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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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. Please note that the $175 fee will be credited to your account upon your return or forfeited should you not return within the 60 day window. Should you not return within 60 days your child may be placed on a waiting list.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM Curriculum Atlanta First Day School encourages lifelong learning, decision making and problem solving, while motivating each child to reach their full potential. Atlanta First Day School teaches the whole child using the Creative Curriculum, which parallels national and state early learning standards. Atlanta First Day School also plans instruction using the developmentally appropriate practices outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). These curriculum goals and objectives align with the assessments of child progress while guiding teachers’ implementation of learning opportunities. Listed below are our focus areas:

 Curriculum Based Instruction: We focus on teaching the whole child through the use of Creative Curriculum. This curriculum allows students to establish schedules and routines, participate in large/small group activities while strengthening social-emotional skills.

 Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Opportunities allow for students to develop and explore new skills including writing, cutting, coloring, painting, sculpting, playing and more.

 Cognitive and Literacy Development: Counting, letter recognition and sounds are all learned while students take turns, listen, and share.

 Language Skills: Students will focus on listening skills, expanding their vocabulary, engaging conversation, and following simple directions.

 S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math): Students explore and build their emerging skills in all areas through the use of interactive listening and learning centers, iPads, and the Promethean Board.

 Chapel: Each week the students join in the church sanctuary for a fun lesson focused on God and his teachings. They sing songs, learn of the gospel, and participate in activities. These activities are reinforced inside the classroom throughout the week.

 Field Trips: Off-site walking field trips may occur throughout the year for children in the Preschool and Pre- K classrooms. We believe that interactive field trips are an excellent way to extend learning and instruction beyond the classroom.

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ASSESSMENTS

Child Assessment The assessment process is very important here at Atlanta First Day School. In early childhood education, all children must be assessed. The assessment is the process of gathering information about children in order to make decisions. It is not about judging a child’s abilities but instead it’s a process that helps teachers to individualize learning for each child. We not only assess all children at AFDS, but we require health screenings from professionals and conduct our screening within the first 3 months your child joins us. If your child has an IEP or needs any accommodation of any kind, please let us know immediately so that, we can plan lessons accordingly and make the necessary adjustments to the classroom if need be.

Frequently Asked Questions: What kind of Assessment program does Atlanta First Day School use? Teaching Strategies GOLD is an authentic, ongoing observational system for assessing children from birth through kindergarten. It helps teachers to observe children in the context of every day experiences, which is an effective way to learn what they know and can do. It will appear in methods such as checklists, observations, rating scales, and individual administered tests. Teaching Strategies GOLD is based on 38 objectives for development and learning that include predictors of school success and are based on school readiness standards. The objectives are aligned with the Common Core State Standards, state early learning guidelines, and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework. These objectives are at the heart of the system; teachers use them to focus their observations as they gather information to make classroom decisions.

What methods are used to assess my child? Developmentally appropriate, ongoing, observation-based assessment occurs when teachers are observing children during regular, everyday activities on a continuous basis throughout the year. Unlike formal or standardized assessments, which offer a narrow picture of a child’s ability at a given moment, ongoing assessments offer a broad, more meaningful picture of developmental progress. AFDS uses a variety of assessment methods that are sensitive to and informed by families’ cultures, experiences, children’s abilities, and home language. On average, a teacher can spend a third of a day in assessment related activities. There is always something new to learn about a child—even a child you think you know well. For this reason, all children in our program are formally assessed two times a year. When a teacher observes your child’s knowledge, skills, behaviors, and records these observations systematically, s/he discovers what is unique and special about your child. This forms the basis for building a positive relationship in which teachers can plan experiences that allow your child to flourish.

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What are the levels of development my child is being assessed on? The 38 objectives at the heart of Teaching Strategies GOLD guide teachers through the assessment cycle, helping them to link observable behavior to essential early learning requirements and predict likely next steps in every area of development and learning. The objectives cover 10 areas of development and learning. These areas include: language, social-emotional, cognitive, physical, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, the arts, and English language acquisition. Many of the objectives also include dimensions that guide teachers’ thinking about various aspects of a given objective and help clarify the behavior it addresses.

