GENERAL PROGRAM POLICIES

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Upon arrival, all children shall be accompanied by an adult from the car into the school and, upon departure, from the school to the car. Children must be supervised by a parent at all times this includes while in the building. Children are never to be left unattended in the hallways or in classrooms. Our teachers and staff teach our students to walk in the hallways. We request that parents please reinforce this as well.

Please never leave children unattended in your car or in the parking lot area!

Children will be released only to persons authorized by parents (they will be asked to provide picture I.D.).  If you must send someone to pick up your child that is not on your approved list, we must be notified in writing, signed by an authorized parent, or your child will not be released to that person.   

ARRIVAL TIME
Regular hours begin at 7:00 am. If you need to drop off your child prior to 7:00 am, you must contract for our extended program which begins at 6:45 am for an additional fee. If you are not registered for extended care, you may not enter the building until 7:00 am.  Though we have no strict policy regarding drop-off time, it helps if children can be dropped off by 9:00 am, when possible, to limit interruption to our daily programs.  Once circle time has begun, parents must wait until it is over before entering the classroom. Interruptions during circle time make it very difficult for both the children and teachers to remain focused. Please see your child’s classroom schedule for circle time hours. Transition time during drop-off and pick-up time can be difficult.  Please maintain a short routine with your child during those times to ensure an easier time for all involved.

ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVALS
Please call our office by 8:00 am if it is necessary for you to arrive late in the morning or, if your child will not be attending school on that day.  If you will be taking the day off or will be at a different location for the day, please let the front office know how you can be reached in case of emergency.  Please also notify the front office if your child will be on vacation. 

*Please make sure to update your child’s records with the office anytime information may change (work location, phone numbers, emergency contacts etc.)
 
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Discipline will be provided through a combination of positive reinforcement and redirection.  It will be expected that we work together to alter negative behavior.  Emphasis will be placed on recognizing positive behavior.

NAPS AND QUIET TIME
Parents of children in the Infant Room are asked to bring in 2 crib sheets and a blanket, all labeled.  Parents are responsible for making up their child’s crib at the beginning of each week, and for taking the bedding home at the end of their scheduled week.  Parents of children in other classrooms (Woddler thru PreK-3) are asked to purchase our bedroll “Kid-napper” set.  It consists of a cushioned mat, with a blanket and pillow attached.  Again, parents are responsible for taking home their child’s bedding at the end of their scheduled week for laundering.  Our naps and quiet time will be held in the early afternoon.  Infant nap times will be scheduled according to the child’s needs and their individual schedules.

PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION
We hold regularly scheduled conferences twice a year.  We inform parents on a monthly basis through our “Blue Kangaroo Newsletter” about upcoming events.  Daily experience sheets are filled out daily for all children in the Infant- PreK-3 rooms.  Pertinent information is also posted in all classrooms, as well as, on our Parent Communication Board, which is located in the front lobby.  All children have a mailbox located inside their classrooms. Please check your child’s folder daily for important information and artwork.

DIAPERS AND POTTY TRAINING
If your child wears diapers, please send in a supply of disposable diapers, baby wipes and whatever diaper cream or powder you prefer.  We can not use cloth diapers for sanitary reasons.  Please make sure to check your child‘s cubbies weekly to replenish their supplies. (Be sure to label ALL packages.)We will assist you in potty training your child, if you request it, and continue on with it at home.  During this time, we will need a number of extra clothes and shoes  included in their daily bags.

CLOTHING
Please provide one complete seasonally appropriate change of clothes for each child who may get soiled and uncomfortable.  This includes socks.  Be sure to label everything.  For younger children, we recommend that you send two bibs daily and several changes of clothing.  During the hot summer months, please send in suntan lotion (PABA free) and hats.  For safety purposes, we do not allow children to wear open toed shoes or sandals.  Any child wearing this type of shoe will be sent home to change. 

TOYS
Toys are furnished for all of the children.  For safety reasons, we generally do not allow children to bring toys from home. Toys are only allowed on show & tell days. Days will be announced in your child’s classroom. However, the children may bring a special teddy bear or blanket to sleep with.

SHOTS AND VACCINATIONS
If at all possible, when it is time for your child to get their shots or vaccinations, we would appreciate it if you would schedule them on Friday afternoons.  Frequently children react to these visits and don’t feel well afterwards.  During these times they may need Mom or Dad to comfort them.  When your child does receive immunizations, please submit a copy of the updated immunization record (signed by the doctor) to the front office. *When are immunizations are audited by the state any children that do not have up to date information on our records will be excluded from school until they meet all state requirements.

SICK DAYS/VACATION
Tuition is considered an annual tuition as in most pre-school and child care centers.  If your child is sick or does not attend for another reason, full tuition payment is still required on the normally scheduled payment day, the 1st of every month.  This includes vacation time and days when we may have to close for serious weather.  (Please note: we make every reasonable effort to remain open). If your child has a part time schedule and they do not attend school on one of their regular scheduled days, we will allow you to switch that day for another day only within the week based on space and availability. This must be scheduled with the front office. If space is not available you are still obligated for full payment. We do not allow switches for our scheduled school  holiday closings, emergency closings or inclement closings.

CLOSING FOR SEVERE WEATHER
Every effort will be made to remain open on all regularly scheduled days. However, if we are forced to be closed due to dangerous weather conditions, or other unforeseen acts of God, there will be a recorded message by 6:00 am on the regular school telephone number informing callers of the details. Please call 908-647-2600.

 

SUMMARY

We will give your child loving and instructive care and provide surroundings conducive to his or her physical, social and emotional needs. We all want the best tender loving care for your child, so it is important that we keep the lines of communication open.