LEARN & PLAY PRESCHOOL AND CHILD CARE CENTER

PARENT HANDBOOK

(Revised June 2005)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  (click on selected item)

 

Welcome/Mission Statement                                       Evacuation Plan  

Philosophy                                                                 Fire Emergencies Plan    

Learn & Play Board                                                   Medical Emergencies

Staff                                                                                             Weather Related Emergencies

Consultants                                                                               

Class Sizes                                                                               

Open Door Policy                                                                      

Parent Obligations                                                                      

Registration Fee                                                                         

Deposits                                                                                   

Tuition                                                                                     

Late Tuition Payment Fees                                                          

Returned Check Fees                                                                  

Sibling Discounts                                                                        
United Methodist Church Member Discounts                                

Scholarships                                                                              

Fundraisers                                                                                

Transportation                                                                            
Routines for Dropping off/Picking up Children                                

Late Pick-up fees                                                                         

Inclement Weather Policy                                                              

Health Policies                                                                           

Communication                                                                           

Family Orientation                                                                       

Parent Bulletin Board                                                                   

Monthly Newsletters                                                                    

Lesson Plans                                                                              

Incident/Accident Reports                                                             

Parent/Teacher Conferences                                                          

Parent Meeting                                                                             Adjusting                                                                                 

Dismissing a Child from our Program                                         

Discipline Policy                                                                                                                           

Child Abuse/Neglect Policy                                                                                                      

Personal Belongings                                                                                                                     

Dressing for School                                                                                                                      

Medication                                                                                                                                       

Toys                                                                                                                                                    

Meals/Snacks                                                                                                                                   

Vacations                                                                                                                                           

Holidays                                                                                               

Birthdays                                                                                                                                           

Celebrations                                                                                                                                     

Withdrawal                                                                                         

 

  

Welcome! The Learn & Play Board of Directors, Director, and teaching staff want to thank you for choosing us to join you in nurturing your child's early development. We look forward to supporting you and providing your child with a warm and memorable preschool experience.

Mission Statement: Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center is an outreach of The United Methodist Church of Branford. Our goal is to provide a quality education and a nurturing atmosphere.

 

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Philosophy: Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center is a not for profit preschool licensed by the State of Connecticut. Our staff provides an environment that supports the child's sense of security, confidence, independence and genuine love of learning. Our team of early childhood educators strives to be developmentally appropriate by providing children with a balanced curriculum incorporating both teacher-directed and child-directed learning experiences. Our small class sizes allow for individualized successes during whole class, teacher-directed instruction. Child-directed activity centers, enriched with hands-on materials, engage each child's natural curiosity and encourage him or her to explore his world at his pace. All experiences are designed to foster the child's social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth. We welcome a diversity of children into our school so they can experience God's love, grow in it and carry it into the world.

 

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Learn & Play Board:  Learn & Play Board over-sees and governs Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center.  It is made up of the United Methodist Church members, the Pastor, the Director of L & P and a teacher representative.  Cecilia Jones is the Chairman of this committee.  If there are any questions you wish to ask, her home telephone number is 203-453-1145.

 

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Staff: Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center hires educated, experienced and nurturing individuals to care for the children at our school. Staff members include the Director, Teachers, Assistant Teachers and Lunch Aides. In accordance with State regulations, staff members continue their education by taking college courses or attending a variety of workshops.

 

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Consultants: The Learn & Play Board of Directors consists of the Chairperson, the Pastor, representatives of the United Methodist Church, and the Learn & Play Director. An education consultant, pediatric consultant, dental consultant and social services consultant is contracted annually by Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center. Please consult our Licensing Board, located in our foyer, for a current listing of each consultant.

 

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Class sizes: Our rooms are designed for groups of twelve children. State Licensing requires that a 10:1 ratio be maintained at all times for children above age 3. Children under the age of 3 have a 4:1 ratio maintained at all times.

