KHS Little School

LITTLE EXPLORERS EARLY LEARNING CENTER (Child Care) HANDBOOK SIGNATURE PAGE

Dear Parent,

After reviewing the information contained in this handbook, please return this page to the center coordinator or assistant coordinator.

Thank you, LITTLE EXPLORERS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Staff

I have received a copy of the LITTLE EXPLORERS ELC parent handbook. I have reviewed the information contained in the handbook.

Child’s Name ______

______Parent’s Name (please print)

______Parent signature Date

1 Revised 7/1/16

KINGMAN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTTRICT #20 LITTLE EXPLORERS ELC PARENT HANDBOOK

Little Explorers Early Learning Center Located at: 3175 Gordon Drive Kingman, AZ 86409 928-753-6413 Fax: 928-753-6412

KINGMAN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #20 3033 MacDonald, Kingman, AZ 86401 (928) 753-5678 FAX (928) 753-6910

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Welcome 2. Little Explorers ELC Program Philosophy 3. Goals of the Little Explorers ELC Program 4. Licensed Child Care Center 5. Our Setting 6. Preschool Program Curriculum 7. Toddler Program Curriculum 8. Infant Program Curriculum 9. Hours of Operation 10. Holiday Closures 11. Admission Requirements and Enrollment Procedures 12. Disenrollment 13. Payment Information 14. Staff 15. Policy for Transition from Infant to Toddler I Room 16. Policy for Transition from Toddler I to Toddler II Room 17. Policy for Transition from Toddler II to Preschool Room 18. Attendance Policy 19. Withdrawal Policy 20. Dismissal Procedures 21. Children Arrival and Departure Policies 22. Written Authorization for Release of Children 23. Discipline Policies 24. Transportation 25. Procedures for Field Trips 26. Role and Influence of Parents 27. Parent Involvement and Responsibilities 28. Supervision of Visitors 29. Parent and Visitors Access to the Classroom 30. Positioning of Teachers/Assistants in the Classroom 31. Directions for Verbal Notification of Parents in the event of an Accident or Emergency 32. Illness Policy 33. Policy on Medications and Emergency Procedures 34. Emergency Plan 35. Health and Safety Practices 36. Liability Coverage 37. Dress 38. Meals and Snacks 39. Media Release Policy 40. Weather 41. Confidentiality 42. Complaint Procedure 43. Pesticide Application 44. Inspection Reports 45. Non-Discrimination

3 Welcome

Welcome to the Little Explorers Early Learning Center. We know that choosing the right child care center for your family can be a difficult task. We also know that you are looking for a child care center where you can leave your child with confidence.

Little Explorer ELC Program Philosophy

We believe that parents and families are important partners in a child’s learning. Home and school are both part of the child’s world. At Little Explorers ELC, hands on activities that target the five areas of development (cognitive, motor, social, self-help, and communication) in a safe and nurturing environment are a key to optimal growth in young children. Children at Little Explorers ELC are encouraged to become active learners by using “learning by doing” in a classroom with centers and a variety of developmentally appropriate materials.

The learning centers include: Science/nature, Blocks and manipulative materials, Books/ literacy center, Dramatic play/Housekeeping center, Math/discovery center, Art center, and Outdoor play. Children maximize their potential through play in a specially designed environment and through well planned developmentally appropriate activities.

The Little Explorers ELC environment offers opportunities for exploring, experimenting, and problem solving. Our staff and high school students who are enrolled in child development classes provide teacher and child directed activities in a safe and fun atmosphere. Developmentally appropriate activities are emphasized.

The Kingman Unified School District’s Little Explorers Staff believes that the early years present very important educational opportunities for all children. The development of each child’s abilities and potentials is stressed in the development of classroom activities. The activities planned in the program allow for each child’s individual growth in motor skills, speech and language skills, self-help skills, social skills, and cognitive skills.

The KUSD#20 preschool curriculum is based on meeting the developmental needs of each child in the program. The staff bases the development of activities on the work of Piaget, the philosophy of the National Accreditation Commission, and the Arizona Early Learning Standards. Bloom’s Taxonomy is used to promote higher level thinking skills appropriate for the children in the classroom. The infant and toddler curriculum uses the appropriate Creative Curriculum materials and activities to plan instruction. The Arizona Infant Toddler Program Guidelines are also used as well as the philosophy of the National Accreditation Commission. Teachers, assistants and volunteers in the program encourage children to explore, to try new skills and to build on skills already acquired.

