Weekday Early Education Parent/Student Handbook 2017/2018 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

NorthPark Baptist Church 5700 Deerfoot Parkway Trussville, Al 35173 352-4020 [email protected] [email protected]

Website: mynoahspark.com Index 1. Letter of Welcome 2. Religious Teachings of our Program 3. Statement of Goals and Philosophy 4. Hours of Operation and School Calendar 5. Registration Procedures and Expectations 6. Regulations 6a.Health Status 6b. Immunization Form 6c. Emergency Form 6d. Authorization for Pickup 6e. Handbook Verification 6f. Photo/Video Release 6g. Address/Telephone Number Release 7. Registration Procedures and Expectations 8. Tuition and Payment Policies 9. Before and Extended Care 10. Late Pickup Fee 11. Withdrawal and Re-enrollments 12. Faculty and Class Size 13. Curriculum Guidelines and Learning Resources 14. Discipline Policy 15. Reception and Dismissal 16. Adjustment Period 17. Baby Sitting 18. Concerns and Suggestions 19. Food Policies 20. Medical/Emergency Information 21. Medication 22. Allergies 23. Accidents 24. Air Quality 25. Inclement or Excessively Hot Weather 26. Tornadoes 27. Fire Drill 28. Hide and Seek 29. Emergency Plan 30. Emergency Evacuation 31. Child Abuse 32. Clothing 33. Parent Involvement 34. Field Trips 35. Special Event Days 36. Snacks 37. Supplies 38. Parent Communication 38a. Daily Folder 38b. Parent/Teacher Conferences 38c. Noah’s Park Newsletter 38d. Weekly Classroom Newsletter 38e. SchoolCast 39. School Visitors 40. Solicitation 41. Personal Belongings 42. Personal Hygiene 43. Office Communication 44. Smoking Policy 45. Non-Discrimination 46. Confidentiality Procedures Early Education Center Manual

1. Letter of Welcome Welcome to Noah’s Park Weekday Early Education (WEE) program. A world of discovery awaits your child at Noah’s Park. We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with you to provide an exceptional level of care and instruction for your child.

Clear communication is one of the keys to a successful early education program. This handbook contains specific information and requirements set forth by Noah’s Park. After reading it, please sign the handbook verification stating that you have received, read, and understand this information. This verification will be kept in your child’s file and must be turned in by July 19, 2017. The handbook is designed as a handy reference for you. We suggest you keep it in a convenient place for easy referral throughout the school year.

Noah’s Park is just one of the many ministries of NorthPark Baptist Church. Please let us know if we can minister to you or your family in any way. If you need any information about our ministries or church in general please let me know or contact the church office at 352-4010.

It is going to be an exciting year and we are happy that your family is a part of it.

Sandy Jenkins Director

2. Religious Teachings of our Program Our program is a ministry of NorthPark Baptist Church. At NorthPark we seek to establish a caring, nurturing environment based on Christian theology and a sound educational philosophy. Our children participate in prayer times, learning of Bible verses, and weekly chapel. We also celebrate Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

3. Statement of Goals and Philosophy It is the purpose of Noah’s Park to assist parents in the social, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development of their children. It is our belief that a Christian environment enhances this developmental process.

Every child and family is important at Noah’s Park. Believing that all children are special in God’s eyes with individual personalities, our goal is to help each child obtain his/her full potential.

We believe it is important to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Love, laughter, and learning are key ingredients at Noah’s Park. It should be emphasized that Noah’s Park is not a “babysitting” center or just a play school. Each day will be designed to provide constructive learning experiences through planned activities, creative play, music, selected stories, art and craft projects, and personal care and attention. Each activity, including free play, circle time, simple nature experiments and indoor/outdoor play, helps develop inquisitive minds and muscle coordination for growing bodies by nurturing self-confidence through creative activities and exploration of the world around us.

It is an honor to be part of a child’s life. Caring for and teaching children is our calling, purpose and the reason our program exists. It is our prayer that we are effective in supporting our families with the administration of this ministry and that we will be a service to our community. Our philosophy at NorthPark is to Glorify, Grow and Go. Glorify by providing ways for the children to worship Him thru singing and Bible study. Growing in knowledge of Him by learning Bible verses and songs. Going out into the community to share and serve others. We are hopeful our parents will become a part of the NorthPark Family or feel welcome to turn to our church in times of crisis. 4. Hours of Operation and School Calendar Our basic school hours are from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm Monday through Friday. All 3K & 4K children not participating in Before or After Care must be dropped off and picked up in the carpool line. Transition is much easier if children come through carpool line. 5K hours are from 8:30am - 2:00 pm and it is mandatory for these children to come in by way of carpool. This is a school skill we are teaching them.

If your child participates in Before or After Care you must bring them in and come in to pick them up. Before care is available from 7:30am until 9:00am and after care is available from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.

The 2017/2018 school calendar for Noah’s Park Weekday Early Education is as follows:

