End of the Rainbow Childcare, CDC
Parent's Handbook
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PHILOSOPHY AND CURRICULUM
The staff at End of the Rainbow bases its philosophy on each child's total
development. We provide an enriching atmosphere which enables the child to
develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. We offer a learning
environment which provides developmentally appropriate experiences designed to
stimulate these areas of growth. The children are involved in first hand
experiences and opportunities for self exploration and discovery. They are
encouraged to explore the world around them through free play and directed
activities. Learning through play is the heart of our curriculum. Daily lesson
plans are introduced through structured themes with the children's interests in
mind. Through play children learn about themselves, others and the world around
them.
Children
develop and learn on an individual basis. Working with children in small groups
enables them to receive the personalized attention they need to excel. Also, it
allows our staff the opportunity to observe and meet the individual needs of
each child. Our program offers each child the individual care, attention,
nurturing and love, which is necessary for healthy growth. We value the
individuality of each child by recognizing these differences and offering
personal care and attention in a group setting.
Involving families in our program is a top priority. This helps children,
parents and our staff make the strong connection between home and center. We are
an extension of the family, developing a partnership where sharing support,
ideas and genuine love for children is of the utmost importance. We encourage
parents to visit and participate in school activities. At End of the Rainbow CDC
we have an open door policy; which means you are more than welcome to come and
go as you please. You are free to drop off or pick up your child any time
during the day. You are also welcome to come visit, eat lunch, and go on field
trips with your child's class.
If you
would like to review information in your child's file at any time please speak
with Nikki
CURRICULUM GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE
The curriculum provides for all areas of a child's development including
physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Curriculum planning is based on
teacher's observations and recordings of each child's special needs, interests
and developmental abilities. Classroom environments are designed for the
children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, peers
and materials. Learning activities and materials are concrete, real and
relevant to the lives of children.
Each
program provides for a wide range of developmental abilities and interests which
are increased in difficulty and challenge as the children develop understanding
and appropriate skills.
Multicultural and nonsexist experiences, materials, activities and equipment are
provided for children of all ages
HISTORY, SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
End
of the Rainbow has provided a high quality program to
INFANTS AND TODDLERS:
6 weeks - 2 years of age, fulltime care only
Infants and toddlers begin to develop an understanding of the world around them
through their senses and physical actions. To develop these skills our
infant/toddler program is designed with various age appropriate experiences and
exercises which will help your child develop at his/her own speed. These areas
include sensorimotor, psychomotor, language development, cognitive development,
large and small motor skills and social and emotional development. The children
are spoken, sung and read to frequently, have many different objects in their
environment to see and touch and have many opportunities to develop their fine
and gross motor skills. In addition, we are unable to toilet train children in
this classroom due to lack to restroom space. When they are able to sit in the
high chair we start to introduce basic sign language, this helps the child and
teacher communicate together.
TWO YEAR OLDS:
2-3 years of age, part-time care is available based on enrollment
Two year olds are beginning to develop social skills, enlarge their vocabulary
and test their independence. To develop these skills, our program for this age
group offers a group experience and private classroom which recognizes the
special needs of each child. The children have many opportunities to explore and
learn about the environment. The children are spoken to frequently and are
encouraged to participate daily in individual and group conversations. Toilet
training, dealing with frustration, encouraging self-help skills and providing
successful age appropriate experiences to enhance the child's self-concept is
part of the two-year-old curriculum.
PRESCHOOL:
3-4 years of age, part-time care is available based on enrollment
Our preschool program offers a balance of free play and structured individual
and group activities which gives the children a well balanced preschool
education. At this age children are developing more intimate peer relationships,
asking questions about the world around them and developing self-discipline and
control. To enhance these skills our program offers activities and experiences
in the areas of science, math, beginning reading and writing experiences, large
and small motor skills, dramatic play, block play, creative and movement
activities. Each child is viewed as a unique person with an individual pattern
and timing of growth and development. Different levels of ability, development
and learning styles are considered when developing appropriate activities for
this class.
PreK:
4 years old by Aug 1, part-time care is available based on enrollment
Like our preschool class, our five year old program offers a balance of free
play and structured individual and group activities. Experiences are provided
that meet children's needs and stimulate learning in all developmental areas -
physical, social, emotional and intellectual. Each child is viewed as a unique
person and activities are designed to develop children's self-esteem and
positive feelings toward learning. Children are allowed to select many of their
own activities from among a variety of learning areas prepared by the teachers.
