Parent Handbook (2019)
STEEPLE KIDS CHRISTIAN CHILDCARE
PARENT HANDBOOK
Langhorne United Methodist Church
301 East Maple Avenue
Langhorne, Pa.19047
Phone (215) 757-498
Fax (215) 757-4556
Table of Contents
I. Overview of Steeple Kids 4
A. Mission Statement
B. Confidentiality
C. Enrollment
D. Licensure
E. Board of Directors
II. General Information 5
A. Hours of Operation
B. Child Care Subsidies
C. Required Documentation
D. School Closings
E. Vacation Bible School Week
F. Parking Lot
G. Arrival Procedures
H. Pick Up Procedures
I. Open Door Policy
J. Notification of Absence
K. Emergency Closing and Incliment Weather Information
III. Health and Safety 7
A. Security
B. Emergencies
C. Emergency Preparedness Plan
D. Dress Code
E. Health Appraisals
F. Illnesses
G. Medications
H. Health Fact Sheet
I. Special Needs
J. Children with Sever Allergies
K. Potty Training
L. Biting
M. Immediate Access
N. Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and/or Neglect
O. Sunny Weather
IV. Inclusion Policy 12
V. Expulsion/Suspension Policy 12
VI. About the Day 13
A. Cubbies/Seasonal Attire
B. Diapers
C. Snack and Lunch
D. Breakfast
E. Rest Time
F. Communication
G. Transition Information
H. Currciculum/Special Activities
I. Ages and Stages 3 Questionare
J. Parent/Teacher Conferences
VII. Tuition and Fees 15
A. Registration and advanced Security Deposit
B. Re-registatration
C. School Year Long Term Leave of Absence
D. Tuition Express
E. Tuition & Late Payment Fees
F. Vacation Policy
G. Discounts
H. Late Pick Up Fees
I. Returned Check Policy
VIII. Other Policies 18
A. Family Code of Conduct
B. Toys From Home
C. Babysitting/Social Media
D. Discipline
E. Withdrawl and Dismissal
IX. Classroom Information and Transition 20
X. Parent Handbook Acknowledgement Form 21
I. OVERVIEW OF STEEPLE KIDS
This Steeple Kids handbook is to be read by the parent(s)/Guardian(S) of all enrolled children attending the program at the time of enrollment and should be used as a resource throughout the year.
A. MISSION STATEMENT
Steeple Kids is an outreach program of Langhorne United Methodist Church, designed to meet the needs of families in our community. We strive to provide a safe, loving, Christian environment that encourages children to learn about themselves and the world around them. Our goal is to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences that foster creativity and problem solving as well as cognitive, social and motor skills. We believe learning is an active process of doing and experiencing and aim to guide our children on the path toward becoming successful and independent adults.
B. CONFIDENTIALITY
The individual dignity of children, families and employees will be respected and protected at all times in accordance with the law and all information concerning them will not be shared without written consent.
C. ENROLLMENT
Enrollment at Steeple Kids is open to children from 8 weeks of age through Kindergarten. Enrollment shall be granted without regard to a child’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, (including limited English proficiency), gender or disability; and without regard to a parent or guardian’s race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, disability and/or military status. Steeple Kids is an EOCP.
*If your child has and IEP or IFSP we ask that we receive a copy so that we can better serve you and your child. This information will remain confidential.
D. LICENSURE
Steeple Kids Childcare, located in the Langhorne United Methodist Church, 301 East Maple Avenue Langhorne, Pennsylvania 19047, is a private, non-profit facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide care for children from 8 weeks of age through 5 years. Our full day Kindergarten is licensed by the State Board of Academic Schools, Department of Education.
E. STEEPLE KIDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Steeple Kids Board of Directors meets the third Tuesday of the month. The Director is the liaison between parents and the Board. Meetings with the Director can be arranged by appointment. Parental concerns may be submitted to the Board in writing, addressed to Steeple Kids Board, c/o Langhorne United Methodist Church.
This handbook may have amendments made to it at anytime by the Board of Directors. Any changes will be given to the parents in the way of an amendment form.
II. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. HOURS OF OPERATION
Steeple Kids is open from Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
B. CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES
Steeple Kids accepts funding through ELRC and DPW. The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) will determine eligibility for childcare subsidy. Parents receiving subsidy must complete all required paperwork on time in order to continue to have their child enrolled at Steeple Kids. Additional information about subsidized childcare is available from the Director.
C. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Parents are required to provide the following documentation for their child’s file at Steeple Kids:
· Registration Form
· Health Appraisal (to be updated yearly) needs to be in by child’s 30th day of school
· (birth thru 2nd birthday child need an appraisal every 6 months)
· Immunization Record (to be updated yearly or as new immunizations are given)
· Emergency Contact (reviewed every 6 months)
· Civil Rights Data Form
· Compliance Form
· Handling and Preventing Illness sign off form
· Parent Handbook sign acknowledgement form
· Fee Agreement (updated every 6 months)
· Photo Release Form
· Sunscreen Permission Form
· Copy of IFSP/IEP (if applicable)
D. SCHOOL CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day Labor Day
President’s Day (Staff In-Service) Thanksgiving Day
Good Friday Friday after Thanksgiving
Memorial Day Christmas Eve
Independence Day* Christmas Day*
*If the holiday falls on Saturday, we will be closed on Friday. If holiday falls on Sunday we will be closed on Monday.
E. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WEEK
Steeple Kids will be closed during one week each summer during which Langhorne United Methodist Church hosts Vacation Bible School. This date will be announced to parents as soon as it becomes available. This is considered a tuition-free vacation week.
F. PARKING LOT
The entrance to Steeple Kids is behind the Langhorne United Methodist Church. Park your car in the parking lot in the designated parking spaces and walk your child to and from his/her classroom. The first five parking spots in the first two rows are designated as parent parking. * Do not leave the motor running in your car when dropping off or picking up your child. Due to children’s activities, you must drive slowly through the parking lot. No child is to be left in the car unattended.
G. ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
For the safety of all the children, upon arrival at Steeple Kids the adult dropping the off MUST SIGN IN the child using the sign-in/sign-out sheets located in the child’s classroom and the electronic fingerprint at the front door. The adult must accompany the child to his/her classroom and make sure that a teacher knows that he/she is there. Children should be dropped off in clean clothes/diaper. In order to get the most from our program and create the least disruption for our other children, all children should be dropped off no later than 9:00am.
Parents: Please enter the building with your child/children ONLY. Do not allow others to come in with you or hold the door for anyone you don’t know. This is for the safety of your child as well as the safety of everyone else in the building. Only parents should have the code to the door, everyone else dropping off or picking up children should ring the bell. Children should NOT be using the code. Our door code will change at least twice a year and whenever a change in staffing occurs.
Please try to use the “Drop & Go” routine each day:
· “Drop” off your child—mornings are not a time to “meet” with the teacher. The teachers use drop-off time to greet your child and get them adjusted to their day.
· “Go” as soon as you can. Once your child is in the room please do not linger. Children will settle down and play much quicker once a parent is gone. If your child has anxiety about you leaving, please do not worry. Our teachers are trained to help your child by comforting them and distracting them to help alleviate anxiety.
Visitors: Please ring bell for entrance to the building. Steeple Kids Staff will open the door to let you in.
H. PICK UP PROCEDURES
Parents or other authorized adults must sign the child out of care on the sign-out sheet located in the child’s classroom and electronic fingerprint at the front door. After you sign your child out, you are then responsible for supervising your child while on facility premises. Person picking up a child must be at least 18 years of age.
If for any reason, a person other than the parent will be picking up a child, you must provide written permission prior to release of the child. If this person is designated by you on the Emergency Contact Form, the staff still needs to know you give permission for your Emergency Contact Person to pick-up on a particular day. You can write or e-mail a letter to the office to give such permission. A child may be released to a person not on the list upon written consent from the parent. At pick-up staff will check the photo identification of any person they do not personally know to ensure your child’s safety. Since staffing patterns may change from time to time, parents and all pick-up people should be prepared to show photo ID to any staff upon request. Again, this is for the safety of your child.
I. OPEN DOOR POLICY
Parents are always welcome at Steeple Kids and may visit at any time. Let us know if you would like to share a favorite story or hobby with your child’s class.
J. NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE
Parents should inform the center if their child will not be in attendance on a scheduled day. This will enable the center to maintain appropriate ratios and help the classroom teacher effectively plan for the day. Parents are to contact the school office of an absence not the teacher.
If your child is ill, we request that you notify the center not only of absence, but also of the nature of the illness. This will help our staff keep track of any illness that may occur at school. If your child has a communicable disease, share the diagnosis with the Director/Assistant Director, so that the parents of the children in the school may be notified that a communicable disease is present. Parents will receive an ECELS fact sheet about a communicable disease that is in the classroom.
K. EMERGENCY CLOSING AND INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION
Steeple Kids will make every attempt to remain open during inclement weather. However, in the event of an emergency closing, parents will be notified via the Remind App. If Steeple Kids is closed due to inclement weather or other emergency closings, regular tuition is still due. Our expenses remain the same, regardless of student attendance. If Neshaminy School District is closed, Steeple Kids will open at regular time unless you are notified by the Remind App. If Neshaminy has a 2 hour delay, Steeple Kids will open at 7.30am. Parents will be notified of any change via Remind if opening later than 7:30am.
