1. family and parenting
2. children

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COVENANT CHILDCARE
A Ministry of Franklin Covenant Church Inc.
PARENT
HANDBOOK
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Table of Contents
Welcome ........................................................................................ 4
General Information and Operational Policies.............................................. 5
Our Mission ................................................................................... 6
Statement of Faith ......................................................................... 6
Non-Discrimination ....................................................................... 6
Program Description..................................................................... 6
Goals .............................................................................................. 7
Hours and Days of Operation....................................................... 8
Inclement Weather Policy............................................................. 8
Arrival and Departure ................................................................... 8
Sign In ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Departure..................................................................................................................................... 9
Emergencies................................................................................................................................ 9
On Time Pick Up ......................................................................................................................... 9
Application and Registration ..................................................... 10
Fees .............................................................................................. 11
Registration Fee ........................................................................................................................ 11
Child Care Fees......................................................................................................................... 11
Subsidized Care ........................................................................................................................ 11
Supply Fee ................................................................................................................................ 12
Food ............................................................................................. 12
Nutrition Services ...................................................................................................................... 12
Meal Service Fees and Meal Times .......................................................................................... 12
Clothing ....................................................................................... 14
Diaper Bags ................................................................................. 14
Toys .............................................................................................. 14
Training and Professional Development of Staff ..................... 14
Health and Safety .......................................................................................... 15
Discipline Policy.......................................................................... 15
Biting ............................................................................................ 17
Sickness and Infectious Disease Policy ................................... 19
When children may not attend:.................................................................................................. 19
First Defense: Handwashing ..................................................... 21
Medications ................................................................................. 22
Field Trip Policy .......................................................................... 23
Accidental Injury or Emergency Health Problem ..................... 24
Procedures for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Or Neglect24
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Inclusion and Americans with Disabilities Act ......................... 24
Parent Participation ...................................................................................... 26
Parent/Provider Relationship ..................................................... 26
Complaint Policy ......................................................................... 28
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................... 30
Covenant Childcare Staff Directory ........................................... 30
Payment Agreement for Childcare Services ............................. 31
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE (CACFP Nutrition) ..................... 33
Classroom Sanitation Routines ................................................. 34
Daily care sheets: Happy Busy Note ........................................ 35
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Welcome
Dear Parent,
Welcome to Covenant Childcare (CCC).
We are excited about working together and forming a relationship with you and your
child. CCC provides high quality childcare and a sound developmental program to infants
and toddlers, ages birth – 5 years.
This handbook is a supplement to your Registration Package and a companion guide to
the Parent Orientation Interview. It answers your questions about general policies like
enrollment, drop-off and pick-up policies, health, safety, nutrition and billing. Please take
the time to read through this information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask at any time.
Cordially,
Stephanie Campbell
Director Administrator
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Section
General Information and
Operational Policies
Covenant Childcare is a ministry of Franklin Covenant
Church Inc., a private non-profit 501(c) 3 religious
organization serving the families of Macon County,
North Carolina.
O
ur child care facility meets the star rated licensing standards as defined by
the NC Division of Child Development, Department of Health and
Human Services. The licensure requirements ensure that the center meets
the highest state standards of developmental and physical health, fire and building
safety regulations.
Star Rated License requirements ensure that a higher child-staff ratio is maintained
and that qualified teachers and caregivers are employed by the center. Also enhanced
space requirements and activity areas are part of the star licensing. Our staff is required
to participate in staff continuing education and professional development activities to
ensure ongoing education in the latest research and education of young children.
Funding CCC’s funds are obtained from private endowment, local, state and federal
government agencies and from parent fees.
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Our Mission
Covenant ChildCare is a center providing a compassionate, high quality early childhood
program in a safe and nurturing environment which responds to the developmental
needs of the whole child and offers guidance to parents and families.
Statement of Faith
We believe…
o In one God, manifested in three persons as the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit.
o Jesus is the son of God and was born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and
Man.
o Jesus Christ gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back
to God.
o Salvation, through Jesus is a gift of God to man separate from works and the
imminent, personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ as reigning King over the
earth.
Non-Discrimination
CCC provides child care services to families in Macon County. These services are
provided fairly and equally and without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin,
handicap, marital status, economic status, political affiliation, medical condition or
physical disability. CCC respects the confidentiality of the families who receive our
services.
Program Description
CCC plans daily activities which are both age and
developmentally appropriate for children birth – 5 years of
age. These activities are designed to stimulate the social,
emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual development of
young children. There is a balance of activities that require
cooperation and consideration of others and those that
encourage the child to play alone. A daily activity plan is posted in the classroom.
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Goals
CCC has the following goals for our child development programs:
 Maintain a safe and healthy environment
 Enhance each child’s strengths by building trust, fostering independence,
encourage self-control by setting clear, consistent limits and have realistic
expectations of each child at their station of development.
 Expand child’s language base.
 Nurture and love each child.
 Respect each child’s individual needs and progress.
 Help children feel good about themselves.
 Respect individual beliefs of each family.
 Provide aids and resources to help parents to reinforce education in the home.
 Involve parents in every aspect of the child care center.
