Mercy Cares for Kids

MERCY CARES FOR KIDS PARENT HANDBOOK

2015-2016 This handbook is intended to inform parents of policies and procedures that are followed in our daycare center. Please read carefully and let us know any questions you may have. Please sign and return the Parent Orientation checklist to the office. Thank you. MERCY CARES FOR KIDS PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

We believe every child is unique in terms of life experience, developmental readiness and cultural heritage. Partnership between family and school is, therefore, essential to the optimal growth and development of young children. Our aim is to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating environment that accommodates and embraces differences. Our goal is to promote the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of each child. We believe in the integration of learning and play, as children learn best by doing. We strive for the balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated activities, providing the foundation of a developmentally appropriate early childhood program. Given opportunities to explore the world around them, young children become active, involved learners. School becomes a place where they can be

2 successful and children discover that learning is fun. We believe, with this foundation, children become curious, well-rounded learners, able to make independent choices and act responsibly.

Mercy Cares For Kids, A service component of St. Peter’s Health Partners, was opened in 1988, in response to the needs of working parents at St. Peter’s Hospital for on site childcare. Mercy Cares For Kids continues a long commitment to the care and education of young children.

MCFK General Information: Address: 310 South Manning Boulevard Albany, New York 12208 Main Phone #: (518) 525-5437 Fax #: (518) 525-6514 Tax ID #: 14-1348692

Administration: Contact #: Theresa Joslin Executive Director 525-5440 Sara Baldwin Assistant Director 525-5437 Debra Mearns Program Developer 525-5438 Christine Olmstead Accounting Assistant 525-5439

APPLICATION PROCESS: Each family will pay a non-refundable $50.00 registration fee and a two-week security deposit for each child before enrollment is granted to the program. All enrollment forms and a current medical form must be on file with the center before the child’s first day.

We strongly recommend that the parents and child visit our program prior to the first day, to help both the child and parents adjust to their new environment. Please complete a center visiting schedule with the administrative office and arrangements will be made with the teachers to welcome your child into the room. We ask that you complete your paperwork packet and return it to us by the last visit date.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING: Please dress children in comfortable clothes each day. The children participate in many creative activities that require the ability to move freely. Children will be involved in age

3 appropriate activities involving all areas of development. Please be aware that your children may get paint, dirt, or food on their clothing during these activities. Teachers do monitor children while they play, but it is difficult to keep them from soiling their clothes.

Children should also wear comfortable shoes, which allow them to run, jump, or climb while providing proper support. Flip-flops, sandals, and dress shoes often cause accidents to occur during play. Flip flops can not be worn while at school. If your child wears dress shoes or sandals, please provide a change of shoes for outside play and gross motor activities.

The children will go outside daily, even through the winter months. Therefore, they will need to have a selection of clothing appropriate for the forecasted weather for the day. All of the children in the classroom will go outside as a group. All teachers in the group must go out with the children for proper supervision.

Also, please be sure your child has an extra outfit, complete with underwear, socks and shoes, available in his/her extra clothes bin. All items must be clearly labeled with the child’s initials.

BIRTHDAYS/NUTRITION/SNACKS: We enjoy sharing your child’s special day at our center. Please help us celebrate your child and what makes him/her special, rather than focusing on what treat they will be enjoying. The week before the birthday, your child’s teacher will talk with you about how you would like to mark the occasion.

Starting this year we will provide birthday snacks to help mark your child’s special day at the center. The week before your child’s birthday, please let the classroom teacher know which of the snacks we have you would like us to prepare for your child’s class. We will have a list of five snacks for you to select from which will also meet the CACFP guidelines.

Prizes, cookies and cupcakes should be special for your child’s birthday party outside of school. For safety reasons, we must ask that you not bring in goody bags for the classroom. Often the “gifts” placed in these take home bags are a choking hazard for our small children. If gift bags are brought in for the children, we will not distribute them to the children in the classroom. We hope you will enjoy your child’s day more if you eliminate some of the extras from your to-do list.

BREAST FEEDING FRIENDLY: MCFK is proud to be a designated Breast Feeding Friendly Day Care by the NYSDOH. We have created a nursing room for mothers who would like to nurse while their infant is in our care. Infant teachers will work with you each day to establish a schedule for your infant which will meet your needs. Our teachers have been trained to follow the best practice for storing and providing breast milk to your baby.

CACFP:

4 As of October 1997, MCFK has participated in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is supervised by the NYS Department of Health. Included in your enrollment packet you will find an Income Application, which is required of all families. All information on this form is strictly confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining free and reduced price meals for the center. An income chart is located on the front of the CACFP form. If you are “over income”, simply state this on the form and sign it. All income applications are to be updated yearly and reviewed for this program.

Participating in the CACFP program provides the center with funds to help defer some of the cost of our food. As participants in the program, our menu is created to meet the criteria of NYSDOH. We provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack to each of the children. We have some substitute foods in the building to help meet the dietary needs of children. If your child has a specific food allergy and needs special accommodations, the center needs to ask for a note from the child’s doctor specifying what the problem is and what is needed to meet the child’s need. Milk substitutes must also have a note specifying the child’s need and the substitute must meet the calcium and protein requirement. Guidelines are available in administrative office.

CELEBRATIONS AND HOLIDAYS: MCFK is committed to helping children grow up confident of their own identity, respectful of other people and aware of the rich diversity of their home/school community and world.

We are proud of the diversity that makes up MCFK and encourage our families to join in on exposing the children to the traditions not common to their own family. By providing information about traditions and celebrations practiced in your family, we can honor the ethnic values of each child. We will use the information (and any items used during the celebration) to plan age appropriate and hands-on activities for your child’s class. If you would like to actually present an activity, we would ask you to meet with your child’s teacher so she can work closely with you and be assured the activities meet the needs and abilities of the children.

