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General Policies

Infant/Toddler Room Daily Routine

Our day begins at 6:00 a.m. and runs until 6:30 p.m. Each day’s routine promises activities that allow your child(ren) time to grow, room to explore, experiment, discover, and play.

In our Infant Program, the daily routine is determined by the individual needs and developmental level of each child. Consistent with best practices, we provide a program of daily activities and relationships that offer opportunities for the developmental growth of each child in all of the following areas:

  • Physical development, including fine and gross motor skills.
  • Social development, including communication skills.
  • Emotional development, including positive self-concept.
  • Intellectual/cognitive development.

Each teacher creates his/her own weekly lesson plan based on the cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and developmental goals of each child and in accordance with The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).

Field Trips

It is our philosophy to provide children with the opportunity to experience and learn about our community and the places around us. Field trips are an exciting opportunity for your child to learn more about the community or enjoy recreation away from the center. These adventures for the children age 4 years and above are planned and announced to you in advance of the date. You must give written permission for each trip on a Field Trip Permission Form or your child will not be able to participate. Parents are encouraged to accompany the children on the field trips.

Parents will always be notified in advance of any field trips and written permission must be granted for a child to participate. While on a field trip, all children will be required to wear a name tag with his/her name, the center’s address and telephone number.

Outdoor Play

YOUNG WORLD CLC has a large outdoor play space, including enclosed playgrounds that are age and developmentally appropriate. Outdoor play is an integral part of our curriculum. All children, including infants, go outside on a daily basis, weather permitting.

To ensure proper staff/child ratios at all times, we cannot keep a child indoors. If a documented medical reason stipulating restrictions is provided, we will try to accommodate the request. Under certain weather conditions, if a child is dropped off and is not dressed appropriately for outdoor play, the parents/guardians will be contacted and asked to bring the appropriate articles of clothing.

Rest Periods

Each child enrolled at YOUNG WORLD CLC will be provided an opportunity to rest. Children under 12 months of age are permitted to sleep on demand. Children under the age of 12 months are provided with cribs especially designed for comfort and safety. Cots are provided for children under school age. YOUNG WORLD CLC also provides a small sheet and blanket. Pillows and sleeping bags are not allowed. Quiet activities are provided for children not asleep after ½ hour. Mats are available for school-aged children who choose to rest.

All sleeping materials are kept separate and are labeled for individual child use. Cots, mats and cribs are sanitized at least once a week. Sheets and blankets are washed at least once a week.

Menu

Weekly menus are available to all parents in the office and are also posted in every classroom. If a substitution is made for any reason, this will be noted on the menu. At YOUNG WORLD CLC, we strive to plan and prepare snacks and meals that assure children’s daily nutritional needs are met. Our menus are in compliance with the USDA Nutritional Guidelines. We provide serving sizes consistent with the recommendations established by the United States Department of Agriculture Child Care Food Program.

Below are some general guidelines followed by our program:

  • Drinking water is offered at least once between meals and snacks to children less than three (3) years of age. Drinking water is always available to the children.
  • Children are encouraged but, not forced to eat.
  • Children are given necessary assistance in feeding and encouraged to develop good nutritional habits.
  • Care is taken to ensure that hot foods are not served at a temperature which would cause the children to burn their mouths upon consuming the food.

Restrictions

Peanuts, hot dogs, raw carrots, popcorn, fish with bones, and grapes are never served to children less than three (3) years of age. Children older than three (3) years of age may be served these foods, but care is taken to ensure they are cut in such a way as to minimize choking. Foods and drinks with little or no nutritional value, (i.e., sweets, soft drinks, etc.) are no*t provided.

Special Occassions In consideration of children with food allergies, for special occasions such as classroom parties, birthdays, etc., parents are asked to check with individual teachers before bringing in treats.

Breakfast

Breakfast will be served daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. If your child arrives after 8:15 a.m., please make sure you have provided your child breakfast. Breakfast should not be brought into the center to be served.

Lunch

Lunch will be served daily from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We have structured academics and recreational activities planned for each day. Therefore, it is imperative that children are on time so that they may participate and benefit from these activities. It is also important that the children involved in these activities are not interrupted or distracted in any way at any time.

Special Diet Requests

If a child requires special food accommodations due to documented medical reasons, parents may be asked to provide the meals. We ask that parents please arrange to meet with the YOUNG WORLD CLC Director to review the child’s needs and determine whether an accommodation is possible. We cannot guarantee the ability to meet every special request, but we will do our best to meet the needs of all children enrolled.