Note
From time to time CCC will host events to build client/caregiver
relationships. Parent Orientation at the beginning of each
academic year, Parent/Teacher Appreciation and potluck dinners
are those times that promote good communication and
involvement for parents and grandparents with caregivers and
teachers.
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Hours and Days of Operation
Our hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
This list of holidays will allow you, the parent, to make necessary arrangements as we
close for holidays. We are closed on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day
Independence Day
Christmas Day (5 days)
Good Friday
Labor Day
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving (2 days)
Monthly fees are not adjusted for scheduled holiday closings except for the
Christmas Holiday Week.
Inclement Weather Policy
Listen to your local radio or TV stations for closings. If public school
does not operate we will be closed. Please check our website for
notices regarding inclement weather, www.CovenantChildCare.net.
Parent fees are not adjusted for routine inclement weather closings. In
the event of weather that forces the center to be closed 3 or more days in a row, fee
adjustments will be made for any day after the second day.
Parent fees will not be adjusted for emergency closings beyond our control. This
would include closings due to the facility being without water, heat, electricity or
anything else beyond our control.
Arrival and Departure
Sign In
Parents must accompany children at all times. Parents must notify the staff of the
child’s presence by signing them in at their classroom and swiping their SEEK card if
applicable. The SEEK point of service device is located at the workstation inside the
auditorium, to the left of the double doors.
Arrival
Late arrivals are disruptive to the children and their regular routine. Programming
begins at 9:00 a.m. All children must be in attendance by 9:00 a.m. It is
understandable that doctor’s appointments or late arrivals may be an exception at
times. Please make prior arrangements for these occasions and bring a doctor’s note.
To ensure a quality experience for all children an arrival deadline is required. Late
arrival time is 1:30 PM after naptime.
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Departure
Before removing the child from the center the parent should notify the staff of their
presence and departure of the child. CCC uses Sign In/Out sheets which are
located in classrooms. You are required to sign your child in and out and notify staff
of your child’s arrival and departure.
Children will be released to no one other than their legal parents or guardians
and the people listed on the Application for Childcare form. Children cannot be
released to individuals under the age of 18. When someone other than the parent is to
pick up a child, he or she may be asked to provide identification.
All legal parents have the right to pick up their child unless there is a legal court
document stating otherwise and the document is on file at the center.
Emergencies
In case of emergency: Children will be released to those people listed on their
application form as being allowed to pick them up. Please be sure you have listed at
least three people who may pick up your child. Any changes to your instructions must
be made in writing. FOR YOUR CHILD’S PROTECTION, THERE WILL BE
NO EXCEPTIONS MADE TO THIS POLICY.
On Time Pick Up
Our staff are hired to provide child care services for a specific number of hours each
day. It is important for parents to pick their children up at a designated time daily.
Children miss their parents if the day is long. Fatigue can stress
your child. For your child’s well-being we urge you to come
and pick up your child on time. If you find that you are going
to be detained, please notify the center immediately so that we
can assure your child that he/she has not been forgotten.
During the enrollment process, parents should identify the
hours that they will need care for their child and after
placement, notify the center of any changes that occur. CCC will assess fees for late
pickup.
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Application and Registration
1. Parents must meet with the center Administrator for a pre-enrollment conference
prior to attendance in the program and complete a Child’s Application for Childcare.
2.
In addition to the pre-enrollment conference, parents should plan for an
orientation meeting. An average parent orientation lasts about 45 minutes. At the
orientation the administrator and lead teacher will meet with the parent to complete an
individualized plan of care for their child. This planning form will help childcare
providers give your child individualized care according to their specific needs. Parents
will also be expected to complete additional forms such as, discipline policy, emergency
release form, and a food service form. All forms must be completed and turned in to
the Administrator prior to the first day of attendance in the program.
3. Parents will be given a medical examination form and immunization record which
must be completed by a doctor or their representative. This form must be returned to
the center at enrollment time. Your child’s health is very important to us. Additionally,
we require an updated copy of all immunizations and well child check-ups that are
obtained for the duration of the child’s enrollment annually.
4. Parents of infants need to provide a written feeding schedule so that we can
coordinate with the child’s home feeding schedule. All children under (15) fifteen
months old must have a current feeding schedule on file at the center. Parents are
responsible for making changes in their child’s schedule as eating habits change.
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Fees
Registration Fee
A $25.00 registration fee will be charged at the time of enrollment to all children or at
the beginning of each academic year, in August.
Child Care Fees
Age
Weekly
Infants and 1 year olds
$150.00
2 year olds
$135.00
3-5 year olds
$126.00
Subsidy Surcharge (In addition to Parent
Portion)
$25.00
Fees will be charged based on the current fee schedule. Fees must be paid in advance
prior to the child’s attendance in the program. Fees are assessed by enrollment, not by
attendance days. Fees are due on the first working day of the month or week. For
example, the fee for August will be due on August 1st.
A $10.00 late fee will be assessed for fees paid after the 1st day of the week. If your
check is returned to our bank for insufficient funds or closed account; you will be
assessed $38. This is the fee charged to us by our banking institution.
Please make checks payable to Franklin Covenant Child Care. Payments should be
deposited in the payment drop box located at the CCC workstation adjacent to the
church office. You will receive a monthly statement as your receipt. If you have
questions about fees or your statement please call the director, 828-342-7737.
