PARENT HANDBOOK 
(rev 6/08) 

Thank you for entrusting Chutes ‘n’ Ladders Early Development Center with the important responsibility of caring for your child during their most impressionable years.  The goal of Chutes ‘n’ Ladders is provide your child with quality care in a safe and secure environment, with many opportunities for physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.  We will also build-up the children’s self-confidence and self-esteem with praise and positive redirection.

     Here at Chutes ‘n’ Ladders, your child will experience a variety of exciting and stimulating activities each day so that your child can develop in all areas to the very best of his/her ability.  Your child will be involved in literacy activities, arts & crafts, music, and dramatic play.  Our outdoor play area contains a wide range of age-appropriate toys and apparatus for children of all ages, including climbers, riders, a sandbox and sports equipment.

     Chutes ‘n’ Ladders will utilize a school-readiness approved curriculum, which encourages child-directed learning through activity and play.  Our teaching method is through learning centers as well. Children will choose from art, blocks, home living, puzzles and manipulatives, where activities have been planned to help teach the children.  We encourage the parents’ to become involved in your child’s learning experiences.  We believe parents and teachers are partners when it comes to the children’s care.  At Chutes ‘n’ Ladders, an open door policy is in place.  Parents are welcome to observe the center and your child’s day at any time. 

     Chutes ‘n’ Ladders Early Development Center, LLC is owned and operated by Kristin Nestler, a former Department of Children and Families licensing counselor, who has intimate knowledge of policies in place to ensure the health and safety of your child.  We will also work closely with the Early Learning Coalition to ensure every child receives quality care.  Both the Department of Children and Families, and the Environmental Health Department have free and welcome access to our facility for the purpose of regulatory inspections.  The DFC licensing inspections are available online at www.myflorida.com/childcare. They will also be posted on the parent information board near the facility’s child care license. 

     This handbook has been prepared especially for you, the parent of the child enrolled in our center. You will find many of our policies and operating procedures explained here. By reading this handbook, you will feel more confident in your family’s adjustment into our program. We suggest that you keep this handbook for reference throughout the year. Whenever you have questions, please feel free to call or take a moment to speak with the owner or Director.

OPERATING HOURS

The center is open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.  The center will be closed on the following holidays for the 2008 - 2009 school year:

·        Fourth of July (7/4/08)

·        Labor Day (9/1/08)

·        Thanksgiving (11/27/08)

·        Day after Thanksgiving (11/28/08)

·        Christmas Eve – close at 2 pm (12/24/08)

·        Christmas (12/25/08)

·        Day after Christmas (12/26/08)

·        New Year’s Day (1/1/09)

·        Day after New Year’s Day (1/2/09)*

·        Memorial Day (5/25/09)

*A parent survey will determine wether or not we are open on this Friday.

If any major holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, there is a possibility the center will be closed the corresponding Monday or Friday.  Chutes ‘n’ Ladders reserves the right to amend the days that the center is closed.  If we do choose to close on an unscheduled day, ample notice (at least 2 weeks) will be given so you may make other accommodations.

If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at the center, please discuss this with your child’s teacher at least two weeks in advance.  Any celebrations must be approved by the Owner or Director.

Children must be picked up by 6:00 pm, or a late fee will be charged at the rate of $10 plus $1 per minute/child thereafter.

SEVERE WEATHER

Chutes ‘n’ Ladders Early Development Center (CNL) will observe the following guidelines in determining closing of the center due to adverse weather conditions:

·        If the Charlotte County Public Schools are closed due to poor weather conditions, CNL will also be closed.

·        In the event that evacuations begin to occur in Charlotte County after center hours, CNL will be closed the following day. 

·        Should evacuations in Charlotte County begin to occur during center hours, parents will be called to immediately pick up their children

·        If at any time the center is out of power in excess of one hour, parents will be called to pick up their children immediately.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Your child will only be released to those listed in the child’s file as authorized for pick-up.  Anyone picking up your child should be prepared to show proper identification.  Please be sure your child is at the facility by 9:30 am.  If you are running late or have a morning appt. for the child, please one of the Directors so we may discuss the best time to bring your child to the center that day.  This will ensure consistency with the schedule and daily routines for the children. 