The focus of our staff is to provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment in which the children can practice skills that have been mastered as well as develop new skills.

4 Staff training is ongoing. It includes in-services and frequent staff meetings in order to keep the staff well informed of age appropriate developmental practices and of the progress and needs of each child in the program. The program staff also works with the Quality First Coach to continue to increase the quality of the program.

GOALS OF THE LITTLE EXPLORERS ELC PROGRAM

The Little Explorers Early Learning Center will provide appropriate services to special needs, tuition, and at risk children 6 weeks to 5 years old (those 5 year old children who are not yet old enough to attend Kindergarten).

The Little Explorers Early Learning Center will use developmentally appropriate practices to help all children develop skills in the areas of physical, speech and language, social/emotional, adaptive/self-help and cognitive skills.

Children will grow and learn through a variety of developmentally appropriate activities indoors and outdoors.

Activities will be teacher directed as well as child directed and will take into consideration the many learning styles of the children.

Parent education and information evenings will be planned during the year featuring teachers and specialists who will discuss topics that are relevant to and important to parents of the children.

Staff and families will work together to successfully transition children between rooms at the Little Explorers Early Learning Center.

Teachers, staff and families will work together with the kindergarten teachers and staff to transition preschool children into appropriate kindergarten programs when the time is appropriate.

Little Explorers staff and families will work as a team to ensure a positive experience and quality education for all children.

LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER

Little Explorers Early Learning Center is a child care facility and preschool program that is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The license covers full time, part time child care and is a nationally accredited preschool.

5 Our Setting

The Little Explorers ELC is part of the Career and Technical Education Program at Kingman High School. Students who are enrolled in Early Childhood Education classes may work in the ELC as part of their class requirement. High School students are always supervised by an adult staff member when they are working in the classrooms at the ELC.

The Early Childhood Education program students meet all of the Career and Technical Education standards, guidelines, and licensing requirements. Our students are considered assistant-teacher caregivers under Arizona Department of Health Services regulations and gain quality work experience for the time they work at the Little Explorers ELC. All of the fees and tuition collected are applied to staff wages and center supplies.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM/CURRICULUM

At preschool age, learning is play. The preschool program at the Little Explorers Early Learning Center offers many hands-on activities both teacher-directed and child-directed. A structured curriculum based on Creative Curriculum is used in the preschool classroom. Structured calendar, circle, and story times are offered throughout the day. The children also participate in indoor as well as outdoor playtime. There is a daily schedule as well as a weekly lesson plan posted in the classroom. The focus of all of the preschool activities is to help the child develop his/her skills in the areas of motor (large/small), social/emotional, communication, self-help and cognitive development. Staff members use the Arizona Early Learning Standards and the Creative Curriculum System as guides in planning activities for the children in the Preschool Room.

Parents are required to provide lunch and 2 snacks for their child each day including something to drink or participate in the school lunch program. Microwave ovens are not available to prepare meals/snacks for the children. Please keep that in mind when planning the meals/snacks that you send to school. Parents also need to provide a water bottle to be kept at the center for their child. The staff also recommends that parents send an extra set of clothing to the center for their child.

TODDLER PROGRAM CURRICULUM

There is a daily schedule and weekly lesson plan posted in the classroom. However, the schedule in the toddler room can be flexible depending on the needs of the children. The toddler room offers a flexible, play-oriented environment that includes lots of singing, stories, art and movement activities. Your child’s verbal skills are developing rapidly at this age, and the ability to communicate effectively opens up many opportunities for the toddlers. Independence and exploration are the key words for this age group. To encourage those curiosities, hands-on art and sensory experiences are available every day.

Parents are required to provide lunch and 2 snacks for their child each day including something to drink. Your toddler will also need a sippy cup to be kept at the center. 6 Parents are also responsible to provide any diapering supplies (diapers, wipes, etc.) that are needed for their child. Please note that microwave ovens are not available for use to heat meals/snacks for the children at the center. Please keep that in mind when you are planning meals/snacks to send to the center for your child.

Toilet Training

The toddler teachers will work with parents/guardians in potty training when the child shows an interest. Cleanliness and hand washing will also be emphasized in the training process. Parents should send in extra clothing at this transition time for necessary changes. Please remember that the toddler may have bathroom accidents during this time.

INFANT PROGRAM CURRICULUM

The Infant Room operates on a very flexible and individualized schedule. Each child’s daily routine is determined through collaboration between the parent and the child’s caregiver. Naps, feedings, play and project times vary with the child’s unique needs and personality. In our infant room we place emphasis on the individual growth and development of the child. While the youngest 6 week old infants are completely dependent on adults to recognize and understand their wants and needs, the older infants are focusing on crawling and communicating their wants and needs to adults. Around 1 year of age, the infants are working on walking, motor coordination, and developing verbal skills. Infants are starting to learn the names of the other children, to point to or name body parts, and to recognize/name animals and the sounds they make. Their day is filled with singing, stories, games, art and indoor/outdoor activities. They are also learning to feed themselves. Loving teachers assist in the infant’s development by talking to them, playing with them, and giving them encouragement as the important milestones of walking and talking are mastered.

A. Diapers: Parents are responsible for providing diapers and wipes for their infant.

B. Daily notes from the care providers keep parents informed of their child’s day. The caregivers will indicate on the daily note when supplies for the infant need to be replenished.

C. FEEDING GUIDELINES – Families are asked to complete the Infant feeding record.

Parents will provide formula, baby food, and any other food item that the infant might need. Parents will also provide baby bottles for their infant. Formula or milk/juice ONLY will be served in bottles. We will not mix cereal or food in a bottle or use “feeders.” Staff will feed infants solid food with a spoon at the appropriate age. Bibs are available in the infant and toddler classrooms.

The infant room is for children up to 12 months old. We cannot mix infants with older children as part of licensing regulations.

7 IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to licensing regulations only 100% juice can be served to any child enrolled in the Little Explorers Early Learning Center.

INFANT/TODDLER CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos is used in the infant, toddler I and toddler II classrooms. This program uses materials and strategies that enhance the child’s learning and development during his/her daily routine. Our program also uses Arizona’s Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines to organize the environment and plan activities. The Arizona’s Infant and Toddler Guidelines can be accessed online at www.ade.az.gov.

Hours of Operation

Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please respect the closing time of 5:30 pm. A late pick up penalty fee ($1.00 per minute) will apply to each child who remains after 5:30 p.m. when the center should be closed. Please be aware that parents/guardians are REQUIRED to sign their children IN and OUT each day.

Holiday Closures

The Little Explorers ELC calendar is posted in the reception area of the office and included in the enrollment packet. It is developed each school year. Reminder notes for parents about the closure days will also be posted in each of the classrooms prior to each holiday and in the reception area.

Admission Requirements and Enrollment Procedures

A. Ages of admission are 6 weeks through five years old.

B. Definitions of Full and Part-time Enrollment: Full-time – Monday through Friday over 6 hours per day. Part-time – Monday through Friday less than 6 hours per day.

C. Enrollment policies will be followed as well as payment and financial policies.

D. Full and part time registrations are accepted subject to availability of space and accommodations. Infant and toddler rooms may require 5 day a week attendance.

E. Parents will be given a form called Child Care Registration/Agreement that specifically lists requirements and policies. There is a place to read and initial each specific requirement. Included is a place for the parent signature and the coordinator signature, with the date. A photocopy of the child care registration agreement is given to each family. The original is kept by the center.

8 The following forms are required and need to be completed prior to enrollment.

1. Registration forms completed and signed by parent or guardian, that includes consent of emergency medical treatment, and general information. 2. Complete record of immunizations to be updated as necessary following the guidelines recommended by the State of Arizona Immunization Services. 3. Parents/guardians are required to provide at least two emergency contacts, other than the parents/guardians, listing people that would be allowed to pick up the child if necessary. A current telephone number is required. 4. The center updates all records in August or as needed. NOTE: If your child is attending in the scholarship program, additional documentation may be required.

DISENROLLMENT

A. One week advance written notice is preferred when a parent/guardian wishes to terminate the childcare agreement. All families must be in contact with the center about the child’s absences and schedule. Disenrollment of child care services may result if the coordinator or assistant coordinator is not notified in a timely manner about absences. We will not be responsible to reserve an enrollment space for families who do not comply with this request.

B. The center will ask a parent to withdraw a child from the center if the child is endangering others or is not complying with classroom procedures.

C. The center expects parents or families to pay for child care services in a timely manner as stated in the center/family agreement. Disenrollment or suspension of childcare services may result if child care fees or tuition are not paid as per the registration agreement. This policy is also posted in full view on the family bulletin board area in the office/reception building along with other required information. It is also stated that payment for all childcare services is required in advance. The center will not extend credit for childcare services.

D. The center will give a 15 day notice prior to inadequate immunization. An updated record must show the immunizations being current. This is a requirement with Arizona Department of Health Services. The center does an annual state immunization report for the Arizona Immunization Program Office.

