This handbook will explain our purpose, philosophy, policies and guidelines.
Welcome to Living Stones Child Preschool/Daycare
We offer
your child a warm, loving environment. We wish to teach your child who Jesus is.
Our goal is to prepare them for the environment around their daily life as well
as their school years to come.
We believe
The first few years of your child’s life are the most impressionable years, as
we work together with you, we hope you and your child will have a great
experience with us. And you feel confident of
his/her care during the day.
We look
Forward to sharing with you in his or her growth and development, and join in
partnership with you as together we work to plan appropriate and effective ways
to nurture your child's spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
Parental Responsibilities
To raise their children in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Proverbs 22:6)
To cooperate fully with the school staff by supporting and following the school rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
To be sure that all required student forms are complete and current.
To notify the school of situations in the classroom and/or the home which could have a positive or negative effect on the child and her or his behavior
To diligently reinforce the work and mission of the school in the home.
Teacher Rights
To receive respectful consideration as a child of God.
To have a classroom environment which guarantees an efficient and productive school day.
To impose disciplinary controls within the classroom which are fair and reasonable, and to expect obedience from students.
To be given the tools to provide a quality instructional program.
To expect that the personal rights and freedoms of all will be guaranteed.
Teacher Responsibilities
To accept each student as a unique and valuable child of God.
To set an example of Christian love, patience, kindness, diligence, self-control, gentleness, service, and forgiveness to all.
To conduct a well-planned and effective Christ-centered classroom program.
To implement classroom regulations that facilitate respect and effective learning, and to apply them with love, fairness, and understanding.
To keep parents informed of the academic, social, and spiritual progress of their students, and to request input from them in the most effective methods of guiding and disciplining their children.
Parents ... A Priority
We believe parents have the primary responsibility for their children. We honor
this and do not attempt to replace or undermine the significant role of the parents in a child's
life. "Honor your father and mother" - - which is the first commandment with a promise - - "that
it may go well with you ..." Ephesians 6:2.
We also recognize that in a very busy, stress laden society, parents often need support and
encouragement in the process of "training up a child in the way they should go ..." Prov. 22:6.
STAFF
Our Staff has been called to minister to and teach children. They have had specialized training and are certified through the child care division and cleared through the Oregon State Criminal History Registry..There is on going training in child development, safety and sanitation, CPR and first aid. Documentation of these trainings are available for parents review
Our programs place a priority on communication with parents and encourage parents involvement. We encourage parental involvement at all times and in a variety of ways. If you would like to accompany your child in the class or volunteer in your child's classroom on an occasional basis, Let the director know. Parents are encouraged to drop in and visit the Center at anytime with or with out prior notice. Our director and teachers are available as needed for conferences or if support is desired for a particular parenting concern. Our director has an open door stop by at any time. If you would like to conference with your child's teacher or the director, you might find it necessary to schedule an appointment
It is our goal to provide parents with resources and encouragement as we seek to assist you in
the tremendously challenging yet rewarding task of parenting.
DISCIPLINE
Our discipline requirements are in accordance with Oregon State guidelines for child care
centers found in the rules for the certification of child day care centers - rule #414-300-330.
Discipline and "training a child in the way he should go" as stated in Proverbs 22:6 is a
responsibility God has charged to the parents.
Parents have the primary responsibility ordained by God, and as a Christian Child Care Center it is our responsibility to supplement the parents but not to assume full responsibility from the parents. Discipline requires assisting the child in developing an internal focus of control or the desire to make positive choices because the child wants to, instead of because someone else is demanding it. Discipline seeks to build the child's sense of security and self-esteem by consistently enforcing the guidelines. Ideas and opinions can be openly shared in positive ways without fear of negative consequences. The result is a safe place in which children are free to explore, take risks and enjoy the experiences of learning and growing in Christ. Discipline means training that enables the child to develop self-control and good orderly conduct in relationship to others. Discipline will be clear, consistent and understandable to the child. It shall include positive guidance, redirection and the setting of clear limits. These techniques encourage the child's desire to become self-disciplined. Discipline will never include any type of punishment that is hazardous to the physical, emotional or
mental health of the child.
BEHAVIORAL INCIDENTS
Extreme behavior (biting, kicking, hitting, abusing property, profanity, disrespect, etc.) is
not acceptable. A behavioral incident report will be written and parents will be notified
verbally or in writing. If such behavior continues despite discipline and parent
conferences, the child may then be dismissed of care.
