Inez Martin Development Center - Parent Handbook 2023

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Thank you for entrusting the Inez Martin Child Development Center with your child’s care. Our goal is to encourage your child to be actively involved in the learning process, to experience a variety of developmentally appropriate activities and materials, and to pursue their own interests in the context of life in the community and the world.

This handbook has been designed to offer you a written description of the Center’s philosophy, operating procedures, and plans for meeting children’s nutritional needs. You are encouraged to read this handbook and feel free to discuss with us any questions or concerns you may have.

On behalf of the Inez Martin Child Development Center staff, I would like to say, “Welcome” to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Christine Patterson

Inez Martin CDC Director

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Important Comment:

This Parent Handbook offers guidelines for the Inez Martin Child Development Center. Based upon state law, best practices and changing circumstances, the guidelines in this handbook can change. We will post such changes on our Parent Information Boards our program and on the Wesley House website: www.wesleyhouse.org.

Unless otherwise noted, each parent/guardian is responsible for reading and abiding by all standards and guidelines stated in this Parent Handbook.

CELL PHONE USAGE IS PROHIBITED IN THE BUILDINGPLEASE TURN YOUR PHONE OFF PRIOR TO ENTERING.

To Protect All Children: Child Abuse and Neglect:

 State of Florida mandates that staff of this child care program, including other parents of enrolled children report all cases of suspected child abuse to the Florida Abuse Hotline.

 State of Florida Child Care Rule for licensing child care programs requires that the Department of Children & Families has access to your child in the program at any time when investigating suspected abuse or neglect.

 This rule also applies to Wesley House Full Case Management staff having access to your child in the program at any time.

 Contact information: ABUSE HOT LINE- 1-800-96-ABUSE.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Philosophy of the Center Program: Creative Curriculum Approach to Early Childhood:

The Wesley House Centers have implemented the Creative Curriculum approach to early childhood services. For children ages birth to five years of age, this involves learning to trust others outside their families, to gain independence and self-control, and to take initiative and assert themselves in socially acceptable ways. Children learn by doing. In the process of being actively involved children learn:

 Concrete Thinking

 Learning from the Environment

 Development of Language

 Learning to Think in Terms of Numbers, Classes and Relationships

 Developing Language and Thinking Skills

The Wesley House posted daily schedule and daily lesson plans reflect this “creative curriculum” approach. Please feel free to ask the Director or teacher for a copy of the weekly lesson plan. Our program curriculum is available quarterly on our website: www.wesleyhouse.org.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Hours and Days of Operation:

 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. closing at 4:30 p.m., except on designated days.

 Holidays are scheduled and posted in advance on our Parent Information board and also on the WHFS website- www.wesleyhouse.org.

 Refer to the Parent Information Board or the WHFS website- www.wesleyhouse.org for any changes/ updates.

Emergency Center Closing:

 In the event of a serious storm or emergency that necessitates the closing of the Center, an announcement will be made by local radio stations stating **INEZ MARTIN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER will be closed today or is closing early due to bad weather, or other emergency situations.

 Radio Stations will provide information as to re-opening of programs.

 Call the school- (305) 809-5055 for a recorded message regarding closure/reopening.

 Information may also be posted on the Wesley House website- www.wesleyhouse.org if possible

 Listen to your radio before leaving your home to bring your child to the program.

 The Director or designee will send an email with any closure announcements. These are the only forms of communication regarding emergency center closings.

Holidays:

 Fiscal Year for program begins on July 1st.

 Holidays & Professional days are selected prior to this date for the upcoming year.

 These are the only days the program is closed outside of inclement weather.

 Closing is posted 2 weeks in advance.

 Families are required to pay for holiday closures but not charged for Professional Days.

Drop-Off Policy:

 Children are dropped off between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

 Parents call the Center any morning when their child will be late due to medical appointments or emergencies.

 If a child arrives after 9:00 a.m. without prior notification to the Center, the child may not be able to stay.

 Late arrivals (past 9:15am) must have already had breakfast.

 Parents, guardians and adults (must be over the age of 18) to be able to drop-off/pick-up children at the Center.

 If age or identity is in question, photo identification such as a driver’s license will be required.

 Parent/Guardian are required to electronically Sign In/Sign out in the morning and at the end of the day.