How are my child’s records kept confidential? Teaching Strategies GOLD offers a dedicated portal for communicating online with families about children’s experiences and progress. Teachers can invite families to use “Family Central” and also send and receive messages to family members who choose to register. All exchanges between teachers and families are saved and searchable. Each child’s profile information is kept confidential and cannot be accessed by anyone else outside of the family and teachers. Any printed data can only be released if parents give their written consent. Online calendars help teachers share information about what’s happening in the classroom, and teachers can send resources to help families promote their children’s development and learning at home. Parents can also get involved by uploading their own notes and pictures into Teaching Strategies GOLD to share with the teachers. Information pertaining to the children enrolled at AFDS is considered confidential and may not be released by AFDS Staff without first obtaining written permission signed by the Parent(s) except in the following situations. Relevant information relating to the children's family situations, medical status and behavioral characteristics on the children enrolled at AFDS at any time shall be shared among AFDS Staff, with members of the Department or with other persons authorized by these rules or the law to receive such information, or with other persons in an emergency situation involving the child. BFTS 591-1-1-.08 Children’s Records

Are Parent-Teacher Conferences offered? Parent-Teacher conferences are an important part to your child’s development at Atlanta First Day School. During this time, teachers and families can develop a mutual understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges, and to share expectations for your child’s development and learning. Conferences are to be offered three times a year (at the end of every quarter checkpoint) and are a way for teachers to explain your child’s individual screening results and assessment information. It is important for you to understand information about the choice, use, scoring, and interpretation of screenings and assessments as well as the meaning in terms of future learning opportunities for your child. Conferences between families and teachers can be in person or over the phone. Additional conferences can be scheduled if there is ever a need or concern. Please speak with your child’s teacher to schedule a meeting if you feel it is necessary.

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Are any other assessment programs used? Yes and we evaluate the information from the publisher to ensure that the results obtained are valid for our program’s purposes. It is important to our program that screening instruments have a normative score that is relevant for our population. For example, Atlanta First Day School uses the BRIGANCE system to evaluate your child twice a year, once in September and again in April.

What is the BRIGANCE system? The BRIGANCE® Screens provide easy-to-administer screening tools to ensure children receive the support they need to succeed. Completed in just 10–15 minutes per child, the BRIGANCE® Screens enable educators to quickly and accurately identify potential developmental delays and academic giftedness in children from birth to age 7. Atlanta First Day School will make referrals to appropriate professionals, when needed, and ensure that the referrals are followed and families are involved in the process. The BRIGANCE® Screens cover a broad sampling of a child’s skills and behaviors, including Language Development, Literacy, Mathematics and Science, and Physical Health and Development. Research has proven that early identification and intervention for both developmental delays and academic giftedness can significantly impact a child’s developmental progress, success in school, and future adult functioning. This screening instrument meets professional standards for standardization, reliability, and validity.

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PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION Please consider the following guidelines for communicating information and concerns: 1. During enrollment, parents have the opportunity to provide information about the child’s health, family practices, special needs, and/or requests, etc. This information is documented and located in their file and with the classroom teachers only. Confidentiality is a high priority at Atlanta First Day School.

2. Prior to the start of a new school year, families are invited to attend Orientation with the Executive Director and teachers. Families have the opportunity to discuss the child’s early learning experiences, accomplishments, health, family practices, language and cultural needs and/or differences. During Orientation parents are invited to learn about each classroom, program operations/expectations, assessments, discipline, program history, philosophy, mission, services, resources and funding. Families are encouraged to get involved in the program, classroom activities, and events in order to offer input about the care of their child(ren). This is an additional way for us to identify and be aware of your child’s interests and needs.

3. When there are differences or issues related to the child care services, families should first approach the classroom teacher to discuss and resolve the concern. If concerns are unresolved, the concerned individuals should seek the assistance of the Education Coordinator or in the absences of the Education Coordinator, the Assistant Director and then the Executive Director. While most concerns can be successfully addressed within the classroom and at Educational Coordinator levels, the Assistant Director and Executive Director will be duly apprised of the concern, the actions taken, and ensure the proper documentation. Appropriate referrals will be advised and made to support concerns as deemed necessary by the families, teachers, and management staff.

4. Families can expect to receive a variety of information through letters, memoranda, flyers, posters, verbal exchange, voice mail, and/or e-mail. Families are encouraged to pay attention to such information and read and respond accordingly.

5. Parent/Family Conferences: Our wish is to partner with you in promoting your child’s developmental progress and learning. Parent conferences will be held three times per year; however, parents and staff may request additional conferences at any time. AFDS values your input and knows that your expertise about your child allows us to facilitate programming that meets your child’s needs within our curriculum, teaching practices, and environment.

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PICK UP/DROP OFF POLICY

Drop Off Procedures: 1. Atlanta First Day School is open at 7:00 a.m.

2. Families should try to bring their children to school every day (Monday – Friday).

3. All families must check their child(ren) in and out using the computer in the front office upon arrival each morning. Each child will be given a unique five digit identification code.

4. Families must deliver their child to their classroom. Please do not leave them in the hallways or in the office.

5. Each child must be clean and dry before they are left at school each day. It is the families' responsibility to report to the staff pertinent information about the child; e.g. if the child has diaper rash, is taking medications, or needs any special care/assistance.