Confidential Information

To protect the rights of your child and your family, children’s records are only available to program administrators, authorized staff of YOUNG WORLD CLC, authorized employees of BFTS, and the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Confidential and sensitive information will only be shared with employees who have a “need to know” in order to most appropriately and safely care for your child. Confidential and sensitive information about staff, other parents and/or children will not be shared with parents, as we strive to protect everyone’s right of privacy. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to: names, addresses, phone numbers, disability information, and health related information of anyone associated with YOUNG WORLD CLC.

Information concerning any child will not be released, whether written or orally, to any individual or agency without the approval of the parent, unless such disclosure is mandated by child care licensing rules, other statutes, or by a court of law.

Parent Conferences/Involvement

YOUNG WORLD CLC values our relationships with our parents. Parents and other family members are always encouraged to visit the center and participate in classroom activities.

Family members are also invited to share their culture and/or special experiences with their child’s class. If you are interested, you should let your child’s teacher know.

We value your input and welcome any suggestions you may have about our program. We will occasionally schedule parent meetings, but we also welcome your individual comments at any time.

A conference will be held with you twice a year to discuss your child’s development and progress. Your child’s teacher will work with you to schedule a mutually agreeable time. You are also welcome to request a meeting with your child’s teacher in between our regularly scheduled parent conferences, should the need arise.

Grievances

Although we make every attempt to offer the highest quality care to all children and families, there may be occasions when parents have concerns about particular events, situations, or staff. In this event, parents are encouraged to talk to their child’s direct caregiver as a first point of contact. If they have tried this without satisfactory results, or if the concern is serious enough to warrant immediate administrative review, parents are encouraged to contact the center Director. The Director will then schedule meetings as necessary with appropriate parties to gather relevant information before deciding on a course of action. Parents will be informed, as appropriate within confidentiality requirements, as to the result of the Director’s inquiry and action taken. Again, our goal is quality child care and we encourage everyone to bring their concerns to us so that we can work together to ensure that quality.

Discipline

It is the philosophy of HK Child Care that your child’s experience should provide for the development of a strong, healthy self-concept and self-image. We believe in positive reinforcement and redirection. Staff members are trained to provide positive discipline methods, which encourage self-control, self direction, cooperation and self-discipline. Such methods include redirection, diversion from negative behavior, encouraging alternative activity, removal from the situation and communication. Corporal punishment is never considered an acceptable method of discipline.

In the case of continued discipline problems, staff will notify the parents to discuss possible solutions and/or recommendations. Written confirmations of these discussions will be available to the parents and kept on file.

In a case where a child’s behavior or actions have resulted in the destruction of YOUNG WORLD CLC property, the parents/guardian will be responsible for the repair or replacement of the property.

On occasion it is in the best interest of the child and the program for the parents to seek alternative care.

Aggressive behaviors (biting, hitting, etc.) that cause on-going disruptions and/or confusion in a classroom may result in the child being dismissed from the program. Dismissal is always a final option and a rare occurrence at YOUNG WORLD CLC.

Release Verification

YOUNG WORLD CLC reserves the right to ask anyone, parents/guardians included, who may be picking up a child for picture identification. Refusal to show proper identification will result in YOUNG WORLD CLC refusing to release the child and possible dismissal from the program.

Release Policy

It is mandatory that every child has an enrollment form on file, which identifies all persons who are authorized to pick up your child(ren). We ask that you provide at least two individuals with whom we release your child(ren) to. Children will only be released to individuals listed. YOUNG WORLD CLC is not responsible for any injury or harm to a child who has been released to a person on the child’s enrollment form or identified in the written exception request process (described below).

Special Exceptions

Should a parent wish to have a one-time special exception, we request that you submit to the office a signed, dated, written note the morning of the release. Only under extreme conditions will YOUNG WORLD CLC employees be allowed to change or add release names orally.

Court Order Releases

In cases where an enrolled child is the subject of a court order (Custody Order, Restraining Order, or Protection from Abuse Order), YOUNG WORLD CLC must be provided with a Certified Copy of the most recent order and all amendments thereto. The orders of the court will be strictly followed.

In the absence of a court order on file with YOUNG WORLD CLC, both parents shall be afforded equal access to their child as stipulated by law. YOUNG WORLD CLC cannot, without a court order, limit the access of a one parent by request of the other parent, regardless of the reason. If a situation presents itself, where one parent does not want the other parent to have access to their child, we suggest that the parent keep the child with them until a court order is issued. If conflicting court orders are presented, the most recently dated court order will be followed. Once presented with a Protection from Abuse Order or a Restraining Order, YOUNG WORLD CLC is obligated to follow the order for the entire period it is in effect. Employees of YOUNG WORLD CLC cannot, at the request of anyone, except the issuing judge, allow a Protection from Abuse Order and/or a Restraining Order to be violated. YOUNG WORLD CLC will report any violations of these orders to the court.