 Children may not walk in unattended

 No child is released to a taxi or accepted from a taxi without a parent/guardian present

Inez Martin Child Development Center

 Parent/Guardian who drop-off/pick-up persons must enter the Center or playground and escort the child to his/her teacher

 Please do not allow your child to bring toys, food, bottles, or pacifiers to the classrooms

 The program assumes no responsibility for lost or misplaced toys brought from home.

 If your child has any unusual injuries and/or medical conditions, you must advise the Site Director prior to signing your child in.

 The Site Director will assess the situation and determine if your child may be signed into the program.

Pick-Up Policy:

 Parents/guardians must make certain that the Site Director has a complete/accurate list with the names and telephone numbers (including cell phone number) of those designated to drop-off/pick-up your children

 Only those persons designated by parents/guardians, in writing, can take your child from the Center.

 Persons on the drop-off/pick-up list must be prepared to present photo identification (driver’s license) to take your child from the Center.

 Children will not be released to a parent/guardian on a motorcycle or scooter unless there is a helmet supplied for the child by the parent/guardian.

 Children will not be released to a parent/guardian with a vehicle unless there is appropriate child restraint equipment available.

 Children are not released to anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.

 No person under 18 years of age may drop off or pick-up a child.

 Updates to the pick-up/emergency list for parents as needed. It is important to make sure there are adequate persons available in the event of any emergency.

 No child may be left at the Inez Martin CDC beyond the designated closing time. If your child is at the Center beyond these stated closing times, the following additional childcare fees apply:

• First occurrence - each minute: $1.00 per child

• Second occurrence - each minute: $2.00 per child

• Third occurrence - each minute: $3.00 per child

 All expenses incurred in arranging for late pick-up are charged to the signed applicant, usually the parent/guardian.

 Late fees must be paid the following morning prior to your child being taken to the classroom/playground

 If a family is not charged a late fee for six months, the family will return to the beginning of the stated late fee scale at $1.00 per minute per family.

 If your child leaves for an appointment or has a morning appointment, they must return to the school by 11:30am.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Visitors:

 For your child’s safety, no one may enter the Center without checking in at the office first.

 Parents are welcome visitors in the program at all times (for example, to observe, eat lunch with a child, or volunteer to help in the classroom).

 Parents and other family members are encouraged to be involved in the program in various ways.

 If a parent chooses to visit, such visits must be coordinated with the Site Director to allow the program to function without interruption.

 If your child becomes unusually upset and distraught at the time you leave, you are expected to take your child.

 The program staff takes into consideration working parents and those with little spare time and is appreciative of any assistance that is given to the program.

CENTER FEE PAYMENT PROCESS:

 One time application fee of $60 per child.

 Fee Agreement signed at time of enrollment

 Invoices are given out the first week of the month.

 If you are receiving Early Learning Coalition funding, your bill must be paid in full no later than the 15th of the month.

 Private paying families must pay 50% of the invoice no later than the 15th of the month with the balance due by the 28th of the month.

 If payment is not received by the 15th, your child will not be allowed to attend until paid.

 There will be a $5 per day fee for payments received late. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination from our program.

 If you are receiving assistance from the Early Learning Coalition, understand that your approved funding will be jeopardized if payment is not received timely.

 Payment may be made by cash (no change is given-credit to next month), money order or credit/debit cards only. Program accepts Visa, Master Card and Discover. CHECKS are NOT ACCEPTED.

 NO PAID FEE- NO CARE

 School readiness families are allowed up to 10 absences a month. Any absence in excess of this will result in assessment of full fee for additional absences on the next monthly invoice.

 Tax statements for the past year will be included with the January invoice to ALL families.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Required Child File Documents:

Licensing regulations require us to maintain a current physical and immunization record for each child enrolled. You will be notified within 30 days of the expiration date of your child’s records. You must schedule an appointment prior to expiration and provide program with copy of appointment card.

Physicals and Immunizations

 Immunizations must be recorded on State of Florida form

 Physical must be recorded on “Yellow” State of Florida form.

 Center maintains “originals” until child leaves program.

 Records must be kept up to date at all times.

Other documents

 Birth Certificate

 DCF Enrollment Form

 Food Nutrition Agreement

 Special Occasion/ Food Activity Permission Form

 Parental receipt of Parent Handbook

 Influenza/Flu

 Distracted Parent

 Photo Release

 Developmental Screening Permission Form

 Fee Agreement

 Early Learning Coalition Certificate (if applicable)

Ages & Stages: Child Monitoring Process:

 Newly enrolled students’ families are given the option for screening within 45 days of enrollment. Parent signs off and results are shared upon completion.