III. HEALTH AND SAFETY
A. SECURITY
Once inside the building, a code is needed to enter the Education Wing. Families receive the code when registering. Please do not give the security code to anyone, even your child. If someone other than an immediate family member will be picking up, please ask them to ring the bell and a staff member will open the door. The door code will be changed at least twice a year. Please do not allow the children to do the code.
B. EMERGENCIES
First Aid Training/CPR is a requirement for all Steeple Kids staff members. Teachers will treat minor accidents, such as playground bumps and bruises. Parents will receive written notification of all incidents.
In the event of a medical emergency or serious accident, emergency personnel (911) will be contacted. The parent(s) will be notified by phone. A designated staff member will accompany the child to the hospital.
C. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN
Purpose: To provide for the protection of children and staff in the event of a natural,
technological, or human imposed emergency or disaster and to assure coordination and cooperation with local, county and state governments and emergency services.
Situation and Assumptions: Steeple Kids Child Care Center is located at 301 East Maple
Avenue Langhorne, PA 19047 and normally has approximately 50-65 children and approximately 15 staff on the premises. Normal operating hours for the facility are 6:30am – 6:00pm Monday through Friday. The facility assumes responsibility for the health and safety of the children attending the facility. The facility is located in Langhorne Borough whose emergency management agency will be the primary source of governmental assistance during an emergency.
Assistance during emergencies will be dispatched through the Bucks County 9-1-1 and be coordinated by the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency.
The facility may be subject to the following natural disasters and emergencies:
· Natural Disasters
· Weather Related Disasters (storms, snow, flood, etc.)
· Technological Disaster (Power Outage, Gas/Toxic Fumes, HAZMAT Spill, Loss of Utilities, etc.)
· Security Emergencies or Disasters (Custody Disputes, pick up of a child by an adult who appears to be under the influence, pick up of a child by an unauthorized adult, workplace violence, etc.)
**In the event that we need to evacuate the facility, we would go to the Wood School dorms (Beechwood) . The school is located directly behind our big playground at 469 East Maple Avenue Langhorne, Pa 19047.
D. DRESS CODE
Please label all sweaters, jackets, coats, school bags and backpacks with the child’s name. Please dress your child in comfortable, practical clothing for painting or playing. Send your child each day prepared for outside play, including a hat, gloves/mittens, and an appropriate jacket. We go outside each day, weather permitting, even if only for a short time. We request that all children wear sneakers. Sandals/flip-flops/crocs are dangerous and inappropriate for active play. Children’s clothing should be uncomplicated so that they can easily use the bathroom by themselves, which gives a child a sense of accomplishment in being able to complete this task independently.
E. HEALTH APPRAISALS
State Regulations require that a current health appraisal and immunization record be submitted for every child upon enrollment, or no later than 30 days after child’s first day of school. Physical examinations and shot records must be updated annually. Children birth thru their second birthday need to have a physical every 6 months, and from age 2 on it is annually. Well baby shots shall be documented after every immunization. An updated immunization record must be turned in to the Assistant Director immediately following your doctor’s appointment.
F. ILLNESSES
The following is a list of the most common symptoms seen at Steeple Kids and the guidelines that are presented when a child is sick and in our care:
· FEVER- Children who have a temperature of 101 degrees F or higher and who
are acting sick cannot be in school. Children may return to school when they are fever-free, without the use of fever reducing medication, for 24 hours. If a child is sent home with a fever he/she may not come to school the following day.
· DIARRHEA- 2 or more watery, loose stools, not contained in diaper or toilet.
Children may return to school when stool frequency and consistency return to normal. If toilet trained, the child must be accident free for one day before returning. Child may return to school when medication free for 24 hours. If a child is sent home with diarrhea he/she may not come back to school the following day.
· VOMITING- More than twice in 24 hours. Child may return to school 24 hours after vomiting subsides and is medication free. If a child is sent home for vomiting he/she may not come back to school the following day.
· COLDS- Child may attend school as long as he/she has no accompanying
fever, behavior changes or difficulty in breathing.
· Pink Eye- Red/Pink eyes with itching and/or thick white or yellow discharge. Child may be excluded from school with visual symptoms or if the child is too uncomfortable to participate. Child may return to school 24 hours after treatment and when the child feels well enough to participate in classroom activities.
** If a parent is called to pick up their child they must do so asap, but within the hour. If you can’t make it here you should have a backup to come.
STEEPLE KIDS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A DOCTOR’S NOTE BEFORE ALLOWING A CHILD TO RETURN TO SCHOOL. IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT ATTEND SCHOOL DUE TO ILLNESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE. IF YOUR CHILD HAS A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE, INFORMATION SHEETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WHO MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED.