Possessions from Home

Children may not bring toys, food, or money into the center. Our toys and equipment have been carefully selected to provide a safe and stimulating environment and are shared by all children. We will occasionally have “Show and Tell” days and the children will be asked to share something special from home at that time. Nutritious snacks and lunches are provided for all children therefore, there will be no need for children to bring additional food into the center unless your child requires food for a special diet.

Clothing

Dress your child for lots of fun and activity. The clothes should be loose and comfortable. Rubber-soled shoes are required during all activities. The shoes are necessary to avoid serious falls. Please clearly mark your child’s name on all articles of clothing, including shoes, so we can help prevent losses. All children, regardless of age, are required to have a complete change of clothes, including socks, with them at all times when in the center. Remember the kids will be exploring creativity. Send in a large t-shirt to cover up their clothing during painting time. Even if you neglect to do this the children will still be allowed to participate in all activities. The staff will use the extra clothing in case of any mishaps. Parents of infants are responsible for supplying disposable diapers and disposable wipes. Parents of toddlers are responsible for supplying disposable wipes, disposable diapers, and/or training pants. PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS!

The children are here to play and learn. This means they will be involved of lots of active learning. Please do not send your children in special clothes as YOUNG WORLD CLC cannot be responsible for damaged clothing. We also cannot be responsible for the loss of items that are not appropriately labeled with your child’ name.

Accessories

YOUNG WORLD CLC will not be responsible for any jewelry, hair bows, and/or rubber bands worn by your child. We prefer that your child not wear these items, but if send your child to school wearing these items, they will be removed and placed in the front office for you to pick up. This is for your child’s safety as we do not want these items to be placed in a child’s mouth or become a potential hazard on the playground.

Supplies

  1. Ample supply of diapers and /or pull-ups (if necessary). A fee of $1 per pull-up and .75 cents per diaper will be charged if not provided.
  2. A complete change of clothing at all times (this should include socks and underwear). All items should be LABELED with your child’s name.

Transportation

YOUNG WORLD CLC provides transportation from schools in the area and for scheduled field trips during the summer and during the school year. It is very important that parents of school-age children are aware of their responsibility to immediately notify the center when there is a change in their child’s daily transportation schedule. The staff member driving the school bus is not allowed to leave children unattended at any time and cannot search for a child who is not at the designated pick-up location. In such an event, the school bus will return to the center and the parent will be notified immediately that the child was not at the school.

Possession and/or Use of Prohibited Substances

To comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and to protect your safety and the safety of all our employees and children, we will enforce the following policy:
No one may possess, be under the influence of, or use any alcohol, intoxicant, or narcotic on YOUNG WORLD CLC property.

YOUNG WORLD CLC is a smoke free facility. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds, within the center premises, or any vehicle being used to transport children.

Termination and Withdrawal

We look forward to giving reliable and dependable service to you and your child(ren). The administration of YOUNG WORLD CLC and/or the parent/guardian have the right to terminate the child care agreement upon written (not verbal) notice to the other party.

Withdrawal Notice

YOUNG WORLD CLC requires a 2-week written notice prior to termination. Full tuition is due for the notice period, whether your child attends or not. There are no refunds. Failure to provide proper notice and payment could result in legal action being taken by YOUNG WORLD CLC.

Emergency Discharge Situations

YOUNG WORLD CLC reserves the right to terminate services with no notice if any of the following circumstances have occurred:

  • Tuition is over two-weeks past due
  • Habitual returned checks
  • Habitual late pick-up
  • If your child’s continued participation in the program creates a direct threat to other children, teachers, administrators or to the child’s safety (examples: excessive biting and aggressive behavior)
  • If your child’s behavior causes on-going disruptions in the classroom.

Dismissal under these circumstances would be a final option.

Fire and Emergency

Your child’s safety is our priority. Our center is equipped an electronically monitored fire alarm system, a security system with flood lights outside of the building, emergency exit lights over every exit door, an intercom in all rooms including an outside speaker. Safety is emphasized regularly in all classrooms and during staff meetings and during staff meetings. Fire and emergency evacuation drills are conducted monthly. An evacuation plan and diagram is posted in every room. In the unlikely event the center is ever severely damaged and considered unsafe, plans have been made to evacuate to Mountain Park First Baptist Church at 5485 Five Forks Trickum Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30087. The phone number for that site is (770) 921-1452. Should an emergency occur, the director will attempt to notify all parents and post a notice at the center.

Referrals

YOUNG WORLD CLC is extremely dedicated to the well-being of your child and family as a whole. If you are in need of a referral to a social service agency, a specific type of health care provider, etc., we encourage you to speak with your child’s teacher or the Director. We will do our best to assist you in learning about available community resources.

YOUNG WORLD CHILD CARE LEARNING CENTER RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO THESE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN AN EFFORT TO EFFECTIVELY PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICES.