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ATLANTA FIRST DAY SCHOOL FAMILY HANDBOOK OF PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Atlanta First Day School 360 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA (404) 333-0270 www.atlantafirstdayschool.org Updated August/2016 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Welcome 3 Staff Directory 4 Mission and Program Goals 5 Operating Hours 6 Scheduled Closings 6 Eligibility Requirements 7 Tuition/Fees 7 Early Childhood Programs and Curriculum 8 Assessments 9-12 Child Assessment 9 Frequently Asked Questions 9 Parent/Teacher Communication 12 Pick-up/Drop-off Policy 13-15 Drop-off Procedures 13 Pick-up Procedures 14 Nutrition 16-17 Weekly Menu 16 Allergies 17 Family Role 18 Health Services and Medical Conditions 19-22 Illness Guidelines 21 Potty Training /Diapering 22 Classroom Management 23-24 Safety 25-27 Child Abuse Reporting 28 Appendix 29-34 Acknowledgement 35 Updated August/2016 2 Welcome to Atlanta First Day School! We recognize that there are a variety of child care options in Atlanta and surrounding areas, however we are so honored that you have chosen our program for your child. Atlanta First United Methodist Church has been a part of the rich history of this amazing city for over 150 years. The Atlanta First Day School is a mission of the Atlanta First United Methodist Church and was established in 2010. The Atlanta First Day School is a licensed early learning program and is also pursuing accreditation through the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). The rules, regulations and early learning standards that govern our program were created by the Department of Early Care and Learning and NAEYC. Outlined in the following pages, we have compiled program policies and procedures such as, but not limited to: drop-off and pick-up procedures, tuition and fees, illness, parent teacher conferences and enrollment requirements. Please note that as rules are changed by AFDS, DECAL and NAEYC the handbook will be updated. When rule changes and/or updates occur you will also be notified. Should you have a question or need additional clarification about any of these guidelines, you are always welcome to ask an AFDS staff member or reference the printed manuals in the AFDS office and Parent Resource Center. Upon enrollment, electronic copies will also be emailed to you for your convenience. As you and your child transition into our program, I invite you to familiarize yourself with our curriculum, The Creative Curriculum. Your child’s teacher will assist you with getting your account set up so that you can follow along with the weekly lessons. Please remember that we are never too busy to answer a question. Our families are one of our top priorities and we want to ensure that you not only feel welcomed, but are informed. With that said, please ensure that we have your email address(es) on file so that you won’t miss out on any correspondence that will be sent by your child’s teachers or program administrators. The Parent’s Council is also a great way to engage in the programming. There are a variety of ways that you can serve on and support the Parent’s Council, so don’t hesitate to attend a meeting or join a conference call to learn more! Birth through age five is an exciting time in a child’s life. There will be tears, there will be laughter, but most importantly there will be love and learning. Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of your child’s life and welcome! Blessings, Dr. Nadia J. Jones, CFLE Executive Director Updated August/2016 3 STAFF DIRECTORY Dr. Nadia Jones Executive Director Mary Driskill Assistant Director Jeanne Spencer Family Service Coordinator Michelle Jackson Education Coordinator Stephanie Thomas Quality Assurance Coordinator Educators of AFDS Sandy Altizer Maria Bailey-Belton Kimberly Bowden Diane Brinkley Carolyn Brown Maurika David Johnitta Desmond India Jackson Karla Jackson Sharonta Johnson Adriene Lowe Barbara Nkuchwayo Tesa Pearson Tiffany Powell Marilyn Sanders Detailed in this handbook are the rules and regulations from: Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Bright From the Start (BFTS) Georgia Early Learning Developmental Standards (GELDS) National Association of Educating Young Children (NAEYC) Updated August/2016 4 MISSION To promote a faith based, family friendly, high quality learning environment that serves as a loving extension of the family. VISION To help children develop their social, physical, emotional and spiritual selves in a Christian atmosphere. Students enhance their experiences through art, music, and classroom activities. Research and experience confirm that a positive learning environment facilitates the development of each child according to his/her particular needs, interests and unique abilities. PROGRAM GOALS Atlanta First Day School is committed to serving children in our care and are dedicated to promoting the following goals. We encourage children to: Develop a positive self-concept in a safe and secure environment. Develop positive relations with peers and teachers and be able to function as a member of a group. Develop curiosity, creativity, imagination, and an ability to make choices and solve problems. Learn to use language and communicate effectively. Represent ideas and feelings through pretend play, music, movement, art and construction. Acquire knowledge and skills in a stimulating environment which provides developmentally appropriate materials and activities. Feel all of the child’s efforts are valued, and not judged, as the process is generally more important than the product. Become independent in managing their bodies and acquiring physical skills, both gross and fine motor. Gain an understanding and respect for social and cultural diversity. Understand that their families are an important part of school life and that their teachers and parents share a positive relationship. Grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus and the Bible. Updated August/2016 5 OPERATING HOURS The School is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round. PARENTS/GUARDIANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS ALL THE SCHOOL AREAS AT ANY TIME DURING THE OPERATING HOURS TO OBSERVE THEIR CHILD’S DAILY ACTIVITIES. SCHEDULED CLOSINGS AFDS observes the following holidays and closings: New Year's Day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday President’s Day (Staff In-Service) Week of Spring Break Memorial Day Independence Day Friday before the First Day of School in August (Staff In-Service) Labor Day Columbus Day (Staff In-Service) Thanksgiving Day Day after Thanksgiving Week of Christmas Break New Year’s Eve In cases of inclement weather the School will be closed when the Atlanta Public Schools or Fulton County Public Schools are closed. This information can be obtained from your local radio station (750 AM) or television stations (WSB – Channel 2 and 11Alive). The School will also be closed for special conditions such as utility catastrophes or any other condition which might affect the health and/or safety of children in the program. Updated August/2016 6 ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS Children must be between the ages of 6 weeks – 5 years. School age children are ineligible. A secure spot will be held for an unborn child up to 12 weeks after birth. NONDISCRIMITORY POLICY Atlanta First Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services, or activities. FEES Upon enrollment to AFDS, and updated each March thereafter, you will be provided a tuition and fee schedule. This form will include all annual registration fees, tuition rates, discounts for sibling (10%) and church members (5%), late fees, summer activity fees, check return fees and a complete explanation of each fee. For tuition payments we accept money orders, checks, or online payments. No cash will be accepted for tuition payments. Online payments can be set up through our website (www.atlantafirstdayschool.org). Be sure to set up recurring payments to deduct no later than every Monday to avoid late payment fees. Payment is due on the Friday before each week starts. It is considered late by Monday at 6pm. Tuition is payable whether the child is in attendance or not. The late payment fee is $25.00 and will be applied at 6pm on Monday if a tuition payment has not been received. Your family may be discharged from the program if your account balance is 2 or more weeks overdue. If your family is discharged you may be required to pay a new registration fee before re-enrolling your child. If there is no longer a space in the classroom, your child will be placed on a waiting list until a spot becomes available. Atlanta First Day School is licensed by the State of Georgia for specific hours of operation and early arrival and late pick-up cannot be allowed. After the school’s closing time, the late pick-up fee is $1.00 per minute until 6:15 PM. After 6:15 PM a $5.00 per minute fee will be charged. Please note that all late pick-up fees are due when your next tuition payment is made, and a $25.00 late fee will be charged to your account if left unpaid. Atlanta First Day School closes two full weeks throughout the year. This time includes a week around the Christmas and Easter holidays, thus offering two, free, unpaid weeks for your convenience. If you need to discharge your child from the program for an extending period of time, you must pay a $175 registration fee which will hold your child's spot for up to 60 days.