PARENT
HANDBOOK
Purpose
and Philosophy
Statement
We believe that children have the right to a nurturing, safe environment where they can feel comfortable and
secure. We believe that children have a right to develop to their maximum abilities and that teachers have the responsibility
to provide opportunities for this development to occur.
We recognize that each child is
a individual and that each child must be allowed to develop at his or her own pace. We accept and respect differences between
children including developmental, physical, racial and ethnic difference’s. Every child regardless of sex, race, religion
or ethnic origin must have the same opportunities and advantages as every other child.
We
believe each child has the right to a positive self image--to feel good about who they are. We hope that in treating each
child with love and respect that they in turn will learn to treat others with the same love and respect.
Finally, children learn best through active participation with their environment and that the teacher’s
job is to provide a variety of opportunities and experiences to promote growth in all areas. We will strive to thoughtfully
plan activities that meet the needs of every child which follow early childhood developmental principals.
Educational Goals
I. Personal and Social
Skills
1. Provide opportunities for children to grow as individuals and experience feelings
of self-worth.
2. Promote a healthy self concept by encouraging the development of trust
and security.
3. Encourage the development of independence and self help skills.
4. Encourage the development of social skills such as cooperation and respect for others.
5. Encourage the interaction of children with other children and adults in small and large group settings.
II. Language
1. Encourage children to develop the verbal skills necessary
to communicate feelings, thoughts, and needs.
2. Expose children to an accepting environment
rich in language opportunities including the development of listening skills.
III. Physical Growth
1. To provide a safe, secure environment in which
children can explore the space around them and learn to use their bodies with control.
2.
Develop an awareness in children of the importance of taking care of one’s body by exposure to sound nutritional practices
and physical fitness goals.
3. Provide the children with a variety of opportunities to
practice fine and gross motor skills according to each child’s developmental needs and abilities.
IV. Active Learning
1. Offer children a variety of activities that aid
in their intellectual and cognitive growth.
2. Allow children to actively explore the attributes
and functions of materials with all their senses.
3. Encourage the discovery of relations
through direct experiences.
4. Provide opportunities for predicting problems and devising
ways to solve them.
5. Encourage the development of creativity and imagination.
Policies and Information Listed by Topic Alphabetically
Discovery Island provides a high quality early education and care program. We are open between the
hours of 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM Monday through Friday. The center is licensed to accept children between the ages of 18 month
and 6 years old.
Arrival and Departure
We ask that you sign your child in and out each day. Sign-in sheets are located near the front entrance. This
allows us to keep a record of your child’s attendance and assist our cook in food preparation. Your child will be released
only to parents and persons for whom the center has written authorization. This authorization must be left in child’s
file and will be posted near the door of your child’s classroom. If an unrecognizable person is picking up your child,
a drivers license will be required and notification to the teacher is recommended.
If
your child has difficulty during the drop off time please keep these tips in mind:
Make
your goodbye short and not drawn out. It doesn’t have to be a quick kiss on the forehead and then a mad dash to the
car, but don’t linger around stalling your leave. Give your child a kiss and a hug and let them know you will be back.
Remember that usually minutes after you leave, the tantrums stop. The “show” is for you, once you are gone, the
“performance” will end.
Behavior Management
At Discovery Island Learning Center we recognize that positive discipline teaches and encourages the healthy
development of a child's self-esteem. Discovery Island does not allow corporal or physical punishment by our staff.
Instead, our teachers employ positive discipline techniques which include prasing and calling attention to appropriate behavior.
We also incorporate social emotional learning in our daily curriculum. By using visual aids, stories, games and songs,
we teach children to identify and understand their feelings. Our students learn calming techniques and problem solving
skills. With these lessons, children learn how to better communicate and handle frustrating, angry or fearful situations.
The
method of behavior management used as a last resort is called "Time Out". This method offers a child a few
moments (not exceeding one minute per age) to think about his or her actions before joining group activities. "Time
Out", is never used until the child had turned 2 years of age. A child younger than two will be redirected to another
activity or place in the room. Teacher/Parent communication is vital in maintaining good child behavior. If more
serious events occur an Accident/Incident Report will be filled out and placed in the child's folder. A parent
signature is required on this form.
IF negative hehavior persist, we will use the following guidelines:
The student will be given wornings
in the classroom. We will make sure each child on each age level understands the clear and simple instructions
given. We will implement any other ideas parents may give us to help our in certain situations.
