Parent Handbook
Our History and
Mission:
For over 30 years, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church has offered weekday programs for young children. In 1996, the Day School and Mothers’ Day Out programs were combined to create St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Children’s Place. The Children’s Place is an integral part of the children’s ministries of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Because Christ acted and spoke on behalf of children, we, as Christ’s followers, are committed to make Christ known through love, guidance, education and protection given to children in order that they may have a more abundant life.
Our objectives are as follows:
1. To provide a Christian environment of excellence wherein children will be stimulated for maximum development and growth spiritually, intellectually, creatively, emotionally, physically and socially.
2. To provide a Christ-centered school with high standards of excellence for both teachers and students.
3. To provide a stimulating atmosphere for active learning and problem solving through modern teaching techniques and teacher-child relationships.
4. To endeavor to meet the individual needs of each child and their family, being aware of interests, abilities and developmental differences.
Accreditation:
St. Andrew’s Children’s Place is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This is a voluntary national accreditation process with standards that far exceed the licensing requirements of the state. The process involves an intense self-study involving administrators, staff, and parents, and finally a visit and evaluation from an Academy representative every five years. Receiving National Accreditation is a true indicator of a high quality early childhood program.
Licensing:
St. Andrew's Children's Place is licensed through the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. The school adheres to Child Care Licensing Minimum Standards. A copy of these standards is available in each classroom and at the receptionist desk. You can also read these standards online at www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Child_Care_Standards_and_Regulations/. Occasionally a licensing representative will visit the school. The most recent Licensing inspection report will be posted on the Parent Bulletin Board in the Lobby. Below are contact numbers for the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and for the PRS Child Abuse Hotline:
Local Licensing Office: 713-940-5200
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org
PRS Website: www.dfps.state.tx.us
Curriculum:
We provide a developmentally appropriate, child-centered curriculum. Our dedicated and skilled teachers communicate God’s love and Christian concepts throughout their daily activities. They captivate your child’s imagination and provide experiences and choices directed towards maximum growth of the total child. Our curriculum is based on the children’s interests and emerging skills. Each classroom is a unique learning environment composed of areas for the exploration of art, science and math, dramatic play, manipulatives, sensory experiences, writing and language skills, block building, books, literacy and more. Children move freely among the learning centers and enjoy group activities that are appropriate to their ages and development. Outdoor play or activities in our Family Center are an integral part of every day.
School Day Program - Classes are held September through May, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., with options of 2,3, or 5 days a week. The school is closed on all HISD student holidays and on two in-service days each semester. Summer sessions are available.
Extended Day Program – The Extended Day Program serves the unique needs of families requiring full-day childcare. Classes are held year-round from
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. which includes enrollment in our School Day classes from
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Extended Day is closed for major holidays plus one week at Christmas, 5 in-service days and 1 week of staff orientation.
Summer Program: Celebrating God: Summer sessions are available with curriculum centered on the theme “Celebrating God”. In new and exciting ways each summer, children and staff celebrate God and experience the joy of being a child of God. Children also enjoy special events, programs, and water play days.
Class Groupings:
The following groupings are general guidelines and may be determined by enrollment.
INFANTS 3 months - 12 months 4:1 child/staff ratio
(MWF, TTH or M-F)
Infants are assigned to a primary caregiver to facilitate secure attachment, highest quality care, and parent-caregiver partnership. The individual schedules of the children are followed and activities and environment are designed to meet the rapid developmental changes of the children. Teachers provide loving, responsive care, allowing children the opportunity to exercise their newfound abilities; explore a variety of sensations through hands-on activities, music and movement; and begin to interact with their peers.
TODDLERS 12 months – 23 months 4:1 child/staff ratio
(MWF, TTH or M-F)
In the toddler group, children are assigned to a primary caregiver to provide security as they begin learning how to use social skills and deal with emotions. Continued attention to their rapidly growing physical and cognitive abilities are challenged through hands-on activities, music and movement, and center-based choices and activities.
EXPLORERS 2 years old by September 1 7:1 child/staff ratio
(MWF, TTH or M-F)
As children begin to experience their blossoming independence, they are given many opportunities to make choices, implement their own ideas, express their energy and gain experience in language usage.