E. In the event the Little Explorers ELC program determines that it is unable to provide services to meet the needs of any child without jeopardizing the quality of care provided to other children, the family may be asked to withdraw the child from the program.

F. Any change in contracted services will be done with a ten day notice.

9 Payment Information

A. Payment must be received prior to service. All payments are due Monday of each week prior to child care service. Arrangements must be made in advance with the coordinator if there will be any variation. The policy states that credit will not be extended for child care services. Payment is expected on a regular basis by the families. This is stated in the registration/enrollment form that is signed by the parent upon admission.

A. If the bill becomes more than two weeks past due, the child will be dropped from the childcare program until payment is current. This is written in the child care registration/agreement that is signed by the parent and coordinator. The child’s place in the child care center will not be held pending late payment.

B. Rates are posted in the classroom and office and a copy is given to the parent at the time of enrollment as part of the enrollment package.

C. The center will give 15 days notice prior to inadequate immunization. An updated record must show the immunizations being current. This is a requirement with Arizona Department of Health Services. The center does an annual state immunization report for the Arizona Immunization Program Office.

D. In the event the Little Explorers ELC program determines that it is unable to provide services to meet the needs of any child without jeopardizing the quality of care provided to other children, the family may be asked to withdraw the child from the program.

B. Any change in contracted services will be done with a ten day notice.

If the bill becomes more than two weeks past due, the child will be dropped from the child care program until payment is current. The child care center cannot extend credit for child care services.

 Weekly rates are prorated – Holiday closures will not affect rates. Thanksgiving week will be charged as daily charges.  The daily rate can be a full day, half day or a combination. The rate will apply on a day to day basis according to the time in and out recorded on the monthly sign in/out sheets.  Sorry – no refunds or credits will be extended for any absence

Refund policy – No refunds will be given for tuition costs

10 Late Payments- If the tuition payment is more than 2 weeks (14 calendar days) late; your child will no longer be able to attend the program until the tuition is paid in full.

Payment Due Dates:

Payments are due at the beginning of each week prior to the service. Please see the coordinator for any other arrangements. We cannot extend credit for child care services. Payments can be taken on a daily basis if necessary. A child may not attend without paying for the child care services.

Other fees:

1. Registration – An initial registration fee of $25.00 is due upon enrollment. Any child who has been previously enrolled, but has not attended the child care center for 6 months or more will be required to pay the enrollment fee of $25.00 at the time they wish to start attending the center again.

2. There is a Late Pick up fee of $1.00 per minute after 5:30 pm. Please respect the closing time.

Insufficient check funds fee - will be charge in addition to the child care

There is also a scholarship program available that offers child care scholarships to families in financial need. Families must qualify financially in order to obtain the child care scholarship.

District Policy Regarding Child Care Tuition fees for Children of KUSD #20 Staff Members Attending the KUSD #20 Preschool Program

Children of KUSD #20 staff members may attend the child care program for a reduced tuition fee. The reduced rate is only available if the cost of tuition is taken out of the employee’s check.

Staff members work together as a team, with an AM and PM shift in each of the classrooms. Little Explorers ELC has four distinct classrooms, the Infant Room (6 weeks to 12 months old), the Toddler I Room (12 months to 24 months), The Toddler II Room (24 to 36 months) and the Preschool Room (3, 4, and 5 year olds). The center has a coordinator and assistant coordinator. The coordinator is a certified early childhood specialist who oversees center operations and assists in guiding and monitoring the high school students who are enrolled in the Career and Technical Education training program. The assistant coordinator is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The assistant coordinator oversees daily operations and also assists in guiding

11 and monitoring the high school students who are enrolled in the Career and Technical Education training program. Questions and concerns regarding the program should be addressed to the center coordinator or assistant coordinator.

POLICY FOR TRANSITION FROM INFANT TO TODDLER I ROOM

1. Each infant will be transitioned to the Toddler I room at 12 months of age. 2. Our staff will start assessing infants at 10 to 12 months of age to determine when each child is ready to be transitioned into the toddler room. 3. The coordinator or assistant coordinator will notify the parents when the transition is to take place. 4. The infant room staff, toddler room staff and parents will coordinate the transition process.

The following criteria will be used to determine if your child is ready to transition to the toddler room:

1. The child must be walking. 2. The child is using a sippy cup or something other than a bottle to drink from for the majority of the day. However, bottles will be allowed in the toddler room on a limited basis. 3. The child is able to eat finger food on his/her own. 4. The child is able to navigate the infant room and play independently.