This classroom continues to enhance reading and writing skills to prepare each
child for kindergarten. Children are provided many opportunities to develop
social skills such as cooperating, helping, negotiating and talking with each
other to solve problems.
SCHOOL AGE:
6 -12 years of age, part-time care is available based on enrollment
As children enter elementary school they are beginning to develop close
relationships in peer groups, can communicate more effectively with peers and
adults and are better able to problem solve and use abstract thinking. To
develop these skills we offer a very small and personalized before and after
school program to balance with the more structured public setting. Children in
this program are provided with a large variety of stimulating hands-on learning
experiences to suit their needs.
Prices are adjusted accordingly for times when school is out or during other
times the children may spend longer periods of time at the center than what they
are enrolled.
** The programs offered at End of the Rainbow are child oriented with hands on,
developmentally appropriate activities. Much of the learning is child initiated
with the teachers facilitating the children's interest into learning objectives
and goals.
**Transition week- The week before your child's start date we can arrange for
you and your child to visit the center. This helps your self and your child get
to know the center, teachers, and routines.
DISCIPLINE
Our staff uses only constructive and positive techniques when disciplining.
These include redirection, anticipation, modeling, natural consequences,
elimination of potential problems and teaching children to resolve conflicts on
their own in an appropriate way. It is our staff's responsibility to teach
children the proper behavior and not punish the child for undesirable behavior.
Removal from the group will be used in severe situations (hurting someone,
persistent disruptiveness) or when the child needs to gain control and observe
the positive interactions of others. If a child displays an unprovoked act of
aggression (biting, hitting, kicking, etc.) toward another child or staff
member, s/he must be picked up within 30 minutes of our phone call.
If a child demonstrates consistent aggressive behavior or discipline problems
there will be documented observations done by the teachers and all of our
procedures will be followed. When we feel we have exhausted all of our abilities
to control the behavior we will require a parent-teacher conference to discuss
the situation and/or behavior. At that time there will be a follow-up meeting
set for two weeks later to discuss any progress, alternatives, etc. If behavior
has not improved or has gotten worse, and if the teacher and director feel it is
necessary, a professional referral will be recommended. This will be done only
after we have exhausted all our abilities and it is in the best interest of the
child to receive outside help. If a referral is made, the family will be given
two weeks to seek professional help. If professional help is not sought during
that time, alternative childcare arrangements must be made. If professional help
is sought and no improvement in the child's behavior is observed, then
alternative childcare arrangements must be made.
End of the Rainbow cooperates with the University College of Education and
MULTICULTURAL AND GENDER FREE ENVIRONMENT
End of the Rainbow encourages diversity within our program. We offer an anti-bias, gender-free curriculum and encourage families to share their cultures with the children. Books, dolls, posters and foods provide the children with a chance to experience different cultures. The teachers include multicultural materials and activities naturally within the curriculum so it does not appear to be "different"
SCHOOL POLICY
ADMISSION
POLICY:
End of the Rainbow is a for-profit childcare center. We accept all children
regardless of race, sex, creed or color. Our program serves children ages six
weeks through twelve years of age. Upon enrollment, several forms must be
completed, a one time registration fee of $35.00, and the first week of tuition
is due which is non-refundable.
At any time a parent may request to see a copy of Licensing Rules for Child Day
Care Centers in
TUITION:
We prefer tuition be paid on a monthly time schedule, however, other
arrangements can be made with the director. Tuition payments must be made in
advance of service. Paying the tuition in advance allows us to prepare for the
month through meal and activity planning and paying our staff on time. Our
center is funded solely by tuition so it is imperative that tuition payments be
made on time. End of the Rainbow has a late tuition fee, which is as follows:
tuition not paid within three End of the Rainbow business days of the due date
will begin incurring a $5 per day late fee for every day thereafter that payment
is late. This is giving you two days "grace" in which to make payment. The due
dates are as follows:
If payment is not received within two weeks the child may not return to the
center. Once the bill is paid in full the child may return if his/her spot is
still available.
Family Support Division and other subsidies for childcare are allowed.
Co-payments for FSD subsidized care must be paid in advance.
If your child is sick or stays home for any reason there will be no credit given
and he/she will not be allowed to "make-up" the days missed. We must plan to
have all staff here even if your child does not attend.
