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Parent HandbookHello, I'm Chris VanBuskirk, the program director and owner. I would like to welcome you to Cozy Corner. I look forward to working alongside our parents to ensure that each child receives the best care and teaching. I consider our future and everyone who has a roll in caring for children has the greatest responsibility and joy in the world. Cozy Corner child care center is determined to bring the very best child care to the Kimball area. Our philosophy is "We seek to develop responsible, caring children who are eager to learn and share throughout their lifetime and provide them a safe environment to learn and grow in." The staff will have the latest training to address children's social, cognitive, and physical development to their fullest abilities. Our center is bright, clean and cheerful along with the latest is educational equipment. Below is our on-line Parent Handbook, we invite you to simply click on the subject you would like to view.
Here at Cozy Corner's we want your child to receive that individual care you would give, so we keep our numbers low. Our infant room (children 2 weeks old through age 18 month) will have 1 caregiver for every 4 children. Our toddler room (children 18 months through 36 months) will have 1 caregiver to 4 children. Our pre-school age will have 1 caregiver for every 7-10 children. Remember these numbers are our maximum limit, most of the time we are lower. The center will not have more children then our licensing allows for at the center at one time. The program director at Cozy Corner's is Chris VanBuskirk. She has worked in early childhood education since 1993 and has 5 years experience with Community Mental Health. Her degree is in mental health with an early childhood education background. Chris will have her CDA soon. She is actively involved in the community and her church. Chris is committed to bringing the best in nurturing, education and fun to the children in this area. Chris is also known in several of the schools in the area. Cozy Corner is licensed by the state of Michigan and, complies with all state regulations. We are currently working on our accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our center is inspected regularly by state fire and health inspectors to ensure a safe environment. At Cozy Corner we accept applications for enrollment and employment without regard to race, religion, sex or national origin. We encourage our classrooms to have diversity and do not discriminate for any reason.
Teaching We believe that the first five years of childhood are the most important in development and learning. So we developed a program that will encourage children to learn in this important time. We also have a "Whole Child Development philosophy that features a full day of developmentally appropriate and fun activities where children will develop socially, cognitively, emotionally, and physically. Example: when we learn about an apple they touch it, smell it, cut it open, taste it, talk and sing about it. Children are learning by doing, its both fun and educational. We will be learning by themes that will change approximately every week. The activities that are chosen are open ended, which means they grow with the level of the individual child. This is great for all our children including the latch key program. The infants and toddler room will have age appropriate activities also. Our main room will be set up as learning centers, like reading, science, language, math dramatic play sensory centers and many others. Children will have free time to choose an activity along with structured activities through out the day.
Rest Policy Here at our center we play and learn a lot and after hours of fun activities your child needs rest. We have a quiet and refreshing rest time scheduled each day. This will allow children to recharge for our afternoon activities. We provide a cot for each child and a blanket. But it is OK if your child would like to bring a favorite blanket or sleep toy from home, we just ask that you label items with child's name and take them home once a week to wash them. If children don't bring a blanket then our blankets will be assigned to a child and washed each week. Also cots will be sanitized each day. Infants will have a crib, assigned to them, with necessary blankets and sheets, these will also be washed each week. Children that attend school all day will not be required to have a rest-time. Infants will set their own sleep schedule as to the amount of sleep they require. All other rooms will have a set sleep schedule. It may be helpful if parents follow this schedule at home also to help the children learn to trust their environment.
Field Trips Sometimes we will go on field trips to help us learn, such as fire station, zoo, library and local parks. Cozy Corners will always ask for your permission in writing before hand. Occasionally there may be a small cost for these field trips. We will take extra precautions to ensure the safety of all children, such as name tags on each child, extra staff or volunteers, repeated head count, and keeping all children with in eye sight at all times. Parents will be notified of any field trip plans we may make.
Volunteer Policy At times we will have parent volunteers to help out at Cozy Corner or while we are on field trips. For the safety of out children we have a policy for all persons that will be with our children, either at the center or another location. At no time will volunteers be alone with the children. Each volunteer will always be accompanied by a staff member. Our staff has been trained to work with the children and have been cleared by the Family Independence Agency. Volunteers are waived of this clearance only by agreeing with our policy to remain with staff at all times.