***Office visit will be the next
step. A child may visit the office and speak to a director if the following occurs:
Positive reinforment and redirecting techniques
is not making making an affect on the child's behavior
Student behavior has or may result in self/others being harmed
Student is jeopardiizing the welfare of the other children
Student has received more than 3 time
outs in the classroom
If
a student has made two(2) office visits within one day, a parent will be notified. The third visit will result in the
child being suspended for the rest of the day. We will keep a behavior log sheet in each child's master file.
If a child continually visit's the office, a conference with the director, parents and teacher will be held.
After the conference, parents are
given a time limit of 2 weeks for their child to show signs of improvement. After the completed time limit, any more
behavior problems will result in suspension or dismissal.
All new students are on a four week probation period to adjust to our center. If, for
any reason within the time period, the child has several discipline issues, dismissal will take place.
Discovery Island reserves the right
to dismiss a child immediately if the welfare of the children, staff, facility or program are in jeopardy as a result of child
or parent behavior. A positive classroom atmosphere will not be jeopardized by one student.
Birthdays
Parents are encouraged to allow their child to share his/her birthday with the class. Please give the teacher
a few days notice. Feel free to bring cake, ice cream, party hats and goodie bags for the class. The teacher will let you
know how many will be here when you come. NO PRESENTS PLEASE.
Biting
Biting is a common occurrence
in programs that serve children under three years of age. Since biting is a common concern to parents of toddlers,
Discovery Island Learning Center has placed a separate behavior policy in our handbood to address the issue.
The safety of the children at the center is our primary concern. Our policy addresses the actions the staff will take
if a biting incident occurs.
Toddlers bite other toddlers for many different reasons. A child might be teething,
or loverly tired and frustrated. He or she might be experimenting or trying to get the attention of the teachers or
other classmates. Toddlers have poor verbal skills and are impulsive without a lot of self-control. Sometimes
biting occurs for no apparent reason. We encourage children to "use their words" if they become angry or frustrated.
The staff members will maintain a close and constant supervision of the children at all times.
THE FOLLOWING STEPS WILL BE TAKEN
IF A BITING INCIDENT OCCURS:
*The biting will be interrupted with a firm, "No... We don't bite our friends". The staff
will stay calm and not overreact.
*The biten child will be comforted
*The teacher will remove the biter form the situation
*The victim will be assessed and cleansed with soap
and water. If the bite has broken the skin a parent will be called immediately with additional medical instructions
*The parents of both children will
be notified of the biting incident by an incedent report filled out by the witness of the bite. Parents are required
to sign it at pick-up time
*All
details of the incident will be kept confidential
Discovery Island works closely with parents of a child who bites repeatedly. If a child
bites 3 times a parent conference will be called. We want to be sure the child is being dealt with in a consisten way.
Parents will be asked for ideas on how to handle the situation and may be asked to come observe the class in order to address
their child immediatley after an incident occurs. If a child bites 2 more times and is proposing a threat or danger
to the other children or staff, the child will be suspended for a week. Parents will not be charged for the week of
suspension. If the child bites 1 more time after returning from suspension, he/she will be dismissed.
Cold Weather When the temperature reaches 40 degrees we will not go outside to play.
We may only stay outside for a few minutes if the teacher deems it too cold at 40-45 degrees. Children without coats will
not be allowed outside if the temperature is below 50 degrees. It is mandatory all coats be zipped or buttoned if possible.
During icy or snowy weather, you may always assume Discovery
Island will be OPEN. Closings will be posted on local TV and Radio Stations. We may open late and
close early on snow days.
Custody Order
Certified custody orders must be provided to the Director during the enrollment process. Any changes in custody
orders must be provided to the center immediately. We will release children only to parents as shown on the enrollment form
and to specifically designated surrogates as indicated on the form. However, the enrollment form must be consistent with any
custody orders regarding the enrolled child. Discovery Island cannot deny a parent pick up rights unless there is a court
order on file prohibiting the child from going with the parent.
Daily Report Sheets
A daily report sheet will be sent home to inform
the parent of their child’s day. The report includes how the child ate, slept and behaved during the day. We
encourage parents to read them daily. Diapers
Parents must supply their
children’s diapers. There should be at least eight labeled diapers in their cubbies at all time. Please pay close attention
to the daily report sheet for notification to bring more diapers.
Emergency
Procedures
Parents will be contacted immediately in the event of an emergency.
Please keep the front office updated of changes to your business and home phone numbers so you can be easily located. If other
listed contact people cannot be reached, we will call the physician specified by you on the data sheet. In the case of serious
emergency, St. Bernard’s Hospital will be used.