REMOVING YOUR CHILD FROM CARE:
Three weeks notice is
required prior to withdrawal of your child from our center. If we do not receive
the proper notification, the family leaving is responsible for three weeks
tuition to account for the neglect of notification.
SIBLING DISCOUNT:
We offer discounts for families with more than one child enrolled at our center.
The discount is 10% off the second child's tuition rate and 5% for any children
after. Nikki will let you know what the discount is and the amount of your
monthly or weekly tuition.
ACTIVITY FEE:
If your child is enrolled in the preschool summer program, you will be
responsible for a $30 activity fee. This fee will help offset the cost of the
many field trips taken by these two classes which include bowling, swimming,
miniature golf, Central Dairy, Buck's Ice Cream, McDonald's, movies, skating,
etc.
VACATION POLICY:
Each family is given one week per year for vacation or sick time. The time can
be used after the child has been enrolled for one year. If your child attends
three days per week you will receive three days of vacation. If your child
attends two days per week you will receive two days of vacation.
Children enrolled only for the summer are not eligible for vacation.
Please request to use your vacation time prior to your child's absence. The week
you take vacation your child should be absent from End of the Rainbow. Your
account must be paid in full before vacation time can be used.
Vacation days not used may not be carried over to the next year.
LATE FEE POLICY:
There will be late charge of $2.00 per minute if your child is picked up after
5:45. The late fee will be paid directly to the teacher who stayed late with
your child. If there is an emergency and you can not pick up your child before
closing you need to contact us immediately and there will be no charge. Things
such as running errands, going to the bank or running late will incur a late
fee. The clock near the sign-in/out sheet will be used to determine late
charges.
RETURNED CHECK FEE:
Any tuition checks returned for insufficient funds will incur a $25 fee. Any
late fee checks written to staff returned for insufficient funds will incur a
$10 fee.
HOLIDAYS;
Our center is open year round except for the following holidays, which are paid
unless you use vacation time.
New Years Day (If New Year's Day falls on Saturday, we will
be closed on Friday. If New Year's Day falls on Sunday, we will be closed
on Monday.)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
** Good Friday (In-service day for all staff)
Memorial Day
Fourth of July -(If the fourth falls on Saturday, we will be closed on Friday.
If the fourth falls on Sunday, we will be closed on Monday.)
** Friday before Labor Day (In-service day for all staff)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Day after Christmas
New Year's Eve we will close at 4:00 p.m.
SNOW DAYS:
Our center
will be open if at all possible during inclement weather conditions, however, in
the case of severe weather watch KOMU-TV, or listen to BXR- 102.3 on the radio
or check the web site (www.rainbow-childcare.com) for announcements. The
decision to close early or all day will be at Nikki's discretion with the safety
of the children, parents and staff in mind.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES:
If you have a comment or concern about any End of the Rainbow policies or
procedures, please notify Nikki as soon as possible. Feel free to call or leave
a note at your convenience. Nikki takes all comments and concerns very seriously
and will strive to explain or rectify the situation. Nikki is here to work with
the parents in an effort to improve our center thus creating a better
environment for your children.
ARRIVAL AND PICK-UP:
We do not allow any child to leave the center with anyone other than the child's
parent or persons listed on the enrollment form. If others are to pick-up your
child the center must be notified. When dropping off your child, personally
bring him/her into the building, sign him/her in and make contact with a
teacher. Likewise, when picking up your child let the teacher know that you and
your child are leaving and sign him/her out. Also, do not lift your child over
the playground fence but rather go through the building. Please check your
child's cubby every day. Information from teachers, the director, newsletters
and children's work are placed in the cubby. Please take these home daily.
If your child will not be in attendance please call and let your child's teacher
know. Also, if we pick-up your child from public school we must be notified if
s/he will not need to be picked up.
HEALTH POLICY:
Our center is kept clean and sanitized on a daily basis to help control germs
and bacteria. Our staff practices good hygiene as well as teaching this to the
children. To help us maintain a healthy environment for your children, please
follow the health rules listed below which are in the best interests of all
children.
We
require children with the following symptoms remain at home:
1.
Fever over 100 degrees by mouth or 99 degrees under the arm
2.
Diarrhea
3.
Bad colds: discolored nasal discharge, persistent cough
4.
Vomiting, stomach flu
5.
Ear infections or discharge from the ear
6.