The goal of Learn & Play Preschool is to have classes conducted by one teacher and one assistant teacher as necessary.

 

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Open Door Policy: Although we keep our doors locked for security, parents/guardians may visit at any time. You are welcome to observe a session, assist in classroom projects or attend a variety of special events announced throughout the year. Please ring the doorbell if you have not scheduled a visit.

 

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Parent Obligations: The parent or guardian, prior to the child's starting date at Learn and Play must provide completed:

·                 a completed Enrollment Form.

·        a completed Emergency Medical Permission Card.

·                 a current Physical Examination Form, signed and dated by the child's physician. This form must be updated as necessary so that it is current, within one year of each exam.

·                 a signed Handbook Acknowledgement Statement, agreeing to comply with all policies and procedures as outlined in this handbook.

·        a signed Parent Financial Agreement Form, outlining each financial agreement with Learn & Play.

·        A completed Emergency Medical Permission Card

 

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Registration Fee: Each year parents are asked to register their child for the upcoming school year. A registration fee will be collected annually. This is necessary to enroll your child.

 

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Deposit: A deposit is the second fee necessary to enroll your child. Your deposit is due at the time of registration. For the preschooler that only attends the Nursery School, the deposit equals to one month's tuition. Your deposit is applied to the last month of school and therefore pays your May tuition. For year round Child Care students, your deposit amounts to your one week fee. This deposit will be applied to your child's last week with Learn &Play.

 

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Tuition: Our Nursery school year tuition is divided into nine equal payments. A monthly tuition rate will be defined for you on your Parent Financial Agreement Form based on your selected schedule. Your deposit pays for your May tuition. All other tuition payments are due on the first day of each month, starting in September, for a total of nine equal payments. If tuition is not paid, and other pre-arranged plans are not made with the Director, the child may not attend school until tuition is paid in full. For the children attending year round, payment is required on a weekly basis. Full Payment is required each week, even if your child is absent.

 

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Late Tuition Payment Fees: Late Payment Fees, as designated on your Parent Financial Agreement Form, will be applied to your account when tuition is not paid by the tenth of the month for Nursery School. Payment for Child Care needs to be made promptly by Tuesday or you will be subject to a late charge of $1.00 per day beginning with Wednesday of that week.

 

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Returned Check Fees: Returned Check Fee, as established on your Parent Financial Agreement Form, of $25.00 will be charged to your account for checks marked "insufficient funds."

 

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Sibling Discounts: There are discounts for families with two or more siblings attending Learn and Play Preschool Child Care Center during the same school year. Our Sibling Discount is 10%.  This is applied to the lowest priced child’s tuition.

 

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United Methodist Church Member Discount: Families who are active UMC members in the tradition of prayers, presence, gifts, and service can write a letter to the Board of Directors each year, requesting a UMC Discount. Once the request is approved at a Board Meeting, the letter will be kept in your child's file and your discount will be put into effect. Our UMC member discount is 15% off the annual tuition subject to annual review. No other discount applies.

 

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Scholarships: Learn & Play Preschool is an outreach of the United Methodist Church. Families choosing Learn & Play Preschool may request financial assistance from the Board Of Directors. To do so, please request a Scholarship Application from the Director. Once the request is approved at a Board Meeting, the letter will be kept in your child's file and your discount will be put into effect. No other discount applies.

 

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Fundraisers: We do conduct fundraisers during the school year. Family participation is expected. Teachers use the additional income to purchase special items for their classrooms or to schedule special guests at our school We greatly appreciate your efforts.

 

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Transportation: Parents/guardians have the responsibility to transport their child to and from school. To ensure the utmost safety, please secure your child into car safety seat and hold your child's hand in the parking lot. An adult must escort the child into the building and out of the building.