6. Please do not bring children to school if they have a fever, diarrhea, bad colds, viruses, undiagnosed rashes, or any other condition that may be contagious.

7. When a child is sent home, s/he must be out of the center for at least 24 hours and until they are symptom and medication free. A doctor’s statement may be required for some conditions to ensure that the illness has been properly treated.

8. Families must bring an extra set of clean seasonal clothing for each child daily or to be left in the child’s cubby. Classroom teachers and agency staff can assist with this directive as needed.

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Pick Up Procedures: 1. ALL FAMILIES MUST PICK UP THEIR CHILDREN BEFORE AFDS CLOSES AT 6:00 P.M. 2. If children are left at the center after it closes and no word is received from the parent(s), or an emergency contact cannot be reached, Child Protective Services will be contacted at 6:30pm. 3. At the time of registration, the parent must complete an Authorization for Release on the application. The child cannot be released to any persons other than those listed. 4. When the child is picked up, the parent must check out their child(ren) at the computer in the front office using their identification code. 5. Families who find that they will be late picking up their child (after 6:00 p.m.) should call and alert staff. After the school’s closing time, a late pick-up fee of $1.00 per minute until 6:15 PM will be added to your account. After 6:15 PM $5.00 per minute will be charged.

Car Safety Requirements Children transported in vehicles must be buckled securely into car safety seats or seat belts that meet Georgia requirements. Families will take whatever steps are necessary to maintain and use car safety seats. Another person on the authorized list will be called if this requirement is not met.

Policy on the Release of Children A child may only be released to the child’s custodial parent(s) or those individuals authorized by the parent(s). Authorized person(s) are those individuals you list on your application or person(s) that you have given written authorization via a letter to Atlanta First Day School. It is wise to bring those individuals to the center prior to the time you wish them to pick up your child so that the AFDS staff may become acquainted with them. In case of an emergency when no parent can be contacted, authorized person(s) may assume responsibility for taking a child from the school.

Denying Access to Parents If a parent has been denied access, or granted limited access to the child by court order, Atlanta First Day School must have a copy of the court document on file. Custodial Parents may not be removed from the file or refused access unless AFDS receives a court document or custody agreement stating the terms of custody and/or that the named parent who is not granted access to the child.

Impaired Individuals Your child’s safety is important therefore, we also have procedures we must follow in the event that the person picking up a child appears to be physically or emotionally impaired to the extent that, in the

Updated August/2016 14 judgment of the director and/or staff member, the child would be placed at risk of harm if released to this person. The procedures are as follows: 1. The child may not be released to such an impaired individual

2. Staff members will attempt to contact the child’s other parent or an alternate person authorized by the parent(s).

3. If Atlanta First Day School is unable to make alternate pick up arrangements for the child, the Department of Family and Children Services will be called.

Confirmation of Authorized Persons In order to ensure your child’s safety, it is imperative that Atlanta First Day School is familiar with the person picking up your child. Please be sure that anyone picking up your child carries a photo ID, in the case that a staff member at the front desk cannot identify them.

When a person comes to pick up a child for the first time and/or a staff member cannot identify the person as an authorized contact the following procedures must be followed: 1. Staff member will ask individual for his or her name and cross reference it.

2. Staff member will ask individual for valid photo identification.

3. Staff member will photocopy the individuals’ identification and place in child’s file.

4. Failure to produce photo I.D. will prohibit individual from picking up the child. Another emergency contact will be called or the parent will be asked to pick up the child.

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NUTRITION

Weekly Menu: Atlanta First Day School is committed to providing a nutritious yet child friendly breakfast, snack, and lunch menu that will fulfill the required components and creditable food items described in USDA guidelines. The school menus are posted near the front entrance and outside of every classroom. Menus are also available to view on our website.

When your child is enrolled at AFDS, you will be asked to complete a dietary form for your child describing their nutritional needs. If your child has dietary restrictions, you must provide a doctor’s note; however, if your child’s dietary restriction is due to religious or personal preference, please provide a statement that specifies what those restrictions are. Parents who provide food for their child(ren) should be mindful of the following:

a) Food brought from home, must include a balanced meal that meets the USDA’s Nutritional guidelines for Early Child Care Learning Centers. These guidelines are available for families to view at any time at the Parent Resource Center. If any milk, other than cow’s milk provided by AFDS, is used (ie. almond milk, coconut milk, goat milk, etc.) then a doctor’s note must be on file approving this change.

b) All food brought from home shall be labeled with the child’s name and date and should be stored properly (i.e. refrigerated) until served. Do not bring any items in a glass container.

c) Staff discard food with expired dates.

d) Food brought from home to be shared with other children (for birthday or class parties) should be either whole fruits or commercially prepared packaged foods in factory sealed containers.