Together, we can help our children to grow into respectful, confident citizens of their community.

CENTER SCHEDULE: Please refer to center calendar MCFK is open Monday through Friday with the exception of the following holidays: New Year’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – Changes in schedule for these holidays depends upon the day of the week the holiday falls. The center will close at 12:00 on Christmas Eve, and Close Christmas Day,. The center will remain open regular hours on New Year’s Eve and will be closed on Friday, January 1st.

5 The center is also closed for parent teacher conferences and an October training day – please check current calendar for more information. The center closes the Friday before Labor Day to prepare for transition.

CHILDREN’S SCHEDULES: Parents may schedule their child for a maximum of 10 hours of childcare at Mercy Cares For Kids, daily. If you know in advance that your child will be out, or arriving late, please let the teachers in your child’s room know. Parents are required to sign their children in and out of our care for staffing and safety purposes. We must keep an accurate record of children in the building for DSS.

PLEASE NOTE: An excessive usage fee of $10.00 will be charged to your account for every ten minutes or part thereof, that you exceed the ten-hour limit.

COMMUNICATIONS: Mercy Cares For Kids is dedicated to maintaining open communication between home and the day care center. Therefore, we feel it is important that parents and teachers take the time to communicate, on a daily basis, any and all information pertinent to their child’s behavior, development, or routines.

To enhance communication between the center and home, each classroom has a daily sheet specific to the room. We ask that parents take a moment each morning to complete the top portion of the daily sheet to provide information to the teachers to help your child to transition into the classroom. Teachers will complete the bottom portion of the daily sheet for parents to take home. Hopefully, parents will use the information to ask the children questions about the day and provide another way to encourage language development.

Parents should check their child’s cubby everyday for a daily sheet, notes, newsletters, receipts, or reminders, and look at the bulletin board or white board for any classroom information. We have created an email database to allow us to electronically send parents weekly updates, notices, and newsletters. Please include your email on the parent orientation checklist when you return it to us.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: We are proud of our involvement with many other agencies and institutions within our community. We periodically have volunteers from the Hudson Valley Community College Early Childhood Program, St. Rose Living Resources, SPH Junior Volunteer Program, and the Foster Grandparent Program. The participants in these programs offer valuable assistance to the classroom teachers and children involved. All participants are screened through the NYS Central Register of Abuse and Neglect and are always under the supervision of a center employee. The role of the volunteer is highly regarded and respected at Mercy Cares For Kids.

6 Children in our Pre K classrooms participate in an intergenerational program with the residents from the St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehab Center. They also participate in a co-op program with the children enrolled at Clover Patch Pre-School.

CURRICULUM: Mercy Cares For Kids uses the Creative Curriculum developed for early childhood education. The philosophy behind the curriculum is that young children learn best by doing. Learning is not just repeating what someone else says; it requires active thinking and experimenting to find out how things work and to learn first hand about the world we live in.

The goal of the curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners. Children are encouraged to become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners.

CUSTODY ISSUES: MCFK prefers not to get involved with custody disputes. MCFK will follow a court order exactly as written. If your family has a court order on file, please provide us with the most recent copy. Please Note: Per state law, in the absence of a court order, both parents have equal rights. With this being said, it is important that all enrollment forms are completed with both parents’ information. In the event that a custody dispute takes place on our property, SPH security and the Albany police will be called and asked to handle the situation. Our staff will not be placed in the middle of such disputes. If a custody issue creates a risk to our facility or staff, MCFK has the right to terminate care.

DESCRIPTION OF FACILITY: Mercy Cares For Kids is located on the first floor of the Mercy Center building at 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, New York 12208. Entrance can be gained at the rear of the building through the middle doors. We are a locked facility and monitor a security system; visitors may gain entrance only after visual clearance through the MCFK office. NYS Department of Social Services licenses the program to provide care for 139 children, ages six weeks to six years, from 6:30am-5:30pm, Monday through Friday.

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING: In accordance with NAEYC guidelines, MCFK works with the local PEDS agency and provides opportunities for children to take part in a developmental screening within ninety days of enrollment in the center. The forms for this screening have become part of our enrollment process as of August 2009. Parents must grant permission for the screening to take place and the center will receive results only through parent consent. All information gained during the screening is kept confidential. The screening is an effort to help parents’ access services their child may need and to work with the family to develop the best plan for the child’s development.

PEDS does not keep any information about children after a screening. Children’s progress is not tracked or used for research. The only information kept by the agency is how many children are screened and how many may qualify for services.

DISCIPLINE:

7 The first definition of discipline in Webster’s Dictionary is “Training that develops self- control…” Discipline is guiding and directing children’s behavior. Through this guidance, children learn what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Positive guidance can take the form of setting realistic expectations for children, talking with them about problems that may occur and placing limits on behavior. These types of positive guidance are essential, not only to help children grow to be a self-disciplined person, but also to help them feel safe and well cared for.

We believe that children need to clearly understand what our expectations are for their behavior while in our center and that we must be consistent when enforcing our limits on disruptive behavior. We have implemented a Behavior/Discipline policy to help define our goals and expectations for children, staff and parents. We find that most children respond well to the forms of positive guidance currently used in the program but on occasion it is necessary for us to request assistance from parents when behavior becomes disruptive or dangerous for either the child involved or his/her classmates and teachers. The policy is in the office for your review.