Subsidized Care
Subsidized Child Care assists parents in helping pay for child care and is available for
families who meet eligibility requirements. All parents who feel they may qualify for
subsidized child care, or are having difficulty paying for their child care fees, should
contact their local subsidized child care social worker. Parents must furnish the social
worker with proof of their family income. The social worker will determine if there is a
fee and how much it will be. Fees assessed by the social worker will be printed on the
child care Voucher/Action Notice and are due on the first working day of the week
along with additional fees over and above the subsidy amount. In the event of a
change in family income or size, parents are required to notify their social worker
immediately.
A contract for services rendered will be prepared outlining fees for childcare. It is
required that all parents sign the contract no later than the first day of attendance.
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Supply Fee
There is an annual $75.00 supply fee for all children age 1-5 years. This supply fee
covers consumable materials, special projects and curriculum work texts and
supplements. You may pay this fee all at once, or divide the fee in to three equal
payments $25.00 due at enrollment or September, January and April. The fee will be
added to the families’ monthly statement.
Food
Special dietary considerations should be discussed in advance with the center director
at the Parent Orientation conference and approved in writing by a physician. CCC is
not a peanut free facility. Please let the director know during the enrollment
orientation process of any known food or drug allergies.
Nutrition Services
CCC participates in CACFP. CACFP is the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a
Federal program that provides healthy meals and snacks to children and adults
receiving day care. Each day more than 2.6 million children participate in the CACFP.
The program plays a vital role in improving the quality of child care.
The meals and snacks that we serve are low fat, salt and sugar.1 Meal service is
voluntary. CCC serves breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.
Children may bring their ready to eat lunch. We are not able to heat or reheat meals.
Lunch containers should be packed with ice packs to ensure safe food handling.
At enrollment all parents are required to complete an Eligibility and Enrollment
Application for CACFP (Child and Adult Food Program) to determine eligibility to
participate in Free or Reduced Cost meals for children.
Participants are qualified based on income eligibility. If your family is eligible the
administration will determine if meals are free or reduced cost. The following fees
apply:
Meal Service Fees and Meal Times
Tier One – Free
Tier Two – Reduced $5.00 per week per child.
Tier Three – Private $7.50 for lunch and $12.50 for breakfast and lunch per week per
child.
1
CACFP meal patterns are located in the Appendix of this document.
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Meal Service Times
Breakfast 8:00-9:00 AM
Lunch 11:00-12:00 PM
Snack 2:00-3:00 PM
All children must be present at the specified time for breakfast, lunch and snack with
either a purchased/free meal or food from home. If an exception needs to be made
on occasion, please contact your child’s Lead Teacher to make those arrangements.
We will make occasional exceptions to this rule.
Infants are also eligible for iron fortified formula, cereal and baby foods. The director
will work closely with parents of infants to determine nutrition services. The feeding
policy for infants is as follows:
 Parents will provide clean infant bottles with water or prepared formula labeled
and dated with your child’s name. If a family is eligible for CACFP (food
program) parents should provide clean bottles with water in them.
 Infants shall be held by the caregiver while the child is taking a bottle. Bottle
propping by the caregiver is not permitted. This type of feeding of infants and
toddlers can lead to inner ear infections and Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
 Bottles that contain formula, milk or juice shall be refrigerated until the child
desires to be fed. All contents remaining in the bottle, after each feeding, will
be discarded. This is a sanitation regulation in child care. This makes it
important to bring the smaller bottles with the approximate amount of a
feeding that your baby needs.
 Mobile toddlers will not be permitted to carry their bottle throughout the
classroom. If the child is able to sit alone, the child shall sit in an age
appropriate chair, at an age appropriate table, to feed himself/herself.
Parents are encouraged to inform the staff of any change in eating habits, such as,
introducing solid foods, weaning from the bottle, food allergies, etc. as soon as
possible.
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BREAST FEEDING…A special bond is formed when a mom breastfeeds her
baby. You are also giving your new baby special antibodies and nutrients not
available in regular formula. We promote breastfeeding in our center. Moms, you
are welcome to come into the center and breastfeed your baby. Bottles of breast
milk shall be dated and labeled with the child’s name. All breast milk shall be used
only for the intended child.
Clothing
Parents need to bring an extra change of clothing for their child. This includes pants,
shirts, socks, and under clothes. These extra clothes should be labeled with the child’s
name. Please dress your child comfortably in play clothes and according to the weather.
During changing seasons, it may often be cool in the morning and warm in the
afternoon. Please bring extra clothes or dress your child in layers as needed.
REMEMBER, active children playing indoors and outdoors will get their clothes dirty.
During a day’s activities the children will usually have the opportunity to be involved in
sand or water play, painting and other art activities. These “messy”, creative activities
allow children to participate in many valuable learning experiences. Be sure that
children are dressed for involvement in this fun, learning activities.
Diaper Bags
The only items allowed in a diaper bag are diapers, clothing, wipes and baby toys. It is
the parent’s responsibility to remove all medications and bottles upon arrival and give
them to the caregiver. The parent also needs to collect medications and bottles at the
end of the day.