Children in the Infant classrooms will eat food/formula designated by families on the Infant Feeding Plan throughout the day. If so designated, infants will also be introduced to school menu items. Families of infants and young toddlers develop a feeding plan with the teacher documenting the type of formula and/or food to be served and to ensure that the food is based on the infants’ individual nutritional needs and developmental stage. Each day the child’s teacher provides a daily sheet with information on it about his/her eating habits.

In all the other classrooms, children will eat from the school menu each day. Children will eat “family style” in the classroom with the teacher and their peers. Water will be accessible to children at all times in the classrooms. Teachers will encourage children to try new foods, but they will never be forced to eat.

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Food is never withheld from any child for any reason.

Every effort is made to prevent choking accidents. Staff do not offer children under the age of three (3) hot dogs (whole or sliced into rounds), nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, spoonfuls of peanut butter, raw peas, hard pretzels, chunks of hard carrots or meats larger than can be swallowed whole.

Allergies: There is a list of children with allergies posted in every classroom as well as in the kitchen and offices. If your child has emergency medication (Epi-Pen, Benedryl etc.), please refer to pages 19 and 20. `Every precaution will be taken to ensure your child’s health and safety with any allergy. Atlanta First Day School is a peanut free environment. Nothing will be served containing peanuts or peanut oil.

Birthdays: Your child’s birthday may be celebrated in his/her classroom and your child’s teacher can help you with suggestions. Our licensing agency no longer allows homemade treats or cupcakes to share in the classroom. Only store bought wrapped goodies may be brought in for birthdays or other parties during the year. No balloons or candles please.

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THE FAMILY’S ROLE

To help ensure a smooth transition for your child entering school, please do the following:

 Sign children in and out at the parent computer in the front office and then escort them to their designated class.

 Have all school forms completed promptly and update all information when changes occur i.e. phone numbers, address etc. An Infant Feeding Plan will also be included in your forms packet and must be updated every 6 weeks while your child is in our Infant program.

 Notify the school if your child is ill.  Do not bring your child to school if ill.  Notify the school if your child will be absent.  Do not allow children to bring toys to school unless it is “Show & Share” day.  Participate in the school’s special activities.  Call if you will be later than usual picking up your child.  Children should be dressed properly for weather and play.  Attend all scheduled parent/teacher meetings and conferences.  Keep teachers and Directors informed of any special needs or changes that might affect your child’s behavior.

 Ask questions and address concerns promptly.  Feed your child at home before coming to school. Atlanta First Day School requires a two week written notification when removing your child from our program during the school year. Tuition will be charged during those two weeks to your account.

Parent Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Parent participation is encouraged and the Parent Council is a great way to stay engaged in the programming, participate in fundraising activities, and plan events. If you are interested in participating in the Parent Council please let your child’s teacher know.

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HEALTH SERVICES AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1. All children must be up to date with immunizations within thirty (30) days of registration in order to continue enrollment at AFDS. A #3231 Immunization Form must be completed and signed by your child’s physician or local Health Department that is due before your child may attend school or there must be evidence of an appointment for those services before your child’s entry into our program. Your child must be immunized according to the guidelines set forth by the Georgia Department of Human Resources. Each time an immunization is given a new form must be on file. Atlanta First Day School honors parents/guardians who may opt not to immunize because of religious or philosophical beliefs. In this case, documentation of your choice must be placed in your child’s personal file.

2. If a child has a fever, diarrhea, bad colds, viruses, undiagnosed rashes, or any other condition that may be contagious, he or she must be out of the center for at least 24 hours and until all symptoms are clear. A doctor’s statement may be required for some conditions to ensure that the illness was properly treated.

3. The program will follow these practices in the event of illness: a. If a child is uncomfortable and cannot participate in regular activities and/or if the classroom staff is hindered from providing adequate supervision to the other children, and/or a child is suspected to be contagious and requires exclusion as identified by the public health authorities, then the child is removed to a location wherein supervision can be provided by a familiar caregiver where no new individuals can be exposed until he or she can be picked up by family.

b. The program immediately notifies the parent, legal guardian or authorized pick-up person when a child presents signs or symptoms of contagious illness or severe sickness. A medical alert form will be completed by the teacher or designated staff member to provide information to the parent about the condition and guidelines for basic care.

c. Medication, either prescribed or over-the-counter, will be given to children only when the medication authorization form has been completed and signed by parents and/or physicians. This form should be completed each week but the medication cannot exceed two weeks without a doctor’s note. The child’s record should include instructions from a licensed health care provider who has prescribed or recommended medication for the child. All prescribed medication must be left at the FRONT DESK with the person in charge. DO NOT give medication to your child’s teacher to dispense or leave it in his/her school bag. All medication must be in its original container and prescribed medicines should be labeled for the designated child with the first and last name. The medication form must also contain the date that the prescription was filled or the recommendation was obtained from the licensed health care provider, the expiration date of the medication, period of use for the medication, the

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manufacturer’s instructions or the original prescription label that details the name and the strength of the medication and instructions on how to administer and store it, and the proper dosage. BFTS 591-1-1-.20 Medication Regulations

4. Families should inform staff of any allergies or special environmental health challenges that affect their child(ren). We will take every measure under consideration with the advisement of a health professional to ensure that the environment is adapted to fit that need or offer a referral for such when we cannot.

