Highlands Kids Club Parent Handbook
Please read this ~Handbook~ thoroughly, as it covers very important policies and procedures that not only governs our childcare contract agreement, but also pertains to the care of your child. There may seem to be a lot of information, if you have any questions regarding my policies, please do not hesitate to ask. We will go over this book during your interview, but this copy is for you to reference back too. There will be a yearly revision to this ~Handbook~ and the accompanying contract. All families will sign a new contract each year. I reserve the right to make changes to the policies and procedures, as I deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may occur.
DEAR PARENTS,
What I as a provider should expect from you, the parent:
Open communication. Explain clearly and carefully your wishes and expectations about how your child will be treated. Also provide updates on problems and progress that you child is making. Good communication helps us work together in the best interest of your child.
Agreement on Terms or Arrangements.
You should fully understand the terms of the contract and the policies and procedures that you as the parent are agreeing to.
Honesty and Trust.
This includes being honest about how you believe the arrangement is working. Although you need to be vigilant in order to safeguard your child, you should trust me as your childcare provider to do the best for your child. Show you trust by asking questions rather than jumping to conclusions when apparent problems develop.
Philosophy
We believe a child’s early experiences enrich and stimulate future growth. Children deserve to be treated and respected as individuals in an environment that welcomes reason, exploration, question, and imagination. We respect each child’s need for love, security, acceptance, warmth, and stimulation.
Goals
Each and every child is precious to us. It is our desire to partner with each family and encourage optimal growth and development for each child. Your family and your child are unique. Therefore, we focus on individual progress, development, and satisfaction while providing a nurturing environment. Your child’s safety is our concern. We will maintain a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for all children. We believe each child is important to God. Although we do not focus on the distinctions of world religions, we have lessons and activities using the Bible as a reference. We will use the Bible in story times as well as Character discussions. In every situation, your child’s freedom will be respected. You are welcome to visit the Club Director regarding any concerns you may have about our program.
Phone and Contact Information:
§ Pam Marquardt Director: Cell: 425-256-1925
§ Hkidsclub.net
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License capacity:
· Maximum twenty students, however we will have 12- per session for kindergarten and up to 20 for 1-5th grade.
Hours of Operation:
· Highlands Kids Club will be open 7:30am-6:00pm Blakely Hall.
· We will follow the IssaquahSchool calendar. Whenever the IssaquahSchool District closes school because of weather related issues, we also will be closed.
· Late Start administered by the school district will result in the AM Session being cancelled for that day.
· Early Dismissal of school because of weather by the school district will result in the PM session being cancelled for that day.
· Any questions always call 425-256-1925
Pick up on Time
A late fee of $10 dollars per minute after 6:10 pm will be charged.
If a parent fails to pick up his or her child, staff will make every attempt to contact the parent or individuals authorized on the emergency card. IF ½ hour passes and no arrangements to pick up the child have been confirmed, the police/sheriff will be notified.
Payment Procedures:
Tuition:
Ø Before/After School Kindergarten: $140.00 per week
Ø Before/After School First-Fourth Grade: $140.00 per week
I am requiring you pay thru Tuition Express. There are forms avaliable at Highlands Kids Club. Payments are due by the 5th of each month.
Fees:
Non-Refundable Registration fee: $100.00 dollars
Open Door:
You are invited and welcome to visit Highlands Kids Club anytime your children are present. Parents are also free to call Pam Marquardt at any time. If I do not answer the phone, please leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as we are finished with the current activity.
Matters of Money:
Club fees are due regardless of whether or not your child attends. You are paying for a position, as well as a service. No refunds are given for late arrivals or early departures.
Drop Off/Pick Up:
I assume responsibility for your child while he/she is signed in with Highlands Kids Club. No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup list, without written permission from the parent. Anyone unfamiliar to me will be required to show proof of Identification. Please make the alternate pick up person aware of the requirements. Please be in control of your child during drop off and pick up times. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (parent and provider) and this situation will be tested at one time or another to see if the rules still apply. I will remind your child if inappropriate behaviors are being displayed. Children of all ages adjust to transitions from one activity to another differently. Most do not like to be too rushed and most do not like to wait too long once they are ready to depart. If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another authorized person will be called to pick-up both the child and the adult. Court Order: If there is a court order keeping one parent or guardian away from the child, I must have a written note from the custodial parent or guardian in my file to that effect. Otherwise, I cannot prevent the non- custodial parent from picking up the child.
Sick/Vacation Days:
Full payment must be received whether or not child attends.
Television:
I allow limited TV viewing consisting of Nickelodeon, PBS and the Disney Channel only. On occasion I let the children pick a child appropriate DVD to watch. Children are NEVER required to sit and watch TV, and TV is not offered in place of Free Play or Learning Activities.