Play Ground Policy Cozy Corners feels the play ground is an extension of the classroom. Everyday the children will have the opportunity to play out side unless weather does not permit it. Such weather examples would he extreme cold temperatures (20 degrees or lower), rain. The playground will offer many choices for play and growth for all age children. If parents want children to have sun screen or sun block the center will need written permission on a "Prescription Medication Authorization form". If you feel your child is too sick to go outside they should remain home until they are well.
Homework Helper For children that are school age we will have a quiet place for then to do their homework. Staff will help with question the children may have. This is not to take the place of parents being involved in their child's school work but it may free up parents too spend quality time with children. Children that attend the center full time will not have homework, although occasionally we may send home optional activities just for fun that coincided with what we are learning.
Diapering and Toilet Learning Diaper Changing
Toilet Learning
Discipline Learning self-control is just a normal part of growing up, so Cozy Corner's policy is never to embarrass or ridicule a child when they misbehaves. We will never deny a child meals, rest, or necessary restroom use as a form of discipline. Nor do we allow the use of corporal or physical punishment. Instead, we use positive techniques that strengthen the self-esteem of children. Most situations can be handled by redirecting the child to another, more appropriate activity. This approach is called "positive redirection. On certain occasions, we use a procedure called "time-out. It gives children time to think about their actions before coming back to the activity or group. Its a positive form of discipline that teaches the right behavior while allowing the child to make the decision to improve their behavior. "Time-out periods may last no longer than one minute for each year of the child's age. For example, a 3-year-old child's maximum time-out would be three minutes. Parents will be kept informed if we are having any discipline problem. There is also a sticker chart - I sticker each day the child is good, 5 stickers and children get a treasure, But if a child gets 3 time outs then no sticker. If you have any questions about our discipline policies, please consult your Center Director.
Hitting or Biting Policy
The following will be the plan of action taken if we are having trouble with a child hitting or biting another child.
5. If the problem continues after we have exhausted all avenues to end the negative behavior and the program director feels the risk to other children is too great the child may be asked to discontinue enrollment. Parents will be scheduled for a meeting to discuss discontinuing enrollment.
Partners with Parents As part of our promise to provide the kind of care and education you want for your child, we feel you should be involved every step of the way. That is why we encourage you to visit anytime and join us for fun field trips or special family events at our center. We will send home a daily activity sheet to fill you in on your child's day. This sheet will include such things as: theme that day, activities, and any special notes about your child. On these notes we will let you know of any important facts about your child. Infants will have a special sheet for their special needs such as: bottle times & amounts, solids, sleep patterns, bowel movements and developmental milestones. We hope this will help keep you informed of your child's day, also we will verbally communicate with parents. We ask that parents keep us informed as to their child's needs or concerns so we can meet those needs appropriately. There will also be a clip board where children are signed in, any notices will be posted here. Also there is a space for memos for parents if they need to speak with a teacher for some reason.
Birthdays We would love to celebrate your child's birthday with them. We welcome any treat you would like to send in. But we ask that you provide enough treats for every child in our class.
Clothing A full day at our center will include things like singing, painting, eating, and playing indoors and outside. Your child should wear comfortable, washable clothing along with shoes to the center. Flip flops make it difficult to develop new skills like skipping and running. To prevent lost lost items we ask that you label all items that may be remove, this includes hats with your child's name. During cold months we ask that each child have the appropriate clothing for the weather like: coats, hats, mittens and, boots so everyone will be warm. If a child has a accident in their clothing and needs to borrow something from the center parents are asked to wash it and return it on the next day your child attends. If items are not returned, then the parents will be charged a replacement fee of $10.00 per item on their next statement. Infants and toddlers will need a change of clothing, diapers, wipes, and pacifiers if used. All children toilet learning should bring extra clothing.
Toys & Special Things At Cozy Corners we have a lot to do each day so we ask that your child keep their toys or special personal items at home for fear of loss or breakage. However there are times when children are asked to bring in special things like "Show and Tell" or other sharing times. We ask that you label items with child's name. If your child happens to lose an item please call the director and we will be happy to look it. However we cannot be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
Prayer Poem We provide care for children from families with various backgrounds and beliefs. For that reason, we do not teach religious doctrine at our center, but we have designed our learning programs to teach love, caring, and respect for others no matter what their religious affiliation. Children will have the option of saying a prayer poem before lunch time meal but, parents can choose for their child not to participate in this activity. We leave this up to the individual.