For additional information regarding health issues, see the document “Handling and Preventing Illness at Steeple Kids.”
G. MEDICATIONS
Steeple Kids prefers that medications be administered at home. However, when this is not possible, Steeple Kids Staff will administer medication with parental permission. Medicines must be in their original child-proof containers, labeled with the child’s name. Parents must complete the Medicine Log, located in their child’s classroom, letting the teacher know the dosage. After administering the medication, teachers will note the time, amount of medicine given and their initials. Please hand all medications directly to a staff member to ensure safe storage. A Steeple Kids Medication Form should be filled out by your doctor for long standing medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Benadryl.
H. HEALTH FACT SHEET
From time to time, children are exposed to communicable diseases while attending school. Families will be notified in writing if their child was exposed and what steps they should take by means of a fact sheet provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
I. SPECIAL NEEDS
Parent(s) of a child with special needs will be required to complete a “Special Care Plan” with the child’s physician and it will be reviewed by the Director. Every effort will be made to reasonably accommodate all children. No child will be excluded due to disability or special needs unless the program is unable to comply with the recommendation of the child’s “Special Care Plan.”
If your child is receiving services and has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) in place, we ask that you share that with your child’s teacher and a copy be kept in the child’s file. If you feel that your child in in need of services, please speak to your child’s teacher, the Director or stop by the office for more information. If your child’s teacher has any concerns about your child’s development, they will discuss this concern with you. The earlier a child begins services the better. There is no cost to the family for services provided either through Early Intervention or the Intermediate Unit (IU.) Teachers and directors should be included to all meetings.
J. CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ALLERGIES
For the safety of your child, parents are required to provide a signed copy of the “Care Plan for Special Health Needs” form, detailing any allergies, food or otherwise, from which their child suffers, at the time of enrollment or when the allergy is discovered. This form must be completely filled out by the child’s physician and parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and must be updated every six months, or more frequently, as needed. In addition to this form, parents must provide a copy of any additional physician’s orders and procedural guidelines relating to the prevention and treatment of the child’s allergy. This form can be obtained by request from the Director or Assistant Director.
Parents must also execute a “Release and Waiver of Liability for Administering Emergency Treatment to Children with Severe Allergies” form. This form releases Steeple Kids from liability for administering treatment to children with severe allergies and taking other necessary actions set forth in the “Authorization for Emergency Care for Children with Severe Allergies” form, provided Steeple Kids’ exercises reasonable care in taking such actions.
Any medication required to treat an allergic reaction must be provided in accordance with the Medication Policy detailed herein.
K. POTTY TRAINING
Teachers and staff will make every effort to assist the parent in potty training their children in our 2 year old room. We ask parents to begin potty training at home when their children begin to show readiness/interest. If a parent wishes, they may use a Pull-Up at school but only the kind that has Velcro on the sides. Parents are welcome to skip pull-ups but will be asked to bring several changes of clothes including socks and shoes, as accidents do happen.
L. BITING
Toddlers are teething and exploring their environment by using all five of their senses. They may put everything in their mouth, which can lead them to bite many objects. Toddlers also do not usually differentiate between a person and a thing during this stage. Re-direction and/or a brief time-out will be used to help eliminate this behavior.
If a child bites another child while in our care, parents will be notified by an incident report. Parent/Teacher meetings may be held. In order to ensure the safety of all children and staff at Steeple Kids, the child who is biting could be suspended from the program for a period of time, at the discretion of the Director. Re-admittance to the program may occur when it is felt that the child can control his/her biting behavior. An additional occurrence of biting could result in a longer period of suspension. In extreme cases, to ensure the safety of all children and staff, services could be terminated.
M. IMMEDIATE ACCESS
In cases where the child is the subject of a court order (e.g., Custody Order, Restraining Order or Protection from Abuse Order), Steeple Kids must be provided with a Certified Copy of the most recent order and all amendments. In the absence of a court order on file at Steeple Kids, both parents shall be given equal access to their child. If a situation presents itself where one parent does not want the other parent to have access to their child, Steeple Kids suggests that the parent keep the child with them until a court order is
issued, since rights to retain your child are secondary to the other parent’s right to immediate access.
N. MANDATED REPORTING OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT
Under the Child Protective Services Act, mandated reporters are required to report any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The employees of Steeple Kids are considered mandated reporters, under this law. The employees of Steeple Kids are not required to discuss their suspicions with parents prior to reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities, nor are they required to investigate the cause of any suspicious marks, behavior or condition prior to making a report. Under the Act, mandated reporters can be held criminally responsible if they fail to report suspected abuse or neglect. We at Steeple Kids take this responsibility very seriously and will make all warranted reports to the appropriate authorities. The Child Protective Services Act is designed to protect the welfare and best interest of all children.