 

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Routines for Dropping Off and Picking Up Children: For Nursery School preschoolers scheduled for AM/PM sessions, our doors will open five minutes before the session begins. An adult should sign the child into Learn & Play Preschool on the Attendance Sheet located at the head of the stairs. All children should be in attendance within a ten-minute time frame. Five minutes after the start of the session, the doors will be locked for our safety. Please avoid tardiness so that classroom routines can be established and maintained and the staff can accomplish the business of the day. The doors will open five minutes before the end of each session.

For children using extended hours, please ring the bell and someone will open the door for you.

Adults should sign the child out on the Attendance Sheet. You must inform the staff in writing if you give permission for your child to be picked by someone else. This includes the adults listed on the Emergency pick up list. This person must present a photo ID in order for the child to be released to their custody. If no written note is provided, the Director will call you to confirm your plans.

 

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Late Pick Up Fee: Please be prompt when picking up your child. It undermines your child's sense of security when children are picked up late. The Late Pick-Up Fee, designated on your Parent Financial Agreement Form, will be enforced.

Our Child Care hours of operation are 7:00 to 5:45. We allow you to have a "grace period" between 5:45 and 6:00. After 6:00 PM, the fee is $10.00 per 15 minutes period(s) thereafter. For Preschool, a $10.00 late fee will be charged if you pick up your child 15 minutes late and thereafter. Please call us if you will be late.

 

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Inclement Weather Policy: For the Preschool Nursery Sessions, we follow the decision of the Branford school system to close, be dismissed early, or to delay. Look for Learn & Play Preschool, listed on News Channel 8 - WTNH television. Preschools are usually listed after public schools and before businesses. Specific Learn & Play Preschool information will be printed on the television screen for you.

For the Child Care Center portion of Learn & Play, an effort will be made to stay open. In case of severely inclement weather, the decision will be made by the Director. Call Learn & Play at 203-488-4028.

For Nursery School, after 3 days of inclement weather closings we do schedule make up days. Tuition remains the same.

 

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Health Policies: Our primary consideration is for the well being of all the children and
staff. Children with the following symptoms will be kept home;
Vomiting                                                                      Diarrhea

Strep/sore throat                                                         Ear pain

Lice                                                                              Rashes or any other type of skin eruption

Congested cough                                                       Apparent yellow or green discharge from eyes or nose

Conjunctivitis                                                               Chills

Elevated temperature (100-F)                                   Very pale or flushed

Listlessness                                                                   Fatigue
In need of constant one-on-one attention

If the symptoms develop while your child is in attendance, you will be contacted to pick up your child. Our consulting physician will be called for advice or emergencies in the event that a parent or child's physician is temporarily unavailable.

The child may return after being symptom free for 24 hours and fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

There are no make-up days for missed sessions due to illness and tuition remains the same for Nursery School children.

For Child Care children, make up time will be given IF space is available. Make up days must be used (space permitting) within three months of initial absence. Your fee stays the same.

 

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Communication: Parent/school communication is very important to us. Our partnership supports your child's growth and development. Please provide the teacher with pertinent information about home situations and the teacher will provide you with information about your child's activities during preschool. The Director can support you by discussing and working through any concern you may have or any situation that may develop during the year. Confidential matters will be handled as such.

 

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Family Orientation: Parents and children attending Nursery School will be invited to attend an Orientation Day before school sessions begin. Letters notifying parents of dates and times will be mailed home. Families will spend time with the classroom staff and have a chance to preview and explore the classroom. Children attending full-time Child Care can schedule a visit anytime. The Director will plan additional visits in an effort to ease everyone into a comfortable transition from home to school.

 

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Parent Bulletin Board: Check the Parent Board, located in the foyer, on a regular basis. Copies of the Learn & Play school year calendar, tuition rates, newsletters, office memos, a variety of public announcements and photographs from school events will be displayed in our foyer for your convenience.

 

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Monthly Newsletters:   A newsletter containing the concepts we will cover each month, announcements of special events and a classroom news section will be distributed at the end of each month for the following month. Please read it and find a special place at home to post it so that your family will know what is going on at school.