Toys
CCC centers are adequately equipped with appropriate toys and materials, and we
recommend that children not bring personal toys from home.
Staff cannot be
responsible for these toys, and they are often lost or destroyed. Special consideration
for security or sleep toys should be discussed with the center director at Parent
Orientation.
Training and Professional Development of Staff
Career development and training for our staff is very important.
Staff either hold or are working towards the Early Childhood Education credential.
The director, Lead Teachers and Teachers are required to maintain current certification
in CPR, First Aid and SIDS training for infants as well as other training that may apply
to their classroom.
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Health and Safety
Discipline Policy
The goal of effective discipline is to teach the children self-control. That is, to teach
each child how to live usefully and happily with himself/herself and others. Good
discipline results in a child who conducts himself/herself in an appropriate manner
even when adults are not present.
We, at CCC, believe the benefits of respect, consistency and positive reinforcement are
more effective than corporal punishment. As such, no form of corporal punishment
will be used at CCC. CCC’s discipline policy is consistent with the policy of the North
Carolina Division of Child Development.
When the need presents itself, the following methods of discipline will be used by
classroom teachers:
1. Model appropriate behavior.
2. Redirect the child from an unacceptable activity to a more acceptable activity.
3. Provide alternative activities.
4. Give praise whenever possible for appropriate behavior.
5. Ignore behavior that would best be ignored when possible.
6. Distract children from inappropriate behavior.
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7. Allow a child to get away from the situation briefly. This respects the fact that the
child may be overly stimulated or upset and need an opportunity to be apart from the
group.
8. Give the child time to consider his behavior. There will be a specified place (in full
view of the caregiver) where the child will be allowed to calm down and spend quiet
time to contemplate their emotions. The areas are our cozy corner in our book nook
(as long as the child is not upset and quiet) or the “hiding place” in the classroom. The
hiding place is a comfortable space, lined with visuals and materials from the Center on
the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning2 (CSEFEL). When a child’s
ability to understand that he/she is being asked to sit for quiet time, is impaired by
disabilities or young age, his/her behavior will be dealt with by distraction or
redirection.
9. If these methods of discipline fail to bring about the acceptable behavior necessary
for safe and happy relationships with the other children in group care, a conference
with parents will be requested.
CCC employees will follow these guidelines, at all times, about the discipline of
children:
1. No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner,
operator, director, or staff of any day care facility. For the purposes of this statement,
“staff” shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary
personnel, such as cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, vehicle drivers, etc.
2. No child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving,
pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.
3. No child shall ever be placed in a locked room, closet, or box.
4. No discipline shall ever be delegated to another child.
5. Discipline shall in no way be related to food, rest, or toileting;
A. No food shall be withheld, or given, as a means of discipline.
B. No child shall ever be disciplined for lapses in toilet training.
C. No child shall ever be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period.
2
More information on CSEFEL http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/
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6. Children will be spoken to with a respectful tone of voice at all times.
7. Caregivers will not put hands on children for anything other than gentle and
appropriate intentions.
Biting
Young children may bite for different reasons. The end result is not pleasant…Biting
hurts! CCC is required to document biting incidents and give a report to parents of the
child bitten and the child who has done the biting. We DO NOT send children home
for biting. The staff are encouraged to move about the room so that many biting
incidents can be prevented. If documentation shows a particular child to bite more
than once a day, the teachers and teacher assistants will take necessary steps in aiding
the child to express himself/herself in a different way. EXAMPLE- providing a child a
teether. It is hard on the child that has been bitten, and the majority of children will
bite, only if it is one time. One day your child may be bitten, and the next day you
receive a report that your child has bitten another child. The fact is…biting does
happen occasionally in centers where infants and toddlers are enrolled. Why?
There are several reasons why children bite:
1. Young children explore by placing objects in their mouths. Sometimes children
almost “accidentally” explore just a little too vigorously. Some children actually
respond with shocked looks when a bitten child cries.
2. Children do not have a well-developed sense of cause and effect relationships.
They are just learning that if they bite someone, it hurts that person.
3. Young children do not have verbal skills to express angry feelings. Biting is a very
powerful way to get one’s way, fight back, or release frustration. Studies show that
almost all biting disappears by age three, the age at which most children begin to be
able to say, “No” and acquire other more complex skills for dealing with anger or
frustrating feelings.
4. Being an infant or toddler has to be frustrating. Think of how many times infants
and toddlers fall down while struggling to reach an attractive object only to have it
snatched away by another child or adult. We know that biting, and other forms of
aggression, results frequently from an accumulation of frustrating experiences.
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5. Children are often teething, and it may just feel good to bite. (Remember cutting
wisdom teeth?)
What do we do to prevent and treat biting incidents?
We do not like them to happen either, so we work hard to minimize the number
of such incidents by doing the following:
1. We plan activities and supervise the center carefully so that biting hopefully will not
occur. We provide activities to release frustration, and we have ample toys so that
children do not have to fight over toys. We maintain a good child/staff ratio in our
infant-toddler groups so that staff members can always be close to groups of infants
and toddlers playing together.
2. When bites do occur, we react firmly by telling children, “NO.” We provide
simple explanations to help children understand why biting cannot be allowed. We
provide objects that can be bitten, and we redirect children to appropriate activities to
vent strong feelings.