Inappropriate behavior may be caused by frustration related to social-emotional problems, learning difficulties, or other issues a child is experiencing. Our staff will try to work through these problems with parents to the best of their abilities. However, we are limited in the actions we can take to maintain a child having problems while in care. Our teachers must maintain a safe environment for the other children in the classroom, our staff, as well as the child causing the disruption. Ongoing disruptive behavior will result in a meeting with parents, teachers, and administration to determine what steps need to be taken to help the child or to find alternative care options.

DROP OFF/PICK UP: In order to maintain accurate attendance, we ask that you sign your child in and out each day. Teachers refer to this list when going outside for playground, walks and fire drills. We also use these sheets to create classroom teaching schedules as well as activities.

Difficulty with separation is not unusual for children, especially during their first weeks of attendance. Please help prepare your child for your departure. Do not try to “sneak away” or “slip out” as this action creates anxiety for your child. Tell your child that it is time for you to go to work, then leave. (Prolonging your good-byes sends a mixed message to your child and can increase anxiety.) A teacher will be happy to assist you if necessary and help your child settle into an activity. If a child is upset when you leave, please know that children usually calm down and are participating before a parent reaches the parking lot. Please feel free to call at any time to check on your child.

Please remember that drop-off and pick-up times are very busy periods in terms of transitions and adjustments. These periods are not the best times to discuss your child’s progress or growth especially if he or she is standing with you. The best way to address questions or concerns is by calling the office and leaving a message. When the classroom is quiet and the children situated, the teacher can return your call.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

8 Children must be between the ages of six weeks and six years and in good health as verified by a physician’s statement. A current medical report must be completed by a physician prior to enrollment. MCFK follows the NYS department of OCFS regulations requiring a child have all immunizations in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule of care.

Mercy Cares For Kids does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or handicapped status. However, if the nature or extent of the child’s handicap requires additional staffing, the child will not be able to enroll unless special staffing arrangements have been made in advance.

E-MAIL We use an e-mail database to enhance communication between daycare and home, especially classroom and home. Therefore we have included a space for your e-mail address on the signature page of this handbook.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Parents must leave adequate telephone numbers of where they can be reached throughout the day, in case of emergency. We need to be able to speak with a person, not a “voice mail” answering service. If this is the system in your office, please give us additional numbers of people to contact. If you are not going to be at your regular place of business, please leave an alternate number where you can be reached. This number should be left when you drop your child off at the center in the morning. Parents must name at least one responsible adult, in addition to themselves, who can be contacted in case of an emergency situation, and make sure their number is on file in the office. Each parent will be required to fill out an emergency information sheet at time of enrollment and will be asked to update this form each year. The form will provide us with: Emergency Contact Numbers Health Insurance Information for your child Doctor Hospital of choice if warranted This information will be in addition to your blue card and will be kept on file in the administrative office.

Blue Cards: Each child in the center must have a completed DSS Blue Card on file in the administrative office. This card provides us valuable information for emergency situations and it is what we use to contact parents when needed. Each September we ask parents to complete a new blue card to update the information we have on file. If during the year your contact information changes please come to the office to update the information on your child’s card.

GET FIT! Early Nutrition Early Sprouts is a Nutrition and Garden Curriculum developed at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire for preschoolers. This program provides “a seed to table” exposure to nutritional fruits and vegetables. Children will help plant seeds and

9 help care for their classroom’s raised bed garden. Together with the teacher’s and Early Sprouts’ activities they will explore the vegetables and fruit they grow using all their senses.

Nutritionally sound recipes that focus on the classroom’s harvest will be provided to the teachers. These are age appropriate recipes allowing the children to take a large part in preparing the recipe.

Keeping Fit MCFK realizes the importance of providing a program that promotes an active life style to help your child’s physical growth. Children in each class are provided a 20-30 minute interval in both the morning and afternoon in an outdoor environment weather permitting. Our natural and park-like playgrounds offer opportunities for large muscle development and gross motor coordination through both age-appropriate equipment and the variety in landscaping.

Gross motor prop boxes, which include equipment and activity cards, have been created to allow teachers to offer extended gross motor opportunities in the classroom. These will be accomplished through music and movement, yoga, parachute play, obstacle courses and other physical challenges.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF MCFK: o To provide a safe and inviting learning environment o To communicate openly with parents and children o To recruit, hire and train qualified professionals o To provide developmentally appropriate experiences for children

FIELD TRIPS: Field trips are a fun and educational part of programming. Preschoolers take between two or three scheduled field trips per year. Transportation is provided by the center via school bus rental or a CDTA bus to locations within the city of Albany. Parents will receive advance notice of upcoming trips and the means of transportation. Parents must return a signed permission slip, for each field trip in order for their child to participate. Parent volunteers are welcome on the trips to provide additional supervision of the children, as space permits.

Children in our Pre K classrooms are provided swim lessons during the spring and summer months. We transport the children to the East Greenbush YMCA for lessons provided by their staff. There is an additional $60.00 fee for this program to help with the cost of transportation

During the summer months, our Pre K program becomes a “summer program.” In addition to the swim lessons, there is a field trip each week. A one time activity fee is charged for the summer to help with the cost of the program.

FIRE DRILLS:

10 In accordance with state laws, fire drills are held monthly. Since it is not possible to run all fire drills under ideal weather conditions, parents should be aware that the children could be expected to leave the building during nap time or without coats – even if the weather is wet or cold. Children stay outside for no more than four or five minutes. During fire drills, it is mandatory that all children and adults leave the building.

ILLNESSES: Please refer to your MCFK Health Policies for specific information on when your child should remain at home due to illness. If you are in doubt, a general guideline to follow would be: “Will your child be able to participate in the normal routine of active play in a group of children?” Please do not administer a fever-suppressant and bring your child to the Center. This is unfair not only to your child but also to the other children and teachers. We do not have a license to provide sick childcare. If your child becomes sick while at the center, we will call you to let you know what is wrong and you may be required to pick your child up. We expect parents to make arrangements to arrive at the center within an hour of receiving our call.