5. If medication is to be given on an EMERGENCY basis such as a Breathing Treatment or use of an Epi- Pen, please complete an Allergy Plan which will also need to be signed by a physician.

Medical Emergency: If your child becomes ill, injured, or has an adverse reaction to a prescribed medication while at school, the parent/guardian will be notified immediately. If emergency medical attention is needed, your child will be transported to the School’s designated medical facility. All emergency medical forms and permission forms will accompany your child to the facility.  Please ensure we have a copy of your child’s insurance card on file in case of a medical emergency.  NAEYC Standard 5.A.01 Child health records include: -Current information about any health insurance coverage required for treatment in an emergency; -Current information regarding the child's health insurance coverage should include the insurance carrier, policy number, and name of insured. This information may sometimes be required in non- life-threatening emergencies.

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Illness Guidelines: When your child does not feel well or is unable to participate in regular activities including outside time, we request you keep him/her home. You will be called to pick up your child immediately if these symptoms occur during school hours.

Please refer to the following guidelines:  Fever of 100 degrees or more.  Diarrhea (3 times) that is not contained by diapers or toilet, or stools with blood or mucous.  Vomiting 2 or 3 times in the previous 24 hours.  Mouth sores with an inability to control saliva.  Rash with fever or behavior change.  Pink eye, purulent conjunctivitis, yellow or white discharge from eye, unless physician has determined child is non-infectious in writing.  Impetigo, until 24 hours after treatment.  Strep throat, until 24 hours after treatment.  Head lice, until the morning after the first treatment.  Excessive nasal discharge that is cloudy, yellow or green, that may require an evaluation by a physician or result in more care than the staff can provide.  The child has any of the following conditions: fever, lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing or other signs of illness.

Please contact the school office any time your child has contracted an infectious/ communicable disease so that we will alert other parents in the class within 24 hours. When a child has been exposed to a communicable disease (for example: strep throat, chickenpox, pink eye, etc.), parents are required to report that information to the classroom teachers or the director. If a child contracts a communicable disease, parents must keep the child at home for the appropriate exclusion period.

Written documentation may be requested from a health provider if signs/symptoms continue to persist for more than 24 hours. All families/parents with children in that particular classroom are notified when a child in the group has contracted a communicable disease. The teaching staff will verbalize and post information within the classroom to notify parents about all communicable diseases. Your child must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

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Potty Training/Diapering

Diapering: Parents are asked to provide and keep an ample supply of diapers, wipes, and diaper cream for your child weekly. Teachers will notify you when supplies start to run low. Disposable diapers are required for children who are not toilet trained. Cloth diapers are able to be used as long as the diaper has an absorbent inner lining completely contained within an outer covering made of waterproof material that prevents the escape of feces and urine. Both the diaper and the outer covering are changed as a unit. (NAEYC Standard 5.A.08) Parents are asked to be sure that their children arrive to school every day in a clean, dry diaper. If your child's diaper needs to be changed upon arrival then please be mindful and follow the required sanitation procedures posted in the diaper changing area. Diapers will be checked by the teachers at least every 2 hours when awake and immediately after they awaken from nap. If the diaper is wet or soiled, it will be immediately changed. Diapers are only changed in designated areas and not elsewhere in the facility. Any clothing soiled with urine or feces will be removed from your child and placed directly into a plastic bag (without rinsing or avoidable handling) and will be sent home that day for laundering. Children’s clothing will not be laundered at school. Also, please remember that if a child has more than 3 loose stools that cannot be contained by diapers or clothing, we will ask that you pick your child up and wait 24 hours until symptom free before bringing your child back to school.

Potty Training: Our teachers are experienced in teaching young children how to use the bathroom. It is essential that the parent and teacher communicate about the needs of the child and work together to make this developmental milestone positive and successful. We recommend that when in training, your child be dressed in "user-friendly" clothing. Overalls, zippers, and snaps are difficult for small children to manage – especially in a hurry! We ask that all pull-ups provided by parents have “pull apart” sides. This fosters both independence and ease during potty time. While potty training, parents are to provide lots of thick training underwear, socks, and outer clothing (don’t forget extra shoes!).