Eye discharge, bloodshot or swollen eyes
7.
Skin rashes
8.
Head lice
Children exhibiting any of the above symptoms will be sent home and may not
return until symptoms have been absent for a full 24 hours (Tylenol-free). An
ill child needs to be kept at home where s/he can rest and receive the necessary
attention. This is strictly enforced.
All children enrolled must have an up-to-date immunization record on file at the
center. Children two and under must have an Infant/Toddler form on file and
children not enrolled in public school must have a physical examination by a
doctor on file.
Please notify the center if your child has a contagious illness so other parents
can be notified. If your child is too sick to participate in our full program,
including going outside, please keep him/her home. It is much better for your
child to be fully recovered before returning. If your child becomes ill at our
center you will be contacted immediately. You will need to pick-up your child or
arrange for another person to collect your child within one hour of our call.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT POLICY:
If an End of the Rainbow staff member suspects a child in his/her care has been
the victim of child abuse or neglect we are required by law to report our
suspicions. All child development teachers in the state of
MEDICINE:
The staff at End of the Rainbow will administer medication. It must be labeled
and stored in the original container. A medication authorization form,
indicating the dosage and time of administration, needs to be filled out by the
parents. Your child's teacher will initial the chart and indicate the time the
medicine was given.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PLAN:
If your child needs immediate medical assistance End of the Rainbow will call
911. If possible, we will request your child be taken to the hospital listed on
his/her enrollment form, however, the final decision will be made by the
paramedics.
If your
child is injured at the center the teacher who is supervising your child will
fill out an accident report in detail about what happened, the first aid
received (ice pack, band-aid) and you will receive a phone if we feel it is
necessary. If you receive an injury report please be sure to sign it so we can
keep it on file and you will receive a copy as well.
CLOTHING:
Children should be dressed in comfortable, easy to care for clothes. Clothing
should be easy to play in and appropriate for the particular weather conditions.
We do provide paint smocks for activities which are messy, however, children
will get dirty. Comfortable play clothes are most appropriate. Tennis shoes are
best. Open sandals expose the child to unnecessary injury and are prone to
slips, splinters and stubbed toes.
We are required by the state licensing rules to provide at least one hour of
outside time per day, weather permitting, even when it is cold. We will go
outside when the temperature, including wind chill, is 20 degrees or above.
Children will need boots when it is muddy or cold. Please label all hats,
mittens and boots.
Your child will also need a complete change of clothing which will be kept in a
teacher cabinet or at your child's cubby. All clothing should be labeled.
All children have the opportunity to rest each day after lunch. Each child has
his/her own cot or crib with individual sheets and blankets. Every Friday we
will send linens home to be laundered. They must be returned the following
Monday. We encourage children to rest at least one hour each day.
MEALS:
Breakfast will be served each morning from 6:45-7:45. Please make the morning
teacher aware if your child needs breakfast, remembering that it must be before
7:45.
We serve two daily snacks and lunch. Our snacks and lunches are nutritious and
are with the children's tastes in mind. We try to offer a wide variety of foods.
If your child has any food allergies please let us know.
If desired, birthday treats may be provided by the parents for the child's
birthday. Please speak with your child's teacher is you wish to bring treats.
TOYS BROUGHT FROM HOME:
We ask that all children's toys be kept at home unless otherwise advised by your
child's teacher. We cannot be responsible for lost or broken toys. We do not
allow toy guns, knives, toy swords or any toys of destruction which encourage
violence or aggressive play.
CONFERENCES:
Conferences will be held once a year between the parents and the child's
teacher. The teachers are always available to discuss your child's progress on a
daily basis. We enjoy letting the parents know how the day went. If you feel
there is a problem which needs attention before a conference time, please feel
free to contact your child's teacher.
MOVING CHILDREN TO DIFFERENT CLASSES:
When moving children from class to class we will notify the parents and provide
the information of what the parents and children can expect from the new class.
Parent-teacher talks can also be held. Class changes are not always made by a
change in age (birthday) but rather when developmental changes and advances
occur and the child is comfortable developmentally and emotionally with the
changes.
If you have any question, comments or concerns, please feel free to bring them
to our attention. We want to keep in close contact with our families to better
serve you and your children.
Thank you,
Nikki Reynolds
Basic Daily Schedule
6:45
Open
9-9:30
Am snack
End of the
Nikki Reynolds
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