If your child is absent due to illness, please call the center to inform us of the absence and the illness. This will help us to provide better care for the children in attendance and also help other parents to watch for symptoms of potential illness.

If your child is sent home with a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, they will not be allowed to attend daycare the following day and until they have been fever free, without the help of a fever reducer such as Tylenol or Motrin, for twenty-four hours. Children, who are sent home with vomiting, diarrhea, unidentified rash or unexplained illness will be required to remain home for 24 hours symptom free. If you should choose to bring your child in on a day after being home sick, we reserve the right to refuse to accept them. We are responsible for the health and safety of all of the children in our care and cannot unnecessarily expose them to illness risks.

Tuition will not be waived for days missed due to sickness. No account credit will be given for sick days.

INFANT FEEDING: As of April 1, 2004 formula and infant foods were included in this program. Our center provides Parents Choice Organic Formula and cereal for our children less than 12 months. We also supply some of the jarred fruits and vegetables to supplement our infant menu. Parents must sign a consent form stating a desire for us to supply formula for their child. As your child grows and is able to use other foods from our menu we ask you to write daily on the classroom information sheet which foods the child may or may not have.

Formula and infant foods will be provided to children until their first birthday. We will work with parents in the months prior to reaching this milestone to help with the transition to whole milk and foods from our menu. We ask each family to work with our infant care providers as this transition takes place. Menus will be provided to you to help with this process. Please highlight foods your child has successfully tried and we will

11 offer it to him/her during our meal times. (Children must have tried a food item at home before they can be offered it while in our care.)

LATE PICK-UP: Our center closes at 5:30 daily. We need for you to have your child ready to go, and out the door by 5:30pm so we can lock up. We cannot make exceptions for parents and/or children to linger in the building after this point. A fee of $10.00 will be charged to you for every 10 minutes or part thereof that you remain in the building from 5:30pm and on.

Parents who consistently pick-up their child after 5:30pm will be asked to make alternate child care arrangements for their child.

Children are not allowed to visit other classrooms, the staff room, or the MCFK playground after parents pick up. Once children are released to their parents, our staff can no longer assume responsibility for their safety. Children are not allowed to roam the building freely during attendance hours and we ask that parents respect this policy in order to help us provide consistent expectations for the children.

MCFK ADVISORY BOARD: MCFK has an advisory board which meets quarterly. The board consists of community representatives, SPHP representatives, and most importantly parents from the center. The board reviews our budget, the operation of the center, and provides input on changes to the program. The board helps MCFK remain responsive to not only the financial responsibility of the organization but to the needs of the community and families we serve. If you are interested in becoming a member of the board, please speak with a member of the administrative staff.

MEALS PROVIDED FOR CHILDREN: Mealtimes have become more challenging for busy families. We work with the SPH nutrition department to create menus which meet the guidelines established by CACFP. While we provide meals to the children each day, we are limited in our ability to meet individual preferences. The children are served breakfast between 8:00am-8:20am daily. If your child will need to have breakfast at the center, you will need to have them here by the specified breakfast time. If you are running late and arrive after 8:20, breakfast will not be served to your child. It is important to begin morning activities with our children by starting our day. Our infant programs will follow a parent schedule until preparing for the transition to our Waddler classrooms.

Please do not have your child bring in a special breakfast from home to consume while at school. If you have purchased a special breakfast treat for your child, please be sure it is consumed BEFORE entering our building. We have numerous children with a variety of allergies in our center.

NO food, candy, or drinks may be left in any child’s cubby. These items sometimes end up in the hands of someone other than your child and may cause a severe reaction. **

12 Modifications or changes to the set menu are permitted for medical or religious reasons. A medical note is required and must describe: 1. The participant’s medical or other special dietary need which restricts their diet. 2. The food(s) to be omitted and a comparable substitution. As part of the CACFP program, substitutions must replace the component being eliminated.

Our program offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Often leftover fruit and snacks are used to provide a small morning snack to children. Children are not given additional food after our 3:00 snack since we want each of them to be ready to enjoy an evening meal with family.

Children are not allowed to consume gum, soda, and candy while in our care for safety and nutritional reasons. We are trying to help our children develop healthy eating habits. We will continue to work with our food service department to make changes to our menu which will improve the choices we are able to provide to your children.

MEDICATION (Prescription) NYS regulations state: “Children must not be given any medication, prescription, or any other remedy or treatment, nor can special medical procedures be carried out, except “upon written order of a physician stating that the day care provider may administer such medication, remedy, treatment or prescription.”

Prescription medication must be in the original container and labeled with the child’s complete name, recommended dosage, time intervals for administering, expiration date, and physician’s name and license number. Both parents and physician must sign the medication form authorizing the day care provider to administer the medicine to their children. We will be unable to administer any medication before each of these requirements is met. Please pick up a copy of the state mandated Medication Authorization Form in the administrative office or go to SPHCS.org, find MCFK under additional services and downloadable forms are available.

MCFK reserves the right to refuse to administer daily medications that can be given during non-school hours.

Staff members that have completed the Medication Administration Training program can administer medication. If a MAT authorized staff member is not available it is possible the center will not be able to administer medications.

MEDICATION (Over the counter) Over the counter medication, such as Tylenol or Motrin, may be given on an infrequent, non-routine basis, under written instruction from a physician. This requires that the medication be in its original container, labeled with the child’s complete name, and a medication authorization form completed by a physician. If a child develops the need for a dosage of over the counter medication while at the center, such medication may be

13 given only if written parental consent is on file in administration, and a set dosage and time interval has been given by the child’s pediatrician.