August 7 or 8 Meet the Teacher Night 5:00pm - 7:00pm August 9 First Day of School for Students September 4 Labor Day – Closed September 13 Gold Day September 19 Alabama Symphony September TBD Fall Pictures October 9 & 10 Closed October 17 or 19 Pumpkin Patch 3K- 4K-5K October 31 Book Character Dress Up Parade & Party October TBD Pink Day November 6 or 7 Parent Teacher Conferences November 10 Veterans’ Day - Closed November 14 or 16 Thanksgiving Feast – Lunch with your child November 22-24 Thanksgiving Holidays – Closed November TBD Children’s Theatre-Toddlers, 2K, 3K, 4K & 5K November 30 Winter Program December 5 or 6 Santa Pictures December 14 Happy Birthday Jesus Party December 15 – Jan 2 Christmas Holidays - Closed January 3 School Reopens January 15 MLK Jr. Day – Closed February 7 Red Day February 14 Valentine Party February 19 President’s Day - Closed February 20 Registration 2018/2019 February TBD Children’s Theatre-Toddlers, 2K, 3K, 4K & 5K March 26-30 Spring Break – Closed March TBD Spring Pictures & Class Pictures April 9 or 10 Parent Teacher Conferences April 13 Easter Party and Egg Hunt May 8 or 9 Muffins for Mom May 10 Graduation/Spring Program May 17 End of the Year Party May 21 Zoo Trip – 5K May 25 Last Day of School for Students In case of inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.) Noah’s Park will close if the Trussville City School System is closed. Days will not be made up or tuition reduced due to these events. Please tune to your local television stations for this information. You will also receive a school cast call. If the Trussville City Schools open late Noah’s Park will open 30 minutes before the time designated by TCS. If the Trussville City Schools close during the day due to inclement weather of any kind Noah’s Park will remain open 30 minutes longer to allow you to pick up your children from the public school system. We are notified by school cast and EMA of any emergency situations that arise. We ask that you do not call during emergency times. We are in our safety zones and phone calls hinder us from caring for the children. If Jefferson County is under a tornado warning when you come to pick up your child you and your child are required to stay at Noah’s Park until the warning has ended or the inclement weather has passed. If the church has to close for any reason you will be notified by telephone via School Cast. Please make sure that your numbers are updated as needed.

5. Registrations Procedures and Expectations Noah’s Park is open to any child regardless of race, creed or religion. No handicapped individual will be denied the right to participate in the program solely by reason of his/her handicap.

Registration will begin in February with placement for admission made on a first come, first-serve basis. An annual, non-refundable registration fee is required upon registration. This fee reserves a place for your child in our program.

2K through 5K will remain in the same class throughout the school year for which they are registered! They do not move up during the school year. Infants and Toddlers may be moved to the next class during the school year depending on developmental progress, class size and/or at the discretion of the Director.

Due to the multifaceted decisions that must be made to compose a number of individual classes within an age group, teacher requests may be made but may not be honored. A balance whenever possible of gender and race is sought when making up classes. In addition, the personality dynamics of both teachers and children must be taken into consideration when making up class rolls.

6. Regulations In compliance with the State of Alabama Department of Human Services and NorthPark Baptist Church policies, Noah’s Park is required to have the following information in your child’s file. It is necessary to have this information updated on an annual basis.

6a. Health Status A dated, written statement about the child’s current health status, signed by an approved health professional, shall be obtained annually for each child less than seven years old, or whenever the Director or nurse shall have reason to suspect that a child participating in the program may have a condition hazardous or potentially hazardous to others, or finds that the child’s general condition indicates the need for such examination. The statement of health status shall be obtained at the time of admission.

6b. Immunization Form Information regarding all immunizations the child has had, including the month and year when each immunization was administered. Immunizations must be recorded on the certificate of immunization form supplied by the Alabama Department of Health. The immunization form shall be obtained at the time of admission. You will be notified prior to expiration date and then you will have 30 days to obtain a new form.

6c. Emergency Form The parents/guardians home and work emergency contact information, the child’s known allergies to foods or medications and a release permitting emergency medical treatment must be obtained at the time of admission. If your contact numbers change for any reason you are responsible for updating these with the office. 6d. Authorization for Pickup Information giving permission for person(s) other than the parents to pick up the child from Noah’s Park must be listed on the application form. Any person not recognized will be asked to show their drivers license for identification. It is a good practice for the parent to notify the staff and Director when other person(s) are picking up the child on a given day. In emergency situations, parents sometimes need other person(s) not on the “Authorization for Pickup” form to pick up the child. In such cases, the parent must give written authorization and verbal authorization over the phone to the Director or Assistant Director only. The authorization for pickup also includes information indicating anyone who is NOT allowed to pick up a child. Noah’s Park has specific procedures in the event an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child. If a parent is not allowed to pick up their child due to court order, a copy of the order signed by the judge must be on file in the office of Noah’s Park.

6e. Handbook Verification A parent/guardian-signed verification that the parent has received, read, and agrees to abide by the policies and practices in the Parent Handbook are kept in the child’s file. This information shall be obtained at the time of admission.

6f. Photo/Video Release A parent/guardian-signed consent for your child to be photographed and or videotaped shall be in the child’s file.

6g. Address and Telephone Number Release A parent/guardian-signed consent for your address and telephone number to be released to parents for party purposes shall be in the child’s file.

7. Registration Procedures and Expectations We accept Infants in our program beginning at six weeks of age. As required by the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources all non-mobile infants will be required to be placed on their back for sleeping. The only way an infant can be placed in any other position for sleeping will be by written physician instructions only.

We accept children in our Toddler Class who have reached the age of 13-18 months by September 1 st and they must be: A. WALKING OR CLOSE B. FEED THEMSELVES FINGER FOODS C. DRINK FROM A SIPPY CUP

We register children in our Program according to their age on September 1st of the current school year.

3K children will be registered provided that they are potty-trained and out of diapers/pull-ups. We know they may have a few accidents at the beginning of the school year however they can not come to school in a pull-up or diaper.

In order to be registered in any program at Noah’s Park, you MUST submit the following prior to the first day of school: A. Appropriate completed application form B. Noah’s Park Medical/Emergency form C. State of Alabama Immunization Form D. Health Statement from Pediatrician E. Registration Fee (due with application, non-refundable) F. Parent Agreement form G. Handbook Verification H. Photo, Video, Address Release Your child will not be allowed to start school until these forms have been received.

WE CANNOT HOLD A SPACE FOR YOUR CHILD WITHOUT PAYMENT OF THE REGISTRATION FEE. Infants registered before their birth date are NOT required to pay tuition payments UNLESS the space is needed (PRIOR TO THE PARENTS’ DESIRED START DATE) In order to “hold the spot”, the parents will be notified and will be given the option of paying the tuition or forfeiting the spot so that a child who is ready to begin may be registered.