As mandated reporters, the staff of Steeple Kids can not be held liable for reports made to Child Protective Services which are determined to be unfounded, provided the report was made in “good faith.”
Causes for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect include, but are not limited to:
· Unusual bruising, marks, or cuts on the child’s body
· Severe verbal reprimands
· Improper clothing relating to size, cleanliness, season
· Transporting a child without appropriate child restraints (e.g. car seats, seat belts, etc.)
· Dropping off or picking up a child while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
· Not providing appropriate meals including a drink for your child
· Leaving a child unattended for any amount of time, including in the car
· Failure to attend to the special needs of a disabled child
· Sending a sick child to school over medicated to hide symptoms, which would typically require the child to be kept at home until symptoms subside.
· Children who exhibit behavior consistent with an abusive situation
· Not having your child in a car seat
O. SUNNY WEATHER
When the weather is nice, a lot of time is spent outdoors playing and doing activities. Please send in sunscreen for your child. A hat with a visor is also helpful. Sunscreen forms need to be filled out and turned in to the office prior to your child having sunscreen applied.
Please send your child in with sunscreen already applied in the morning. The staff will re-apply sunscreen in the afternoon for outdoor activities. Please have your name on the sunscreen.
IV. INCLUSION POLICY
· Steeple Kids provides all children regardless of race, color, or disabilities with a quality Christian education in a Christ-centered atmosphere by teaching God’s Word, sharing His Love, and serving His people.
· All families will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Children will not be denied admission based on color, religion or ability.
· Within the first 45 days of admission the teacher will use the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to help determine the need for concern or further testing.
· The teacher will refer the parent/guardian to Early Intervention or the IU for concerns about their child’s development.
· Early intervention, Steeple Kids staff and the family will work together to share information about the child’s day and needs.
· Staff are aware of the identified needs of individual children, and are trained to follow through on that child’s specific intervention plans.
V. EXPULSION/SUSPENSION POLICY
Steeple Kids is committed to giving all children a safe and stable learning environment. We seek to accommodate all children. There is on rare occasions, that a child’s behavior becomes so dangerous to themselves or others, that they will be asked to leave the school either on a short term or permanent basis. We will do everything possible to work with families to prevent this from happening.
· Staff will redirect the child from negative behavior.
· Staff will reassess classroom environment, appropriate use of activities and supervision.
· Staff will always use positive methods and language while disciplining children.
· Staff will praise positive behaviors.
· Staff will consistently apply consequences for rules not followed.
· Children will be given verbal warnings.
· Child’s disruptive behavior will be documented and maintained in confidentiality.
· Parents/guardian will be notified verbally.
· Parent/guardian will be given written copies of the disruptive behaviors that might lead to expulsion.
· The director, classroom staff and parent/guardian will have a conference(s) to discuss how to promote positive behavior.
· The parent/guardian will be given literature or other resources regarding methods of improving behavior.
· Recommendation of evaluation by a professional consultant may be needed.
· Staff will work with the professional consultant to form a plan of action to help correct disruptive behaviors.
· Center will attempt a number of the above approaches before asking the child to leave.
VI. ABOUT THE DAY
A. CUBBIES/ SEASONAL ATTIRE
Each child will have a cubby for his/her belongings. Please send in a full set of seasonal clothing for emergency use, including shirt, pants, underwear and socks, as well as an art smock or adult size T-shirt. Seasonal wear should also include swimsuits and towels in the summer and appropriate winter wear. Children must wear sneakers or good sturdy shoes to school everyday. Flip flops, clogs, and crocs are not permitted. Please check with your child’s teacher regarding specifics. Label all items with your child’s name.
B. DIAPERS
Parents are responsible for bringing in diapers, wipes and ointment for their child. If diapers and/or wipes are not provided you will be charged $5.00 per day. Please make sure all items are labeled.
C. SNACK AND LUNCH
Morning and afternoon snacks are provided by Steeple Kids. Healthy, nutritious snacks are served and could include: crackers, pretzels, fruit, breakfast bars or cereal. Snack menus are posted monthly on the Parent Information Board in each classroom.
Please send in your child’s lunch and place it in his/her cubby.
The following is a list of foods that are considered by the Academy of Pediatrics to be choking hazards to children under the age of four: hot dogs (whole or cut into rounds), raw carrot rounds, whole grapes, hard candy (including lollipops and jelly beans), nuts, popcorn, marshmallows, hard pretzels, chips and chunks of meat larger than can be swallowed whole. Please either cut items into appropriate sizes or do not send these items in. No popcorn is to be sent in at all.
Please check with your child’s teacher regarding ice packs or refrigeration in each classroom.