 Administered to school readiness children within 45 days of approval from the Early Learning Coalition or at time of redetermination.

 Designed for children to reflect that they are progressing in an age-appropriate manner.

 Parents are encouraged to participate in this process.

 Private-pay children are given participation form in their intake packet

Daily Schedule and Lesson Plans:

 Each room in the Center has a posted Daily Schedule (written & pictorial)

 Each room in the Center has posted Weekly Lesson Plans

 Teachers complete weekly lesson plan based on curriculum and theme

 Site Director or Designee reviews plans on a weekly basis

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Clothing:

 Your child must have 2 sets of clothing at the Center

 All clothing must be marked with your child’s first and last name

 Dress your child in washable and comfortable clothing

 Learning and playing can be ““““dirty”””” business

 Bathroom accidents require two extra sets of clothing be always kept at the Center

 If soiled clothes are sent home, replace them with clean clothes the next morning.

Items for Home and Not for the Center:

 Children should not wear jewelry of any kind to the program

 Flip Flops, Sandals, open-toed shoes can be worn only on “Fun Fridays”

 We are not responsible for jewelry and your child is too young to be held responsible.

 CHILDREN must leave at home all TOYS, JEWELRY, MONEY, BLANKETS & FOOD. They are not permitted to bring them to the program.

Meals and Snacks:

Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack is served daily to every child without additional fees.

 Program Meal Schedule: Breakfast: 8:30- 9am, Lunch from: 11:30-NOON, and Afternoon Snack begins: 2:30pm. Meals are timed according to the ages of the children.

 Special diet by a physician requires a copy of the physician’s order, copy of the diet and a sample meal plan.

 If your child has an allergy to milk or food products, you must provide a doctor’s note for our files.

 Alternate foods can be provided for children of certain religious faiths.

 ALL children enrolled are served milk for breakfast, lunch & snack daily.

 Nutrition Plan Form is maintained in the child’s file at all times. This form has all special instructions regarding eating habits of child enrolled.

Personal Care Supplies:

 Center supplies face tissues, hand soap and diaper wipes.

 If child requires any additional personal products- Doctor’s note to Center is required

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Pull-Ups & Potty Training:

PULL-UP CARE:

 Pull-ups are checked and changed if soiled, at a minimum of four times daily

 Center does not provide Pull-ups

 Center should have ample supply of 20-30 Pull-ups for the week.

 Pull-ups should be marked with child’s initials

 Staff will request additional Pull-ups on the child’s daily note

 Child may not attend the program if inadequate supply of Pull-ups is not on hand.

 Child must be signed into program with clean pants, and pull-ups.

 No child is accepted in the morning with soiled pants.

 No child is sent home with soiled pants.

POTY TRAINING:

 Parent will work “jointly” with classroom teachers through training process

 Program cannot train alone.

 Once child is ready for underwear, Classroom teacher will notify parent to provide

 Child must be potty-trained before moving into the 3 or 4 YR old classrooms in program.

Medical Emergencies:

 Medical Emergency/accident- parent or guardian is contacted

 If unable to reach you, child transported via ambulance to Lower Keys Medical Center

 Emergency contact list must have accurate information at all times.

 Should your child sustain an injury that requires medical attention, be advised that Wesley House has an insurance policy in place to offset the costs.

Health and Illness:

 When your child is ill, he/she should be kept at home

 Site Director could refuse to admit child to program if illness suspected

 If child sent home sick, DR note required for re-admission to program

 AT NO TIME WILL STAFF ADMINISTER BREATHING TREATMENTS TO YOUR CHILD.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Department of Children & Families Child Care Rule prohibits children attending the program if he/she shows any of the following symptoms:

 Severe coughing, causing a child to become red or blue in the face or to make a whooping sound

 Difficult or rapid breathing

 Stiff neck

 Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose stool within 4-hour period)

 Temperature/abnormal (101 or above)

 Pink Eye

 Exposed, open skin lesions

 Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool

 Yellowish skin or eyes

 Any other unusual sign or symptom of illness

Illness in Program:

Children do become ill during the day. If this should happen:

 Child is isolated from other children should they become ill.