EARLY LEARNERS 3 years old by September 1 8:1 child/staff ratio
(MWF, TTH or M-F)
Children are given the opportunity to practice self-help skills, practice social problem solving using language, and exercise their natural curiosity while developing fine and gross motor skills.
PRE-K 4 years old by September 1 8:1 child/staff ratio
(MWF or M-F)
Children are presented with information in a meaningful context and continue to develop social skills using observation, interaction and problem solving.
The Children's Place adheres to the September 1 cut-off date for age-level assignment in accordance with area school requirements for entering kindergarten. The school will consider requests to place a child in the age level below a child's birth year when a child requires additional time to develop in a specific developmental domain, i.e., speech, social skills, etc. However, the school will not accommodate requests to place a child in the age level above a child's birth year.
Additional Programs:
Enrichment Classes:
All children participate in music and art one day per week. Our music teacher focuses on rhythm and motor skills as well as vocal skills, language development and creativity at age-appropriate levels. Children in the Extended Day Program (Explorers, Early Learners and Pre-K) participate in Spanish two days per week in the afternoon. The school also has an Outdoor Classroom Specialist who plans enrichment activities for the outdoor environment on a daily basis.
Time In God’s House:
During a regularly scheduled time in the chapel, our children experience God’s love through stories from the Bible and real life experiences of people from the church, our staff, our families or the community. Parents are invited to attend Time in God’s House on the last Wednesday of each month.
Extra Curricular Activities:
Enrollment in additional, optional activities, such as music, computer and tumbling classes will be available to children over 2 or 3 years old. The extra curricular classes are offered by outside organizations, but held on our premises. Other programs may also be available during the school year. The school will send home information pertaining to these extra curricular activities; however, registration, enrollment and fees are handled directly through these organizations.
Parent Education Workshops:
Various formats of speakers, discussions, training or other resources are offered during the year to provide parents the opportunity to learn more about specific issues in parenting and child development.
Our Staff:
The staff members of St. Andrew’s Children’s Place not only have experience and on-going, specialized training in Early Childhood Education/Child Development, but also show a true enjoyment, appreciation and respect for children and their families. Classroom teachers work together to prepare environments and curriculum which meet the needs of individual children and communicate on a daily basis with parents.
Our Director, Nanci Bauerle, provides support to the classroom staff in areas of classroom management, problem solving and curriculum. The Director can also provide information and resources for parents on a variety of topics involving the care and education of their children and are available to discuss parent questions or concerns. Our Assistant Director, Michele Williams, supports the Director in the daily operation of the school. she is also available to answer parent questions and address concerns in the absence of the Director. In addition, Michele serves as our Registrar and is responsible for registration, student records and billing.
Our Receptionist is Sandy Elston. In addition to office duties, Sandy answers telephone calls and is available to answer parent questions. In addition, we have a Program Coordinator, Sharon Young, who organizes school-wide functions such as Ride-a-Thon, Book Fair and our annual music programs, Sharon also coordinates our Parent Auxiliary which includes room parents and parent volunteers She is also our Supplies Coordinator and is responsible for purchasing and organizing classroom materials and supplies.
Our art and music director is Terry Flores. Terry will provide art and music activities to each class once per week. The younger children (6 months to 2 years) will have the opportunity to use basic art techniques and many int4eresting materials to explore cause and effect. The older children (3 to 5 years) will engage in age-appropriate art projects which will focus on process rather than product.
Admission and Registration:
Admission shall be open to any child without discrimination in regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religious belief, political belief or capabilities. Priority registration for St. Andrew’s Church members and current enrollments is held by the third week of February each year. ALL children must renew their enrollment if they plan to attend St. Andrew’s Children’s Place during the summer program or the following school year. If it is determined that an opening is available for your child, the registration fee must be paid to reserve that space. This fee is non-refundable. If there is not a space available we will put your child on a waiting list and notify you as soon as there is an opening.
To confirm your child’s enrollment, the following items must be completed and returned to us, accompanied by the registration fee (if not already paid), any required supply fee, a deposit of one month’s tuition for school year enrollments or the total summer tuition for summer enrollments:
· Registration and Enrollment Forms
· Medical Information And Emergency Authorization Form
· Introduce Us Form
· Immunization Records and Physician Statement
Please Note: All fees paid are non-refundable.