 

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Lesson Plans: The teachers will post their lesson plans on their classroom doors. Review the plans to see how monthly concepts are being introduced to your child's class and to gain insight into the day-to-day plans the teacher has for your child.

 

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Incident/Accident Reports: Teachers will document incidents (ie: hitting a peer) or accidents (ie: a scraped knee) relating to your child while at school. These reports will be shared with you at the end of the session. Parents are contacted immediately if a situation requiring parental/medical attention is necessary.

 

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Parent/Teacher Conferences: We hold Parent/Teacher Conferences in January and May. This provides an opportunity for parents to meet with their child's teacher and discuss the child's progress and development at that time. If desired, arrangements may be made with the teacher for a conference at any time during the school year.

 

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Parent Meeting: The Learn & Play Board of Directors will conduct a Parent Meeting each year. Parents are encouraged to use this forum to voice their thoughts about their experiences at Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center. Your opinions are valuable to Learn & Play. They will help us plan for a bright future of community service and continued education of young children.

 

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Adjusting:   Your positive, happy outlook regarding preschool will encourage the same attitude in your child. A more relaxed parent makes a more relaxed child. During the first weeks of school your child may

•    be shy and cling to you.

•    not say much about the school day.

•     tire easily and cry more than usual.

•     be aggressive and have difficulty sharing.

•     resist using the school bathroom and/or have "accidents."

These behaviors are in response to the stress of a new situation and should slowly disappear as your child becomes familiar with the staff, classroom routines, and other children in the group.

Families can be understanding and emotionally supportive by

•    having a positive, cheerful attitude when bringing their child to school.

•    ensuring consistent bedtime rituals and a good night's sleep each and every night.

•    allowing lots of time for personal routine, a nourishing breakfast and a pleasant ride to school.

•    asking specific questions regarding preschool such as, "How did you create this artwork?" "What was your favorite part of morning circle?" or "Who did you play with on the playground today?"

•   allowing children time to adjust to the new routines of school.

Visit your local library or book store for addition information. There are many wonderful books that can help ease apprehension and encourage healthy conversations about school.

 

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Dismissing a child from the program: We plan for success for each child in our preschool and child care program. We will work together as a team to support a positive learning experience for everyone. In the event that it becomes necessary, Learn and Play Preschool Child Care Center reserves the right to dismiss a child from the program. Some of the reasons this action may be initiated include:

•   Financial obligations are not met

•   Parents are not in compliance with Learn and Play Preschool Child Care Center policies

•   A child has been in attendance but has not made progress towards a happy and secure adjustment away from home

•   A child becomes extremely disruptive or poses serious danger to himself or others

In the event that Learn & Pky Preschool Child Care Center dismisses a child from the program and there is prepaid tuition, you will be reimbursed for the unused amount of prepaid tuition within ten business days of the withdrawal date.

 

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Discipline Policy: Teachers plan balances of quiet and active times as well as individual and group involvement during each session. We consider what is appropriate for each developmental stage and believe proper planning reduces the need for disciplinary action. Discipline is necessary for all of us to live in the world together. The ultimate discipline conies from within and does not depend on external reward or punishment. An important part of teaching involves helping children develop self discipline. At Learn and Play Preschool Child Care Center we empower children with responsibility for their own behavior by;

•   Using a gentle, objective speaking voice and being attentive with our presence.

•    Using positive verbal comments such as, "I like the way you shared the blocks with your friends." In this way the child's good feeling about his own behavior is reinforced and he serves as a role model for other children.

•    Being consistent and setting limits because helping children know what is expected of them leads to their success.

•    Setting clear limits while stating the expected behavior in positive terms. For example "You need to walk indoors." rather than, "Don't run!" Sometimes the combination of acceptable behavior and specifying the unacceptable behavior is used. For instance, "Blocks are for building, not throwing."