 Parent is immediately contacted- pick up expected within 30 minutes

 Depending on the illness a Dr. Note may be required to return to program (**Note must indicate child no longer contagious).

Head Lice:

 Program has a No Nit/No Lice Policy

 Head check is done every Monday and Friday morning

 If child shows signs of lice- parent contacted and pick up immediately required

 Children nap on same cot every day

 Before child may return- proof of treatment is required (empty bottles from treatment)

 Child must be nit/egg free

 Site Director has final say in accepting your child back into program

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Medication Distribution:

 You must fill out Medication Authorization Form, giving the Center permission to dispense prescription medication on a daily basis.

 Department of Children & Family Child Care Rule does not permit the Center to dispense over-thecounter medication of any kind.

 Prescription medication must show child’s name, a prescription number, the name of the doctor, a current date and how many times a day the medication is to be dispensed.

 Parents/guardians may not alter the directions.

 Child must be on antibiotic medication for 24hours before returning to the center.

 It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to pick up the medication at the end of the day and return the medication, if necessary, the next day. NO MEDICATION IS KEPT OVERNIGHT AT THE CHILD CARE PROGRAM.

Health and Safety:

 Smoking is not allowed on Center property, in the childcare center or on the outside play areas.

 Children should wear clothing suitable for messy activities, running and climbing.

 Children should wear tie shoes and socks at all times. Sandals and slip-ons (shoes without backs) are not appropriate for center activities.

 Closed Toed Shoes are preferred for your child in the program.

Absence Due to Illness:

 If your child will be absent from school, please call the program before 9:00 a.m.

 Three days of unreported absence could result in termination from program.

Absence Due to Vacation:

 Inform Site Director of number of days child will be absent

 Fees must be paid in full prior to leaving

 School Readiness families absent in excess of 10 days in a month, must pay private fee for additional days.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Involuntary Termination of Services

You will receive a Notice of Termination of service by the Site Director for any of the following reasons:

 Non-payment of fees and other charges.

 Health records and proof of immunization not current in child’s file.

 Parent does not keep the Center informed of vital, current and correct information including place of employment, salary changes, home address and home or cell phone number, emergency phone numbers and names on the Drop-Off/Pick-Up List.

 Late pick-up violations. See “Drop-Off/Pick-Up” section.

 Excessive and disruptive behavior of your child.

 Excessive and disruptive behavior of the parent/guardian.

 Excessive absence and unreported absences beyond three consecutive days.

Voluntary Termination of Services:

 Child no longer requires services; you must write a letter stating the last day of attendance at the Center two weeks prior to the last day of services.

 Fees will be calculated for only days needed.

 Overpayment of fees will be refunded only if 2 week notice is received.

Child Accidents at the Center and Applicable Insurance:

 Center provides limited coverage for medical expenses for enrolled children injured while participating in or attending any regularly supervised Center activity.

 Coverage applies only to accidents, not illness or sickness

 Child must be seen by a licensed medical or dental practitioner

 Wesley House pays the $50 deductible

 Parent/guardian is responsible for any amount not covered by Wesley House insurance.

 Maximum medical coverage per claim is $3,500 and the maximum dental coverage per claim is $100.

 Parents must supply all hospital, medical and dental bills to the Center within two days of treatment to qualify for insurance coverage.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Children’s Behavior:

The Center uses the following techniques for children’s behavior:

 Re-direction

 Positive reinforcement

 Anticipation and elimination of potential problems

 The time-out method

 Temporary isolation from the group

 Encouragement rather than competition, comparison or criticism

 Children are disciplined in a safe, constructive manner.

 Children are not disciplined in a severe, humiliating or frightening way.

 Discipline is not associated with food, rest or toileting.

 Spanking or any other form of physical punishment is prohibited.

 Parent may be contacted to pick up child should behavior become unmanageable in program.

The Center will use the following guidelines if the child’s behavior is not appropriate for the program or the child’s behavior is dangerous to the child, other children or the staff:

 The parent, teacher and Site Director may meet to develop shared strategies to improve the child’s behavior. The decisions made at this meeting are documented in writing for future reference. Documents will be maintained in child’s file.

 Upon the child’s return to the program, the Site Director can require the parent to stay with the child for the first morning. This will assist the child and the teacher in reorienting the child to the program. This will also give the parent an opportunity to evaluate their child’s behavior and the center program.

 The Site Director can transfer a child from one classroom to another classroom to offer another environment for the child. This transfer must be age and developmentally appropriate.