Guidance:
No child will be hit, spanked, belittled, or otherwise intimidated at Highlands Kids Club. No corporal punishment will be used. Children will be treated with courtesy, respect, and patience. Guidance will be according to age and understanding level. Older children will be given time outs depending on the severity of the offense (usually 1 minute per year of age, never to be more than 15 minutes). If a child becomes a persistent behavior problem, I will address it with you and we will try to resolve it together. AT NO TIME, WILL A CHILD BE SUBJECTED TO PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR SHAMING, FRIGHTENING OR HUMILIATING METHODS BE USED, OR ANY TYPE OF VERBAL ABUSE, THREATS, DEROGATORY REMARKS, OR DEPRIVATION OF A MEAL OR ANY PART OF A MEAL BE USED. NO CHILD WILL EVER BE PUNISHED FOR TOILET ACCIDENTS.
Meals:
Highlands Kids Club will serve a snack each session. For Kindergarten, children please pack a nutritional lunch each day. Snacks and Lunch are served family style. Children are encouraged to use this time to share their experiences with each other. Manners are taught, and practiced during this time as well. Please list on the medical report any food allergies child may have. If your child needs a special diet, the parent must furnish these foods. Hands will be washed before eating.
Activities:
Age appropriate activities are scheduled with flexibility allowed to respond to the needs of the individual child and day. I will offer times for outside play, crafts, stories, instruction, and naps appropriate to the child's ages, interests, and abilities. I will provide your child with tender loving care, understanding, patience and guidance. Chores, such as picking up, putting things away, sweeping, light vacuuming (Blakely Hall) will likely be a part of the day. I provide curriculum, developing large and small motor skills. We do many arts and crafts where the focus is on the process, not the product. Free play is an important part of a child's early years. It is here that they learn social skills that will be needed the rest of their lives.
Children first-fourth grade will be having homework/reading time the first 20 minutes in the conference room at Blakely Hall. We will have rotating stations that will encourage fun interaction with staff and other peers.
An example of a day at Highlands Kids Club:
Morning Session M, TU, TH, F 9:00 am-12:27 am Wednesdays 9-4 pm.. *Remember no school on Wednesday for afternoon K at Grand Ridge!
Ø 9:00 AM- Club Opens
Ø 8:30 AM- Free Choice Table top Activities, Centers
Ø 9:30 AM- Crafts. Toilet Time, Group Time (Story time, review letters, see academic calendar)
Ø 10:00 AM- Snack (provided by Club)
Ø 10:15-11:00- Sport Activity/Playgroung
Ø 11:15- 11:30 Lunch (bring your own lunch)
Ø 11:30-12:15: Quiet time (G rated DVD’s and kids programs)
Ø 12:15- Walk to school (all students will hold rope as we walk)
Ø 12:27- School Begins
Ø 3:38- Parents pick child up at Grand Ridge (additional $15 dollars per week for 4:00 pick up at Club)
Afternoon Care Monday-Friday
If needed you may drop students off from 7:30-9am we will walk students to school (additional cost $30 dollars per week)
Ø 11:48 am- Pick Students up Grand Ridge (district transportation provided)
Ø 12:00- Lunch (bring your own lunch)
Ø 12:20-1:15 - Free play with stations
1:15-2:00 Table Top activities
Ø 2:00-2:15 Snack (provided by club)
Ø 2:15-3:00 Sport Activity/Playground
Ø 3:15-3:45 Group Time (Story time, review letters, see academic calendar)
Ø 3:45-4:00 Clean up
Ø 4:00- Parents pick up
School age children 1st-5th grade schedule.
Ø 7:00am Club open Blakely Hall
Ø 8:00-8:30 Free Activity puzzles, reading, coloring, clay, painting,
Ø 8:30-9:00 Group Time (continual story, character building discussion,how is life? Caring about others)
Ø 9:00 Walk to school
Ø 9:15 Check into school
Ø 3:38 Pick up at Grand Ridge (designated spot, roll call)
Ø 3:38-4:15 Outside play (playground, kickball, group game)
Ø 4:00 Walk to Blakely Hall Snack (provided by Club)
Ø 4:15-4:45 Homework Club/Reading (will get rewards for doing homework and reading log)
Ø 5:00-6:00 Stations (board games, puzzles, TV, play station, crafts, and much more)
Ø 6:00 Parents Pick up
Club Rules
1. No hitting, biting, pinching, throwing, pushing, hair pulling, or otherwise hurting others or ourselves.
2. No intentionally breaking anything.
3. No running, jumping, wrestling, climbing, etc. in the club.
4. No name-calling, yelling, foul language or teasing-everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Dress Code:
Please dress your child appropriately. The activities may be messy. Do not send your child in clothing that you do not want stained. Weather permitting; we will spend a lot of time outdoors. As we will walking to/from school each day plan on purchasing a good raincoat with hood.
Toys:
Please do NOT send any toys from home with your child. On Fridays we will have show and tell so students may bring toys or fun things from home they would like to share with there friends.