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition:
Tuition is an annual total that is divided into 9 monthly payments for School Day and 12 monthly payments for Extended Day enrollments; therefore the amount remains the same regardless of the number of days within the month, or school closings.
Tuition payments are due on the first of each month and must be paid in advance. Receipts will be issued upon request. The first month’s tuition (September) and all summer tuition is non-refundable. One month’s written notice is required to withdraw your child from enrollment. Your deposit will be applied to your child’s last month of enrollment provided you have given us one month’s notice of withdrawal, otherwise, your deposit will be forfeited. Payments must be made by check or money order made out to St. Andrew’s Children’s Place and placed in the box at the reception desk. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church members receive a discount of 10% each month. Please refer to the "Changes in Enrollment or Withdrawal" section of this handbook for specific policies and procedures regarding withdrawal.
Supply Fee:
The supply fee is paid in two payments of half of the annual amount each semester. There is no reduction in this fee for mid-semester enrollments; this fee is non-refundable.
Late Fees:
A late payment fee of $20 will be charged, regardless of holidays or other school closings, for any monthly tuition payment not received by the 7th of each month.
School Closing, and therefore Pick-up Time, is at 2:00 (School Day) or 6:00 (Extended Day). Due to parking lot congestion, a grace period of 10 minutes is allotted at 2:00. Any child that has not been picked up by 2:10 (School Day) or 6:00 (Extended Day) will be brought to the front office and the parent will be called. The clock in the front office is used to determine lateness. A late pick-up fee of $10 will be charged for any child picked up between 2:11 and 2:15 (School Day) or 6:00 and 6:15 (Extended Day) and another $10 will be charged for each additional 15 minutes or portion thereof. Upon the third late pick-up instance, the fee will double for each 15 minutes or portion thereof. Continued late pick-up may result in dismissal from St. Andrew’s Children’s Place. Late pick-up is often very stressful for children and makes classroom clean-up and next day preparation very difficult for teachers. We appreciate your attention to pick-up times.
Mat fee:
Upon initial enrollment, parents are required to purchase a mat for $15 that children will use to rest upon following lunch. Your child's original mat will be used throughout their enrollment, unless it is damaged. Parents will be required to pay an additional mat fee if their child's mat must be replaced.
Tote Bag Fee:
All families are required to purchase a St. Andrew's tote bag for $10 for each child enrolled at the Children's Place. St. Andrew's luggage tags will be provided to identify each child's bag. Due to space limitations within the classroom, please be sure all items brought to school fit within these bags. Please note that all important notes and information will be placed in the front pocket of the tote bag. Please check this front pocket daily.
Returned Checks:
A charge of $20 will be assessed for checks returned for any reason. After receiving two returned checks, only money orders or cashier’s checks will be accepted.
Refund Policy:
Our budget, staff and purchase of supplies is determined by expected enrollment and payment of required fees. Fees and tuition paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.
Absences:
We must be prepared daily for each enrolled child, whether or not he or she attends, with appropriate staff-child ratios and adequate materials. Therefore, we are unable to provide any decrease in tuition, credit or make-up days due to a child’s absence. This includes, but is not limited to, absences due to illness, vacations, holidays and emergency closings.
If your child is going to be absent, we ask that you call and notify the front office. If your child is absent without notification and no contact for 2 weeks, your child will be dropped from enrollment regardless of payment made.
Changes in Enrollment or Withdrawal:
Any changes in enrollment must be submitted in writing and approved by the Registrar. You will be responsible for any fees incurred due to failure to notify us of changes in writing. Enrollment Change Forms are available at the front desk. Excessive requests for changes may result in an Enrollment Change fee being charged to cover processing such requests.
A one-month written notice is mandatory if you decide to partially or completely withdraw your child from enrollment in any of our programs. Your deposit will be applied to your child’s last month of tuition provided you have given us one month’s notice of withdrawal, otherwise, your deposit will be forfeited. Charges due for any partial month of enrollment to early withdrawal will be prorated as follows:
25% any 1 school week or portion thereof
50% any 2 school weeks or portion thereof
75% any 3 school weeks or portion thereof
100% any 4 school weeks or portion thereof
The School Board reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any child who fails to demonstrate appropriate adjustments to the programs of the school, or whose parents fail to comply with the policies of the school.