All children must be signed in and out daily by a parent or authorized guardian.  The sign-in/out sheet must include the arrival and departure times with a full signature for each child.  This is not only for the safety of your child, but it is also a requirement of the Department of Children and Families and the Early Learning Coalition.  Failure to sign your child in and/or out on a regular basis may result in a $1.00 per incident fee. 

**Please remember that tuition is for the full week, regardless of the number of days your child attends.  If your child is severely ill for one full week, Monday through Friday, you may be responsible for half tuition.  This option requires a doctor’s note, and is at the discretion of the owner and/or Director.  This pertains to the sick child only – no siblings.

ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES

Chutes ‘n’ Ladders Early Development Center, LLC provides care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.  Choosing the right childcare arrangements for your child is an important decision.  You are welcome to spend some time at the center observing the staff and children prior to enrollment.  For your child’s safety, and to comply with state regulations, all health forms and enrollment papers must be completed and on file at the center prior to your child’s first day of attendance.  Paperwork necessary includes, but is not limited to:

·        Application for Enrollment with parent signature

·        Current immunization record on blue DH form 680 (or a copy)

·        Current physical on gold form DH 3040 (or a copy)

·        Signed Parent Handbook Agreement Form

·        Signed Tuition Rates and Fee Schedule

·        Ages and Stages Questionnaire with accompanying release form

·        Appropriate medical authorization forms

Chutes ‘n’ Ladders does not discriminate in regard to religion, sex, national or ethnic origin in our admission policies.

Each child will be granted one week’s vacation time annually after six months of attendance.  Written notification must be received two weeks prior.  If this notice is not received, you will be billed for the two weeks taken, due prior to your child’s return to the center.

TUITION PAYMENTS

Payments should be deposited in the tuition drop box by the sign-in/sign-out sheet.  Payment is due on the Monday of the week your child attends.  We accept cash, check, money order, Visa, or Mastercard for payment of tuition and fees. You may also make your tuition payment online via Paypal at our website, www.chutesnladders.net.  If paying by cash, please be sure to put your money in a sealed envelope in the tuition box, with your child’s name written clearly on the envelope.  Please refer to the Tuition Rates and Fee Schedule at the back of this book for more details.  We do not issue refunds.  Rates are subject to change.  You will be given 30-days notice prior to a rate increase.

DAILY OPERATIONS

Please send your child to the center in simple, comfortable clothing and sturdy rubber soled shoes, preferably sneakers.  Flip-flops, sandals, boots, or slippery-soled shoes will not be permitted.  Please remember to send a jacket or sweatshirt on cool weather days.

All children will be required to keep a spare set of clothes, including shoes, socks and underwear, in their cubby.  They may also store a blanket and one small item to sleep with during nap time.  These items will be sent home every Friday for laundering.  Due to space and safety issues, no other outside items are permitted.  Please do not send your child to the center with toys, food, etc. from home.  Toys and other belongings may be permitted only on scheduled Show and Tell days.  Books and other reading materials are always welcome, and should be clearly marked with your child’s name.  

A daily schedule and lesson plans will be posted in your child’s classroom, so that you will be aware of what your child is doing at each time of day. 

CURRICULUM

The center will utilize the Creative Curriculum as a basis for lesson plans and activities in all classrooms.   This is a school-readiness approved & research-based curriculum, which encourages development of all areas through interactions with the environment.  A typical day would include activities and materials that promote brain development, imaginative play, problem solving, literacy, music and the arts, organized and free-choice activities, sharing, and free play time, both indoors and outdoors.  Learning centers will be set up in each classroom, which offer children a variety of opportunities to explore and discover at their own pace and according to their own interests. Some of the learning centers you will see in your child’s classroom may include: Creative Expression/Art Center, Dramatic Play/Housekeeping, Blocks and Beyond, Puzzles Plus, Literacy Corner, and Science and Discovery Center.  Children will be placed based on age, ability, maturity, and teacher recommendations.  Periodic movements may be necessary throughout the year.  We will also utilize the Kindness Curriculum to aid in teaching Character Development.