Teachers are aware of which children are being potty trained and which children need reminders to use the bathroom, or need help in the bathroom. Learning about the potty is an important developmental step for young children. Teachers are attentive and calm when helping children in the bathroom. Potty accidents are handled in a calm, supportive manner. Teachers assure children that accidents are a normal part of learning and assist them in cleaning and changing clothes when necessary. Older children may be able to do most of this for themselves. A private area will be provided when a child needs to change their clothing.

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Classroom Management

Behavior Management/Discipline: Children who misbehave may not feel safe or connected with others. They may lack the trust or rapport necessary to express themselves during group activities. Our teachers and staff are trained to care and form a relationship with children and gain their trust immediately. Teachers never use physical or psychological punishment when addressing behavioral issues. Children need opportunities to express their fears and anger appropriately through creative art, dramatic play, storytelling and talking with our teachers. Teachers will redirect unfavorable behaviors in a soothing and supporting tone of voice.

Our staff recognizes that young children experience challenging behaviors as they develop skills which promote independence. These experiences are expected to be dealt with through basic behavior guidance techniques which do not employ the use of restraint or corporal punishment. Personal rights of all children are held in high regard and no form of discipline used at AFDS will violate the child’s right.

Written behavior management plans will be provided and implemented for children whose behavior consistently interferes with the environment of the classroom. Any child whose behavior is unable to be addressed in a behavior plan because he/she cannot function safely within the classroom and poses a danger to themselves or others may be discharged from Atlanta First Day School.

Cultural Awareness: AFDS understands the importance that culture has on a child’s social emotional development and learning. We strive to understand each family’s culture and integrate cultural practices into the curriculum, assessments, and learning experiences at the center. We ask that parents share information about their culture by filling out the registration packet so that the classroom teachers can integrate it into their planning. There is an open invitation for parents to share elements of their culture with their children’s classroom; some ideas include donating cultural attire, sharing cultural music, literature and dance. Please speak to your child’s teacher or the front office if you would like to share.

Nap and Rest Time: Each individual child is provided adequate rest opportunities as needed. Naps are never forced or withheld as this can result in anger, irritability, and/or fatigue. Naptime at Atlanta First Day School is typically from 12:30-2:30 pm each day. Infant naps are given on demand as the baby needs it. All children (under 5 years of age) must lay down for at least one hour of rest time. After the hour, if the child has not fallen asleep, he/she may do quiet activities on their cots. All classrooms have a quiet area where children may rest outside of the designated naptime whenever he/she sees fit. While AFDS does have an open door policy, we

Updated August/2016 23 ask that parents and guests please refrain from visiting during our nap time hours so all children can receive a restful, uninterrupted nap.

Biting: AFDS recognizes that biting is a developmentally appropriate behavior for children in the infant and toddler classrooms. The staff understands that parents are concerned and can be upset when their child is involved in a biting incident. We ask that you remember this is a developmentally appropriate behavior, and that the staff is working to identify situations which, provoke, or elicit this behavior so it can be prevented in the future. The staff will not punish, or harshly discipline children in the classrooms for biting behavior; they will simply redirect the children to different activities in separate areas of the classroom. Ouch/Incident reports will be filled out for any children involved in a biting incident.

Classroom Consistency Each child is assigned to a classroom at the beginning of the year in August in order to provide continuity of relationships between teaching staff and children. The child shall remain in the assigned classroom for the duration of the school year, and shall only be moved for the following reasons: 1. Child has not adjusted to classroom, and space is available in another classroom. 2. Child withdraws mid-year and re-enters program and space is not available in original classroom. At the end of the school year, the following transitions will occur:  The children over 12 months of age enrolled in our infant classroom will move to the Toddler A or Toddler B classroom.  The children in Toddler A/B over 24 months of age will move to the Two A or Two B classroom.  The children enrolled in Two A/B will move to the Preschool classroom.  The children enrolled in Preschool will move to the Pre-K classroom.  The children graduating from Pre-K will be asked to exit the program 2 weeks before the start of a new school year in order to provide proper transition time for all of our classes. Children’s relationships with children in the current classroom, relationship with new teachers, and parental input will be taken into consideration when a decision on their new classroom is made. All children remain in the same classroom for summer programming.

Each classroom has designated teachers who will remain in the same classroom and with the same group of children throughout the school year. This allows a teacher to:  Provide children with consistency.  Ensure that teachers understand and meet each child’s individual needs.  Provide meaningful learning experiences.  Implement the developmentally appropriate curriculum.  Observe and asses children on an on-going basis.

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SAFETY

1. Families should be mindful of the traffic in the parking lot upon arrival and departure and be sure to hold the hands of their children when they exit the building.

2. Families must escort the children to and from their classrooms and wait for an acknowledgement from the teacher before leaving the area. Families are reminded to take their children to the restrooms, change their diapers, and wash their hands upon arrival each day. It is also a good practice to wash the hands of your child upon leaving the program for the day.