Extended Day Summer Retaining Fee:
The Extended Day Program is a 12-month commitment. In order to hold your child’s spot and retain our year around extended day teachers, if your child will not attend for an entire month at any point during the summer, you may choose to pay a $300 retaining fee for each month your child does not attend rather than the full extended day tuition. This retaining fee will hold your child’s spot until your child returns.
Arrival and Departure:
Transportation Safety and Building Security:
Please be mindful while driving in the parking lot that many hard-to-see children may be entering and exiting vehicles. Please hold your child’s hand while walking to and from the building and watch carefully for vehicles that may be unable to see you and your child.
Entering and exiting the building must only take place at the front entrance. All other doors are for emergency exit only. This is to prohibit any unknown person from entering the building without passing by the front desk. Please help us maintain security for children and staff by using only the front doors.
Security of Your Personal Property:
Please do not leave your personal belongings in your car when entering the building. Fortunately, we have reduced the number of parking lot thefts through education; however, these are crimes of opportunity. Even if you are only going to be in the building for a few moments, never leave your purse or other valuables in the car. Please be aware that efven if you lock your doors or utilize a car alarm, within seconds a window can be broken and a purse stolen.
Signing In and Out:
For your child’s safety, it is extremely important that you sign him or her in and out each day. Teachers use these sign-in sheets to check attendance throughout the day, as well as during fire drills and other emergency preparedness procedures. You will find the attendance clipboard near your child’s classroom door. If you forget to sign in or out, please do so when you return.
Arrival and Departure Times:
Children enrolled in Extended Day and their parents may enter their designated area after 7:00 a.m. School Day children and their parents may begin to enter the classrooms after 9:00 a.m. All children should arrive in their classroom no later than 9:15 a.m. Parents must be sure the teacher is aware of their child’s arrival. Teachers will be busily greeting children and will be unavailable to become involved in long conversations at this time, but would be happy to arrange a conference or phone call to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have. Departure time is 2:00 p.m. for School Day enrollees and no later than 6:00 p.m. for children attending Extended Day. Please depart with your child on time so that our teachers may tidy the room and prepare for the next day and so that you can avoid any late charges
Separation and End-of-Day Considerations:
After assisting your child with his or her belongings, please guide him or her to an activity, offer a quick hug and kiss, a few positive words of encouragement and a firm good-bye, followed by your exit of the classroom. Your consistency and confidence at separation is most important in your child’s positive transition to school. Please take a moment to read our Separation Brochure to find information on easing your child’s school adjustment. Your child’s teacher and the Director are available to assist you with any separation concerns.
At departure time, your child may wish to briefly show you his or her special art project or activity. Although the teacher will wish to bid you all good-bye, please refrain from long conversations, as her attention must be focused on all of the children. Be sure the teacher knows you are taking your child, gather his or her belongings and remember to sign out. Keep your child near you as you leave the building, reminding him or her that this is not the time for “run-and-hide” type games. In the interest of safety, children are not permitted to roam the halls unattended or linger and play in classrooms.
Pick-up By Other Than Parent
No child will be released to someone other than a parent without written consent. If someone other than a parent or person identified on the Registration and Introduce Us Forms will be picking up your child, you must complete a Pick-Up Authorization form available at the front office. Anyone unfamiliar to the staff will be required to provide identification.
We strongly recommend that you provide a code word on the Enrollment Form as a means of identifying yourself in the event you need to give an emergency pick-up authorization via telephone. The staff person answering the phone may not know or recognize your voice and cannot release your child without proper authorization. Your code can be anything you know and will remember. It is NOT to be shared with others and is only used to identify you, the parent.
What to Bring:
PLEASE CLEARLY LABEL EVERYTHING WITH CHILD’S NAME!
Breakfast:
Children enrolled in extended day and arriving prior to 8:00 a.m. may bring a prepared breakfast in disposable containers. Teachers are unable to heat foods. Anyone arriving after 8:00 a.m. should have breakfast at home.