POLICY FOR TRANSITION FROM TODDLER I TO TODDLER II ROOM

1. Each toddler will be transitioned to the Toddler II room at 24 months of age. 2. Our staff will start assessing your toddler at 22 to 24 months of age to determine when each child is ready to be transitioned into the Toddler II room. 3. The coordinator or assistant coordinator will notify the parents when the transition is to take place. 4. The Toddler I room staff, Toddler II room staff and parents will coordinate the transition process.

NOTE: The Toddler I and II rooms are licensed for 12 to 36 month old toddlers. A toddler may be transitioned before or after the age of 22-24 months.

POLICY FOR TRANSITION FROM TODDLER II TO PRESCHOOL ROOM

1. Each toddler will be transitioned to the Preschool room at 3 years of age. 2. Our staff will start assessing your toddler at 34 to 36 months of age to determine when each child is ready to be transitioned into the Preschool room.

12 3. The coordinator or assistant coordinator will notify parents when the transition is to take place. 4. The Toddler II room staff, preschool staff and parents will coordinate the transition process.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

We staff our rooms according to child attendance. Therefore, it is important for parents to inform the coordinator or assistant coordinator of the days that their child will be attending child care. However, we understand when your child is sick or there is a family emergency. In those cases, please contact us at 753-6413 to let us know why your child is not at preschool.

If your child is absent for 10 scheduled days and you have not contacted us to let us know why your child is absent, your child will be withdrawn from the program.

If your child is attending as a child in our scholarship program, your child will be withdrawn from the program if he/she attends for less than 85% of the scheduled days.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE

If you know in advance that you will be withdrawing your child from the child care program, you need to inform the coordinator or assistant coordinator. If you unexpectedly need to withdraw your child from the child care program, please be sure to call and inform the coordinator or assistant coordinator at (928) 753-6413.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

If a child is a danger to himself/herself or to other children, temporary suspension or dismissal from the program may be considered until the behavior issue can be resolved.

CHILDREN ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE POLICIES

A. Signing In and Out: The Department of Health Services requires your complete signature when you drop off and pick up your child. The sign in/out record will be kept in your child’s classroom. The record must be signed in ink with at least a first initial and a last name. The record needs to be accurate with the actual time of entering or leaving the classrooms. The full day or part day charges are determined from the actual arrival and departure times. The closing time of 5:30 p.m. should be respected. A late fee will apply for any children not picked up by the closing time.

13 B. Phone Authorizations: In order to authorize someone other than those on the blue registration card to pick up your child, you must make previous arrangements with the center coordinator or assistant coordinator.

Anyone picking up a child who is unfamiliar to the teacher will need to produce identification. The teacher will then radio the office to verify that this person is authorized to pick up this child.

WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF CHILDREN

Children will only be released to the parent or those people listed on the emergency card. Picture identification is required. A sign out and sign in sheet MUST be completed daily. No one else will be allowed into the class, visit the child, or leave with the child without prior written authorization. Exceptions are made for public agencies with legal authorization.

The parent/guardian will be asked to sign a release allowing school personnel to sign the child into/out of the child care center if the parent should forget to sign the child in. If the parent does not sign that form, the parent will be required to come back to the school to sign his/her child in/out.

Visitations: We have an “open door” policy for parents and authorized people. Parents have free access at all times to their own children and to all areas used by their children. If visiting another classroom, the parent will be considered a visitor and would need to sign the visitor log. Please check in with the center coordinator or assistant coordinator.

Discipline Policy

When a child is having a difficult time following directions or treating others or equipment with respect, developmentally appropriate guidance techniques are used.

These techniques are as follows: A. Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he/she is demonstrating acceptable behavior. B. Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and given an opportunity to try again at another time. C. "When… Then" Statements: A statement in which the child is encouraged to accomplish something before going on to something else. Sample: "When you finish picking up the blocks, then you can go outside." D. "If…Then" Statements: A statement in which the child is encouraged to make a positive choice. Sample: "If you pick up the blocks, then you can go to the Book Area." E. Classroom meetings/discussions: The Preschool room has scheduled time to discuss choices, consequences, classroom procedures and expectations. The

14 children learn why rules are established and have an opportunity to expand their social understanding.

TRANSPORTATION

Children must be dropped off and picked up by an authorized adult. Little Explorers ELC child care does not provide any transportation to and from the child care center.