8. Tuition and Payment Policies The registration fee is due upon receipt of the application and is non refundable. There is no reduction in fees due to holidays, school closures due to inclement weather, or a child’s absence. The class fee is billed and due by August 9.

MONTHLY TUITION FOR BASE HOURS OF 9AM - 1PM

Infants, Toddlers & 2K # Days per Week Registration Class Fee Monthly Tuition 2 $100 ** $309 3 $100 ** $343 4 $100 ** $388 5 $100 ** $444 **Infants/Wobblers Toddlers- 2K - $200 - $100 $150 3K & 4K # Days per Week Registration Class Fee Monthly Tuition 2 $100 $250 $197 3 $100 $250 $231 4 $100 $250 $276 5 $100 $250 $332 5K # Days per Week Registration Class Fee Monthly Tuition 5 $100 $300 $374

*You must choose your days at the time of registration. Days may not be switched. There will be a $50 administrative fee to change days, times, etc. after July 19. Arrangements for additional days must be made only with the Director or Assistant Director. Do not ask your child’s teacher. If during the course of the school year you need to add or change days to your child’s week; the Director will try to accommodate your need based on availability. Look at the schedule closely to see the days we are closed and choose according. (For instance most of our holidays fall on Monday and Friday so if your child is only coming two days per week you may want to choose days other than Monday and Friday. There is no change in tuition for holidays or closed days) Additional days other than scheduled days will be $50.00 per day depending on availability and must be prearranged with the Director or Assistant Director. This fee covers all day, 7:30-4:00. 1. Tuition is due the first day of the month for that month’s tuition. Example October’s tuition is due 10/1 2. A $50.00 fee will be charged if accounts are not paid by the 10th of the month. 3. A charge of $35.00 will be assessed to any account for which a check is returned by the bank. When a check is returned a 2nd time, payments must be made in cash. We are a ministry of the church but we self-supporting. We must collect tuition to cover payroll and school expenses. 4. A sixty day delinquent account will result in your child’s enrollment being discontinued. 5. The financial committee of NorthPark Baptist Church will receive a report monthly. 6. Make checks payable to Noah’s Park. Please put your child’s name on the check. Noah’s Park also accepts Credit/Debit Cards. 7. Place your tuition in the designated tuition box or mail directly to Noah’s Park or call the office and pay with a credit card. 8. Please note that if you send your tuition to school in your child’s folder that the teachers are not responsible for getting your tuition to the Director. 9. You may set up a recurring charge for your monthly tuition at the front desk.

9. Before and Extended Care

1. Transfer of your child must be directly to a Before Care Teacher. Take older children to class first. 2. Parents must sign child(ren) in and out daily! 3. Do not leave children in their room or playroom unattended. 4. No food or drinks in the Early Care Room….breakfast must be eaten before arriving at Noah’s Park.

BEFORE & EXTENDED CARE FEES

Monthly Fee # Days per Before Care Extended Week Care 2 $62 $112 3 $73 $134 4 $84 $168 5 $95 $202

BEFORE CARE IS AVAILABE 7:30 – 9:00 AM EXTENDED CARE IS AVAILABLE 1:00 – 4:00 PM

DROP IN BEFORE CARE FEE IS $20.00 PER DAY. DROP IN AFTERCARE FEE IS $30.00 PER DAY.

10. Late Pickup Fee Parents who fail to pick their children up by the designated time will be charged a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED! Children who are not enrolled in the extended care program and are not picked up by 1:15pm will be taken to extended care and charged the drop in fee of $30.00 for after care plus the $1.00 per minute.

11. Withdrawal and Re-enrollments A TWO WEEK WRITTEN notice is required when a child is withdrawn from the program for any reason. This notice must be delivered to the Director. In the event a child is absent for more than two weeks without notification, we will assume that the child has been withdrawn and will proceed to register another child from our waiting list. If a child is withdrawn from Noah’s Park and later wishes to re-enroll within a three month period (provided a vacancy is available), the registration fee will be waived. After the three month period, the full registration fee will be required. If a child is placed into a program for special needs during the school year, a plan of withdrawal will be made on an individualized basis. 12. Faculty and Class Size We require that our faculty be responsible and loving people with a broad knowledge in child development. We require that they exhibit Christian convictions in an administration of their professional duties.

It is our objective to employ highly qualified staff who love working with children. We seek staff members with a background in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, professional certification, or proven experience teaching preschool children.

The pupil-staff ratio is determined by the age group per the state of Alabama:

Infants 1-5 3 year olds 1-11 Toddlers 1-7 4 year olds 1-18 2 year olds 1-8 5 year olds 1-18

Noah’s Park pupil-staff ratio:

Infants 1-4 3 year olds 1- 8 Toddlers 1-6 4 year olds 1- 9 2 year olds 1-7 5 year olds 1-16

13. Curriculum Guidelines and Learning Resources Our program uses a well rounded variety of socialization, free expression, creative activities, story reading, cooking activities, music, and movement. These activities are developmentally geared to the young child’s interest. The class participates in unit theme activities which are age appropriate. All children will have physical activity each day according to the JCDH.

The Infant and Toddler classes will use curriculum developed under the guidance of Dr. Pam Schiller of Lakeshore Learning Materials in Carson, California—with lots of hands-on materials for stacking, sensory exploration, active play, music, puzzles and puppets, manipulative and musical instruments and more! It is tailored to encourage language development, build motor skills and help the child reach developmental milestones.

The 2K classes will participate in unit theme activities and the multi-sensory, multimedia beginning language arts program by Frog Street Press. The teachers do additional activities which pertain to the theme of the week.

