby. The reports can also be viewed at the child care licensing web site http://www.tdprs.state.tx.us If you have a compliant or concern that needs to be addressed with a licensing representative, you can contact them at (956) 316-8743. There office is located at 300 E. Canton; Edinburg, Texas 78539. Child Care Services Program We have a contract with the State Agency Child Care Services. For those parents that participate in the program, we have policies and procedures that we must follow in order to stay in compliance with them. We can not accept your child under this program until CCS calls to authorize your enrollment. You may attend the center before if you pay our rate. Once you are authorized with CCS, we expect you to follow all our center policies and procedures. By signing this form you agree to the policies and procedures stated above. Failure to abide by the policies mentioned will result in termination of child care services. This policy agreement is subject to change with two weeks written notice.
Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date
Managing Director’s Signature Date
|
|
|