PROCEDURES FOR FIELD TRIP

Field trips are conducted according to KUSD #20 policy guidelines and must meet educational standards. The safety, as well as educational growth, of all children is crucial. In many instances visitors will be brought to the school for demonstrations, i.e., the fire safety house, emergency vehicles, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and their drug finding dog, Department of Game and Fish with exhibits.

Field trips and special visitors are used to expand children’s knowledge of and understanding of their world and the greater society.

ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF PARENTS

As a parent/guardian, you are the most important person in your child’s life. Our ELC staff relies on you to keep us informed about your child. We encourage you to share information about your child with our staff so that we have all of the knowledge we need to make your child’s experience in child care successful. You know your child better than anyone. Your knowledge, ideas and opinions are greatly valued by our staff.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Family members/guardians are the best source of knowledge and understanding of their child. Please keep the school current about medicines or health and behavior problems. Also, always give the school information that will help keep your child’s emergency information up to date.

Parent –Teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall, in the spring and at any other time the parent and teacher want to meet. Parent-Teacher conferences provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and develop goals for your child. Teachers in the ELC program strive to work with the families to ensure that each child has a successful experience in the child care center.

Family members/guardians are welcome to visit your child’s classroom at any time. All visitors must check into the office first.

Teachers will make frequent contact at pick up/drop off times, by phone calls and notes. We are a team working together for the growth of the children and need to be frequently in contact with each other.

15 Parent Responsibilities

A. Supplies: Parents are required to label and supply these items necessary for proper care of the enrolled child. 1. Extra set of clothing 2. Snacks/water bottles 3. Juice, milk, or other beverage (Formula for infants) 4. Lunch 5. (For toddlers) Covered "sippy" cups. 6. Sunscreen and any other item listed on the External Preparations form 7. Any item special to your child, depending on needs with permission 8. Coats/jackets/sweaters/accessories for cool or cold weather 9. Diapers/diaper wipes as necessary for toddler and infant children

B. Notification of Absence: Please let us know in advance if your child will have a planned absence (such as vacation). Please notify us if your child has an unplanned absence (illness, emergency) at 753-6413. We are not a drop in child care service and expect to be notified weekly about the child’s schedule. Disenrollment of child care services may result if this request is not followed. We need to keep weekly rosters.

We ask that you leave your child’s toys at home. Please do not send in videos or DVDs as we do not use these items. We are not responsible for lost or broken toys and unlabeled articles. No guns, war toys, or other toys that promote violence are allowed.

SUPERVISION OF VISITORS

All visitors must sign in at the office. We welcome parents and family visits. Please let us know in advance when you are coming and how long you want to stay. All state laws and district rules must be followed at all times.

PARENT AND VISITORS ACCESS TO THE CLASSROOM

Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s classroom. If you are visiting the classroom, you must check in at the main office and get an I.D./Name badge. Then proceed to your child’s classroom. Only those individuals authorized to have contact with the child shall be allowed to visit the child at school. (See individual blue sheets for list of authorized persons)

School/district administrators and staff have access to the child care classrooms. Students from the local college/ university may observe in the child care classrooms with the approval of the coordinator. All students observing in the classroom must be made aware of and agree to the confidentiality rules of KUSD#20.

16 Every day allows time for language and communication activities, listening and speaking, large and small muscle activities, arts, crafts, and cooperative games, interaction with other children and adults, games, songs, books, sharing, following directions, and many other activities to help each child learn and grow. A teacher will greet parents and children when they enter the classroom.

POSITIONING OF TEACHERS/ASSISTANTS IN THE CLASSROOM

Teachers and assistants have been instructed in where to position themselves in their classrooms so that all the children can be observed at the same time. The classrooms are set up to facilitate this type of observation. Shelving is low so as not to obstruct the view of an adult. Teachers and assistants must position themselves in the classroom so that their back is to the wall and they are facing the majority of the children. The areas in the classroom where children work/play are clearly visible to the adults in the classroom. Any time an adult needs to leave the classroom, that adult will alert the other adults that he/she is leaving the area. At that time, the remaining adults will be sure to observe the children that adult was observing. Teachers and assistants periodically review the plan for their classroom so that any changes that need to be made can be made. It is of the utmost importance that all adults are observing children effectively at all times. Teachers and assistants have developed a plan to effectively supervise all of the children on the playground at one time. If an adult is not able to be in their assigned area, the other adults on the playground add that area to the area they supervise.