3K and up will learn the alphabet out of order, so that the children will not just learn by rote memory. Each day their lessons will target five areas: Reading, Language Development, Word Work, Writing and Literacy Centers. There will also be math activities, cooking activities and other enhancements by the teaching staff. Scissor skills are also a large part of the 3K program. This is helping with fine motor skill of early writing.

The 3K classes will use Exceed Preschool Curriculum. It is a theme-based curriculum that allows children an opportunity to explore in a developmentally appropriate environment. The program presents detailed lesson plans with defined skills in scope and sequence. Children experience large and small group situations along with individual assistance while exploring the areas of Language/Literacy, Math/Science, Music and Art. On a daily basis, youngsters participate in each of the focus areas and Circle Time activities and explore designated locations in the classroom known as “Centers” to the preschooler. Socialization is encouraged throughout the daily activities as an integral part of the preschool curriculum. The Language/Literacy Focus includes reading books, learning rhymes and pointing to the letters of the alphabet. Math/Science is a small group activity allowing time for exploration, working with patterns, sorting, classifying and comparing materials and counting by rote with concrete objects. The Music Focus is a time to explore rhythms, play musical instruments, sing, dance, discover various kinds of music and develop gross motor skills. Art allows children opportunities to experience a variety of creative materials and challenge their imaginations while developing fine motor skills.

Our 4K classes will use Exceed Preschool Curriculum. It is a theme-based curriculum that allows children an opportunity to explore in a developmentally appropriate environment. The program presents detailed lesson plans with defined skills in scope and sequence. Children experience large and small group situations along with individual assistance while exploring the areas of Language/Literacy, Math, Science/Cultural, Music and Art. On a daily basis, youngsters participate in each of the focus areas and Circle Time activities and explore designated locations in the classroom known as “Centers” to the preschooler. Socialization is encouraged throughout the daily activities as an integral part of the preschool curriculum. Reading books, learning rhymes and distinguishing the names of the letters and learning their beginning sounds are included in each session. Later in the year they will begin to blend these sounds together and begin to read simple words and sight words. Math is a small group activity allowing time for exploration, working with patterns, sorting, classifying and comparing materials and counting by rote with concrete objects. Science is included daily with the weather activity during Circle Time and at other times during the week as a separate activity that includes observing, predicting, “hands on” experimenting and discussing various observations. The Music Focus is a time to explore rhythms, play musical instruments, sing, dance, discover various kinds of music and develop gross motor skills. Art allows children opportunities to experience a variety of art materials and challenge their imaginations while developing fine motor skills.

Our 5K program uses the Harcourt reading curriculum and follows the same scope and sequence as the Trussville City School System. They will also do the dibels testing for reading. We work closely with the administration and faculty of Trussville City Schools to ensure the same quality of education as TSC. We also enhance our program to provide the optimal learning experience for your child.

All Preschool and Kindergarten classes will enjoy Bible stories, games, songs and verses as well as weekly Chapel.

Videos will be used only one day in the morning instructional time and one day in the afternoon per week unless using them as an instructional tool to coincide with a unit being taught. All videos shown will be no longer than one hour in length, must be G-rated and approved by the Director or Assistant Director. For Infants and Toddlers younger than 2, screen time is prohibited.

Other Learning Resources: “ Specials” are for 3K, 4K and 5K classes. Children attend specials daily with a revolving schedule of activities which include library, music, art, Spanish, and science.

14. Discipline Policy Child guidance has an important place in the program at Noah’s Park. Parents and teachers will need to work together in order to be consistent and effective in training children to make appropriate choices in a classroom setting. We have developed a formula we feel is appropriate in shaping and encouraging responsible behavior in children. First we will talk to the child about the choice made and try to redirect their focus in a positive manner. At times the child may need to take time in (one minute per age) either in the class or if the behavior has warranted the child may be in time in in the office with the Director. If none of the above achieve desired behavior the Director will call the parents to come and pick up their child immediately and a conference will be scheduled to discuss the situation. The Director has full discretion to ask that the child be removed from the program, so as not to disrupt the learning process for other children. Noah’s Park reserves the right at any time to suspend or permanently expel a child from enrollment if the Director, in consultation with the staff and the Executive Pastor feels that the needs of the child are not being met. If you have any questions about our discipline procedures, please talk to the Director.

In the case of biting, every effort is made to ensure the safety of every child. When biting occurs the following steps will be implemented: 1. When a child bites they will be isolated in a high chair or bed. The bitten child will be attended to and First Aid rendered. The child who bit will then be talked to at that time and then reintroduced to the class. Also a report of what action was taken will be provided to the parent of the biter and to the parent of the child that was bitten. If the bite breaks the skin the parents will be informed by phone. 2. If the biting persist the teachers will keep a log of dates, times and activities. We will then have a mandatory conference with the parents to come up with an action plan for prevention – which may result in the changing of classrooms. 3. If the biting still persists the parents will be required to attend a parenting class on biting. The fee for this class is $50.00. 4. If the biting still persist it will be at the discretion of the Director but may result in dismissal of the program with no refund of registration fee or class fee.

15. Reception and Dismissal It is the policy of Noah’s Park that all infants, toddlers and 2 year olds are brought into the facility by a responsible adult who may not leave until a teacher has received that child. If you have siblings please place your older child in their class first then the younger . Due to liability issues older siblings are not permitted to come into the rooms of the infants or toddlers.

A child may not leave the school premises until released to a responsible adult by the teacher. Your child will be released ONLY TO THOSE WHOM YOU AUTHORIZE on your registration form. (Identification will be required and checked.) Do not send siblings in to pick up children. They will only be released to an adult.

Noah’s Park staff will not release children to a person who is visibly impaired due to a medical condition, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, prescription drugs or other causes. In the event the parent or legal guardian is impaired, the Director will call someone designated on the release form.

Please end all cell phone calls before entering Noah’s Park premises.