3. We may isolate a child for a few minutes to give them time to calm down. (The
child will never be totally isolated from the group. An adult will always be in the
presence of the child, and the isolation time is very short for young children.)
4. We console the child who has been bitten and move quickly to clean the bite. We
place ice on the bite to minimize swelling and bruising. We have secured current
advice for first-aid treatment for bites from the county health department, so practices
are in line with recommendations for health safety.
5. If your child is bitten we will notify you immediately if you so desire so that you can
determine if further medical attention is needed. (In most cases, the skin is not broken,
and no additional medical attention should be needed, but we want you to have the
option to make that decision.)
6. We “shadow” the child who has done the biting so that we can prevent any followup incidents.
There are some things we do not do, and you should know those too:
We will not bite children back, nor will we encourage children to bite
each other back. This practice only models and encourages further
aggressive behavior.
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We will not disclose the identity of the biter or the bitten. In an effort
to protect the privacy of all individuals involved, the identity of the biter
and the bitten will not be disclosed.
We will not “expel” a child with a biting problem, under normal
circumstances. If a child reaches the age where biting is uncommon (past
three, and certainly four years of age), and the child is still biting
persistently, a careful examination of the situation is needed. We may wish
to secure an additional evaluation for the child to determine why more
mature forms of communication are not being used. 3.
Sickness and Infectious Disease Policy
Child care centers, because of their nature, are places where children
are frequently exposed to contagious diseases. In order to reduce
the risk of giving an infection to other children, and for your own
child’s protection, the following policy will apply:
When children may not attend:
•
Child does not feel well enough to participate in daily activities. Children must
be able to comfortably participate in activities. Children that need substantial medical
support or comforting will be difficult to care for without neglecting other children.
•
Staff cannot care for sick child without compromising care of the other
children.
•
Child has any of the following symptoms, until a health provider determines
that the child is well enough to attend and that the illness is not contagious. To return
sooner, a health provider’s note is needed.
1. Fever of 101° F or greater and accompanied by behavior change and other
signs or symptoms of illness.
2. Signs or symptoms of possible severe illness (e.g. persistent crying, extreme
irritability, uncontrolled coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, lethargy).
3
Acknowledgements to Dr. Sharon Teets Carson Newman College.
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3. Diarrhea: Changes from child’s usual stool pattern, such as increased
frequency of stools, looser/watery stools:
A. Diarrhea stool runs out of diaper/unable to make it to the
bathroom-can stay IF no other symptoms.
B. After a second diarrhea stool child must go home regardless of
accompanying symptoms.
4. Vomiting more than once in the previous 24 hours.
5. Mouth sores with drooling.
6. Rash with a fever or behavior change.
•
Child has been diagnosed from a health care provider, until treated and/or no
longer contagious with the following:
1. Infectious conjunctivitis/pink eye (with eye discharge) - until 24 hours after
treatment started.
2. Scabies, head lice, other infestations- until 24 hours after treatment started
and child is FREE OF ALL NITS.
3. Impetigo- until 24 hours after treatment started and all sores have crusted
over.
4. Strep throat, scarlet fever, or other strep infection- until 24 hours after
treatment started and child is free of fever.
5. Pertussis- until 5 days after treatment started.
6. Tuberculosis (TB) - until a health care provider determines that the disease
is not contagious.
7. Chicken Pox- until 6 days after start of rash or all sores have crusted over.
8. Mumps- until 9 days after start of symptoms (swelling of “cheeks”).
9. Hepatitis A- until 7 days after start of symptoms (e.g., jaundice).
10. Measles- until 6 days after start of rash.
11. Rubella (German measles) - until 6 days after start of rash.
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12. Oral Herpes (if child is drooling) - until lesions are dry.
13. Shingles (if lesions cannot be covered) - until lesions heal.
FRESH AIR AND EXERCISE SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCES THE HEALTH
AND GROWTH OF A CHILD. Parents who feel their child is TOO ILL to
participate in outdoor activities, should keep their child home an extra day to insure a
complete recovery.
If any child develops a contagious or infectious disease while at the center, the parents
will be informed. Parents will be required to come to pick up a sick child immediately.
If parents are going to be longer than 15-20 minutes another designated person must
pick the child up.
If any child has been exposed to a contagious or infectious disease while at the center
parents will be informed in writing. Parents, in turn, should inform the center of any
contagious or infectious disease which their child develops at home or to which the
child has been exposed.
First Defense: Handwashing
First in the line of defending children, families and staff from communicable illness and
disease is handwashing. Proper handwashing is an integral part of many of our
routines.
We ask that all parents and visitors wash their hands when entering a classroom if they
intend to touch furnishings and toys.
In addition to this, our second line of defense is sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces of
all furnishings, toys and equipment. A copy of our routine cleaning schedule is
included in the Appendix of this document.
Also, our facility is randomly inspected by the Dept. of Environmental Health twice a
year and our Sanitation Score is posted at the CCC workstation for your review.