Mercy Cares For Kids is not required by DSS to administer any medications, prescriptions, remedy, or other medical treatment. Medication will only be administered if all criteria have been met and the day care provider feels comfortable administering the medicine

Due to regulatory changes that have taken place, parents must be prepared for the center to refuse to administer medications due to the lack of MAT trained staff members available in the building. We are fortunate to have a number of our staff certified through state training.

NAEYC ACCREDITATION: MCFK is proud to be accredited. Very few centers in the Albany area have achieved this nationally recognized standard of quality. Early childhood programs accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with the Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs, and have been found to be in substantial compliance with the criteria. A copy of the criteria can by obtained from the NAEYC Academy at www.naeyc.org.

NAPTIME: NYS DSS requires “Appropriate rest and quiet periods must be provided, in accordance with individual and group needs, where a child can sit quietly or lie down to rest.” Naptime for young toddlers – preschoolers is approximately 1:00pm – 3:00pm daily. This includes preparations for nap, bathroom time, and setting up cots. While not every child is expected to sleep for the entire nap period, each child is expected to rest quietly for a portion of the allotted time frame. Quiet activities will be provided for those children who are awake before naptime is over.

You will need to supply your child with: a sheet, blanket, and possibly a nap buddy. Please remember that these items must fit in their cubby as we do not have additional storage space available. Please do not bring over sized items and pillows for your child. We will need to ask you to take them home which can cause disappointment for both you and your child.

NON SLEEPER: Many children begin to reduce the need for or eliminate nap as they grow. As children move through the program we try to recognize the changes taking place. All children are provided a mat to rest quietly for the first part of the classroom naptime. Children who have not slept or are beginning to wake up after an hour of rest time will be provided quiet activities in the classroom. The activities provided will depend upon the number of children awake and what is appropriate for the age group.

14 Once a child turns three, parents often request we awaken a child during nap time. Please discuss your need with your child’s teacher. Teachers will try to follow your instructions but we cannot force a child to either stay awake or wake up if he/she is not ready.

NURSE: Mercy Cares For Kids employs a Registered Nurse with an extensive background in Pediatrics. She visits the center at least once a week to advise us on the health care of the children. She also meets with each classroom teacher to review health and developmental concerns during her allotted visiting time. She is available at other times, as needed, to provide health related information.

OUTDOOR PLAY: NYS Department of Social Services requires daily outdoor play for all children, except during extreme weather conditions or on rainy days.

MCFK teachers are required by DSS to maintain specified staff/child ratios at all times. This does not allow for staff to stay back in the classroom with one or two children while the rest of the class is outdoors. Your child must be able to participate in daily outdoor play if they are brought to the center. Lack of appropriate clothing for weather conditions will not keep the class from fulfilling the outdoor requirement. All children in the class will go out as a group; no child will be allowed to stay behind.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Parents are invited to become involved in our program in many different ways. A calendar is distributed at the beginning of each transition period and we ask for you to mark your calendars with the pre-scheduled events we have listed. The children get very excited to have their parents attend these events, and all families enjoy the socialization opportunities these events offer. We may also ask, with advance notice, for parent volunteers to help with various fund-raisers throughout the year.

PARENT – TEACHER CONFERENCES: Conferences between parents and teachers are scheduled twice per year. During this time teachers will discuss your child’s development using the Creative Curriculum Assessment tool. The objective of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to collaborate about the future plans for your child.

If problems or concerns arise at other times during the year, a conference will be scheduled at either a parent or teacher request.

PARKING: Parents need to park in the designated “Parent Parking” spots. Parking is limited and we cannot allow parents who work in the hospital to use our lot during the day. Please move your car to your designated lot once your child is safely in the center. Security is enforcing parking regulations and unauthorized vehicles will be towed.

15 We also ask that you use extreme caution in the parking area, and supervise children carefully when leaving the main hallway of MCFK. Please do not allow your child to ride up and down in the elevator, play in the Maria playground, or run through the lot unsupervised. The property mentioned does not belong to us and is therefore an unauthorized area for your child to play.

We share our building with other departments and often evening events are held in the auditorium. Once the center closes at 5:30, the grounds are no longer open for public use. This includes the garden area, gazebo and garden as well as the parking lot.

PEANUT FREE: Our center is a peanut free environment. Many children are experiencing allergic reactions to products that contain peanuts. The staff at Mercy Cares For Kids strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for all of the children who attend our center and removing peanuts from our building allows us to provide this for children who are at risk. For this reason we ask every parent to ask a teacher from the classroom before providing a snack for the children. We do not want your child disappointed when a decision must be made that will prevent him/her from sharing what you have brought in. All snacks provided to the room must be pre-packaged and from our list of acceptable snacks.

We are using I.M Healthy Soy Nut Butter as an alternative for the children. It looks and tastes very much like peanut butter but is made from the soy bean and has given us an additional protein source for children.

PHOTOS: We encourage teachers to take photos of the children as they participate in activities for your enjoyment. We are careful to follow our photo release policy in an effort to honor your request regarding the use of your child’s photo. Many parents and family members also take pictures during center events or activities. The same respect for privacy must be followed by the families in our center. Photos should not be posted on Facebook or any other social media without the permission of the teacher who may be in the picture or the parents of children in the photo. MCFK reserves the right to restrict photo opportunities to families that do not comply with this policy.

PHYSICAL CONTACT: It is our philosophy and belief that young children need physical contact for their care and healthy development. Your child will have regular physical contact with their caregivers throughout the day.