DIRECTIONS FOR VERBAL NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR EMERGENCY

The coordinator, teacher, or school nurse will notify parents/guardians as soon as possible within 30 minutes. If parents cannot be reached, staff will refer to the child’s emergency form and school registration information to initiate emergency contacts. Parents will be informed of minor injuries through notes or phone calls or in person when the parent picks up the child.

ILLNESS POLICY

A. Screening: Children are visually screened as they arrive at the facility. If a child exhibits signs of illness, it will be determined if the symptoms indicate the need for exclusion of the child until the symptoms are remedied. In the event a child becomes ill and needs to be picked up: the child will be taken to the nurse’s office until a parent arrives. The parent will be called within 30 minutes to pick up the child.

B. Non Admittance: Your child will not be allowed to attend Little Explorers Early Learning Center for a 24 hour period after exhibiting symptoms of exclusion.

C. Symptoms for Exclusion: 1. Fever of 100 degrees or higher

17 2. Diarrhea (3 or more watery stools within 24 hours) 3. Vomiting on one or more occasions during the past 24 hours 4. A draining or unidentifiable rash 5. Eye discharge or infection 6. Lice or Nits 7. Too ill to participate in normal activities

B. Communicable Diseases: The center will inform parents and the health department of communicable diseases and post a notice from time of the outbreak through the incubation period. Please notify the Coordinator if your child should have a communicable disease.

Policy on Medications and Emergency Procedures

Each classroom has a first aid kit with antiseptic and Band-Aids. Children who require more care will have their parents/guardians contacted. If they are unable to be located other names on the emergency card will be contacted (please keep these up to date). If necessary, the doctor listed on the emergency card or ambulance/paramedics will be called.

To administer medicine to student: 1. There must be a written order from the physician stating the name of the medicine, the dosage, and the time it is given. 2. There must be written permission from the parent to allow the school to administer the medicine. Appropriate forms are available from the nurse. 3. The medicine must come to the school office in the prescription container or if it is over the counter medication, in the original container with all warnings and directions intact.

NOTE: There is no nurse on campus when KUSD#20 regular classes are not in session. Therefore, no medication will be dispensed during those times.

Medical Emergencies

1. In the event of a medical emergency, we will first call 911 and then the parents or guardian will be contacted verbally within 30 minutes. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached the directions on the enrollment form will be followed. All accidents and illness are recorded on a log kept in each classroom. 2. Emergency information such as our address, phone number, and the phone numbers for fire, ambulance and poison control center are posted as required by licensing.

EMERGENCY PLAN

Exit route maps are posted in each room in case of fire or other emergency. Children participate in fire drills at least monthly. Lock down drills are held at least quarterly.

18 If children need to be evacuated to another location, the location will be Kingman High School located at 4182 Bank Street. Students and staff will be transported by bus. Parents will be notified within 30 minutes of completing the evacuation.

Little Explorers ELC and KUSD#20 have detailed emergency plans available for your review. Please contact the coordinator if you wish to review the written plan.

Please be prepared to discuss with your child good emergency and safety procedures.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES

A. Hand Washing: Hands will be washed before and after meals, before and after bathroom use, after nose blowing or wiping and any other necessary time. B. Diaper Changing: A child’s hands are also washed after diaper changing, including the infants. The changing table is sterilized with a sanitizing cleaning solution before and after each use. Soiled diapers will be disposed of in a closed container. C. Toys and Equipment: These are sterilized daily, weekly or as needed with the recommended solution. D. Bedding: Bedding items are laundered weekly. Your child will use the same crib/cot all week. Cots and cribs are labeled with the child’s name. E. Soiled Clothing: Those items belonging to the child will be placed inside a plastic bag to be laundered at home. F. Health Care Plan: Only children who are current on immunizations shall be admitted with the exception of those whose parent/guardian file a letter of exemption with Little Explorers Early Learning Center. Medical records and immunizations will be kept up to date in a child’s file. Children should be healthy enough to participate in scheduled activities. Children must be clean, hair must be combed, and clean clothing is expected. Children wearing diapers MUST be brought in with a clean diaper on. Parents/families may use the diaper changing area in the room to ensure that the diaper is clean. G. First Aid Training: We require at least one staff member on campus to maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification. H. Reporting Child Abuse: Arizona State Law requires that child care personnel report suspected child abuse, neglect or exploitation. Staff training on this topic is a part of annual training and review.