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Medications
Occasionally a child will need to have medicine administered while he or
she is at the center. In order for the center staff to be able to administer
this medication the following regulations will be implemented for reasons
of safety:
1. Provide prescription medicine in its original container bearing the pharmacist’s label
which lists the child’s name, date the prescription was filled, the physician’s name, and
directions for dosage.
2. NO medication can be administered at the center without the written permission
from the parent. A “Medication Permission Form” must be completed and signed by
the parent with:
Child’s name, Name of medication
Exact dosage, Time(s) of day to be given
Day(s) to be given
3. Over the counter medications shall be administered as authorized in writing by the
child’s parent, not to exceed the amounts and frequency of dosage specified in the
printed instructions accompanying the medication. Be sure the medication is
appropriate for your child’s age or we have to require a doctor’s prescription which
specifies exact dosage. The child’s name should be written on the medicine container.
4. All medications can be kept at the center only for the length of the
prescribed course of treatment. NO medications can be kept indefinitely, to
be given “as needed”.
A. A written statement from the parent may give blanket permission
for up to 6 months to authorize administration of medication for
asthma and allergic reactions.
B. A written statement from the parent may give blanket permission
for up to 1 year to authorize the administration of sunscreen and over
the counter diapering cream.
5. All medications must be given directly to the teacher by an adult. DO NOT bring
pre-measured medication in a syringe.
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6. If only two doses are given during a 24 hour period, we prefer the parent/guardian
administer medication before and after child care services.
Field Trip Policy
CCC occasionally plans field trips to enhance themes centered around our lesson
plans.
If a field trip is planned, parents will be notified for permission prior to departure
and asked to complete a Permission to Transport form.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate; children under the age of
three will need to be accompanied by their parent or guardian. In the event that a
child under 3 cannot participate with their parent on the field trip, alternative
activities will be planned in the classroom during the field trip for their continued
care.
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Accidental Injury or Emergency Health Problem
In case of emergency (accident, severe pain, etc.), the center director or a lead teacher
will take appropriate action. If needed, 911 will be called or the child will be
transported to get medical care. Parents or guardians will be contacted immediately.
The center will maintain a parent’s signed consent form agreeing to emergency medical
care (see child’s application). Emergency phone numbers will be posted by the
telephone and the staff will be instructed in the procedures to follow in case of illness
or injury. A first aid kit will be available at a central location at the center and
personnel will be trained in first aid procedures and CPR.
It is very important that we have a telephone number where you may be reached in
case of emergency or illness. Please keep the center staff continually updated with
emergency contact information.
CCC provides a smoke free environment for our children. We
request that all adults refrain from smoking in the center, on the
playground, or near the windows of the center.
Procedures for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Or
Neglect
By North Carolina law, caregivers are required to report suspected cases of
child abuse or neglect. If such cases arise, the Center Director will report to the
Department of Social Services of Macon County.
Inclusion and Americans with Disabilities Act
CCC will attempt to include all children in care regardless of race, religion, disability.
Children with chronic health problems such as diabetes, asthma will be accommodated
with proper training provided by parents or attending physicians for the routine
administration of prescribed therapies, treatments or medication.
The proper
medication administration forms must be completed by parents.
CCC is not staffed by a health nurse and cannot provide care that requires a licensed
health care professional such as catheters etc.
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We will attempt to accommodate children with social emotional disorders to the best
of our ability and will contact behavior specialist and the Child Development Services
Agency for technical assistance.
Full cooperation is required from parents to
participate in parent meetings and the ongoing care for children with ADHD, Autism,
OCD and the like.
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3
Section
Parent Participation
Parent/Provider Relationship
1. We respect parents as the prime educators of their children.
2. All parents are expected to:
A. Schedule a pre-enrollment interview with the director and visit the center
before the child’s first day of attendance to help the child become familiar with
the program.
B. Obtain an initial and annual medical examination and immunization
record for the child and complete the medical and emergency information
form annually.
C. Attend a Parent Orientation meeting with the director and your child’s
Lead Teacher to complete the additional forms necessary, such as the
Individual Child Planning form, Emergency Release information and
Discipline Statement.
D. Attend the Annual Registration and Information meeting held in
August each year.
E. Check your child’s “mail pouch” (red pocket chart you’re your child’s first
name located outside of each classroom) for classwork and communication
from teachers or the director via your child’s daily care “Happy Busy” note.
This daily care “Happy Busy” note is sent home every day and provides you
with details about your child’s daily care such as toileting, diapering, meals and
snacks, activities as well as supply needs (diapers, wipes, formula etc.)
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3. Staff will meet with parents on a quarterly basis or more to discuss their child’s
needs, progress, and to exchange information. CCC utilizes the services of
professionals for health screenings, developmental delays and social emotional
development and will request consent forms from parents to exchange information
prior to any meetings with these professionals about or with your child.
4. Parents will be given the opportunity to participate in center activities and to
observe their child and the center program. Special events are offered from time to
time such as related field trips to our lesson plans. The following activities are offered
annually all children, parents and their extended family and friends:
 Annual Easter Egg Hunt (Spring)
 Picnic in the Park (Spring Field Trip)
 End of Year Program and Preschool Graduation (Summer)
 Harvest and Hayride (Fall)
 Christmas Pageant and Gift Distribution (Toys for Tots)
5. We also encourage parents and staff to work together to provide the best child care
for their children by the use of daily care sheets that we call “Happy Busy” notes.