Microwaves are available in each classroom.
Children will be encouraged to eat their lunch before any snacks or desserts.
D. BREAKFAST
Children requiring our staff to help with breakfast need to be in the classroom prior to 8:00am.
E. REST TIME
There will be an afternoon nap/rest time in each classroom. The time and length of this rest time is determined by the age of the child, with younger children generally resting earlier
and longer than older children. Please provide a crib sheet or other covering for your child’s
rest mat, a blanket and a nylon laundry bag for storage. Infant room parents must provide a
Pack-N-Play for their child. Bedding will be sent home at the end of every child’s week to
be laundered and should be returned on the child’s first day back the following week.
This is a DHS regulation; all children must have a rest time if the building is open more than 5 hours a day.
F. COMMUNICATION
Special activities, important notices, daily schedules and lesson plans can be found on the Parent Information Board located in every classroom. Please check your child’s cubby/folder and your e-mail for VERY IMPORTANT messages. A monthly newsletter will be sent out by e-mail.
In addition, parents of children in the Infants, Young Toddlers, Ones and Twos will be given a daily note which includes information about sleeping, eating and diapering/toileting. Dry Erase Boards are used by the one, two, three, four and Kindergarten teachers to highlight special activities.
Within 45 days of your child’s start date at Steeple Kids, you will be contacted regarding a “Getting to Know You” meeting to review your child’s progress in his/her new classroom.
The Director and Assistant Director are available Monday through Friday. Appointments are available upon request.
G. TRANSITION INFORMATION
Information regarding transition from one room to another will be provided when your child will be moved to a new classroom. Transition from one room to the next older classroom occurs at the end of August, during our transition week. In the summer campers may be combined into two separate groups, one for younger campers and one for the older campers. Information about camp and your child’s placement will be provided as summer approaches.
Upon written request we will gladly provide copies of your child’s records when transitioning to another educational setting. Your account must be paid in full before we will release the paperwork.
H. CURRICULUM/SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Steeple Kids utilizes the Funshine Express curriculum in conjunction with a full Christian curriculum. Age appropriate lesson plans are supplied by teachers on a weekly basis and parents are informed as stated above in communication. The following special activities are provided at no extra cost on a weekly basis:
Creative Movement- Ages 2 through 5 years
Music- Ages 1 through 5 years
Bible- Ages 2 through 5 years
Library-Ages 3 through 5
Other special activities include Back to School Night, Pizza and Ice Cream Social, Friday Special Lunches, Halloween parade and Trunk or Treat, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas Play, Week of the Young Child Celebration and Luncheon, Mother’s Day Breakfast, and Father’s Day Breakfast.
Steeple Kids has a summer adventure program that includes themes such as: the beach, sports, animal and Sesame Street weeks, just to name a few.
I. AGES AND STAGES 3 QUESTIONAIRE
Steeple Kids uses the Ages and Stages 3 Questionnaire as our assessment tool. The initial screening will take place within 45 days of program entry, after which the results will be discussed with parents.
J. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conferences are scheduled in October and a written evaluation of your child’s progress will
be provided in March after the second conference. Teachers are available throughout the year to discuss any concerns you may have.
V. TUITION AND FEES
A. REGISTRATION AND ADVANCED SECURITY DEPOSIT
An initial registration fee of $60.00 per child plus $150.00 advanced security deposit which will be credited toward the last week of the child’s attendance, if we receive two weeks written notice of child’s last day. Deposit will be due at the time of enrollment for all new clients. If you are terminated from Steeple Kids, no security deposit will be refunded. In the event of illness or holidays, there is no substitution of days. Parents must register and pay for the maximum number of days per week a child attends Steeple Kids. In an emergency situation and if space is available, extra days may be added at a cost of $60.00 per day. Please contact the office to check for availability of extra days. You will be charged immediately for this day. If for some reason you do not use the day the money is not refundable.
B. RE-REGISTRATION
Re-registration is defined as the process by which parents can guarantee a spot for their child for the next school year. A re-registration fee of $60.00 is due each spring (January) to re-register for the following school year (September-June).
Registration, Advanced Security Deposits, and Re-registration fees are non-refundable.
C. SCHOOL YEAR LONG TERM LEAVE OF ABSENCE (September – June)
Parents may submit a written request for a long-term leave of absence (more than four consecutive weeks) for consideration by the Director. Two weeks written advanced notice must be provided. In order to retain your child’s placement, parents will pay half tuition for each week the child will be absent, prior to beginning the approved leave of absence.
D. TUITION EXPRESS
Steeple Kids offers Tuition Express as our preferred payment option. Tuition Express will automatically transfer your tuition payment from your checking/savings account to Steeple Kids and will be applied to your account. Tuition Express payments are processed each Monday. Tuition Express will transfer the amount that is owed on your account. This would include tuition, registration fees, returned check fees, extra day fees and late pick up fees. Please contact the office to complete your Tuition Express registration.
