Church of the Foothills

 

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Communication with Parents

• Parents are informed of the activities of the center through monthly newsletters from the Program Director and/or Financial Officer.
• The Preschool and Child Care Board shares written highlights of meetings that will keep you informed of new policies and any decisions made regarding the Center.
• Check your child’s cubby and the sign in/sign out page for information.
• Parents are invited to attend special events and programs throughout the year.
• We welcome your efforts to improve our center through your gifts of time or talent.
• You are always welcome to contact the Program Director or Administrative Assistant with any questions.

 

Your Child's Adjustment

• It is normal for your child to have some fears or anxiety in regards to separation from you. Children need time to get used to new situations. Try to prepare your child for the changes by discussing any concerns. Talk about some of the new people your child will meet. Visit the center with your child so they will know what to expect.
• A cheerful goodbye kiss from you, a smile, a reassuring word that you will return at the end of class will assist your child in his/her adjustment each day. Our caring staff will take it from there. Usually the child settles down shortly after the parent leaves. Feel free to call the director to verify your child's adjustment. Chances are that your child will be busy playing. You can relax and concentrate on your planned day. If you are enthusiastic about your child's school, chances are your child soon will be, too.
• The staff at the center would like to know of any problems you are having with your child at home so appropriate and consistent help may be offered to you and your child to assist you in adjusting to the changes that are occurring in your lives.

 

Mealtime

• Family style dining is an integral part of our program. We will sing or say a prayer before each meal.
• We provide nutritious morning and afternoon snacks plus lunch. The menu is posted on the parent bulletin board and in each classroom for your information at all times.
• All meals and snacks reflect our policy of providing good nutrition for the children.
• If your child arrives early, you may want to bring breakfast with them.

 

Birthdays

• Birthdays are special days in a child's life. We like to celebrate the children’s birthdays.
• If you would like to provide a special snack for your child's special day, please let us know so we can accommodate this time. Cupcakes or cakes are appropriate for this occasion.
• Please do not send anything with peanuts or peanut products as we have some children with allergies to them.

 

Quiet/Rest Time

• Sleeping is not mandatory, however, all children will be asked to rest for a short time.
• They will then be excused to participate in quiet activities.
• Each child that stays for rest time should bring a small blanket with his/her name on it to the center on the first day of each week.
• Please take your child’s blanket home for laundering on your child's last day of attendance for each week. If it is soiled at nap time, it will be sent home that day for laundering.

 

 

 

Clothing and other Belongings

• Comfortable dress is an important part of your child's learning process. Daily activities will include active and sometimes messy play. We want children to enjoy themselves without worrying about their clothing.
• Children are encouraged to wear play clothes and tennis shoes with socks.
• Strapless shoes and sandals are prohibited for the protection of your child.
• Please provide your child with an extra set of weather appropriate clothing to be kept in the child's cubby in case of accidents. Accidents can include soiling or spills at snack time.
• Your child's name should be written on all clothing, outerwear and belongings. This will help ensure the return of all your child's possessions and clothing.
• Sharing days are held regularly. Please have your child's item brought in a paper bag. The purpose of Share days is to promote interaction and discussion. A favorite book, toy, photo, or event are good suggestions. Our center is a safe place. We do not allow play guns, lasers, or superhero figurines for this reason. The center will make every effort to safeguard personal belongings brought by your child. We will not be responsible for lost or broken items.

 

 

Days and Hours of Operation/Holiday Schedule

• The center is open weekdays 6:30am to 6pm throughout the year.
• Our morning preschool program runs from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

 

• We close the entire week after Christmas and one week at the end of August for staff in-service training. We will also close for the celebration of the following holidays: New Years Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, and Thanksgiving Day. In honor of Good Friday the Center will close at 1pm.

If your regular scheduled days fall on any given holiday, you will not be credited. Tuition has been calculated to reflect the days COTF Preschool and Child Care Center is open.

 

Drop off and Pick up of Children

• Please park correctly in the parking area as a courtesy to other parents dropping off or picking up their children. Our main entrance will be the double doors next to the office. Do not park in the Fire Lane.
• Do not leave your car engine running or any child unattended in vehicle while you are in the center.

 

• Children must be signed* in and out by a parent or authorized parent representative every day they attend.
• The sign in and sign out sheets are located on the table outside the Child Care office.
• A full signature is required.
• Children will only be released to those authorized persons designated on the child's emergency card.
• If a person other than one designated on the card needs to pick up your child, written authorization is necessary. Picture ID will be required to be shown to the Lead Teacher or the Program Director before child is released.