Lunch:
Lunches are to be sent with children on a daily basis. Because we do not have accommodations to refrigerate or heat lunches, all food must be stored appropriately using an ice pack or thermos if necessary. Foods packed in containers that your child can easily open and close and prepared in a manner that the child can easily feed him or herself will encourage independence and help eliminate waiting during the busy lunchtime. Plastic utensils should be sent if needed. Teachers will sit with the children during meals and snacks and will encourage them to eat, modeling good table manners. Any food not consumed will be returned to help you monitor your child’s eating habits. We encourage nutritious and wholesome foods, avoiding excess salt, fat and sugar.
The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, our state licensing agency, requires that children be offered ½ of their daily food needs while in our care. According to this requirement, your child’s daily lunch must contain at least the following:
1 serving each of milk or cheese
meat, egg, peanut butter, beans or cheese
vegetable or fruit or fruit juice
bread, cereal, rice or noodles
Lunch Ideas...
-cooked pasta w/dressing or plain -meat & cheese cubes or slices
-bagels, rice cakes, bread, breadsticks -rice
-muffins, crackers with cheese, peanut -tuna plain, with pasta, sandwich
butter, jelly, cream cheese, apple butter -egg salad or hard boiled egg (peeled)
-pancakes or waffles -chicken nuggets
-pizza -hot dogs (cut lengthwise, then in small pieces)
-yogurt -dry cereal
-cottage cheese -pudding
-Jell-O -fresh or canned fruit (cubed, sliced, peeled)
-vegetables (partially cooked or raw)
Although "Lunchables" are convenient and often requested by children, they are extremely high in sodium and we have found that in most cases they are not eaten and often discarded. Therefore, we recommend sending something else in your child's lunch.
Snacks:
Parents are asked to provide the morning snack for the children throughout the year. Weekly assignments are made by the teachers, however other arrangements can be made upon request. Refrigerator space is available to store snacks if necessary, but items must be dated and labeled with the class name. Only water will be served with snack in order to provide proper hydration and model healthful choices that will eventually build good lifelong habits. Staff is not available to do extensive preparation of the snacks provided so please send them already prepared in a manner that the children can easily feed themselves.
Ideas for Nutritious Snacks...
fresh fruits yogurt fresh vegetables
dips salads celery
raisins cream cheese frozen fruit or yogurt
trail mix crackers cheese
sandwiches tortillas dry cereal
muffins breads or bagels fruit cookies
tuna or chicken salad
An afternoon snack will be provided for children enrolled in Extended Day.
Rest Time:
Upon initial enrollment, parents are required to purchase a mat that children will use to rest on following lunch. Those children who do not fall asleep after 30 minutes of quiet time will be allowed to participate in other activities. Children 2 years of age and younger and those who typically sleep in the afternoon should bring a crib-sized sheet (these fit our rest mats) and a small blanket. These items must be small enough to fit inside the child’s bag or cubby. Your child’s original mat will be used throughout their enrollment unless it is damaged. Parents will be required to pay an additional mat fee if their child’s mat must be replaced.
Security Items:
If your child has a special security item, such as a blanket or stuffed toy, we encourage you to bring it. Security items often help children during separation. Please be sure it is clearly labeled and will fit in the child’s bag or cubby.
Clothing:
In addition to being comfortable and appropriate for the weather, school clothing should be easy for the child to manage and completely washable. Smocks are available for children to wear during “messy” projects, but smocks cannot completely protect clothing. Please send your child in play clothes appropriate for active play both indoors and outdoors and rubber-soled, closed toe shoes. No boots or flip-flop thongs should be worn to school.
Elastic waist pants or shorts make going to the bathroom an independent activity and certainly make life easier for those busy children who wait until the last minute!
A complete change of clothing, including underwear and socks should be kept in the child’s bag and sent to school daily. Please check bag periodically to insure extra clothes are weather appropriate and correct size.
Infant/Young Toddlers:
Infants and young toddlers who are not ready for table food must be provided a diet of formula, breast milk and/or baby food approved in writing, signed and dated by the child’s physician or parent, and updated as changes are made. This information is kept on the Introduce Us Form in your child’s class. Plastic bottles must be used and these as well as all food containers must be clearly labeled with your child’s name. Refrigerators are available in the classrooms for storage of bottles and food. Baby food will be served at room temperature from unopened jars and bottles will be heated in warm water rather than microwaves.