E. TUITION & LATE PAYMENT FEES
If you do not sign up for Tuition Express, tuition is due the first day your child attends school each week, or by noon on Wednesday, and is to be put in the mailbox located on the wall outside of the Director’s office. Upon request, receipts can be issued for cash payments. If your child is absent from school, or during the weeks that include holidays, snow days, or days when Steeple Kids is closed, regular tuition is still due. Our expenses remain the same, regardless of student attendance. Please remember that tuition will be charged even if your child is absent from the center. Checks should be made payable to Steeple Kids Childcare.
· If tuition is not paid by noon on Wednesday, parents will receive a letter stating that a $10.00 late fee has been applied to their account.
· If tuition remains unpaid by noon on Wednesday of the next week, a $20.00 late fee will be applied to the account. All late fees and two weeks tuition must be paid by noon on Friday of that week in order for Steeple Kids to continue providing childcare.
· Steeple Kids will only allow two second week late payments in any one year period, or the child may be dismissed from Steeple Kids.
· Parents are responsible for any fees incurred during collection of unpaid tuition.
· Parents are required to provide two week advance written notice and sign a new fee agreement two weeks prior to the requested change start date if they need to change their child’s schedule during the school year.
F. VACATION POLICY
Families are entitled to one week of vacation time, with a payment of half tuition. During this week, the child will not attend Steeple Kids. Parents must provide a two week advanced written notice of their intent to use this vacation week. Vacation time is calculated from September 1st- August 31st. In addition, families will not be required to pay tuition during the week that Steeple Kids is closed for Bible School.
G. DISCOUNTS
Families with two or more full-time children are entitled to receive a 10% discount on the tuition of the child of lower cost. Full-time is considered four or five full days per week.
Members of Langhorne United Methodist Church receive a 10% discount on tuition.**If tuition is late 2 times, then the discount will not be given until the account is paid up to date and remains current for at least 2 consecutive months.
Parent or Legal Guardian must be an active member of Langhorne United Methodist to receive a 10% discount on tuition. A member is defined as a person who has officially joined the church by attending membership classes or transferred their membership from another church and has been officially welcomed into the church. The Steeple Kids discount will begin after a member is active for 4 months. An active member is defined as a person who has upheld their commitment as a member of the church with their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their tithes for at least 4 months and continues their service as a long standing, active member.
H. LATE PICK UP FEES
Steeple Kids hours of operation are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A late pick-up fee will be charged per child when children are picked up after 6:00 p.m. The fee is $25.00 for every 10 minutes, per child after 6pm. Our church bells go off at 6:00pm, when the bells go off you are late. (Example: 6:01-6:10=$25.00; 6:11-6:20=$50.00) If you are late 3 times in a 6 month period the charge will increase to $50.00, per child for every 10 minutes after 6:00pm. If we determine this is continued behavior, we will ask that your child(ren) not return.
For half-day children pick up is required by 1:00pm. A $25.00 late fee will be charged per child for every half hour from 1pm until 2pm. Pick up after 2pm for half day children will result in a full day charge.
Please be sure to have a back-up plan for your child in the event that you are unable to arrive on time. Other family members or friends who arrive to pick up your child MUST have a photo ID that matches our Emergency Contact information or other written/verbal requests to release your child.
I. RETURNED CHECK POLICY
A fee of $30.00 will be charged for each check returned to us by your bank.
Personal checks will not be accepted after two returned checks.
VI. OTHER POLICIES
A. FAMILY CODE OF CONDUCT
It is the role of every person at Steeple Kids to treat staff, families, and children with respect and dignity. We expect that all adults in our program settings conduct themselves in the following manner:
· With courtesy
· With respect
· With patience
· By dressing appropriately
· By treating people the way you want to be treated
· By modeling how we want our children to treat others
· By acknowledging and celebrating the cultures and practices of other people and families.
Under no circumstances will the following behaviors be allowed:
· Physical or verbal punishment of children
· Threats to staff or parents/guardians
· Swearing and cursing
· Smoking
· Quarreling, verbal fighting, raising of voices with other staff or parents/guardians
· Doing things that are against school safety practices and policies
· Bringing drugs, alcohol, or weapons to Centers or events
· Violation of any program policy
Steeple Kids will not tolerate defamatory, offensive or derogatory comments regarding the school or any of the pupils/parents/staff at the school on Facebook or any other social sites.
If the above behaviors occur, parents/guardians will be asked (privately if possible) by a staff person to stop the inappropriate behavior. If family members continue to quarrel, verbally fight, or threaten, staff will call the police.