We ask then upon your entry to the church drive that you please drive slowly and be alert and not be distracted. You must drive around the far perimeter of the church. No cars are allowed between the parking lot and playground. Refer to end of handbook for map of traffic/parking flow.

For infants, toddlers and 2’s and before care children you must park at the main Noah’s Park entrance in a parking space to keep traffic flowing for the carpool line. You are required to come in and sign in your child. Cars are not to park at the curb under any circumstances.

When parking to come in the building park in a designated parking space only. - Turn off your vehicle, Do not leave it running. - Do not leave children unattended (this includes older school age children) for any reason. - Noah’s Park is not responsible for any personal items left in your vehicle.

Speed limit at Noah’s Park is 15 mph. It is the responsibility of every parent and teachers to help ensure the safety of all Noah’s Park children. If you see anyone not following our policies and procedures, text us a picture of their tag number or write it down and place it in the tuition box with date, time, tag number and infraction written clearly. A citation will be issued to the offender. If two citations are issued to the same person they will be charged a fee of $75.00. If another citation is issued to that same person, they will be charged a fee of $100.00. If yet another violation occurs it will result is possible dismissal from the program.

Carpool is both convenient for the parent and developmentally appropriate for the child(ren). There is to be no cell phone usage during arrival and dismissal and/or during car pool times. 1. Morning carpool begins at 8:45am and ends promptly at 9:00am. Anyone arriving after 9:00am must walk their child into the building. 2. Afternoon carpool begins at 1:00pm. If your child is not a regular carpool child and you would like them to go to carpool on a specific day you must notify the office no later than 12:30pm. 3. 5K morning carpool begins at 8:20am and ends promptly at 8:30am. Anyone arriving after 8:30am must walk their child into the building. Note: your child will be counted as tardy. 4. 5K afternoon carpool begins at 2:00pm. After 2:10pm you will be charged a $1 per minute late fee. If your child is not a regular carpool child and you would like them to go to carpool on a specific day you must notify the office no later than 1:30pm. 5. Parents should remain in the car so as not to distract from the learning experience for the child. All children are to be loaded and unloaded from the passenger side of the vehicle. Car seats MUST be on the right side for easy access for the staff. 6. Children will be brought to the car & their seat belt buckled by a staff member. Noah’s Park will not be held responsible for children that are not properly buckled or that are not in a proper restraint system. The parent is ultimately responsible to ensure they are buckled in properly. If you do not have a car seat for your child you must come in to pick up your child. 7. Children will not be released to anyone other than parents, or those authorized on the Admission Form. 8. List ALL people who may pick up your child. If you need to add additional persons use the back of the page. 9. As an additional safety precaution, send a note (to your Child’s teacher) stating your child will be picked up by someone designated on your list. You also need to A. Give the person a carpool sign to hang on their mirror. B. List the color and make of the car to be driven. C. Inform the person that we will match the note with their Driver’s License. 10. Please update your emergency release form with any changes at any time during the year.

Drop off time is no earlier than 8:45am. Pick up time is 1:00pm. After 1:15pm, a $1.00 per minute late fee will be incurred in addition to the additional fee of $30.00 for extended care. PLEASE NOTE: THIS POLICY IS STRICTLY ENFORCED!!!

For the Infants, Toddlers, 2’s and Before Care- the children are to be brought to their designated area. PLEASE MAKE THIS TRANSITION TIME QUICKLY. WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT ENTER THE ROOMS AS THE STAFF HAVE CHILDREN TO CARE FOR AND THEY CAN NOT ENGAGE IN A CONVERSATION WITH PARENTS.

(AM) (PM) A. Enter the Main Noah’s Park Entrance A. Enter the Main Noah’s Park Entrance B. Go directly to the designated child care area B. Stop at the desk C. Make the transition brief C. Give the staff member your child’s name D. Sign your child in D. Your child will be brought to you E. Remain outside the classroom

Our classroom schedules are set up in such a way that educational activities will be underway by 9am. Due to the educational nature of the program, unless your child will be arriving late due to an appointment, please refrain from bringing your child in after 9am as late arrivals are disruptive to the on- going activities in the classroom. Please inform the classroom teachers if you know your child will be arriving later than 9am and unless arranged with the Director or Assistant Director, no child will be accepted at or after lunch or nap time.

If you arrive before 1:00pm you should sign him/her out through the front desk. Someone will go to the classroom and get your child. This makes it easier on other children who’s Mommies may not be picking up early. The fire marshal will not allow adults on the 3K/4K hall from 12:30-1:00. You must wait on the steps in the story area and not block the main entrance.

16. Adjustment Period Starting school for the first time often causes anxiety for children. We recommend that you visit the center with your child before the first day of school. We will work with you and your child to make this adjustment period a positive experience. We recommend that you give your child at least one month to adjust to the early education center experience. It is usually the parent who has the hardest time adjusting. Please do not linger, the longer you do the longer it takes them to clam down. Please be assured that we will call you if your child cannot be consoled or feel that they are unhappy.

17. Babysitting Noah’s Park hires employees based on their education and expertise within a supervised and managed environment. Center management, therefore, cannot be responsible or held liable if parents hire Noah’s Park employees for privately arranged child care outside the scope of its employment. Staff is allowed to transport children enrolled in the program to or from Noah’s Park only after parents have completed a liability release form. While parents may feel comfortable approaching their classroom teachers to babysit, it is prohibited that your child’s actual teachers be asked to babysit as this often diminishes the student/teacher relationship that teachers work so hard to establish in the classroom.

18. Concerns and Suggestions Any concerns or suggestions can be addressed to the Director via email or written communication. All concerns and suggestions will be taken seriously and responded to in a timely manner.