Two changes of clothing, a small blanket and diapers are to be sent with your child daily. Once your child moves from a crib to a rest mat, he or she will also need a crib-sized sheet. These belongings should be sent in a bag large enough to hold everything. ALL items, including the bag, need to be clearly labeled with the child’s name. Each family is asked to provide boxes of wipes periodically as they are needed.
In order to reduce the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 1 year of age be put to sleep on their backs. We will follow this recommendation for all infants. If you would prefer your child sleep on his/her side, you will be required to provide a side-sleeping wedge. For more information, please see the “Back To Sleep” brochure in the Parent Handbook packet.
What Not To Bring:
Toys:
We are fortunate to have a wonderful collection of appropriate toys for young children. Personal toys, especially guns, war toys and other toys that promote aggressive play should be left at home. Please assure your child that his toys are for home use and that at school there are special toys and activities. Occasionally teachers may plan “show and tell” days when special items may be brought from home. Lost or broken belongings cause much sadness – please label all items clearly.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent:
It is recommended that children wear sunscreen or sun block with UVB and UVA protection of SPF 15 or higher. When public health authorities recommend the use of insect repellents due to a high risk of insect-borne disease, repellents containing DEET should be used. We are unable to apply any sunscreen or insect repellent. Teachers are unable to apply sunscreen or insect repellent for our School Day Children. Please apply these if needed, before your child arrives at school; they may not be stored in his or her school bag. Special permission may be obtained to apply these products to Extended Day enrollments in the afternoon.
Foods:
Please do not send candy, gum or carbonated beverages to school for lunch or snacks.
Clothing:
Shirts, coats, and jackets with strings, cords or straps that hang from them can cause serious injury on the playground and should not be worn to school.
Discipline and Guidance:
The purpose of discipline and guidance for young children is to enhance the development of self-control, decision-making ability and self-esteem. Modeling, redirection, time away, thinking time, and verbal guidance are used to help children learn appropriate behaviors. NO corporal punishment, humiliation or punishment associated with food, naps or toileting will be used.
There are three main components to decisions regarding discipline:
1. The child may not harm himself or herself.
2. The child may not harm other children or adults.
3. The child may not destroy or misuse materials.
For the older infant or young toddler, gentle but firm reminders of appropriate behavior and distraction to another activity are generally the preferred and most successful methods of discipline and guidance.
For all children, teachers make every effort to state limits in the positive rather than the negative and natural consequences (those relating to the behavior) are used as much as possible. When difficulties occur, it is important for all adults to realize that testing limits is another learning process for young children.
If any child has persistent difficulty with aggressive or destructive behaviors, the classroom teacher and or parents may request assistance from the Director to determine and implement a specific plan of action to improve behavior. If the child does not respond to these measures, the parent will be required to pick up the child.
Parent Communication and Participation:
Classroom Visits and Parent Orientation:
Classroom Visits, a time for parents and children to visit their new classroom and meet their teachers, are held just prior to the beginning of the year for the School Day Program. In addition, a Parent Orientation is held to acquaint parents with policies of the school, and overview of up-coming events for the year, and to provide an opportunity to ask questions, and learn about classroom curriculum and procedures.
Open House:
Parents and children are invited to attend Open House in the fall and spring. This fun evening provides children with a special opportunity to share their classroom and recent curriculum projects with their parents and for families to socialize with one another.
Annual Events and Celebrations:
Families are invited to attend our annual Christmas and Spring Programs. Children have fun while singing songs from music class with their friends. Classroom teachers plan parties throughout the year to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Parents are invited to participate through their attendance and by volunteering to provide fun snacks for the class.
Parent Auxiliary Group:
Parents are encouraged to join our Parent Auxiliary Group which provides opportunities for involvement in special projects throughout the year. Information about various Parent Auxiliary activities will be available at Parent Orientation or parents may speak to their child’s teacher or the administrative staff to volunteer.
On-going Communication:
Open, two-way communication between teachers and parents is a vital part of quality early childhood care and education. Parents are the experts on their child, providing important information and insight. Teachers can inform parents about child development and curriculum and give information about how their particular child learns in a group setting. We offer many opportunities for parents and teachers to share with one another.