It is important for all parents to become familiar with their child’s center and program.
Parents are welcome to visit our center at any time. You may want to become
actively involved with the children through volunteer opportunities and special events,
or you may just want to observe. It is up to you. Do not hesitate to share information
about the changing needs of your child (cutting teeth, change in sleeping and/or eating
patterns). Our staff will work with you to make sure your child is cared for to the best
of our ability.
Opportunities for parent involvement are communicated monthly in the CCC Family
Newsletter. A hard copy of the newsletter is distributed through inter-center mail via
your child’s “mail pouch,” email (if you have provided your email address) or can be
downloaded online at our website www.CovenantChildCare.net.
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Complaint Policy
One of the most important aspects of our program is our staff/parent relationships. As
parents, you possess a wealth of information about your child. The staff are trained to
notice individual characteristics and patterns of development in children. By
developing a positive and friendly relationship, parents and staff are able to share
information and to work together to provide a quality child care program.
As in any program, questions and problems will arise from time to time. As parents,
you should feel comfortable addressing questions to your child’s teachers. If they are
unable to answer your questions, they will refer you to the director.
Questions and grievances are best handled at the center level. The center staff are
the best informed about the children in their care.
However, should you need to take your concerns and/or grievances elsewhere, the
recommended procedure to follow is:
1. Discuss with your child’s teacher.
2. Discuss with the Center Director.
3. Discuss with representative at the Department of Social Services:
Macon County Dept. of Social Services
Intake Social Worker
1832 Lakeside Drive
Franklin, NC 28734
Phone: (828) 349-2124 | Fax: (828) 349-2401
http://maconnc.org/dss-child-abuse.html
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Contact Information:
Covenant ChildCare
Franklin Covenant Church Inc.
POB 1710
265 Belleview Park Rd.
Franklin, NC 28744
Phone: (828)524-5446
Email: customercare@covenantchildcare.net
Website: www.CovenantChildCare.net
Acknowledgments for this resource:
Southwestern Child Development
P.O. Box 250
1528 Webster Rd.
Webster, NC 28788
P: 828.586.5561 | F: 828.586.4039
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APPENDIX
Covenant Childcare Staff Directory
LAST
FIRST
POSITION
CELL
PHONE
EMAIL
CAMPBELL
STEPHANIE
828.342.7737
stephanie@covenantchildcare.net
DUNN
BETSY
706.400.8966
betsy@covenantchildcare.net
WHEELER
NANCY
Director;
Lead Teacher 2-5 year olds
Lead Teacher
Infant Toddlers
CACFP
Nutrition Svcs. Coordinator
813.760.3243
nancy@covenantchildcare.net
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Payment Agreement for Childcare Services
Agreement between:
AND
Parent/Guardian
Covenant ChildCare a ministry of
Franklin Covenant Church
265 Belleview Park Road
POB 1710
Franklin, NC 28734
Address
828-524-5664
City/State
Zip Code
Email Address:
This agreement is a legal and binding contract between Covenant ChildCare, hereinafter
known as “Provider” and the parent/guardian hereinafter known as “Parent”. Please ensure
that all terms and conditions are thoroughly discussed, and clearly understood before
entering into this agreement. The original copy of this Agreement for Services will be retained
by the Provider and a copy given to the Parent. There are additional documents that the
Parent will be required to sign regarding policies of the Provider.
1. The Parent agrees to place the following children in the care of the Provider:
Name
Date of
Birth
Rate
Name
Date of
Birth
Rate
2. The Parent and the Provider agree that child care services will be available for the above
named children as indicated below:
Monday
a.m. to
p.m.
Thursday
a.m. to
p.m.
Tuesday
a.m. to
p.m.
Friday
a.m. to
p.m.
Wednesday
a.m. to
p.m.
Saturday / Sunday
CLOSED
Additional care schedule arrangements:
3. Current Rates and Payment Agreement
Birth – 23 Mo. $150.00 wk.
2 and 3 Yr. Olds $135.00 wk.
3 – 5 Yr. Olds $126.00 wk.
Parent fees and payments: Rate for all children: $
The Parent and Provider agree that the total child care fee shall be $
per
month/week, payable by the 1st day of the month or weekly on the first day of the week that
the child begins care. Fees are not based on attendance and deductions are not allowed due
to absence or illness. To ensure that your place is secure at CCC this agreement and its terms
must be perpetual. We reserve the right to terminate this agreement at any time due to nonpayment and fill positions of care.
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The rate for childcare includes nine hours of care. The fee may be adjusted by providing 10
days written notice in the event that there are circumstances that require temporary changes.
Non-payment of fees may be cause for immediate termination without notice. There is a $25
registration fee per child per year due at registration and annually, on the anniversary date
thereafter. Late fees, activity and supply fees etc. will be billed under a separate Statement
Page Two
Name:
4. The Parent and the Provider agree that a fee of $1 per minute will be charged for late pick
up of a child; $10 per 15 minutes block of time. If there are adjustments or changes to your
schedule you must notify us in writing at least one week before the changes take place, this
applies to schedules that vary. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify CCC of their
schedule. We want to make sure we have adequate staff to ensure the proper care and
compliance with State regulations for all children.