 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

    Parental involvement is also in integral part of your child’s developing years.  We encourage parents to become involved in your child’s learning experiences.  Communication between teachers and parents is essential in providing quality care to children.  Parents can help teachers understand each individual child, background, habits and behavior.  Please be sure to check your child’s file next to the sign-in sheet daily for any important information regarding your child, such as daily reports or evaluations.

SNACKS AND MEAL TIME

Chutes ‘n’ Ladders is not authorized for food service by the Department of Health.  Therefore, each child must come to the center with a nutritious, home-packed lunch.  The food children eat affects their learning and behavior, as well as their growth and development.  It is our job to introduce nutritious eating habits to children early in age.  Cakes, cookies, and any other food that contain large amounts of sugar or fat are not permitted at the center.  If they are included in your child’s lunch, they may not be served to your child and will be returned home.  Foods and serving sizes should be chosen in accordance with the USDA Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children . All four food groups should be represented.  The fats and sweets category may not be counted.  For example: a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread with a thermos of milk and raisins for dessert.  Leftover dinner would make an excellent change in the usual lunch routine.  We may heat up only food that is already pre-cooked.  You may visit the USDA website www.mypyramid.gov to find great ideas on preparing, good nutritious lunches for your child. 

Your child will receive a mid-morning and afternoon snack.  A weekly snack menu will be posted on the parent information board, along with any substitutions.  Snack will be comprised of two food groups, such as graham crackers and fruit juice.  Toddlers may keep a sippy cup at the center for juice or milk during snack.  This cup will be sanitized daily and used only by your child, labeled with his/her full name.

Infants:  Please supply the center on each day with enough formula or breast milk and/or baby food to last the entire week.  Bottles may be kept at the center specifically for your child.  Each bottle will be labeled with your child’s first and last name.  You will need to supply the center with diapers and wipes in your infant’s cubby.  Please bring enough to last two weeks.  Your child’s teacher will inform you at least one week in advance when the supply needs to be replenished.

***Please be sure to inform the owner or Director at enrollment of any known allergies.  If a special diet is required, please provide a physician’s note.

 REST TIME

All children will be required to participate in afternoon rest time, approximately from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.  The one-year-old age group naps from 11:30 – 1:30.  Please do not bring your child to the center during naptime.  This may disrupt the children that are already sleeping.  Your child will be provided with a 1” thick Kindermat for napping.  If your child is not tired or cannot sleep, we will allow for quiet book time during this period.

POTTY TRAINING

We will work with you and your child during this important step.  Each child is an unique individual and has their own pace when it comes to potty training. We all need to have patience and encouragement for your child.  Please remember that this is a team effort.  Consistency in practices at home and school are essential for your child’s success.  Therefore, communication is a must.  Please be sure you send diapers for naptime, if necessary, and an extra set of clothing.  Any soiled clothes will be returned to you in a plastic bag for laundering.

STAFF

     All staff members must be of good moral character and clear background screening and criminal records checks, including local law, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and FBI, as well as a thorough employment history check.

     All staff members at CNL are qualified, well-trained child care professionals.  Staff will be required to complete the 40-hours of state-mandated child care training, as well as a 5-hour Early Literacy course.  The state-mandated training includes courses on Child Growth and Development, Behavioral Observation and Screening, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, and Child Abuse and Neglect.   They are also required to complete and additional 10-hours of annual in-service training.  Each staff member will also have a written plan to obtain their Florida Child Care Professional Credential (formerly known as CDAE) or National CDA, which is the Child Development Associate credential, if not already achieved.  Here at CNL, staff members are encouraged to participate in as many training opportunities as available.  Childcare is an ever-changing industry, with much to learn.  All staff members are also certified in Infant/Child CPR and First Aid.