•   Redirecting the child's attention when behavior is becoming inappropriate. On this occasion, we help the child to see choices and options available to them. We allow the child to make a choice for self-redirection. This teaches children to

problem solve appropriately and to eventually follow rules and make appropriate choices throughout the day.

•   Giving the child an appropriate task to complete. Occasionally the child may make inappropriate choices that require the teacher to make a choice at that instant for him. The teacher redirects the child from one specific area to another. The teacher then communicates with the child as he makes attempts towards appropriate behavior; for instance, "You're molding your piece of clay and sharing ideas with your neighbor."

•    Removing the child from an activity if he has caused harm to another child. We want to help children understand there are consequences for their actions. We will provide some time and space for him to refocus. The affected child will be attended to. Then, teacher and child together will discuss the incident before the child returns to the activity. Incident and Accident Reports will be given to parents at the end of the session.

•    Never, under any circumstances, using abusive, neglectful, corporal, humiliating, or frightening punishment, or any kind of physical restraint, unless such restraint is necessary to protect the health and safety of the child or other people.

 

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Child Abuse / Neglect: Background checks are conducted on employees working directly with the children. Should an employee be suspected of child abuse/neglect after they are hired, the employee will be immediately removed from the school and for the duration of the investigation period. Parents will be notified in writing if such an instance occurs. The outcome of the investigation will also be communicated to parents in writing.

As educators in the State of Connecticut, we are mandated to report all suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect. If a staff member suspects a child at our center is being abused or neglected, a report must be made to the proper authorities.

 

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Personal Belongings: Please label all of your child's belongings, including lunchboxes, backpacks, toys and clothing. This avoids confusion and the loss of items.

 

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Dressing for School: Comfortable clothing is important for learning and playing. Proper footwear is vital for outside play. Closed toe shoes with rubber soles are recommended for staying safe. Sneakers are a GREAT choice. If you choose not wear sneakers for inside play, please bring them along so you can change into them. Please dress your children in appropriate clothing for the seasons. We try to go outside daily even for a short while.

Please provide a set of labeled clothes in a plastic bag to be kept at Learn & Play.

Under the recommendation of the State of Connecticut Department of Health, our policy states that all soiled clothing is to be sealed in a zip lock and returned home AS IS. Learn & Play is required to wear gloves when cleaning up any bodily fluids (i.e. urine, feces, vomit, mucus, blood, etc.) Learn & Play staff is not required to rinse out or wash soiled clothing. This is to protect children and adults from transmitting bacteria and viruses.

 

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Medication: No medication of any kind including non-prescription drugs will be administered to any child without a completed authorization form—signed and dated by

your child's doctor and yourself. These authorization forms are available from us. Medication must be supplied in the original container with the original container prescription label bearing the child's name. This container will remain at Learn & Play for the length of the prescription—it cannot go back and forth from home. Parent will provide any special tools or equipment (ei. Measuring spoon, nebulizer etc).

Application of non-prescription topical medications/preparations such as insect repellents, sunscreens and diaper rash ointments do not require a physician's authorization. A written parental consent is necessary.

Apply any topical such as sunscreen and/or insect repellent at home BEFORE coming to Learn & Play. If your child is sensitive to the sun or insect bites, it is your responsibility to notify us and provide appropriate sunscreens, protective clothing and/or insect repellent. We will re-apply on an as needed basis.

There is a certified staff member available to dispense the medications.

***Advise us if your child has any allergies to insect bites***

 

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Toys: We provide developmentally appropriate toys for the purpose of enhancing your child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth and development. Toys, "security items" such as stuffed animals, dolls, blankets, or special photo may be brought to school in limited quantities. These things need to be labeled. Bringing items from home makes children more comfortable and proud of what they brought. This also provides a chance to share and talk about their things.

Show and Tell is a monthly activity that permits and involves a selection from home. Classroom teachers will offer you direction each month. Items of a super human or violent nature are never allowed at school. We do not allow pretend shooting, threatening physical actions toward children, or harmful physical contact between children at Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center.