19. Food Policies Food to be eaten by your child at Noah’s Park must come from your home. We do ask that you try to make it as healthy as possible. No bringing in fast food lunch is allowed. No nuts of any kind. Some children have severe allergies and it is our policy that we do not permit the use of peanut butter or nuts of any kind for lunches, snacks or crafts or in-class cooking. If sending lunchables for your child, be sure to remove any peanut butter candy/cookies that may be included. If you use a peanut butter substitute, it must be labeled each time, otherwise it will be assumed it is peanut butter and they will be given an alternative.

See the meal pattern for children located at the back of this handbook.

Other than daily lunch you prepare, food to be served to your child or the other children in your child’s class (such as birthday or holiday party items) must be prepared in a commercially approved kitchen (e.g. grocery store deli, bakery, etc.) and/or be individually wrapped commercially prepared products (e.g. Little Debbie’s, single serving potato chip bags, etc.). This policy is set by the Health Department in accordance with guidelines set by the Department of Human Resources.

1. Lunch boxes are required for Toddlers and up. Please make sure your child’s name is clearly marked on his/her lunch box and each container. This helps the child with name recognition as well as helps the teacher to ensure that everything gets sent back home. Noah’s Park is not responsible for any lost items. 2. Please plan for your child’s lunch to be as convenient and neat as possible. If they need a fork or spoon please supply them. If you send food in a thermos please send a small bowl or plate to put their food in so that they can have easy access to it. 3. DUE TO LIMITED TIME AND SPACE, WE DO NOT HEAT OR REFRIGERATE ANY FOOD. 4. As a consideration to the teacher, please send foods and containers which require a minimum amount of adult assistance for your child to open, eat, and dispose of. 5. Only drinks that are light in color are permitted (lemonade, apple juice, etc). 6. The teacher will substitute water for any red or purple dye drink sent to school. 7. Younger 2’s and toddlers should bring a sippy cup with the child’s name clearly marked on it. 8. Fast food, soft drinks (coke, etc.) or tea are not permitted at school except for parties. 9. Only send ONE dessert/snack in your child’s lunch. Our policy is that the dessert or sweets are put away until they make a good effort in eating something healthy and then they will be given the dessert. If you send more that one dessert it will be sent back home. Under Health Department regulations, cooking for instructional purposes IS allowed and will be conducted as part of Noah’s Park. Because breast milk is recommended as the best source of nourishment for infants, breast feeding is encouraged and supported by Noah’s Park staff. A “Mother’s Room” is provided for convenience and privacy for nursing mothers. It is highly advised that infants receive their first feeding of the day at home before center arrival, until they are old enough to eat table food. When one considers the scenario of numerous babies all arriving hungry at the same time and the stress that brings not only to teachers but also to infants who need immediate care, this is understood. According to Health Department regulations, bottles must be identified with the child’s name. Stored breast milk must also include the date of storage and the child’s name. Infants will be held for bottle feeding with the only exception being when multiple children require feeding at the same time. Infants will not be placed in a crib with a bottle. If not consumed, formula will be discarded within one hour unless refrigerated and any leftover will be discarded at the end of the day. If baby food is provided by the parent, all jars shall be labeled with the child’s name. No previously opened jars can be accepted by Noah’s Park. All opened jars will be sent home or discarded at the end of the day.

Birthday Parties 1. Simple parties are welcome in the classroom. 2. Please discuss with your child’s teacher an appropriate time to celebrate. 3. Please keep refreshments simple- pizza, cookies, Little Debbie Cakes, or doughnuts. Cupcakes are allowed if you are available to clean up the refreshment area after the children are finished eating. No homemade items are allowed. Must be from a commercially approved kitchen. 4. NO GIFTS! 5. Children cannot go to another class party for any reason during the school year. This includes sibling birthday parties. 6. Parents are responsible for cleaning up afterward.

Please do not bring or send party assistants to the classroom (i.e. clown, Elsa/Batman impersonator, etc.) Party assistants disrupt the class schedule and often frighten young children. These should be reserved for your own personal parties outside the school setting. Please do not view your classroom party as your child’s primary party. When doing so, this creates situation where the party becomes much bigger and includes more expectations than just a “special” snack. Parents should refrain from bringing additional family members and friends to school parties. It is very disruptive for friends and cousins outside of the classroom setting to be included in the classroom parties, particularly since seating is usually limited to the number of children in the class.

20. MEDICAL/EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Absences We plan our programs with the assumption that every child will attend every scheduled class. If your child is unable to attend the center, please notify the office. If your child is absent because of illness with a communicable disease, please let us know as soon as possible. We are required to notify all parents of communicable diseases.

Sick Children A child who is ill upon arrival at the center will not be admitted to class and will be sent home. We perform a daily visual health check. If we detect a problem the child will be taken to the nurse for evaluation.

When children have been exposed to communicable diseases such as hepatitis, chicken pox, measles, or strep infection, all staff members and all parents or guardians of children shall be notified immediately by the center. For any infectious disease, we ask that you seek your physician’s advice and always notify us of the disease.

If a child becomes ill while at the center, the parent or guardian will be contacted and expected to pick up the child within one hour of notification. The child will be separated from the other children until the parent’s arrival. If a child displays any of the following symptoms, he/she must be kept at home. A doctor’s excuse must be returned to allow entry back into class.

fever of 100 degrees or more diarrhea nasal secretions that are thick, yellow or green, and accompanied by a fever. Cloudy or colored nasal secretions may indicate an allergy. Please check with your doctor to rule out infection. sore throat with fever, throat spots or rash. cough accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, and the coughing up of green or yellow mucus. eye drainage of any type should be checked by a doctor to rule out infection. unusual rashes should be checked by a doctor to rule out bacterial infection. child not feeling well, such as lethargic behavior and/or crying

The child may return to the center after illness with a doctor’s excuse and when one of the following happens:

no fever for 24 hours without medication nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea has subsided for 24 hours without medication at least 2 doses of antibiotic have been given over a 24-hour period for any type of strep or bacterial infection. Child is able to complete daily activities including playtime and outdoor activities.