Holidays/Birthdays:
We honor major holidays and all children’s birthdays. If you would like to bring a special Treat for the children, please arrange this with the provider. You are more than welcome to participate in ANY activities we have planned.
Other Goodies Confidentiality:
The information you supply to Highlands Kids Club will be kept confidential. I will, at all times respect your privacy.
Changes to Policies:
Changes may be made to these policies as needed with 2 weeks notice. The policies, contracts, consents, and forms will be reviewed and updated, if needed, yearly in September. Please give written notice of any changes that may occur, especially of name or address, or of updated immunizations.
Emergencies:
Fire: If there is a fire that cannot be extinguished quickly, the children will be evacuated immediately before calling 911. We will practice fire drills monthly so the children will be prepared in the event of a fire. The fire evacuation plan is located on file and you are free to view it at any time.
Tornado: In the event of a tornado warning, the children will gather in the basement. We will remain in the basement until the inclement weather has passed. Tornado drills will also be practiced monthly. The tornado plan is located on file and you are free to view it at anytime.
Enrollment Requirements:
Before enrolling your child in Highlands Kids Club there are several things you must do:
1. Read through and become familiar with the Policies. You will be required to sign a form that indicates you have read, understand, and agree to ALL the Policies as outlined.
2. An acquaintance visit must be made. I will not care for children unless they have had one, and preferably two, visits to Highlands Kids Club to become familiar with me and the service provided.
3. All appropriate forms must be filled out, signed, and on file PRIOR to admission. All necessary forms/consents will be given to you in your admission package.
Termination of Care:
Care can only be terminated with 8 weeks notice by the parent. I reserve the right to immediately end care for non-payment, failure to respect me, behavior of the child, which is harmful to the physical or emotional well being of the other children, or failure to abide by my policies. If you terminate care without giving appropriate notice, you will be responsible for payment of the final 8 weeks of care whether or not your child attends.
Child Abuse/Neglect:
I am required by law to report any suspected signs of child abuse and/or neglect.
Illness:
Under no circumstance is a sick child to attend Highlands Kids Club. The children should be allowed to recover fully from an illness in the comfort of their own home. The other children in care are exposed to any disease your child may bring into the home. If you are unable to remain home with your child, it is your responsibility to make substitute childcare arrangements. Obviously, it is not possible to prevent the spread of all illness. However, minimizing exposure and providing good hygienic practices in the club are means by which we can limit the problem and the resulting inconvenience. Accordingly, for the benefit of all involved, the following policies will be strictly enforced:
Children who have exhibited ANY symptoms of infectious illness within the proceeding 24-hour period are likely to be contagious and should remain at home. Examples of associated symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever of 100F measured orally or 101F measured rectally, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, loss of voice, hacking or continuous coughing, yellow or green runny nose, draining eyes or ears, rash, or head lice. I reserve the right to determine whether a child should remain in the club where illness is a consideration. Parents of children who become ill during the day will be promptly notified and are expected to arrange to pick up their child immediately. The sick child will, if possible, be isolated from the other daycare children to minimize exposure. If the parent cannot be reached, the person designated as the emergency contact will be notified.
Medications:
No child will be given any medication, prescription or over the counter, unless the parent gives written permission. Prescription medication shall have the child’s name, name of medication, Doctor’s name, name of pharmacy, prescription number, date, and directions for administering. The medication must be in the original container as dispensed by the pharmacy. I have Permission to Administer Medication forms to be filled out each time your child will need medicine to be administered.
EXCEPTION: As your care provider, I will administer Syrup of Ipecac if instructed to do so by poison control or emergency medical services.
Medical Emergencies:
Although supervision is constantly given, I cannot be by the child’s side at all times to prevent falls, tripping, bumps, blows from other children, etc. If the child is injured in a non life-threatening way, I will assess the child and provide first aid. If the injury is more serious, the parent will be notified so the child can be transported to the hospital or doctors office. (I.e. needs stitches, broken arm, or dislocation, etc.) All costs associated with injuries to the child will be the responsibility of the parent, unless I have been found to be negligent. In case of a medical emergency, I will attempt to contact you immediately. If I am unable to reach you, I will start calling the people designated as your emergency contacts. If I am unable to reach you or your emergency contacts, I will transport your child to his/her doctor or to the hospital, if necessary. If immediate intervention is required, I am certified in child, and adult CPR and First Aid and will take appropriate action including calling 911 and having your child transported to the Hospital. You or your family's insurance is/are responsible for the cost of medical help or treatment due to accidents or illness while in childcare.
Non-Discrimination: As license provider, I shall not discriminate in relation to admissions on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, or religion.
CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE
I do my best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children's hands are washed before and after meals and after toileting. I use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not have to use the same towel. If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste, teeth will be brushed, as well.
TAXES
I will supply you with a year-end summary of all daycare fees paid during the year for tax purposes. This will be given to you in January each year or when services are terminated. You may request a statement at any time.
Sincerely,
Pam Marquardt
Highlands Kids Club
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