LIABILITY COVERAGE

Liability coverage is provided by Kingman Unified School District #20 as required by state licensing. Little Explorers Early Learning Center uses the ADHS licensing enrollment form that lists who is to be called in case of injury or sudden illness. There is a signature requirement that must be completed before a child may attend the child care center. It is stated that the expense of hospital or doctor services for the health and safety of the child will be accepted by the parent/guardian. The child care center does not provide health insurance for the individual children enrolled.

19 DRESS

Please dress your child in clean, comfortable play clothes and closed toed shoes. Mark the child’s name on any coats, gloves, hats, or other belongings. No toys or other items from home need come to the child care center.

MEALS AND SNACKS

The Little Explorers Early Learning Center is now offering breakfast and lunch in our cafeteria for our preschool age children during the school year. Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:00 am Monday through Thursday. Lunch will be served from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will find that the breakfast and lunch menus offer a variety of food items that represent a variety of different cultures.

NOTE: If your child has a diagnosed food allergy or sensitivity or a special dietary need, please notify the preschool staff in advance so that alternate items can be made available to your child. A doctor’s note is needed stating your child’s special dietary needs/allergies/sensitivity.

More information on the breakfast/lunch program is included in your orientation folder or can be obtained from the office staff. If you are providing breakfast or lunch for your child please send in healthy items. Please remember that the Arizona Department of Health Services requires that any juice served to a child at our center must be 100% juice.

A. Snacks/lunches: Parents of infants and toddlers must provide meals/snacks for their child. We encourage toddler and preschool age children to manage their own food items when eating. B. Special Diets: If a child has a particular dietary need, the center should be informed both verbally and in writing C. Infants: Food or cereal substances will not be mixed with liquids and given to infants in a bottle. The infant will be fed solid food at the developmentally appropriate age with instructions on the feeding form signed by the parent/guardian. A spoon will be used for feeding solids. The center will not use “feeders” for infants.

NOTE: If you are bringing in a snack for the class (birthday or holiday treat) please remember that it must be a store bought item or an item prepared in a kitchen that is inspected by the Mohave County Health Department. We cannot serve homemade items to the children. THANK YOU!!

NOTE: Microwave Ovens are not used to prepare snacks or meals at the Little Explorers Early Learning Center. Please keep that in mind as you plan your child’s snacks/meals.

20 MEDIA RELEASE POLICY

All children have a media release on file that has been signed by the parent. This release indicates whether or not the child’s image (photos, video footage, digital imagery) can be made or used for public viewing including any form of publication – brochures, websites, advertising materials, newspaper stories etc. If a parent does not give permission the teacher will be informed. The ELC office will also keep an up to date list of this information. Teachers are required to check with the office before including a child in one of the publication forms listed above.

WEATHER

Children will not be allowed outside for recess if the temperature is below 32 degrees. Children will not be allowed outside for recess if the temperature is 100 degrees or higher. Recess will be limited to 10 minutes in a 1 hour period if the temperature is 90 to 99 degrees.

CONFIDENTIALITY

In accordance with Federal and State laws, all student records are kept in complete confidence. Records are available to select school and district personnel and to legally authorized public agencies.

If you have any questions or concerns or information that would help your child learn and grow in preschool, please contact the teacher.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

The Little Explores ELC staff is committed to making sure that you and your child have the most positive and successful experience possible. Therefore, if you have any questions, concerns or complaints we encourage you to follow the procedure outlined below to resolve any issues you may have:

1. Talk to your child’s teacher about the issue. Many times a problem can be solved quickly through open communication with the teacher. 2. However, if your child’s teacher is unable to resolve the issue, please contact the coordinator or assistant coordinator of the program.

PESTICIDE APPLICATION

The time and date of pesticide application is posted on the main entrance door of the school at least 7 days prior to the application of pesticide. The types of pesticide in use are also posted on the same form as the time and date of application.

21 INSPECTION REPORTS

All inspection reports are available in the district office and the facilities director’s office.

DHS REGULATED

The Little Explorer Early Learning Center facilities are regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services, 150 18th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007 http://www.hs.state.az.us, 602-542-1025; FAX 602-542-0883.

Health and safety inspections are conducted annually. Inspection reports are available for review upon request. The license is framed and available for viewing in the office. Verification of fire and gas inspections is available in the coordinator’s office Liability insurance is provided through Kingman Unified School District #20 in compliance with the Office of Child Care Licensure

Non-Discrimination

Little Explorers Early Learning Center admits children of any race, religion, disability, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to children at the child care center. We do not discriminate in any way within the administration of our educational policies; financial plan or any other child care administered program. A multi-cultural, anti-biased curriculum is offered.