· Daily Communication: Parents of younger children are encouraged to provide their primary caregiver with their child’s most recent eating, sleeping and diapering information. At departure time, caregivers will provide this same information to parents about their child’s day. Parents of children in Extended Day are provided with forms for written communication between home and school.
· Visits: Parents are always welcome in their child’s classroom for a visit or to join their child for lunch. Be aware that particularly for toddlers and children new to out of home care, a visit can be confusing and demands yet another separation adjustment from them. Discuss your child’s anticipated reaction with his or her teacher prior to visiting.
· Conferences: Although teachers are often unable to have extensive conversations at the beginning and end of the day, parents are encouraged to request a phone call or personal conference at any time during the year. Annual Parent/Teacher Conferences are held in February.
· Monthly Calendars and Class Newsletters: Teachers communicate information about curriculum themes, activity plans and snack schedules to parents in calendars and newsletters sent home monthly.
· Bulletin Boards: Please look for artwork, special projects and notices displayed on bulletin boards in and outside of the classrooms as well as in the front entryway.
· Memos: Please check your child’s bag daily for memos that contain information about school wide concerns.
· Children’s Place Newsletter: Periodically you will receive our newsletter which contains important dates, upcoming activities, and articles relevant to parenting and early childhood education.
· Special Information from Home: In the event that a significant change occurs in your home, please consider informing us as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for changes in a child’s life to affect behavior, security and general well being. By knowing, we can provide the extra understanding he or she may need. Common causes of distress include either or both parents being away from home for any reason for an extended time, new person living in the home, illness of either parent or a sibling, any hospitalization, accident or death in the family, a new caretaker or any new employee, moving, or the death of a pet. All information will be regarded as confidential.
· Parent Surveys: On an annual basis, surveys are distributed to parents. By completing these surveys you are helping us to evaluate our overall service to children and their families and make adjustments where necessary. In addition these surveys help us to congratulate staff when a family is touched by an exemplary job!
Health and Safety:
Our program is planned for children who are in good health and can participate actively in all areas. We are unable to care for ill children. In an effort to keep illness among children at the Children’s Place at a minimum, we ask that you observe your child carefully each morning for signs of illness. Please do not bring your child when he or she is not feeling well.
If your child develops symptoms of illness during his or her time at school, a staff member will call the parent, report the information and ask that arrangements be made to pick the child up from school. It is very important that all parents have a person designated to pick up their child in the event neither parent can be reached.
Following is a chart of those illnesses and symptoms that will require exclusion, including requirements for return. Some communicable illnesses can be extremely dangerous to pregnant women, and children and adults with certain conditions. It is very important that you inform us if your child is diagnosed with any communicable illness so that anyone who has been exposed can watch for symptoms or contact their health care provider, if necessary.
St. Andrew’s Children’s Place will exclude children and adults with these symptoms:
Temperature: Oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater; rectal temperature 101.4 degrees or greater; auxiliary temperature 99.4 degrees or greater; accompanied by behavioral changes or other signs or symptoms of illness – until fever is gone 24 hours or medical evaluation indicated inclusion in the facility.
Signs of Possible Severe Illness: Includes unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, difficult breathing, uncontrolled coughing – until cleared by physician.
Uncontrolled Diarrhea: Defined as 2 within 24 hour period OR an increased number of stools compared with the child’s normal pattern, with increased stool water and/or decreased form that is not contained by the diaper or toilet use – until diarrhea cleared for 24 hours or treated by a physician.
Vomiting: Two or more times in the previous 24 hours unless the vomiting has been determined by a physician to be caused due to a non-communicable condition and child is not in danger of dehydration – until vomiting ceased for 24 hours or cleared by a physician.
Mouth Sores: With drooling unless and/or until the child’s physician or local health department authority states the child is not infectious.
Rash: Until rash disappears or is cleared by a physician.
Purulent Conjunctivitis: “Pink eye” defined as pink or red conjunctive with white or yellow eye discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep, and including a child with eye pain or redness of the eyelids or skin surrounding the eye – until 24 hours after treatment was begun and drainage is no longer present.