Referrals We truly love playing a role in your child's learning and development. We consider it a privilege, and we would love for you to refer others to our center. Please ask your Program Director about getting a free week of child care under our Parent Referral Policy. Referrals must be informed at time of enrollment and attend Cozy Corner for three months.
Meals & Snacks We will provide Children with two nutritious snacks a day, a mid morning snack and a afternoon snack. We provide fun foods that children like to eat. And on occasion children even have the fun of cooking and preparing the food their selves as a group activity. If children have any allergies to foods we ask that the center be notified of this on the enrollment form. Lunch time is a time for refueling, we ask that parents provide children with healthy nutritious lunches for their children. Make sure the lunch is proportioned right for a child's size. If children do not eat something from their lunch it will be sent home so parents will know how their child is eating. Children will be encouraged to eat their healthy foods before sweets. Children may bring a juice drink in their lunch, but the center will provide milk or juice to those that want it. Infants and toddlers will need prepared bottles labeled with the child's name and date. If the child's not on regular table foods then parents should provide baby food for their child also with name and date on it. If they are on table food then parents should provide child's lunch but the center will provide the snacks. Forgotten Lunches- No child will go hungry at Cozy Corner. If a child forgets their lunch the center will provide one for them. It will be nutritious and cost $3.00 per lunch per child. This is a service we provide for occasional use and by no means should be used on a regular basis. Parents we are sorry to say that our refrigerator is small and we don't have the room to store lunches. Lunches should be stored on shelves in kitchen area.
Feeding Procedures The following policies shall be observed by both parents and staff at all times while a child is in our care. Staff will wash their hands before feeding any child, or preparing any food.
• Parents will provide formula each
day for children that are formula fed. Formula shall be prepared at the child's
home and placed in an assembled bottle prior to being brought to the center,
Medication Cozy Corners knows there will be times when a child may need medication while at the center. To insure we administer medicine in a safe and healthy manner, we will only administer dated, labeled, prescribed medications (or physician-prescribed, pharmacy-labeled "over the counter medications).
Medical Records In the interest of your child's health and that of all children at the center, you must submit your child's current medical and immunization records prior to enrollment. These records will need to be updated in accordance with state law, every year. Health appraisal forms (yellow) will need to be filled in, along with an updated copy of immunization records every time your child received a new shot. If not kept current your child will not be allowed to attend.
Hand Washing We want to help teach your child valuable personal skills. That is why we require hand washing before eating, after bathroom visits, and any other appropriate time. Staff and visitors will also abide by this policy.
Sick Children If your child is ill the center ask that you not bring your child to keep from spreading the illness to other children. For example excessive coughing, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive green or yellow discharge from eyes or nose, or contagious rash. When you do keep your child home please call the director. If your child become ill while at Cozy Corner we will contact you and you may need to pick them up. In the event of any serious accident or illness an ambulance may be called, if needed. To ensure your child's safety we keep a file of names and phone numbers of the people you authorize to pick up your child. Please keep these phone numbers up to date as we need to be able to reach if your child becomes ill or hurt. We also ask you to supply the name and phone number of your doctor. From time to time we will send home information about children's health. We will also keep you informed of any instance of disease affecting children at the center. Although we will never use a child's name or tell why a child is absent from our program. If a child is absent because of a contagious disease they will need a note from a physician indicating that the child is no longer contagious and is able to participate in the program. Head Lice- If a child is discovered to have head lice they will be isolated from the rest of the group and parents will be called to pick up their child immediately. Children will only be allowed to re-enter our program after the program director gives the O.K., a child will have to be completely nit and lice free.
Vaccination Schedule We recommend that parents follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for vaccinating young children. We at Cozy Corner and The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly support the recommended program and urge you to follow their guidelines. We also follow state regulations regarding immunizations and recommend consulting your family doctor concerning medical matters. The guidelines set by the CDC are as follows: Birth: Hepatitis B 2 Months: Hepatitis B; Polio; Diphtheria; Tetanus; Pertussis (DPT); Haemophilus B(Hib) 4 Months: Hepatitis B; Polio, DTP; Rib 6 Months: Hepatitis B; Polio; DTP, Rib 12-15 Months: DTP; Rib; Measles; Mumps; Rubella (MMR) 4-6 Years: Polio; DTP; MMR 11-12 Years: Diphtheria, Tetanus
Signing A Child In-Out We want to keep your child safe at all times. So we require you to sign your child in each morning when you bring them in, there will be a sign in sheet near the door. We will release your child only to parents or legal guardians or to person over the age of eighteen who are named by you on the Enrollment form. When you come to pick up your child in the afternoon or evening, we ask you to sign out on our sheet. Adults other than parents will be ask to show proper ID. If parents are separated and there is a court order preventing one parent from picking up that child, Cozy Corners will need a copy of that court order on file. Other wise we have no choice but to release that child to their parent, We legally have no right to deny a parent their child without a court order. Also Cozy Corner wishes to remain neutral in all custody matters and the center may not serve as a visitation sight.
Late Pick-up If you are later than closing time(6:30PM) we do charge a late fee, of $15.00 for every fifteen minutes. If you are more than 30 minutes late and we can't reach your emergency contact, the program director will call Child Protective Services. If you know you are running a little late please call us, Your child knows when its getting late and will worry if your not there. Parents are expected on time, if tardiness becomes a problem you may be asked to discontinue enrollment.
Injuries Here at Cozy Corner we do all we can to ensure this is a safe child care center. That includes staff training in safety awareness, trained in first aid and CPR, frequent inspection of the building and playground, as well as regular maintenance inspection by professional trained technicians. But since kids will be kids, accidents may happen. When they do occur and we feel medical attention is needed, we will call you or your emergency contact. We feel it is life threatening we well call 911 and an ambulance first, then you. An injury requiring medical attention will have an incident form filled out. If your child has a minor injury ( small cut, scratch, bruises) and we don't feel it needs medical attention, then we will write it down in our boo boo book and let you know when you come to pick your child up. After reading it, if you have any question please talk to the teacher in charge, also please sign the book so we know you were told about the accident.
Fire & Tornado Drill When it comes to a fire drill or tornado drill, we are as prepared as possible. We have regular drills and practices so your child can react in a safe and orderly manner. If an actual emergency occurs requiring evacuation of our center, we will notify you immediately.
Winter Weather Closing In case we have to close because of severe weather conditions, it. will be announced on the local radio station, WPHM-AM (1380), WBTH-FM (96.9), WHLS-AM (1450), WSAQ-FM (107). In the event of bad weather please call the center to see if we are open. We will do all we can to be open for your convenience.
Emergency Tornado Plan In the event of a tornado warning these are the plans that will be carried out. 1 Each staff person will gather their group of children. 2 The children will be instructed to line up against the North-East wall on their knees and cover their heads with arms. 3. Staff will keep children calm. 4. Program Director or head care giver will grab the emergency backpack 5. The pack will contain the following items:
6. Children will remain there until any danger has passed and staff gives the all clear. 7. This plan will be practiced regularly to insure that the staff is well trained for tornado drills. Fire Emergency-in the event of fire the following plan will be carried out. 1. The alarm from the smoke detector sounds or the alarm from a staff member sounds to alert everyone there is a fire emergency. 2. Staff will act quickly and calmly, gather the children. 3. Each staff doing a head count to make sure they have everyone in their group. 4. Staff and children will exit the building in an orderly fashion. 5. Everyone will go directly to the play ground, where a roll call will be taken to make sure everyone is there. 6. The program director will grab the emergency backpack and do a clean sweep of the building checking for any children. 7. After outside the fire dept. will be called, no one will go back into the building unless given the O.K. by the fire inspector. 8. This plan will be practiced regularly to ensure that the staff is well versed in the plan.
Transportation Cozy Corner child care center offers transportation for students that attend school either half day or full day. Please check with the program director to see which schools this service is offered for. Our van will be checked regularly for safety by the state. Staff members allowed to transport students will have a good driving record and have a chauffeurs endorsement on their state license. Our vans will also be used for field trips along with parent volunteers vehicles. The charge is $ 2.00 per trip per child for transportation. If your child is absent from school please call us. If our driver goes to the school and your child is not there, we will charge you the $2.00 for the trip made. If a child is not going to need transportation please let the staff know by completing a transportation change request form located by the sign in sheet. If we have not been given notice ahead of time and we go to pick up your child, there will be a $2.00 charge regardless of if your child is not there. We worry when we are supposed to pick them up and they are not there.
Registration At the time you register your child for enrollment there is a registration fee to cover annual administrative costs. The charge is due each May and August. At the time you register you will receive 8 coupons to use for any absences from the center at no charge. These may be used for sick or vacation days, but after the 8th day you will be charges the normal fee for any missed days. These coupons will only be issued once. If they are lost, they cannot be replaced. Services and Fees The hours of operation for Cozy Corner's is Monday through Friday 6.00 am. Through 11:30 pm. The center will be set up as a learning environment encouraging children to explore and develop their creativity in a clean and safe place. We accept children ages 2 weeks through 12 years. We also will offer parents the option of school pick up and/or drop off, for those that attend half day programs or those in need of latch key care. We have four types of care: Infants 0-15 months, Toddlers 15-33 months, Pre-school, and Latch key. Drop in care- If a child needs to come in on a day they are not scheduled to attend, parents must check with staff to see if room is available. If not their child may not attend. * Note one full day consist of 9 hours. Additional hours will be assessed at $5/hour. A half day consist of 5 hours or less * Note A late payment fee of $20 will be added to accounts if tuition is not paid by Monday at 10:00AM. Payment is expected on a weekly basis. *Note Late pick-up fee of $15 for every 15 minutes past closing, starting at 6:31 p.m. If payment is not made by Friday of the current week the child may not attend until payment is made. DHS Payments- Families eligible for DHS. services need to bring in all paperwork on or before the first day of attendance. Cozy Corner will expect full payment of tuition from parents until DHS payments start. The DHS only pays a percentage of what they will cover of child care cost. The remainder of balance due is expected to be paid by parents each week. If no tuition is paid, enrollment will be discontinued. Reenrollment will require paying fall annual registration fee and any past due balance in full. Returned checks will be charged a fee of $30.00 plus the center reserves the right to refuse any future payments by check. First and last week of tuition is due at the start of enrollment along with registration fee.
Vacation, Holidays, Sick Days, Absences To maintain the high level of quality care you expect we must budget for everyday cost related to our dedicated teachers and educational resources. To cover these cost the center will be charging for full tuition everyday except for the following exception;
The following holidays the center will be officially closed. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it may be observed on a Friday or Monday. However you spend these days, we wish your family the best and safest of times. New Years Day Good Friday Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it may be observed on a Friday or Monday. However you spend these days, we wish your family the best and safest of times. When school age children that attend our program don't have school for holidays or closing, the center will charge additional fees for the additional hours.
Withdrawals We'd hate for you to withdraw from Cozy Corner. But if you do make that decision, we require two weeks written notice prior to your leaving. Sometimes children or families may not adjust to the child care center environment. In these cases, we may ask the parents to withdraw their child. If we make this decision, we will give the family involved one week written notice.
* We hope this handbook answers all of your questions about Cozy Corner. If you have any other questions about this handbook or our center in general, please don't hesitate to call your Program Director. * Cozy Corner reserves the light to change existing policies or introduce new policies with two weeks prior notice to customers.
HEALTH CARE SERVICES PLAN For Cozy Corner Child Care Center
The following policies shall be observed by both parents and staff at all times while a child is in our care. Staff will wash their hands before feeding any child, or preparing any food.
• Parents will provide formula each
day for children that are formula fed. Formula shall be prepared at the child's
home and placed in an assembled bottle prior to being brought to the center,
Diaper changing -All diapers shall be of the disposable type. -All diapering shall be done in the designated area only. -In the diapering area all supplies and equipment will be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner. -The hands of the care giver shall be washed before and after each diapering, using soap and water. -Care givers will only use supplies provided by the parents when changing diapers. Patents may give the center permission to use the centers supplies if in the event they are needed. -Diapers are to be changed as soon as it is learned that they are soiled. Children will be checked at regular intervals (no longer than two hours) to determine if a diaper changing is necessary. -Child is to be laid down while being changed. Caregiver is NEVER to turn her back even for a second while child is on the changing table. -Dirty diapers will be stored in a garbage can provided with a disposable liner and lid. Dirty diapers will be disposed of daily. -Diapers and supplies shall be provided by parents. If a parent wants diaper rash ointment used they will need to give written permission with yellow medication release form.
Toilet Learning -Toilet learning shall be planned cooperatively between the child's primary caregiver and the parents so that the toilet routine established is consistent between the center and the child's home. -When toilet learning is started parents should provide two complete changes of clothing and an ample amount of training pants and diapers (or pull-ups). Children in the learning process may still where diapers or pull-ups during rest time. -Children will be taught good hand washing after each attempt at going to the bathroom. -Caregivers will make attempts with children to go to the bathroom each hour while in the learning process. -We have found that training pants (thick underwear) work faster at teaching a child than do pull-ups as they keep children too dry. If parents are worried about the mess we suggest plastic pants. Pull-ups are good for the first week and during sleep time.
All observed changes in a child' s health or any accident will be reported to the parents. Our center will be aware and alert to the following signs of illness in children:
Accident Report If a child has an accident at the center an accident report is filled out, a copy is given to the parent and one is retained at the center for our records. If an accident is serious the parents are notified immediately. The director or primary caregiver is responsible of notifying parents of changes in the child's health or of any accidents. If the child is ill or has an accident the primary caregiver will remain with the isolated child until the parent arrives.
Medications -Staff will receive medications with a written permission slip, one may be obtained from the program director. -Non-prescription medication will be given only with a written permission slip from the parent specifying the child's name, instructions, name and strength of medication. -Prescription medication shall have pharmacy label indicating the physician's name, child's name, instructions, and name and strength of the medication and shall be given in accordance with those instructions. - All medications will be stored out of the reach of the children. It will be refrigerated if necessary -All medications will be returned to the parents or destroyed when no longer needed. -The primary caregiver will administer the medication and keep a written record.
Health Resources -Child's Physician -St Clair County Health Dept. -Four C's of St Clair County -Poison Control Center -Port Huron Hospital Emergency Room
Staff Training
Sanitation The center will be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. This will include those surfaces that are known for carrying germs such as table tops, door knobs, cribs, cots, changing table, and the bath room area. Also those toys in the infant and toddler room that get mouthed will be sanitized daily. Floors are swept and mopped daily with disinfectant soap. Changing tables and dishes are sanitized by the 3 step process recommended by the health department. We hope this handbook answers all your questions about Cozy Corner. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to call out program director. * Cozy Corner reserves the right to change policies or introduce new policies with two weeks prior notice to customers.
Cozy Corner has formed a partnership with Head Start, so eligible children will not have to be transported from our center to a Head Start facility. It is always best for children to have as few as transitions as possible. All children will receive the same preschool education. Head start is a program that offers some extra services for children of low income or with risk factors that may put them at a disadvantage developmentally. Head Start is a federally funded program. If you fell you may qualify just ask our director for an application.
ADMISSION POLICY Cozy Corner Child Care Center 4819 Lapeer Ave. Suite E Kimball, Michigan, 48074 (810) 984-844O I agree to pay a registration fee at the time of enrollment and semi-annually by the due date with the understanding that registration fee is nonrefundable. I understand that at enrollment first and last weeks tuition is due. I understand that my child will participate in the education program for which my child is eligible. I agree to give any schedule changes to the center in writing with the schedule change form. Any addition to tuition from the schedule changes will be the responsibility of the parent. I have read and understand the Parent Handbook and agree to follow the policies. As the parent or legal guardian I agree to pay a weekly tuition fee due one week prior to services rendered. Cozy Corner child care requires a 2 week withdrawal notice. Withdrawal without notice is not subject to prepaid tuition refunds and will owe the balance due. The following must be completed for admission acceptance:
Parent Signature________________________________ Date________________ Director Signature_______________________________ Date________________ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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