NURTURING TOUCHES: This includes hugs, handholding, cuddling, and back rubbing. This type of contact supports the caring, trusting relationship that develops between the caregiver and the child. It allows the child to develop feelings of confidence and security. It is never made against the expressed wishes of the child.

16 SAFETY AND GUIDANCE: This includes separating conflicting children, restraining children from harmful situations, and administering first aid to injuries.

HYGIENE: This includes face and hand washing, diapering, assisting with toilet use, examining unusual rashes or marks, nose blowing, and conducting necessary clothing changes.

No child will ever be subject to corporal punishment, or punishment which is administered through physically overpowering the child.

PRIVACY: Personal records, concerning children, are strictly confidential. They will be accessible only to MCFK administration, your child’s teacher and for review by the NYS Department of Social Services for center re-licensing purposes. The staff shall maintain and secure records against loss, tampering, or unauthorized use. Employees of the center shall not disclose or knowingly permit the disclosure of any information concerning the child or his/her family, directly or indirectly, to any unauthorized person. Parents can have access to a child’s records at any time. Parents may call the administrative office to request this access.

**It is the policy of Mercy Cares For Kids day care program not to disclose the name of the child who may have caused injury to another child while attending the center. This is a safeguard that we have established to protect the privacy of each family enrolled.

QUALITY STARS: MCFK is a participant in the pilot program for New York State Quality Stars. Although our center is Accredited and not seen as in need of improvement, we entered the program to help improve the care provided at our center as well as other centers in the area. Quality Stars places an emphasis on curriculum development using the Core Body of Knowledge and NYS Early Childhood standards as a guide. Professional development is encouraged and funds are available to help teachers pursue additional education and training.

SAFE HAVEN: Staff are prepared to deal with a variety of emergency situations. During all circumstances, teachers will remain calm and stay with the children. In the event of an emergency in the daycare center which makes it necessary to evacuate, children will be taken next door to the McAuley residence until we are allowed to return to the center or a parent has arrived to pick up the child. If an alternative location is necessary, we will evacuate to the conference rooms located near the SPH cafeteria.

SECURITY: MCFK is a secure day care center. Each door is locked and a security card is provided to parents to allow easy access to the facility. If someone else will be picking up your child, please inform the classroom and administrative office of the change and have the pick up person ring the center doorbell. This will give us an opportunity to check ID before

17 escorting him/her to the classroom. We have a security camera in the outer hallway which allows us to determine whether entry to the building should be granted.

Our security is only effective if we follow procedures. Please do not hold the door open for anyone who does not have an access key. Each day situations change which may result in denying access to someone that looks familiar. Please ask the person to wait while you get someone from the office to allow entrance. As difficult as this may seem, please keep in mind we are trying to protect the children in our care. *Security cards must be returned to the center at the time your child leaves our care. There is a $25.00 fee for replacement of all lost cards or cards not returned.*

SHELTER-IN-PLACE: As of June 1, 2015, OCFS regulations require that child care centers hold two shelter-in- place drills annually. These drills, similar to fire drills, are to help us prepare for circumstances which would make it necessary to remain on site due to a local disaster or if we need to relocate for any reason which would make it unsafe to remain in the center. Parents will be notified prior to each drill to avoid confusion or undue concern.

SNACKS BROUGHT IN FROM HOME: Each year we strive to improve the quality of food your children consume while in our care. Allergies and food sensitivities have increased our awareness of problems food brought from home can cause in our center. To ensure the safety and well being of all of the children in our care, we have decided that food coming from home, for sharing with the classroom, must be whole fruits, vegetables, or commercially prepared packaged foods in factory- sealed containers. All snacks must be preapproved by the teacher before anything is brought into the building. The ability to read the label of a product gives us the ability to determine if a child can participate in the snack.

In 2008- 2009 we implemented the above recommendations to provide healthy snacks for the children. We have attached a list of acceptable snacks to this handbook for your use. Please do not bring in a snack without checking with your child’s teacher first. Only foods on this list can be brought into the classroom. We are dedicated to making our center a happy, healthy, and safe learning environment for your children. Please help us with our efforts.

Food left in a child’s cubby will be disposed of.

SNOW DAYS/EMERGENCY CLOSING: As part of St. Peter's Health Partners, Mercy Cares For Kids plans to be open each day. Lack of appropriate staff to open under OCFS guidelines, loss of power, or loss of heat would be conditions which would cause our center to close.

To find out if our center is closed due to an emergency, you can watch the school closing reports on channels WNYT – TV (13), WTEN-TV (10), NEWS 9 (9), and WRGB –TV (6). We will make every attempt to decide our status by 6:15am. After that time, you can listen to these radio stations: WGNA, K100, WROW, WRGB, WTEN, WTRY, and WGY. After 6:30 you may call the center and the staff member answering the phone

18 should know whether or not we will be closed. However, if we close due to lack of staff, from either weather problems or illness, we might not know until 6:45. We would then implement emergency closing announcements.

In the event that we need to close early, due to power outages, lack of water, or some other problem, we will call you at work and expect you to come and get your child within the hour, as we would if he/she were ill.

STAFFING: Staff members are qualified by education, training and experience to carry out their respective responsibilities. They are expected to be mature, in good physical and mental health, of good character, and possess suitable personal qualifications. The background of each employee is carefully reviewed and evaluated. All employees are screened through NYSDSS Central Register of Child Abuse and Neglect, The NYS Justice Center, and they are also required by NYSDSS to be fingerprinted. (These are in addition to the background checks, reference checks and drug testing done by SPHP before employment.)