Steeple Kids reserves the right to terminate service to any family who violates this Code of Conduct.
B. TOYS FROM HOME
Due to the risk of damage, sharing issues, and loss, children are not permitted to bring in toys from home, unless specifically requested by the classroom teacher to use as part of the curriculum or for naptime. Parents are encouraged to consult the classroom teacher for specific guidelines for naptime toys. No toys from home on a daily basis.
C. BABYSITTING/SOCIAL MEDIA
Steeple Kids staff is not permitted to baby sit for any child currently enrolled at Steeple Kids Childcare.
*Steeple Kids staff are not to be on any social media with our current parents.
D. DISCIPLINE
Caregivers will use positive guidance, redirection and the setting of clear limits that foster the child’s own ability to become self-disciplined. Your child will be encouraged to be fair, respect property and assume personal responsibility.
When the behavior of a child necessitates the constant attention of staff, a brief “time-out” will be used. Staff/Parent communication at this time is most important.
Caregivers will intervene immediately when a child becomes physically aggressive to another child or staff member. Children will be shown positive coping strategies. Good behavior will be rewarded. Staff will use discipline that is consistent, clear and understandable to the child. Children are encouraged to work out problems amongst themselves, with limited help from the teachers. This helps them with their problem solving skills.
We will notify parents if there are ongoing concerns about a child’s behavior. Ideas on how to modify inappropriate behavior will be suggested by the teacher, so that changes may be coordinated between home and school. Every effort will be made to work with families to find a solution for the behavior in question.
Continued disruptive or unsafe behavior could result in dismissal from the program.
E. WITHDRAWAL AND DISMISSAL
Written notice to the office is required at least two weeks in advance of your child’s withdrawal in order to receive your security deposit back. Steeple Kids reserves the right to dismiss a child at any time at the discretion of the Director. Some reasons for dismissal include but are not limited to the following:
· Disruptive and/or unsafe behavior
· Non-payment of fees / unable to resolve issues with a parent
· Unexplained absence from school for more than two weeks
· Frequent late pick-ups
· Inability on the part of Steeple Kids to meet the child’s
physical, emotional, social, intellectual or spiritual needs
XI. CLASSROOM INFORMATION AND TRANSITION
Classroom transition occurs the last week in August. Children will not be moved up to the next classroom during the school year. The children will be taken into their next room, the end of the school year and during the summer, to visit and get to know their new room.
Infants/Young Toddlers (Munchkins/Hippo Rooms)
Parents must complete child history form and provide baby’s schedule prior to starting. Parents need to provide a Pack-N-Play type crib, diapers, wipes, medications, ointments, formula/breast milk, and enough bottles and nipples for each feeding, food items, water, and extra clothes and bibs. In preparing to transition to the one year old room(fish room) each child will need to be able to drink from a sippy cup, eat table food/finger food, and sleep on a mat. Crib sheets need to be taken home and washed weekly.
Ones (Fish room)
Parents must complete a child history form prior to starting at Steeple Kids. Parents will provide 3 filled sippy cups daily, bedding for nap (crib sheet) in a bag, extra clothes, diapers, wipes and medications/ointments. Lunches must be pre-cut and ready to be served/heated. Bedding must be taken home and washed weekly. Potty training does not occur in the fish room. No bottles in this room.
Twos (Giraffe Room)
Parents must complete a child history form prior to starting at Steeple Kids. Parents will provide 3 sippy cups daily, bedding for nap in a bag(crib sheet), extra clothes, diapers, wipes and medications/ointments. Lunches must be pre-cut and ready to be served/heated. Bedding must be taken home and washed weekly. POTTY TRAINING IS COMPLETED ALONG WITH THE PARENTS. When potty training, please send in several full changes of clothing, including socks and shoes. Potty training is required to move into the preschool classroom (Threes/Bears Room).
Threes (Bear Room & Fours (123 Room)
Parents must complete a child history form prior to starting at Steeple Kids. Parents will provide bedding for nap mats (crib sheets in a bag), and pre-cut lunch with a drink. Bedding must be taken home and washed weekly. Children must be potty trained before entering the preschool room(bears).
Transition:
When considering transition to the next room parents with children that have summer birthday or parents who don’t think that their child is ready for the next level may request to have their child stay in the same room the following year. Our teachers vary their art projects and themes each year so your child ill not be “doing the same thing”. This is an easy time to have your child add an additional year so they will be the oldest in their class in elementary school. Please consider your child’s maturity level when making these decisions. If you are not sure about your child’s readiness please ask your child’s teacher or the director for their advice at re-registration in January.
Steeple Kids
Langhorne United Methodist Childcare
301 E. Maple Ave. Langhorne, Pa. 19047