 

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Meals/Snacks: Preschoolers will have their breakfast at home. Infants, One's and Two's can have breakfast at Learn & Play. Their nutritional needs vary as well as their eating schedule.

Parents will provide all the food for their child(ren). An icepack is necessary to keep food fresh.

Before we eat our meals, we say Grace.

We try to have the children eat the most nutritious portions of the meals first. Encouraging good table manners and clean up his/her spot after meals allows children to learn and take responsibilities.

****Please notify us about any Food ALLERGIES your child might have.*****

 

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Vacations: Year round Full Time children (those who attend 40 hours per week or more, 52 weeks per year) are permitted 2 (two) weeks of vacation at no charge after attending Learn & Play for 52 weeks. There is no vacation time given to children for attending Learn & Play Nursery School (academic year).

 

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Holidays: Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center is closed Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve (early closing), New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. No fee adjustment is made for these closings.

 

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Birthdays: You may choose to bring in a treat, such as cake (cupcakes), cookies, yogurt or ice-cream cups, to celebrate your child's birthday. Please make plans in advance with your child's teacher. You may need to be made aware of allergies of the children in the classroom. Parents wishing to donate a book in honor of their child's birthday are encouraged to do so. We'll share the book on the day of your child's celebration and we'll place a name plate inside as a remembrance of this happy occasion. Thank you for your donation as we build a special Learn & Play library of our children's favorite books.

 

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Celebrations: We have small celebrations during the school year for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Your classroom teacher may request items or a helping hand or two at these times. We have two big celebrations each year. Our annual Christmas Pageant commemorates the birth of Jesus. We celebrate the end of the school year with our annual Fun Fair. Enrolled children, their younger siblings and parents attend this celebration.

 

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Withdrawal: Two weeks notice is required if your child is to be withdrawn. A parent or guardian is responsible for the two-week tuition period even if their child does not attend.

 

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Evacuation Plan:               

Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center staff will calmly and quickly escort the children outside the building, taking with them the Daily Sign In/Out Attendance Sheet and the children’s Learn & Play’s Child Emergency/Medical Permission Cards.  The Director (or alternate staff member as designated in the “Chain of Command”) will check all classrooms and lavatories ensuring all staff and children have exited the building.  That person will then take the EVACUATION EMERGENCY SUPPLIES before exiting the building.  The supplies include water, food, diapers, emergency medical kit, flashlights, batteries and a radio.  Infants have their individually labeled food and needed supplies.  This person will also take the gate key hung by the rear exit/entrance.  Everyone will walk to the back Towner Swamp Road gate.  Everyone will proceed next door to

the:

                        United Methodist Church Parsonage

                        815 East Main Street, Branford

                        203-488-5295

 

Teachers will take attendance using the Daily Sign In/Out Attendance Sheet and the children will be counted.  Parents and/or Emergency Contact Persons will be notified using the phone numbers on Child Emergency/Medical Permission Card.

 

If the emergency is such that it is necessary to relocate to a nearby location, The Director (or alternate staff member as designated in the Learn & Play “Chain of Command”) will contact                    

                        Evergreen Woods Retirement Facility

                        88 Notch Hill Road, North Branford

                        203-488-8000 or 203-483-3231

                        Contact Persons:  Blake Rice, Director of Security

                                                       Connie Waldinger, Administrator

to use their vehicles and drivers to transport our children and staff to their facility.

 

If reasons for the evacuation also affect the parsonage, the Director (or alternate staff member as designated by the “Chain of Command”) will assess the emergency.  If all the nearby area is in the state of emergency our destination will be

                        Child Development Center of Branford

                        The First Congregational Church of Branford

                        1009 Main Street,  Branford

                        203-488-2007        

                        Contact Person:  Jane Yanac, Director

Children will need to be transported by staff and parents in their vehicles.