A member of the administrative staff is in the building at all times. Hours are staggered to cover all parts of the day. Members of the administrative staff each have educational backgrounds in education. The Executive Director holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education spanning birth to adult and has been a member of the MCFK staff for 18 years. Before joining MCFK, she taught Title 1 Reading and spent time working in an Early Childhood Education program for children with special needs.

Each classroom has a full time head teacher who is responsible for planning and implementing the daily program and activities. A head teacher must possess an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and two years of experience working with children. Many of our head teachers have earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood as well as completed a Master’s Program.

Full time assistant teachers work with the head teacher and children daily. The assistant is prepared to fill in when the head teacher is absent. An assistant teacher must possess a high school diploma and two years experience working with children. Many of our assistant teachers are participating in or have completed the CDA Program or hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood.

Teacher Aides are usually scheduled part time to meet the needs of the individual classrooms. Teacher aide requirements are generally as follows: They must be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma, have experience, or pursuing a career in the early childhood field.

Respect for adults and authority is becoming lost in the day to day interactions children have with people in our community. We have returned to an old school approach of addressing teachers in our center. We would like each child to address his/her teacher

19 using a proper title. Please check with your teachers to see how they would like to be addressed. Names will be listed out on the hallway boards and in our communications. We invite parents to call us by our first names. We want to work together, as peers, with the goal of helping our children develop life long skills.

STAFF AS AFTER HOUR CAREPROVIDERS: While we understand that our teachers are a great resource for your babysitting needs, please note that once outside of the center, after business hours, MCFK is not responsible for the actions or behavior of our staff that babysit center children. Parents hire staff as babysitters at their own discretion.

SYMPTOM SHEETS: It is sometimes necessary to send a child home when he/she is not feeling well. We have the experience of taking care of a number of children over the years which makes us aware of small signals of an oncoming illness which often go undetected until a child is very sick. We are not medical professionals and will err on the side of caution when we need to consider the health of all of the children in the room. We have simplified our symptom sheet and teachers will fill out one each time a child is sent home explaining why the action was taken and what is needed for the child to return to care.

TELEVISION USAGE: At MCFK, we believe children learn by participating in activities; either exploring materials independently or working in a group. Socialization is one of the most important areas of development for the children in our care. With this in mind, we have worked to minimize the amount of time children participate in sedentary, non interactive activities. A television is not used in the classroom unless a short DVD is being shown to help with the introduction of a theme or for gross motor activities such as Yoga. Any DVD/Video used must be included on a teacher’s lesson plan, previewed by the teacher, and approved by the administrative staff and cannot be more than 30 minutes in duration.

TERMINATION: We recognize that group day care is not for every child. If, for any reason, our program appears not to meet the individual needs of your child, we will make every effort needed to determine the cause and make necessary changes when reasonable. If this is not possible, the parent and/or program may choose to terminate the child care arrangement on a timeline which is in the child’s best interest. No matter the reason, a two week written notice is required of all families choosing to end their child care arrangement at MCFK. If you fail to give the center a two-week notice, your security deposit will be forfeited and you will be responsible for the outstanding balance.

Other reasons for termination:  Non-payment of childcare services for a two week period.  Lack of cooperation from parents regarding resolution of differences and/or efforts to successfully meet child’s needs through conferences and/or meetings.

20  The MCFK program is unable to meet the special needs of a child. In this case the staff and Executive Director will make every effort to work with parents, and possibly outside resources, to determine the best course of action for the child.  Withholding, fabrication of, or non-disclosure of pertinent information.  Falsification of records or legal documents.  Inappropriate conduct of parents, at any time, including using profanity or obscene language with child, staff, or administration, or spanking the child while at MCFK.  Frequent disregard for MCFK polices, such as the 10 hour limit or picking up your child after the 5:30 closing time

TOILET LEARNING: Learning to use the toilet is a developmental milestone in a child’s life. Children are discovering and enhancing their physical abilities and each step achieved helps develop their self esteem. Toilet learning can be one of the most difficult of developmental phases for parents and children to experience. With this in mind, we ask parents and caregivers to work together during the process to create a successful experience for everyone.

Teachers in our toddler rooms will work with parents to help determine when a child is consistently exhibiting readiness signs for potty training. The burden of toilet learning does fall onto you, the parent, but the teachers will do their best to assist you in your efforts. We will work with you to coordinate our efforts in order to present consistent expectations at home and at daycare to your child.

We require that children transitioning to a three’s classroom come in each day in pull ups or underpants, depending upon what stage of toilet training your child is at. All of the children moving up from a toddler room are showing the signs of readiness and should be working toward this goal. We also require that children transitioning to our Pre-K classroom be toilet trained. The Pre K classrooms are not designed to accommodate diaper changes.

We realize that accidents will happen. Whenever a new skill is being perfected, there are bound to be mistakes and setbacks. Please provide extra clothes, including underwear and socks for your child to minimize the upset.

TOOTH/GUM CARE: Mercy Cares For Kids will provide each child over 1 year of age with a quality toothbrush to be used in the classroom. Teachers will guide the children, once daily, on brushing their teeth. Toothbrushes will be replaced quarterly or as needed at no additional cost to our families.

TOYS/ITEMS FROM HOME: We encourage all families to leave toys, jewelry, or other special items at home because:

21  The staff and children feel especially bad if a toy is broken while at the center.  Small toys easily end up in the wrong pocket or cubby and are a source of tears at the end of a long day.  The center cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items brought from home.

TUITION PAYMENTS: Tuition payments may be made in the form of a personal check, a postal money order, or a bank money order. We are also able to set up Automatic Payment Accounts (ACH) or reoccurring credit card payments with you for your tuition.