3. Children should be dressed comfortably and appropriately for the weather and for safety. We also adjust the daily schedule to eliminate or reduce the time spent outdoors in extremely cold or hot weather. Children have the opportunity to play in the shade on both playgrounds. We are also sensitive to the children’s needs as it relates to smog and air pollution and monitor the outdoor play when dangerous air alerts are announced. Please discuss your needs with your child’s teacher and/or the Education Coordinator. Also, remember that the school day consists of a variety of activities both inside and outside and it is important for your child to have freedom of movement. Dirt, paint, and glue are all part of your child’s day and comfortable washable clothing is best for them to wear. Velcro tennis shoes and easy to manipulate clothes without belts, buttons or zippers are best for everyday play. Crocs, cowboy boots, flip flops, sandals, and costumes will not be permitted. All children will be going outside every day for fresh air and exercise (infants included) as mandated by our licensing agency. Please include a hat and jacket weather permitting for such days. ALL outdoor clothes worn by your child and MUST be labeled. Please include an extra change of clothes in a zip lock bag marked with your child’s name for those “certain occasions” as well! Infants and toilet training children will require additional changes of labeled clothing.

4. Fire drills are conducted monthly and tornado drills are conducted periodically throughout the storm season. Designated primary and secondary routes are posted within each classroom and drills are documented and maintained on file in the front office. All emergency information is held in a red three ringed binder and these binders go wherever the class goes. a. Please be aware, that there may be time when you are dropping off or picking up your child and we are conducting a safety drill. No children can be dropped off or picked up until a safety drill is complete. Below you will find an outline of the different type of drills we conduct so you may be prepared if you arrive at school during one. b. Fire Drill: During a fire drill, teachers lead their children to a designated spot in the church parking lot where they remain until given the all clear to return to the classroom. Traffic on Porter Place is stopped for the length of the drill to allow complete safety for all children

Updated August/2016 25

crossing the street. If you are inside of the building when a fire drill is being conducted, then we ask that you also evacuate the building with the rest of the school. c. Tornado Drill: Each teacher will lead their children to the center hallway away from any doors and windows and review the sit and tuck procedure. Classes remain in the hallway until the all clear has been given and then they can return to their classroom. If you are inside the building when a tornado drill is being conducted, then we ask that you join us in the hallway until the drill has been completed. d. Lockdown drills: During a lockdown drill, the teachers will lock their doors, turn off the lights, and move the children to an area where they cannot be seen from the door. The teachers will do quiet activities with the children until the all clear has been given by a member of management. No one will be allowed in or out of the building until the drill has been completed. e. While these drills are being conducted, please DO NOT attempt to pick your child up. Every adult and child in the building must be accounted for. Every staff member has been trained in Fire Safety and is prepared to make sure that each and every person in their care remains safe.

5. Families must give written permission for the staff to use sunscreen and/or insect repellant with DEET. Health officials recommend that both are applied daily with sunscreen of at least 30 and DEET at 10%. Hats, long sleeved shirts and pants are also helpful to protect children from heat, and insect borne diseases (West Nile, Lyme’s Disease).

6. Teachers are prohibited from performing any services for families on nonworking time that are normally performed by Atlanta First Day School. This prohibition also extends to babysitting, the unauthorized use of any company tools or equipment, and the unauthorized use or application of any confidential information.

7. We have established groupings of children and maintain staff to child ratios which are: Infants Ratio: 1:6 Toddler A & B Ratio: 1:8 Twos A & B Ratio: 1:10 Preschool Ratio: 1:15 Pre- Kindergarten Ratio: 1:18

Children at Atlanta First Day School will be supervised by a staff member at all times, including during outdoor activities, rest and sleep, toileting procedures and walking through hallways, as appropriate for their ages and developmental needs, the physical setting, and the nature of the activity. Our infant, toddler, and two year old classrooms will be supervised by sight and sound at all times. Preschool and Pre-K children will be supervised primarily by sight. Supervision by sound is only

Updated August/2016 26

permissible for short intervals, however staff must frequently check on children who are out of sight (ie. those who can use the toilet independently, are in the library area, or are napping).

It is of utmost importance that all children are accounted for at all times. Staff keep a head count of all the children in their care at all times. If a shift change occurs the staff member in charge must alert the new staff member of the head count. Staff members actively update their head count at 30 minute intervals throughout the day.

8. Safe Sleep Practices a. Infants will be placed on their backs in a crib to sleep unless a physician’s written statement authorizing another sleep position for that infant is provided. The written statement must include how the infant shall be placed to sleep and a time frame that the instructions are to be followed. b. Cribs shall be in compliance with CPCS and ASTM safety standards. They will be maintained in good repair and free from hazards. c. No objects will be placed in or on the crib with an infant. This includes, but is not limited to, covers, blankets, toys, pillows, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, sheepskins, stuffed toys, Wubbanub pacifiers, or other soft items. d. No objects will be attached to a crib with a sleeping infant, such as, but not limited to, crib gyms, toys, mirrors and mobiles. e. Only sleepers, sleep sacks and wearable blankets provided by the parent/guardian and that fit according to the commercial manufacturer’s guidelines and will not slip up around the infant’s face may be worn for the comfort of the sleeping infant. f. Individual crib bedding will be changed daily, or more often as needed, according to the rules. Bedding for cots/mats will be laundered daily or marked for individual use. If marked for individual use, the sheets/covers must be laundered weekly or more frequently if needed. g. Infants who arrive at AFDS asleep or fall asleep in other equipment, on the floor or elsewhere, will be moved to a safety approved crib for sleep. h. Swaddling will not be permitted, unless a physicians’ written statement authorizing it for a particular infant is provided. The written statement must include instructions and a time frame for swaddling the infant. i. Wedges, other infant positioning devices and monitors will not be permitted unless a physician’s written statement authorizing its use for a particular infant is provided. The written statement must include instructions on how to use the device and a time frame for using it.

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Child Abuse Reporting Law Requirements If a child is in immediate danger, the police will be called immediately. In all other cases, a report will be made by the school to the Fulton County DFCS office for further investigation.

Atlanta First Day School and Atlanta First United Methodist Church work together to insure that children in our care are provided a Safe Sanctuary from child abuse. The general conference of the United Methodist Church has developed an ongoing educational plan on the reality of child abuse, the risk factors leading to child abuse, and strategies for prevention (Safe Sanctuaries). In conjunction with the State of Georgia’s child abuse mandated training, all AFDS staff member are certified in the Safe Sanctuaries training that serves to protect children of all ages from child abuse. All AFDS staff members are mandated reporters and are not required to inform anyone if they report a concern to the Department of Family and Children’s Services. 1-855-GACHILD/1-855-422-4453

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Appendix 1

.

REMINDER Per page 7 of your signed Atlanta First Day School Parent handbook, the late pick-up fee is charged at $1.00 per minute after the 6:00 pm closing time until 6:15 pm. At 6:15 pm, $5.00 per minute will be charged.

CHILD: ______

CLASS: ______

DATE: ______

PICK-UP TIME: ______

AMOUNT DUE: ______

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Appendix 2

DATE:______

I understand that my child______was sent home today due to having

______.

Per page 20 of the AFDS parent handbook, I further understand that my child may not return to school until he/she is fever and /or symptom free for 24 hours.

Parent signature: ______

Teacher signature: ______

Director signature: ______

Updated August/2016 30

Appendix 3 Authorization for Medication (Please Print or Type) Child’s Full Name: ______

Name of Medication: ______

Prescription Number: ______

Time Medication is to be given: ______

MEDICATION WILL NOT BE GIVEN ON AN “AS NEEDED” BASIS; SPECIFICS MUST BE PROVIDED

Amount of Medication to be given: ______

Dates to be given: ______

______

PARENT’S SIGNATURE DATE

FOR DAY SCHOOL USE Reminder: Document the reasons why medications are not given as parent requested i.e., child absent, medication not sent, child sleeping, etc. DATE TIME GIVEN AMOUNT ANY ADVERSE REACTIONS ADMINISTERED BY

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

If noticeable adverse reaction to medication, what action was taken? Describe: ATTENTION TO PERSON REQUESTING MEDICATION BE DISPENSED: Form must be completed in its entirety before the AFDS can dispense any medication. Medicine must be in its original container when given to AFDS to dispense. *NEW FORM TO BE COMPLETED EACH WEEK

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Appendix 4 DAILY ATTENDENCE SHEET Classroom Date

7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00 Child’sName 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

TOTAL Teacher’sInitials

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NOTES:

DAILY HEALTH CHECK: Child’s Name Description 1st Teacher Signature 2nd Teacher Signature

TEACHER SIGN IN/OUT Ongoing Medications/ALLERGIES Teacher’s Name Time In Time Out Time In Time Out

Updated August/2016 33

Appendix 5

Updated August/2016 34

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This acknowledges that I, ______, have received my copy of Atlanta First Day School’s Parent Handbook, and in part, it has been discussed with me. I also understand that it is my responsibility to read it completely and if I have any questions, I may consult with the management team.

I agree to abide by the policies and procedures described in this handbook. I also understand that failure to comply with these policies and procedures provides grounds for termination of services for my child(ren) at Atlanta First Day School.

Parent's Signature______Date______

Updated August/2016 35