5. The Parent and the Provider agree that this agreement may be terminated upon 10
business day’s written notice by either the Parent or the Provider. A fee may be paid in lieu of
the notice by the Parent and is computed using the current rate as outlined
above. Reimbursement will be made to the Parent by the Provider for fees paid in excess of 10
days upon termination of this agreement.
6. The Parent and the Provider are to comply with the Provider’s policies as outlined in the
document “Parent Handbook” a copy of which is available at www.covenantchildcare.net and
the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education regulations, a copy of which is
available at http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/general/home.asp .
In witness whereof the parties hereto have set their hands this
,
(year).
at Franklin, Macon County, North Carolina.
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Signature of Administrator of Covenant Childcare
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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE (CACFP Nutrition)
This day care facility participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a Federal
program that provides healthy meals and snacks to children receiving day care. Two weeks of
menus are posted in each classroom for parents to review.
Each day more than 2.6 million children participate in CACFP at day care homes and centers
across the country. Providers are reimbursed for serving nutritious meals which meet USDA
requirements. The program plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care and making it
more affordable for low-income families.
Meals
CACFP homes and centers follow meal requirements established by USDA.
Breakfast
Lunch or Supper
Snacks (Two of the four
groups)
Milk
Milk
Milk
Fruit or Vegetable
Meat or Meat Alternate
Meat or Meat Alternate
Grains or Bread
Grains or Bread
Grans or Bread
Two different servings of
Fruit or Vegetable
fruits or vegetables.
Participating Facilities
Many different homes and centers operate CACFP and share the common goal of
bringing nutritious meals and snacks to participants. Participating facilities include:
•
•
•
•
Child Care Centers: Licensed or approved public or private nonprofit child care
centers, Head Start programs, and some for-profit centers.
Family Day Care Homes: Licensed or approved private homes.
Afterschool Care Programs: Centers in low-income areas provide free snacks to
school-age children and youth.
Homeless Shelters: Emergency shelters provide food services to homeless children.
Eligibility
State agencies reimburse facilities that offer non-residential day care to the following
children:
• children age 12 and under,
• migrant children age 15 and younger, and
• youths through age 18 in afterschool care programs in needy areas.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer English Version 6/08
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Classroom Sanitation Routines
Shift
Daily
AM
Description
Midday Nap
Use Soapy Water and Sanitize the following:
Refrigerator (remove old sippy cups and food (7 days old), make sure all
items are marked with name and date)
Tables and all chairs
Window Sills
Closing
Use Soapy Water and Sanitize the following:
Diaper Changing Area, Sinks, Acrylic Dividers
Sweep and Swiffer the floors, main traffic and use areas.
Tables and Chairs
Organize Toys on Shelves, putting EVERYTHING where it belongs
according to shelf tags.
Spread out toys on classroom table and mist with sanitizer each day.
Rotate toys each night so that all toys get sanitized once a week. *Keep
a record of the rotation on this sheet so that all toys get sanitized
weekly.
Remove all sheets from cribs, pillow cases, blankets and store for
laundry pick up.
Take trash out to dumpster
:
Cleaning Crew
Weekly (Friday)
Exchange 'dirty bin' put on breakfast cart and send to kitchen for
midday washing.
Remove rest mat covers, pillow cases and all blankets from lockers and
store for laundry pick up.
Soapy Water and Sanitize Rest Mats.
Sweep under all shelves and mop the entire floor with disinfectant.
Remove carpets in center areas and clean under them as well as
vacuum the carpets.
Wash and Sanitize the Bottle Warmer in IT classroom.
Monthly
st
1 Friday
nd
2 Friday Infant
Toddler
rd
3 Friday
Preschool
th
4 Friday
Soapy water and sanitize trash cans.
Remove toys from shelves and wash and sanitize surfaces.
Remove toys from shelves and wash and sanitize surfaces.
Include all dramatic play clothing in laundry pick up. Please wash if
needed prior to monthly routine.
Semi-Annual
Steam Clean carpeted areas by a professional. (Director)
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Daily care sheets: Happy Busy Note
Infants, Toddlers and Twos
YOUR CHILD'S ACTIVITIES TODAY:
NAME:
TODAY I WAS:
HAPPY
BUSY
SOCIAL
CURIOUS
SAD
MAD
TODAY I ATE:
BREAKFAST
AM SNACK
LUNCH
PM SNACK
REST:
NAP:
DIAPER/TOILETING:
TIME
YES
NO
SLEPT FROM:
W=WET
D=DRY
PM
BM=BOWEL
MOVEMENT
INITIALS W/D/BM TIME
TO
INITIALS W/D/BM TIME
PM
INITIALS W/D/BM
MEDICATIONS:
COMMENTS:
Three – Five Year Olds
NAME:
DATE:
TODAY I WAS:
HAPPY
BUSY
SOCIAL CURIOUS
SAD
MAD
TODAY I ATE:
BREAKFAST
AM SNACK
LUNCH
PM SNACK
REST:
NAP:
YES
NO
SLEPT FROM:
PM
TO
PM
MEDICATIONS:
COMMENTS:
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