HEALTHY CHILD POLICY

To ensure the health of the children and staff at Chutes ‘n’ Ladders, a child displaying any of the following signs or symptoms of illness should not be brought to the center:

1.      Severe coughing, causing the child to become red or blue in the face, or make a whooping sound

2.      Difficult or rapid breathing

3.      Stiff neck

4.      Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose stool within a 24 hour period)

5.      Temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, when in conjunction with any other signs of illness

6.      Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

7.      Exposed, open skin lesions

8.      Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool

9.      Yellowish skin or eyes, or

10.  Any unusual sign or symptom of illness

Staff members will monitor each child’s health during the day.  Any child observed to be with any of the above symptoms, you will be called to pick up your child within one hour of notification.  Your child will rest on a cot in a specific isolation area until you arrive. 

If your child is sent home with a fever, he/she may not return until they have been symptom free for a 24-hour period.  If your child is prescribed antibiotics, you must have a doctor’s note stating the child may attend school.

**We have a no-nit policy at CNL.  Any child found with lice or nits will be sent home immediately.  They will not be permitted to return until they are completely nit and lice free.  A head check will be conducted at the entrance to the facility.

Each child will need to keep current health and immunization records on file.  You will be notified 30 days in advance of an expiring health or immunization form.  If these forms are not received within 2 weeks, a final notice will be issued.  If by the end of the third week the forms are still not in your child’s file, your child will not be permitted to attend until the updated records are received.  Please keep in mind that your child’s place will only be held one week, unless regular payment is still received.

MEDICATION

Only doctor prescribed medication will be administered following the Department of Children and Families guidelines.    Parents will be required to complete a DCF medication authorization form provided by the center.  This form will also be used to document time and dosage of medication when administered.  Each week you will receive a photocopy of this sheet for your records.  All medication must be in the original container, indicating the child’s name, type and date of prescribed medication, amount and time of dosage.  DO NOT put medication in your child’s lunch bag or cubby.  You will be responsible for ensuring the medication goes home with your child on Friday. 

We do not administer over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Robutussin, Benadryl, etc.  Most over-the-counter medications may be taken around school hours.  Parents are welcome to come in and administer the medication for their own child. 

*You will be notified of all accidents and incidents on the day of occurrence.  These will be written up in accordance with DCF rules and regulations.  You will be asked to sign this report as evidence that you were notified.  A parent/teacher conference may be requested regarding any specific incident, or continual disruptive behavior.

BITING POLICY

Our program recognizes that biting is, unfortunately, not unexpected when toddlers are in group care.  Biting is a common and natural behavior for young children, especially toddlers.  Unfortunately even with constant direct supervision, biting still occurs.  We are always upset when children are bitten in our program, and we recognize how upsetting it is for parents.  While we feel that biting is never the right thing for toddlers to do, we know that they bite for a variety of reasons.  Most of these reasons are not due to behavior problems, but result out of frustration and the inability to express themselves due to lack of verbal skills.  Our program, then, does not focus on punishment for biting, but on effective techniques that address the specific reason for the biting.  When biting occurs, we have three main responses:

• Care for and help the child who was bitten.  The child who bit will assist the teacher is applying the ice pack on the bite mark to help the child learn responsibility for their actions and compassion for their classmates.
• Help the child who bit learn other behavior.  We will try to teach the child alternative ways to express their frustrations.
• Work with the child who bit and examine our program to stop the biting.  The program will make any changes necessary to alleviate the possible reasons for biting that occurs.

Our teachers express strong disapproval of biting.  They work to keep children safe and to help the child who bit learn different, more appropriate behavior.  When there are episodes of ongoing biting, we develop a plan of specific strategies, techniques and timelines to address it.  We do not and will not use any response that harms a child or is known to be ineffective. 

      We give immediate attention and, if necessary, first aid to children who are bitten.  We offer to put ice on the biter if the child is willing.  If the skin is broken, we clean the wound with soap and water, or an antiseptic cleansing wipe.

      When a biting incident occurs, parents will be informed via the school’s standard accident/incident reporting form.  This form is completed and signed by a teacher and Director.  This form is giving to the parent on the day of the biting occurrence and must also be signed by the parent.  This form is kept in a file with all of the accidents/incidents for the month.  A copy can be made for the parent if requested. 

      We keep the name of the child who bit confidential.  This is to avoid labeling and to give our teachers the opportunity to use their time and energy to work on stopping the biting.  Whenever possible, toddler caregivers will attend training sessions on biting.  In addition, we have current resources on biting available for staff and parents.  We encourage parents to bring their concerns and frustrations to the teachers and/or Director.