A $15.00 fee will be charged for each check returned to MCFK from your bank for non- sufficient funds. When your bank returns two checks to us, you will be required to make tuition payments, each week, in the form of a cashier’s check, a postal money order, cash or a bank money order only.

Mercy Cares For Kids is a self supporting organization and, as such, is not able to allow tuition credit for absences or any days the center is closed, including, but not limited to snow days and/or emergency closings.

Please Note: Tuition is due in full the Friday before or first day of attendance each week.

TRANSITIONS: Children are transitioned to the next age-appropriate classroom at the beginning of September each year. Preparations for transition begin in the summer, before the move actually takes place. Please feel free to discuss your concerns with the Executive Director, administrative staff, or your current classroom teachers and ask any questions you may have. Children spend time with their new teachers before the transition takes place to make it a more comfortable move. Teachers make every effort to make the children feel ready and excited about changing classrooms. Parents will need to give transition some time before expecting their child to feel totally at ease when they leave. Children sense when parents are uneasy about a change and it affects their transition experience. Please feel free to call and check on your child’s progress and speak with the child’s teacher during naptime.

TRANSITION VISITS: Some parents find it beneficial to gradually phase their child into the Center. This process may include several visits prior to the first day of attendance and perhaps staying only through lunch or nap time on the first day. Phasing-in assists not only the child’s adjustment to a new schedule and new program but also the parent’s.

WALKS:

22 All age groups go for walks daily. The infants and younger toddlers ride in strollers or “wagons” and the preschoolers and three year old classroom children hold a teacher’s hand or use a buddy system. We have established safe crossing points and pre-approved walking maps for the teachers to follow.

Please feel free to review the walk maps located in your child’s classroom.

VISITING THE CENTER: MCFK has an open door policy for all parents. Visits during the center’s regular hours of operation are welcomed. If a member of your family, i.e. grandmother would like to visit the center, please let the teachers in the room know that you are aware the visit will be taking place and that you are comfortable with the arrangement. In these cases, the visit will take place in the classroom with teachers monitoring the interaction unless you have approved a different arrangement.

If a teacher finds your child is upset or inconsolable after you have visited, he/she will work with you to find a time that will enhance your child’s day and allow you to leave secure in the knowledge that your child will return to the group happily.

VISITING SPECIALISTS: MCFK is committed to helping all of the children in our center develop in a positive environment which embraces the different styles of learning and the additional assistance some children need to help in moving through the stages of development. We are happy to have therapists visit our center to provide services because it helps us improve the program we are providing to the children in the classroom. Consistent expectations both at home and at school help children develop confidence in their skills.

We ask that parents and therapists work with the teachers in the classroom when deciding on a schedule of visits. It is important to have sessions take place at a time which respects the other activities scheduled during the day and the need for all of the children to have an opportunity to participate. Please work with your child’s teacher to find the time of day which will work best for the room, and allow your child to receive the most out of his/her day.

23 Snack and Birthday Celebrations NEW!!

Non Food Ideas: Please plan all activities with the teachers to allow time in the classroom schedule to accommodate your plan. . Create a birthday poster – let each child in the classroom write what is special about the birthday child . Bring in a book to share with the classroom – be a guest reader to the class . Small activity gift for the classroom to share in honor of your child – balls, bubbles, mini-Frisbees, etc. . Bring in craft supplies so the children can make birthday cards for the birthday child

Gift bags will not be distributed to the children. If you wish to buy something, please discuss it with your child’s teacher to find something the children can use as a class. All gift bags, boxes or other items which cannot be used under teacher supervision will be returned to you.

Snack for the celebration: Please speak with classroom teacher about center provided birthday snacks. One week before your child’s birthday, or the day you have chosen to celebrate, go over our center birthday snack list to select what you would like us to provide.

In an effort to serve our families, we would like to eliminate the stress of providing a snack to celebrate your child’s day. As we help you with planning for the day, we will also remain in compliance for CACFP.

24 MCFK – PARENT ORIENTATION LIST- Please complete and return to office

CHILD’S NAME ______

Please read the following statements carefully. When you are in agreement with all of the statements, sign your name at the bottom of this sheet and return it to the administrative office. If you have not received any of the information listed below, or have any questions, feel free to stop in the office. We would be happy to help you.

 I have received, read, and understood the current 2015-2016 Parent Handbook and agree to follow the policies and procedures of MCFK.  I have provided a current health form from my pediatrician, which includes dates of my child’s immunizations. I understand that this form needs to be updated annually.  I have read and understand the health policy and will help keep the center healthy by arranging back up care for days when my child must remain home due to illness.  I agree that it is the responsibility of the staff of the program, and I as a parent to keep an open line of communication between home and day care.  I understand that it is required by MCFK that all children have a developmental screening within the first 90 days of attendance. Results of this evaluation will be shared with the center with parental consent only.  I understand the snack and celebration policies in the Parent Handbook and will follow the guidelines provided by MCFK.  I understand that all parents will be asked to evaluate the day care program annually for Accreditation purposes.  I agree to pay tuition at the beginning of each week, and understand that my child may be denied admittance if my account is two weeks in arrears.  I understand that tuition will not be waived for sickness, weather closings, or vacations.  I give permission for my child to be included in photos, for publicity purposes, unless I have provided a signed release stating that this is not acceptable.  I have provided the program with all required paperwork and will keep the day care center advised of any changes that may occur.

______Parent’s Signature Date

______E-mail address ______Administrative Signature Date REQUIREMENT OF THE CACFP PROGRAM Please complete and initial: Name of Child (ren): ______Child attends: Fulltime Part Time: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri (Circle all that apply) Hours of Daily Attendance: ______

25 Meals provided to your child: ______Please fill in all that apply