21. Medication Medication or special medical procedures shall be given or applied only when the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) has provided a permission form or a prescription from a physician. Without written instructions from a physician on file, the center will not administer over-the-counter medications, including cough syrup, aspirin, and allergy medications. All prescribed medications must be in their original containers, and parents or guardians must sign the Medication Release stating the kind of medication, the amount to be given, the time it is to be administered and the time of the last dose. All medicine is to be left at the front desk. Do not leave any medicine in your child’s back pack. All medicine will be administered by the School Nurse, Director or Assistant Directors only. We can have no open ended directives such as “give as needed”, except for asthma patients or long term illnesses.

22. Allergies All allergies to medication and/or other substances must be stated on the emergency and medical forms. Alabama law requires that we have a signed note from a physician explaining any food allergies that a child may have. The physician must recommend alternate food choices for the child. Information about children with allergies will be posted in the child’s room and all teachers informed.

23. Accidents All teachers are certified in infant/child CPR and infant/child first aid. In the case of any accident, assessment and treatment of the injury will be given under the supervision of the teacher and/or School Nurse. If further treatment is deemed necessary, the parent/guardian or emergency contact person will be called. All accidents are recorded on an accident report form that requires the signature of the Director or Assistant Directors.

24. Air Quality During months in which air quality is of concern, a daily monitoring of air quality alerts and posting of such information at the front desk will be available. While it has always been thought that being outside a little while each day is good for children, outside play time will either be limited or scheduled for indoors on days of air quality alerts.

25. Inclement or Excessively Hot Weather On days of inclement or excessively hot weather, children will be kept inside the classrooms. Sunscreen is applied to all children that have a signed permission form. If you would like for your child to have sunscreen applied you must provide it to your child’s teacher and sign a permission form. These forms are available at the front desk. Children will be expected to participate in play activities unless a written statement from the child’s physician is provided stating that they cannot participate.

26. Tornadoes Severe weather drills are held monthly in order to familiarize the children with the proper and safe place to go in case of severe weather. In the event of a tornado warning or severe thunderstorm warning, students will be escorted to a safe shelter as designated by our health and welfare team and instructed in proper safety procedures. If we are directly under a tornado warning you are required to stay at Noah’s Park until the storm passes. Do not to call the school unless it is an extreme emergency during a weather situation. We are trying to care for the children and we need to focus all of our attention in making sure that each child is in the safest location possible.

27. Fire Drills Fire drills are held on a monthly basis in order to familiarize the children with proper and safe procedures for exiting the building in an emergency. In the event of a fire, students will be evacuated according to plan. The school building is inspected on a regular basis by the fire marshal. The most recent inspection information is located in the church office. If for any reason there is a fire our designed pick up area is across the parking lot. See signs accordingly. Each play area and restroom will be checked to ensure total clearing of the building.

28. Hide and Seek Hide and Seek drills are held on a monthly basis in order to familiarize the children with proper and safe procedures in case Noah’s Park has to be placed on lock down.

29. Power Outage In case of loss of water, power, heat in cold weather, or air conditioning in hot weather, parents will be notified by phone, school cast, e-mail and website posting that Noah’s Park will be closed and that they must pick up their children. In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation from the campus of Noah’s Park, necessary action will be organized by the Director and the Emergengy Prepardness plan will begin and parents will be notified where to pick up their child.

30. Emergency Evacuation If we need to evacuate Noah’s Park premises we will go to one of the following locations. Parents will be notified by SchoolCast. 1st Location – Deerfoot Baptist Church 2nd Location – CrossPoint Baptist Church

31. Child Abuse The staff of Noah’s Park is required by Alabama state law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.

32. Clothing Children are requested to wear “play clothes”. We do paint, play outside and do various other messy activities at times. If you have any questions or complaints please direct them to the Director and not your child’s teacher. Younger children (children during potty training, and/or three year olds) should wear boxer type shorts or jeans with elastic unless they can handle other types on their own. Please no “onesies” for children in toilet training. Also when your child is toilet training we prefer pull ups with side access so that the children do not have to be fully undressed when an accident occurs. We encourage independence in our children and a child can better attend to his/her own bathroom needs in garments that are easy for them to handle alone. We can not wash any soiled clothing. These items will be send home in a bag. If underwear are beyond saving they will be discarded.

For infants and toddlers please make sure your child has bibs for feeding.

PLEASE put your child’s name in all clothing, coats and other belongings to help ensure their safe return. All children will go outside each day that weather permits, so dress them accordingly. If you do not wish for your child to go outside and participate in class activities planned by the teacher, your child must remain home. Our center plans a time of outside play each day, weather permitting.

All children are required to wear closed toe shoes. No open toe sandals, no flip-flops and no rain boots. If crocs are worn they must wear socks and keep the strap around the heel. Children are required to wear shoes at all times; this is a requirement of the Fire Marshal.

Noah’s Park is not responsible for any hair bows that are lost while at school. If one is found we will place them in the lost and found box. Do not send notes regarding hair bows.

Make sure that you keep a complete, season appropriate change of clothes including undergarments and socks in your child’s back-pack.

33. Parent Involvement We welcome parent and grandparent involvement in the early education classroom, and we feel that parent involvement benefits not only the center but the parent and child as well. Parents are encouraged to participate as classroom helpers on a regular basis. Parent participation enables the teacher to offer a variety of creative activities for students. All parents must check in when they come to volunteer in the classroom. Some ways that parents can participate in the early education experience are chaperoning field trips, helping with special-day themed events, serving on the teacher-appreciation committee, and much more. However we can not have siblings at events.

34. Field Trips Field trips are an integral part of the early education center experience. They enhance learning by offering opportunities not available in the classroom. Parents will be notified of a forthcoming field trip at least two weeks in advance. All field trips other than the 5K zoo trip will occur on our campus.