DISMISSAL POLICY
With notice, your child can be dismissed for any of the following reasons;
1. Failure to keep payments current.
2. Failure to keep immunizations current.
3. Behavioral incidents as mentioned previously.
If a problem arises in any of these areas, you will be notified and offered an opportunity
for correction. If the correction is not made, your child will be dismissed-
Dress
Please dress your child in comfortable, casual, and washable clothing so they will feel free to express
themselves in all of our activities without worry of ruining their clothes. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are
required for climbing and running safely. Flip flops will not be allowed. Protective coverings are
provided by the Center for art activities. However, occasional accidents do happen, for various
reasons, which require a change of clothes. We require that an extra set or several sets depending on age of clothing be kept at the
Center at all times. All extra clothing should be marked with the child's name. If wet or dirty clothes are
sent home, please return a clean set of clothes the next morning.
Children are taken outdoors daily, even during winter months, and should be dressed accordingly.
Please provide your child with a blanket for rest time. At the end of each week we will send the child home
with the blanket for washing.
Diapers Please provide your childs diapers and wipes. You can leave a supply at the school with your childs name on them and we will
let you know when more are needed
Weather Policy
When weather threatens to close local schools or have 2 hour late start . We will make every effort to keep
the preschool open, but we may need to either close school or do a late 2 hour start. Owner to call or text each family by 6.45 am
Restroom Policy
The preschool will maintain privacy for children when they are in the restroom. If child asks for assistance
with toiletries teachers will assist but our main goal is for them to do it themselves. We also will assist with potty training .
Emergency Plan
At the time of enrollment, parents/guardian will provide the center with a phone number where they can be reached in person, in the event of an emergency (illness, injury, natural disaster - i.e. earthquake, flood, etc.).If evacuation of the center is necessary, the center director and/or designated staff will take a list of parent/guardian phone numbers with them and contact the parents by cell phone. .In any emergency event, staff will reassure and comfort the children during the emergency procedures and encourage children to pray about the situation
Each disaster will be evaluated to make the best choice possible to keep children and staff safe. These are written plans we have in place ,but may need to be adjusted at any time. The authorities will be called for each disaster if necessary.
Evacuation FIRE Plan.
We will all exit building with our emergency clipboards and sign in clip boards with all the families numbers. Director or acting director will grab also our emergency bag The emergency bag is located outside in the cabinet right outside the kitchen door . We will all meet at the lawn at the Medford neighborhood church directly across from our playground. IF we need a place to stay in a building Medford Neighborhood church personal will let us in, either by us calling them or they are already on site . The center director and/or designated staff will take a list of parent/guardian phone numbers with them and contact the parents by cell phone.
Flood Plan School building flood only
We will all exit building with our emergency clipboards and sign in clip boards with all the families numbers. Director or acting director will grab also our emergency bag The emergency bag is located outside in the cabinet right outside the kitchen door . We will all meet at the lawn at the Medford neighborhood church directly across from our playground. IF we need a place to stay in a building Medford Neighborhood church personal will let us in, either by us calling them or they are already on site . The center director and/or designated staff will take a list of parent/guardian phone numbers with them and contact the parents by cell phone.
Flood plan disaster same as above but the church building has 2 staircases if we need to get to higher ground.
Earthquake Plan
We will all take shelter under sturdy items, we will shelter children . When the earthquake is over Director or acting director will asses the outside area and move children to our meeting place, if outside area is not safe we will go into lock down in the school and follow through with authorities. The center director /acting director will call parents, if cell phone lines are out parent can pickup children in lock down in the school or at our meeting place grass area outside, or in the Medford neighborhood church. Location pick up is determined by the amount of damage to the school or the church.
Lock-down
In the event of Terrorist, disorder person outside, alarming event outside school.
children and staff will stay in their rooms lock doors, close shades and remain quiet. From there, 911 will be called.
When it is safe to do so, parents will be notified.
Child's injury , First Aid will be administered at the preschool. If the injury is such that a medical professional will need to look at the injury, all attempts will be made to contact the parent or guardian of a child prior to obtaining medical attention. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached or the injury is such that it requires immediate attention, 911 will be called the child may be taken to a facility where he/she can get medical attention
In the event of an ill or minor injured staff member or child, child and staff will moved to another room and the director or substitute director will attend to the ill or injured person,.The procedure is the same for acute illness. In the event of an illness of a non-emergency nature, the child will be made comfortable and separated from the other children (under sight and sound supervision of center staff) and parents/guardian will be notified to pick up their child.
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Emergency Drills Fire drills are practiced on a monthly basis. In addition, the preschool also practices other types of emergency
drills (earthquake, lock down .). Records of these drills are maintained for parents to review.
Mandated Reporter
Our
Staff being Child Care Provider’s in the State of Oregon, We are a mandated reporter for child abuse. This means
if we suspect or know of an abusive situation, We are mandated (required ) by law to call the Child Welfare Office of the Department of Human
Services.