**Those enrolled in the toddler program will receive additional information regarding policy and practice with reference to biting as it becomes available.

 DISCIPLINE POLICY

At CNL, children will receive guidance and discipline – never punishment.  Discipline is a positive approach, consistent with the age and needs of the child.   It is our goal to encourage a child's self-respect and develop a personal responsibility for his/her actions. It is important for each child to learn self-control and to respect the rights of others while learning in a safe and caring environment.  This involves learning how to make responsible choices and accepting consequences. 

Children will be allowed to express all their feelings both positive and negative. The staff will listen to children and help them to deal with their feelings. Positive behavior will always be promoted first through routines, effective commands and reinforcement of good behaviors. Appropriate behaviors will be rewarded, as adult approval is very important to children.  Children are encouraged to be kind, polite, use good manners, and get along well with others.  Discipline techniques may include:

• Teaching by example – children learn based on what they see. Staff members will be sure to behave appropriately as a way for children to model their own behavior.  Staff will try to remain calm and respectful at all times, and impose any discipline consistently.
• Acknowledging and accepting each child’s feelings, and allowing the child to express his/her emotions in an appropriate manner.  Teachers will encourage older children to solve their own problems verbally.
• Positive reinforcement – direct praise will be provided at all times for acceptable behavior.  By the same token, staff members will be sure to tell children what “to do” as opposed to what “not to do.”
• Re-direction – In response to inappropriate behavior the staff will:

·        Gain the child’s attention verbally or by physically going to the child

·        Intervene and stop the unwanted behavior or action

·        Speak to the child/children regarding the action

·        Remind the children of the rules

·        Redirect the child to an appropriate activity or give the choice of an activity

·        If the behavior continues, the child will be removed from the situation completely

The most common behaviors requiring intervention are hitting and pushing. When this occurs, the child will first be stopped from inflicting harm to others. If one child is hitting another, we will stop the child non-violently. For example, we could pick up the child being hit, make sure they're OK, and remove them from the reach of the child who hit them. This is often preferable to removing the child who is hitting, because it does not reinforce the negative behavior with special attention. We will tell the child who hit, in a firm manner, that what they did is not acceptable. If the other child is injured, the child who hit/pushed/pinched will assist in caring for the victim (ie. help apply the ice pack).  We will refrain from judging the child (i.e. don't ever tell a child that he or she is bad - only that their behavior is not allowed). If we know what brought about the hitting, or can find out from the other children, suggest an alternative behavior that would have been acceptable. For example, we encourage the children to use their words to tell other children to stop their offending behavior instead of hitting them. We also encourage children who are fighting over a toy to take turns or share. However, if a particular toy is repeatedly fought over, the object can be temporarily removed to prevent further problems.

• Time-Out/Thinking Time – will only be used as a last resort.  This will give the child time to take a few deep breaths and relax.  The child will always be in view, with time-out lasting one minute per age of the child. 

If a child becomes continues to be physically aggressive, he/she will be separated from the group.  If the teacher is unsuccessful in calming the child by using the above techniques, the child will be referred to the owner or Director.  If the child still cannot calm down, a parent will be called to pick up the child within 30 minutes.  A parent/teacher conference may be scheduled to discuss ongoing behavioral issues.  Frequent incidents of aggressive behavior may result in dismissal from the program. 

*No child shall be subject to disciplinary action that is severe, humiliating, or frightening, nor associated with food, rest or toileting.  The use of physical punishment is never permitted, despite approval by a parent. 

 GRIEVANCES

           Any concern or displeasure with policies, treament of your child(ren) or staff members should be handled immediately through a conference with the Director, Merry Childs, or the owner, Kristin Nestler.  Major concerns that may lead to withdrawal should be brought to the attention of the owner.  Most problems can be solved in a reasonable manner when approached promptly and maturely.  Situations left to fester will only disrupt the program and be detrimental to the children.

 *A minimum of two-weeks notice is required prior to withdrawal.   Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your security deposit.