35. Special Event Days Throughout the school year the center’s staff plans special activity days to enhance the monthly classroom themes. Parents are encouraged to participate by helping in the classroom or by providing special snacks or activities.

36. Snacks Snacks are provided by Noah’s Park for those children in Before and Extended care only. Snacks are only served if the child is here at the time provided. Under no circumstances is a snack provided if a child arrives late or leaves early. Teachers may ask parents to bring a special snack that enhances the monthly theme or special activity. All snacks are to be in their unopened original containers or individually wrapped. No homemade snack foods are allowed. Fruit or vegetables must be cut and prepared in the center’s kitchen or classroom using the center’s utensils. Check with the teacher if you are in doubt about a particular snack.

37. Supplies Parents need to provide the following items for children enrolled in the program. These items are required before the first day of school. You may bring them to the office or to meet the teacher night prior to the first day of school. You may also call the front desk and purchase a prepaid supply pack.

2 packages of white copy paper 1 2 inch Binder (3K only) White with clear pocket on cover. 1 3 inch Binder (4K & 5K only) White with clear pocket on cover 2 Large box of tissue (all children) 12 glue sticks (2K and up) 1 Large Container of Clorox Wipes (all children) 4 Boxes of Baby Wipes (all children) 1 Box of Quart size Zip Lock bags – (Girls only) 1 Box of Gallon size Zip Lock Bags – (Boys Only) 1 Full-sized backpack (please label) (Toddler and up) 1 Pocket Folder for communication purposes to be kept inside backpack (all children) 2 Boxes of Crayons - 24 count. (2K and up) 1 Boxes of Washable Markers – 8 count Primary Colors (2K and up) Full change of clothing in backpack (i.e. underwear, socks, shirt, pants) (all children) For Extended care children- Nap Mat, blanket and security item (teddy bear, etc) Infants -Tylenol or Motrin, Oral-Gel, Nasal Aspirator, Diaper Cream (Please Label) Diapers or pull-ups with velcro sides labeled with your child’s initials, bottles, baby food and bibs

38. Parent Communication We want to do our best to keep all our families informed about what is happening at Noah’s Park. Parents need to be aware of several very important forms of communication that we use.

38a. Daily Folder All children need a daily folder. This is to be kept in your child’s backpack. All daily reports, communication from the office, weekly and monthly newsletters and all important announcements will be placed inside this folder. Parents must check and read daily.

38b. Parent/Teacher Conferences A parent/teacher conference will be held in November and March. At that time the teachers will give parents information about their child and a class recommendation for the following school year. The teachers and the Director are available throughout the year for individual conferences with parents. Please call the office if you wish to set a conference with your child’s teacher.

38c. Noah’s Park Newsletter This monthly publication includes information about activities happening at Noah’s Park as well as general early childhood news.

38d. Weekly Classroom Newsletter/Report Cards The teachers send home a weekly newsletter containing specific class information for Infant – 5K classes. Children in 3K-5K classes will receive a trimester report card.

38e. School Cast Automated Announcements We provide the availability of our SchoolCast Rapid Alert and Notification System. Each child will receive a letter with instructions on how to manage your “DashBoard”. You are directly responsible for maintaining all home telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, email addresses and who receives a message with normal delivery and emergency delivery. We do not manage your DashBoard. You must make changes of numbers when they occur. We utilize this service for school announcements, class room reminders, notification of closing and other important information. Please listen to your voice mail before you call Noah’s Park and then if you have further questions please feel free to call. We will also post information on Noah’s Park website. 39. School Visitors Parents are encouraged to visit the school at any time. When you visit the center for any reason, please check in at the Noah’s Park Desk.

40. Solicitation The center may not be used as a setting for solicitation.

41. Personal Belongings Children are requested to leave food, gum, candy, money or other valuables at home. Please discourage your child from bringing toys or other “prized” possessions to Noah’s Park except on special occasions planned by the teachers. Such highly valued items are often difficult to keep up with, may get broken and very hard to share. Noah’s Park is not responsible for any personal items lost or damaged.

It is understood, however, that many young children do have an object of special attachment, such as a blanket or stuffed toy, that helps to ease the transition from home to school and that they might not be ready to share. Teachers will help other children to understand and respect such feelings and once a child is settled the item will be placed in their cubby. Teachers will do their best to keep up with children’s belongings but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage of personal possessions. Labeling of all personal belongings help to avoid loss. We encourage special items to only be used at nap time for 2K and 3K children. 4K and 5K children need to leave them at home.

42. Personal Hygiene All possible provisions have been made to assure that children and teachers follow appropriate rules of personal hygiene. Teachers will use gloves at all times when changing diapers or assisting older children in the restroom. Antibacterial soap is used for hand washing before meals and after toilet use. Disposable paper towels are used for drying hands.

43. Office Communication You may call the office during normal program hours with any questions or concerns. Please remember that the Director has many responsibilities. If she is not available you may leave a message and she will return your call as soon as practical. Lengthy conferences and consultations should be scheduled in advance by calling the Noah’s Park office. The number is 352-4020. If it is an extreme emergency you may call the Noah’s Park cell phone at 937-7398. Also, you may wish to use email for communications. The e-mail address is [email protected] . You may also speak with Mrs. Traci or Mrs. Kandy Assistant Directors. They are available to take messages and answer questions. Their e-mail address is [email protected] .

44. Smoking Policy Noah’s Park is a smoke free environment. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the campus or on any field trips.

45. Non-Discrimination Policy Our program complies with non-discrimination laws covering hiring of staff, enrollment of children, and termination of staff and children.

46. Confidentiality Procedures All children’s records shall be kept confidential. No staff of Noah’s Park or NorthPark Baptist Church shall discuss or disclose personal information regarding children or facts learned about children and their relatives.