 The Site Director is responsible for this process and the decisions made in this process for the safety and well-being of all the children and staff.

 Physical fighting and profanity toward a teacher will not be permitted –In the event of an extreme situation, the child may be suspended immediately upon the discretion of the Director. The child will be allowed to return only after the parent has had a conference with the Site Director to discuss/plan a behavior management plan for the child.

Behavior is often an indication of unhappiness and not a reflection on the value or worth of the child.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Expulsion Policy

Unfortunately, there are sometimes reasons we have to expel a child from our program either on a short term or permanent basis. We want you to know that we will do everything possible to work with the family of the child(ren) in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. The following are reasons we may have to expel or suspend a child from this center:

Immediate Causes for Expulsion

 •The child is at risk of causing serious injury to other children or him/herself.

 •Parent threatens physical or intimidating actions towards staff members.

 •Parents exhibits verbal abuse to staff in front of enrolled children.

Parental Actions for Child’s Expulsion

 •Failure to pay/habitual lateness in payments.

 •Failure to complete required forms including the child’s immunization records.

 •Habitual tardiness when picking up your child.

 Verbal abuse to staff.

Child’s Actions for Expulsion

 •Uncontrollable tantrums/angry outbursts.

 •Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or other children.

 •Excessive biting.

Prior to expulsion, a parent will be called, and correspondence will be sent home indicating what the problem is. Depending on the risk to other children’s welfare or safety, behavior does not improve, and the center finds that they can no longer accommodate the child, the parent will be asked to remove him/her. Parents will be referred to the local Early Learning Coalition for referral services to an alternate program.

Inez Martin Child Development Center

Permission for Children’s Photographs:

 Photographs of your child may be taken from time to time and appear in local publicity.

 Your signature on the Media consent form allows photos to be used

 No compensation or notification of publication will be given to you.

 No unauthorized photos of your child will be allowed by WHFS staff

Transition - Your Child’s Move From One Room to Another Room

 Parent informed by Site Director of planned moves for child.

 Parent can discuss concerns with Site Director

 Decision for transition is made mutually between Parent & Site Director

Parent Involved Activities:

 Parents and other family members are encouraged to be involved.

 Parents are encouraged to observe, visit and participate in classroom

 Parents share any special skills thy have

 Parents share careers to coincide with curriculum activities

 Parents can participate on child’s birthday in classroom festivities

 Parents can share cultural heritage with children especially on relevant holidays

Pre-School Graduation:

 Children preparing to attend kindergarten take part

 Ceremony is oriented to age of children and involves appropriate activities

 Ceremony takes place towards end of the school year prior to beginning of summer

Volunteers:

 Parents/guardians are encouraged to volunteer in program

 Parent involvement is vital to quality child development

 Families are encouraged to help with fundraising events to support center

 If you are interested in volunteering, please see Site Director or go to our website: www.wesleyhouse.org.

Field Trips:

 Support may be asked for field trips, a program party or helping with projects

 Field trips & nature walks are considered an important part of our program

 Your child is provided with responsible adult supervision

 Parents are advised in advance of each field trip activity

 Field trip is posted on Parent Bulletin Board

 Written parental permission must be obtained before each field trip

 NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED ON TRIP WITHOUT PARENTAL PERMISSION

RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING YOUR CHILD:

Center Responsibility:

 our respect for you and your family

 meal programs

 a daily record of attendance and lesson plans

 outdoor equipment

 age appropriate, developmentally appropriate materials and experiences

 transportation to/from field trips

 personal care materials

 a school readiness approach

Parent/Guardian Responsibility:

 support and respect for your child and for Center staff

 if your child is not potty trained, 20-30 Pull-ups per week

 two sets of clothing marked with your child’s name

 required physical documentation and immunization records prior to or on the child’s first day at the Center

 current information concerning work and home location and phone numbers, emergency contact names, pick-up persons

 help with field trips and projects

 help with fundraising events

 paid monthly tuition

Inez Martin Child Development Center

IN CHILD’S FILE

PARENT AND CENTER AGREEMENT

I/We have received and reviewed the Inez Martin CDC Parent Handbook and agree to abide by the standards and guidelines of the program in this Handbook.

Child’s Name:

Parent Signature:

Date:

Inez Martin Child Development Center:

Director’s Signature:

Date: This completed form is kept in the child’s file.