Infestation: (e.g. scabies, head lice) – until 24 hours after treatment was begun. Must be rechecked in one week and retreated if necessary.
Impetigo: Until 24 hours after treatment was begun. Must be rechecked in one week and retreated if necessary
Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Scarlet Fever: (strep throat) – until 24 hours after treatment has been initiated and until child has been without fever for 24 hours.
Ringworm Infection: (tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea pedis) – until 24 hours after treatment was begun.
Chickenpox: Until all skin lesions have dried and crusted, usually 6-7 days.
Pertussis: (whooping cough) – until 5 days of appropriate treatment has been completed.
Mumps: Until 9 days after onset of parotid gland swelling.
Measles: Until 4 days after the rash appears.
Rubella: Until 7 days after the rash appears.
Administering Medication:
Except under unusual circumstances, we do not administer medications. Parents should consult with physician as sometimes medicine can be given in different forms (liquid, pill, capsule) and/or varying number of times per day (morning and bedtime versus three times per day). When a child is in our program for more than 6 hours per day and needs a mid-day dose of medication, it will be administered only with written authorization. Medication Forms are available at the front desk. The following policies apply:
1. Medication can only be given when:
Permission slip is complete (per medication)
Medication is in a childproof container
Original label is on medication container
Name of child is on medication container
Date on prescription is current
2. If medication does not meet the above criteria, parent will be called and medication will not be dispensed.
3. No over the counter medications will be administered.
4. Medications and completed forms must be given to an administrator in the office. Medicines may not be left with teachers or stored in diaper or clothes bags.
Immunizations and Allergies:
Parents must notify the office if a child has received any additional immunizations or has developed any allergies or medical conditions that can affect him or her while at school.
Accident and Incident Reports:
If a child is injured or an unusual incident occurs while at St. Andrew’s Children’s Place, an Accident or Incident Report will be completed. Parents will be asked to read and sign the report and will be offered a copy for their own use.
Pesticides:
Pesticides will be periodically used in the school. All pesticides used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and applied by a licensed certified commercial applicator. In addition, every effort is made for application to take place during in-service days or other times when children are not present. Parents may check with office staff for scheduled treatment dates.
Miscellaneous:
Birthdays:
It is great fun for children to share their birthday celebration with their friends and teachers. If you choose to celebrate at school, please arrange in advance with your child’s teacher to bring simple, easy to serve refreshments. Cake, cupcakes or cookies and ice cream may be served at snack time. Gifts, party decorations and favors or gift bags are prohibited. No special guests or entertainment may be brought to the school without the Director’s approval. We prefer birthday party invitations be distributed by the parent, outside the classroom.
Field Trips:
On occasion older classes may take field trips to enhance their study of a certain topic. Parents will be asked to participate through attendance and transportation. All field trip details and permission slips will be provided for each child several days prior to the scheduled trip.
School Photographs:
A professional photographer will take individual photographs in the fall and class photos in the spring. Photographs will be available for purchase.
Administration:
The school staff is administered by a Board of Directors to whom they are directly responsible. This Board approves teaching appointments and presents necessary issues to appropriate Committees or the Session of the church. The Board determines and administers the policies of the school and employs the Director. It is the Director’s responsibility to carry out the policies, philosophies and goals set by the Board. The Board receives her recommendations for teachers, office personnel and substitutes.
St. Andrew’s Children’s Place is licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory services and exceeds their required minimum standards for safety and operation. We have acquired additional voluntary accreditation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Any concerns you may have regarding the policies and procedures of St. Andrew’s Children’s Place should first be brought to the attention of the Director, who will share them with the Board of Directors. Any concern needing to go directly to the Board must be submitted in writing.
Emergency Closings:
If HISD is closed in accordance with national and weather emergency procedures, St. Andrew’s Children’s Place will also be closed. If a closing occurs while children are at school, children will be kept safe and calm until you arrive.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church:
Families are invited to participate in all areas of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
10:15 a.m. Sunday School
11:15 a.m. Traditional Worship
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church also has an active Music Ministry, Children’s and Youth Ministry, and a variety of regularly scheduled Adult Programs. The staff and congregation of St. Andrew’s welcome any opportunity to serve you and your family.
Questions or Comments?
Contact: nbauerle@sapch.org
08/08