 

• When entering or leaving the center, please hold your child by the hand until safely in a teacher’s care or safely in your vehicle.
• Siblings, other children accompanying adults, or the child being picked up are not allowed on the playground without adult supervision.

 

*Sign in/Sign out Procedures

The Department of Social Services, our licensing agency, requires that you sign your children in and out with a full, readable signature. We can be fined if this policy is not followed. Please be sure that you are using a complete, readable signature when you are signing your children in and out each day.

 

Late Pickup Fee

A late pickup fee will be charged for children who are picked up after 6:00 PM. The fee is $2.00 per minute. This fee will be added to your monthly bill.

 

 

Health and Safety Information

• Each child is required by state regulations to have on file a health statement, which includes a record of up-to-date immunizations signed by his/her health care provider, and a signed consent for medical treatment in an emergency.
• The school will give appropriate first aid to an injured child. You will receive a written report of injuries. “Band-Aid Bulletins” will be filled out for all injuries. A duplicate of the form will be kept in the child’s file.
• Your child’s health status will be checked daily. Children with symptoms such as a rash, a temperature of 100 F, or more, diarrhea, or other infections should not be brought to the center. If at any time our staff determines that your child is ill, the parent or another authorized person will be called. You will be expected to pick up your child as soon as possible.
• Children will be administered medication only if the child’s healthcare provider provides a written request and a Medication Form is completed by a parent or guardian. The prescription medication must be in its original container and needs to have an expiration date. The center shall have no responsibility of any kind for failure to provide requested medication. The label must also state the dosage and interval(s). The staff shall not be held liable for adverse reactions which are caused by the administration of medication at the parent’s request.
• As required by law, the Program Director or any other staff members shall report to Children’s Protective Services any suspicion of child abuse. These can include sexual, emotional or physical abuse, neglect or any form of endangerment of which the staff may become aware.
• Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on the center premises.
• A Center disaster plan is posted at the entry door and in each class room. Fire and Earthquake drills will be held regularly.

 

 

Conferences, Assessments, and Visits

• Your preschool child will be assessed once a year to document their development and progress. This process will be critical for the pre-kindergarten children to determine the child's readiness for success in Kindergarten.
• Parent/Teacher conferences may be scheduled to update you on your child’s progress.
• Parents may request a conference with the Program Director and/or teacher at any time.
• Parents are welcome to visit the Center at any time. If the teachers are not free to speak with you, please understand that the children come first during class time. The teachers will be happy to speak with you when the schedule allows. If a situation is critical, the Director will take the teacher's class so your needs will be met.

 

Discipline

• The word Discipline comes from the Latin word for teaching or guidance. When we think of discipline, we simply think of it as another means of teaching. In order to have a harmonious setting, it is necessary that we learn how to treat others as well as how to be treated by others. The staff will model behavior that is expected from children.
• It is not OK to hurt ourselves, others, or damage property. Acceptable behavior is encouraged by giving positive verbal praise and direction. This reinforces a child's good feeling about his/her behavior. It serves as a model for other children. Asking a child to stop and think about unpleasant behavior enables that child to work at self control.
• For a child not cooperating in a group situation, the child may be seated next to the teacher and reminded of acceptable behavior.
• Removal from the group is the next step used for a child who continually demonstrates unacceptable behavior. This is a time for the child to calm down, remember the behavior the teacher is asking for, and decide for himself/herself if they are ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior.
• A note may be sent home regarding inappropriate behaviors to alert parents of any ongoing behavior problems.
• If behavior problems persist, the parent will be asked to a conference to decide a plan of action the parents and staff can do together to motivate the child to behave in an appropriate manner.
• When a child's behavior is considered to put other children or staff member's health and safety at risks, or we cannot provide the assistance a child may need within our program, the child may be dismissed from the school.

 

Administration

• The Preschool and Child Care Center Board of Directors govern the Preschool and Child Care Center. The Board consists of the Program Director and Assistant Director, the Financial Officer, a Church of the Foothills Governing Board representative, a Church of the Foothills Elder Board representative, and one or more Church of the Foothills members at large. The Board meets regularly and functions as an advisory board, concerned with overseeing the operation of the Center.
• Staff, parents and the church community are invited to share any concerns about personnel, programs or operations of the center, first with the Program Director and then with the COTF Child Care Board.

Staff

• Our staff meets or exceeds all qualifications required by the State of California.
• They all have a love for children.
• All staff members participate in a continuous program of in-service education and studies for professional growth in order to remain alert to the ever changing needs of today's families.

 

Children Learn What They Live
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.