Our
plan as good child care providers of children is to discuss your child's daily activities and include you in as
much of your child’s day as possible. However, as a mandated reporter I am not required to notify you first. We have had training in the signs of abuse and neglect and would be willing to share this information with you; We will not make a call unless I feel it is truly necessary.
We do not anticipate having to make a call but we want you to know, and be aware of our commitment and plan
to provide a safe place for your child and other children.
ARRIVAL& DEPARTURE POLICY.
Parents are to bring the child into the preschool and remain with child until the child is accepted by a staff member. Parents must sign their child in and out at the sign in table If you have someone else drop off or pick up your child, please let them know of this responsibility. Only persons authorized by you will be able to drop off or pick up your child from the preschool. It is your responsibility to identify these people on your registration form or in advance in writing. These people will be asked to show picture ID prior to our releasing your child into their care .
PARKING/ENTRANCE.
Please make sure to park your car in the parking lot.
HEALTH
Please, for the health of your child and of others, do not send your child to school if they are ill. Every child should be inspected at home each morning before they associate with other children in the school. The director or teacher has the authority to refuse your child if she sees signs of illness. According to state regulations health dept, your child should be kept home or will be sent home if he or she shows any of the following symptoms:
1. Fever at 100 degrees
2. A rash of unknown reason
3. Diarrhea after the 3rd diarrhea ( that is not from teething, medications)
4. Vomiting or nausea
5. Severe cough that is so consistent its making the child uncomfortable or gagging
6. Colored nasal discharge
7. Any discharge from ears.
8. Any discharge or redness of the eye or eyes
A child who becomes ill after arriving at the center will be placed into an isolation area as far away from children as they can be, and the parents will be called. If you are notified that your child is ill, please make every effort to pick up your child within 1 hour. We do not have the facilities or the personnel to care for sick children. A child with any of these symptoms should not return to the center unless they have been on
antibiotics or symptom free for at least 24 hours.
Any child that has had head lice must be nit-free before returning to the center. If your child has contracted a contagious disease, they should be kept home and it should be reported to the center immediately!
If your child has any medication that we need to administer, you must bring it in its original form and container. All medication must be given directly to the teacher to be put in our lock box. We have a form that needs to be filled out and signed giving permission and dosages. This includes over the counter medications such as Neosporin, lip balm and sunscreen (the state considers sunscreen a medication). Please do not put any medicine or cough drops in your child's cubby or backpack. We do not supply any medications.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Immunizations must be kept up to date and a current Certificate of Immunization Status must be kept in each child's file who is under kindergarten age. The state checks these records regularly when your child receives any immunizations, we need to know so we can update the our forms. It not kept current the state will not let your child come to school with out an exception .
Scheduling enrollment
Your child must be enrolled 2 days a week and at least 5 hours a day. You will be able to give director your days requested when you enroll. The director will send out a email on the 20th of each month asking if there are any changes in the schedule for the upcoming month. Those changes must get back to director by the 25th of each month so invoices can be emailed out.
Financial Arrangements/ Child Scheduled
Our financial policy is one of pre-payment. A monthly billing statement will be e-mailed/ the 25th of each month. Your payment is due the 1st of each month, if payment not received by the 5th of the month there will be a $10.00 late fee. Your monthly charge is based upon your
requested days and times for the school year. If your child misses a scheduled day you will still be charged for that day.
State law requires us to provide a proper supervisory ratio of personnel and children, therefore it is essential that you leave and pick up your child at your reservation times. Please ask before bringing your child earlier or staying later than your requested times. We close at 6pm there will be a late
charge of $1.00 per minute after 6pm If your child is here more than the days and hours agreed upon, the extra charges will be added to your payment with in 45 days. Understand that your child will be dismissed if your account is not kept current.
Understand that your child enrollment is holding a spot, please try call in the night before or by 8am that day to let program director know your child is not attending, If there is not a call 1/2 hour after child is scheduled to come, Director will call or text to make sure the family is okay for under 2 years,if 1 hour late we will consider the child absent and the director will adjust the staffing ratio.
Understand that you will not be charged for a requested vacation time if it is turned in by Email request by the 24th of the prior month.
Payments are due at the time due or
If you are not DHS pay and have a plan with the director to make 2 payments in the month one is due the 1st and one is due no later than the 18th.
If payment is not made on time you child will not be allowed to return to school until balance is paid.
DHS families
Parents co-pay is due the 1st of the month. Special arrangements may be made with director to pay by the 18th no later The parent is responsible for any amount of tuition that DHS does not pay for.
Your monthly charged is based upon your requested days and times for the school year. If your child misses a scheduled day you will still be charged for that day. DHS allows 5 sick days a month or 5 days of less hours than you had requested.