Fees
and Finances
Registration: Children 18 months to 2 ½ may
only be registered on a fulltime basis. Children older than 2 ½ may be registered on a full or part time bases. An
annual supply fee or registration fee equal to one weeks tuition is due prior to your child beginning at Discovery Island
and can be used to hold a child’s spot for two weeks. This fee will be due each year on the enrollment date. It is used
to purchase curriculum, crayons, paper, and other items your child uses though out the year. The registration fee
is not refundable.
Notice of Withdrawal: Two weeks written notice is
required to withdrawal. IF proper notice is not given the parents will be charged for the two weeks beyond the child’s
last day of attendance.
If a child does not show up at all in a two week period and
does not call or make contact with Discovery Island, they will forfeit the spot and it will be replaced by a child on the
waiting list.
The center reserves the right to dismiss a child immediately
if the welfare of the children, staff, facility or program are in jeopardy as a result of child or parent behavior.
A positive classroom atmosphere will not be jeopardized by on student.
Billing
Information: All fees are due on Friday for the following weeks care. The center must assume your child’s presence in
regards to staff, food and supplies. Therefore parents will be billed regardless of the child’s attendance. A $15.00
late fee will be added to the account if the balance is not paid in full by Tuesday at 5:30 PM. If the balance is not paid
by Friday the child will not be permitted to attend school the following Monday. There will be a $20.00 Charge on all returned
checks. Tuition rates are reviewed annually and normally increase each February.
Late
Pick Up Policy: At 5:40 PM there will be a $10.00 late fee charge. Then $1.00 Per Minute after 5:40 PM.
Tuition Rates: Call for Current Rates.
18 month to 2 1/2 years old
Full Time Only
2 ½ to 3 years
MWF
T/Th
Part Time
Available to children 2 ½ and older only
3 to 6 years old
Full Time
MWF
T/Th
Additional
Siblings Discount -$10.00
Food
The center shall plan, prepare, and serve a well-balanced hot meal offering a variety of foods. Menus shall
be posted near the front entrances. Meals will include 1/3 of the minimum daily nutritional requirements from each of the
basic food groups. Milk will be provided to each child at morning snack and lunch. A full-service kitchen operates on the
premises and provides morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. Meals are included in the tuition prices. Please inform your
child’s teacher and the Director if your child has any food allergies. Your child should be fed a balanced breakfast
before arriving at Discovery Island. Do not bring breakfast, sodas, gum or candy to school. If a child arrives between 6:30
AM and 7:00 AM he or she will be offered cereal and milk.
Holidays
Discovery Island Learning
Center will be closed on the following holidays:
New Years
Memorial
Day
Labor Day
Independence Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday After Thanksgiving
Christmas
Eve
Christmas Day
** Refunds of tuition are not made
for center holidays.
Head Lice Policy
Discovery Island understands that head lice is a common occurrence with some children. We recommend that immediate
attention be given to the child by shampooing the hair with RID (a medicated shampoo). Contact your doctor if the treatment
is unsuccessful.
If we discovery lice or eggs in a child’s hair, the child will
be isolated from the other children until a parent can pick up the child. Anything that child has contacted will be cleaned
and sterilized. The child will not be allowed to return to the center until there are no visible eggs in the hair.
Health Information
In order to maintain a healthy environment, we ask that you not bring your child to school if he/she is showing
signs of illness. If your child becomes ill during center hours, he/she will be isolated from other children, you will be
contacted immediately and required to pick up the child. Failure to do so is considered child maltreatment by the Arkansas
Department of Human Services.
Your child will not be admitted and/or you will be contacted
if your child shows any of the following symptoms:
* Temperature of over 100 degrees
* Discharge from Eyes or Ears
* Vomiting/Diarrhea within last 24 hrs.
*Any rash or skin lesions that blister
* Excessive signs of a cold, tiredness,
sore throat, runny nose, sneezing or coughing.
Illness Rate: Three times a
year, if your child is absent for an entire week, you may pay half the normal tuition rate provided you bring a doctors excuse.
Please remember that if your child attends any portion of the week, the full week’s tuition is due. A week is defined
as five consecutive days, Monday through Friday.
Insurance
Although Discovery Island has an extensive safety awareness program along with frequent inspections and regular
maintenance of the building, playground and equipment, accidents will happen. Most accidents occur as a result of children
being children: playing, running testing their abilities and interactive skills. When such accidents occur and require medical
attention, you should contact your health insurance provider for reimbursement of medical cost. Discovery Island has a supplemental
Student Accident Claim Program to reimburse any out of pocket expenses that are not covered or reimbursed by your medical,
dental or accident insurance.
Maintenance
In order to maintain a safe environment, Discovery Island does regular maintenance inspections on the center.
The walls will be painted on a semi-annual basis. The floors are mopped daily and buffed weekly. Classroom tables, chairs
and toys are cleaned with disinfectant daily. A full time cleaning person is on staff to clean bathrooms at nap time and at
the end of the day.
Medication
State law requires a prescription for all medicines that are to be administered
in a school facility. Over the counter products such as Tylenol, aspirin, cough syrup may be administered only with a signed
medicine consent form. These forms are located at the sign in table. All prescription medication must be in the original container
bearing the name of the medicine, date filled, pharmacy label and number, physician name, child’s name and directions
for dosage. In addition, medication will only be dispensed upon your written order.
Outdoor Play
Children should be dressed in sturdy, comfortable
clothing suitable for play. Please mark all clothing with your child’s name. Each child needs an extra set of clothing
at all times. Children spend time outdoors each day (weather permitting) and should have appropriate outdoor wear; hats, scarves,
snow pants, boots, gloves, coats and mittens for winter and comfortable shoes, sunscreen and light clothing for summer. Because
the playground has pea grovel, we suggest you not send your child in sandals.
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is encouraged.
Your child will benefit most from our program if parents and staff communicate regularly in both formal meetings and informal
conversation. By working together we can design a program that will respond to the individual needs of your child. You are
welcome to observe and participate in your child’s classroom whenever you wish. We encourage you to feel a part of the
center by getting involved in the program.
Probationary Period
Your child will be given no more than 4 weeks to adjust to our center. At any time during this 4 week period
the center reserves the right to remove the child without prejudice and refund the registration fee. This would be the only
instance that the registration fee would be refunded. At anytime after the probationary period the center reserves the right
to terminate this contract immediately if we deem the welfare of the children, staff, facility, or program are in jeopardy
as a result of child or parent behavior.
Rest
Period
Your child’s day at Discovery Island is planned to provide
many exciting, active learning experiences. A rest period is scheduled each day to balance the active times. State regulations
require that a designated 2 hour rest period be established for preschoolers. Discovery Island encourages your child to rest
quietly during that time. Cots/Mats and sheets will be provided by the center. The child must bring a small pillow and blanket
which will be sent home on Fridays for laundry. Children may bring a special blanket or cuddly from home for nap time only.
Religious Instruction
Discovery Island’s learning programs reflect cultural and religious holidays during the year. We teach
loving, caring and responsibility to and for others. Because our customers come from varied backgrounds, we believe it is
inappropriate to teach religious doctrine in the center. Neither prayer nor mealtime grace is required of the children in
our center.
Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
It is our intent to build a partnership with parents to help them provide the most suitable environment possible
for their children. It is important for parents to be aware that state law requires that any and all incidents of suspected
child abuse or neglect be reported to the appropriate agencies.
School
Pictures
Each year your child will have one or more opportunities to have
school pictures made. Annual class pictures will be taken in the Spring. Purchase of any photographs is optional.
Solicitation Policy
There will be no solicitation and/or distribution of literature, or products in the center.
Staff
The administrative staff at
Discovery Island is comprised of Two Directors and an Two Assistant Directors. There will be Director on campus at all times.
Each classroom has a supervising teacher who is responsible for the overall daily management of the program
and is in the classroom at least seven hours per day. Part time staff in the late afternoon assist in carrying out the entire
classroom program. Staff qualifications and child/teacher ratios always meet and often exceed the state requirements. All
staff undergo criminal background checks including FBI, State Police, and Human Services.
Toilet Training
If your child is in the process of toilet
training, two or three pairs of underwear and pants will need to be left in his/her cubby. The center’s approach toward
toilet training is one of positive reinforcement and encouragement. Children are not pushed or shamed into using the toilet.
Parent co-operation is vital to potty training. Discovery Island will not start potty training if the child is not
being worked with at home. It can be very confusing for a child to only have to use the potty when at school and
not at home.
Children must be three years old and completely potty trained before being
promoted to building #3.
Toys and Belongings form Home
We discourage bringing toys from home. Sharing personal toys is difficult for young children. Also, we cannot
be responsible if a toy is lost or broken. The center will provide enough toys for all children in each age group.
Vacation
Children are allowed one
week of vacation per year at no charge. A week is defined as five consecutive days, Monday through Friday.
*** Discovery Island reserves the right to change existing policies
of this handbook or introduce new policies anytime.