 

If a natural disaster or other crisis occurs that affects our community

                       Director of Emergency Management

                       And Civil Preparedness, Lt. Morgan

                       203-315-3919

will provide us with crisis instructions.

 

***In all cases, teachers will take attendance using the Daily Sign In/Out Attendance Sheet and the children will be counted.  Parents and/or Emergency Contact Persons will be notified using the phone numbers on Child Emergency/Medical Permission Cards.

 

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Fire Emergencies

In the event of a fire, the Learn & Play Preschool Child Care staff will calmly and quickly escort the children outside the building, taking with them the daily Sign In/Out Attendance Sheet and the children's current Learn & Play Preschool Child Emergency/Medical Permission Cards. The Director (or staff member as designated in the Learn & Play Preschool "Chain of Command") will check all classrooms and lavatories ensuring all staff and children have exited the building before also exiting. This person will take the gate key, hung by the backdoor evacuation exit. Everyone will walk across the lawn to the backyard fencing and proceed through the Towner Swamp Road gate to the

United Methodist Church Parsonage

815 East Main Street,  Branford

203-488-5295

The Director and/or teachers will take attendance using the daily Sign In/Out Attendance Sheet and the children will be counted. Parents or emergency contact persons will be notified using the phone numbers on Child Emergency/Medical Permission Cards.

Fire Safety drills will be conducted monthly, using the alarm, to familiarize the children and staff with fire emergency procedures. The Director will maintain a log, recording fire drill dates, times and comments.

 

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Medical Emergencies:

There will be at least one staff member certified in first aid and C.P.R. on the premises at all times. If the first aid or C.P.R. certified staff person decides an injury needs to be assessed by a professional, such as a cut that may require stitches, the parent will be notified immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, an emergency contact, as designated on the current Learn & Play Emergency Medical Permission Card, will be called. The first aid or C.P.R. trained staff person will complete an Incident/Accident Report. The report will be shared with the parent or emergency contact upon arrival. That person will be asked to sign the report. The original will become part of the child's Learn & Play file. The parent or emergency contact person may take a copy with them. The parent or emergency contact person will provide transportation to a doctor's office, emergency care center or hospital.

In the absence of a parent or emergency contact person, the child's physician, as designated on the current Learn & Play Child Emergency/Medical Permission Card, our consulting physician (Dr. Gary Wanerka 481-7008), or 911 emergency response may be contacted for assistance. Licensed or certified medical/fire/police personnel may give emergency medical treatment to the child and may provide transportation to the hospital designated by the parent on the Child Emergency/Medical Card or to Yale-New Haven Hospital. A Learn & Play employee will accompany the child in the emergency vehicle, carrying the Child Emergency/Medical Permission Card, and will stay with the child until a parent arrives. The Director (or alternate staff member as designated in the Learn & Play "Chain of Command") will make continuous efforts from the school to contact and notify the injured child's parent.

State regulated ratios for preschoolers (1-10) will be maintained at Learn & Play Preschool Child Care Center.  A substitute will be called for coverage if necessary.

 

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Weather Related Emergencies: 

In case of inclement weather, parents can see our programs listed on Channel 8-WTNH television.  There are two separate listings.  One is Learn & Play Preschool and the other is Learn & Play Child Care Center of Branford.

 

For the Preschool Sessions, we follow the discretion of the Branford School System; to close, to dismiss early or to delay.  For the Child Care program, the Director will determine if we should close, delay or close early.  Every effort will be made to stay open.  If severe inclement weather occurs while at Learn & Play, the staff will call a parent or the emergency contact person as listed on the Learn & Play Child Emergency/Medical Permission Card.  This will ensure everyone’s safety.

 

If the weather conditions are such that immediate action is warranted, staff will escort children away from windows to the interior hallway.  The daily Sign In/Out Attendance sheet and children’s Learn & Play Child Emergency/Medical Permission Cards will be taken with  the children.  The Director (or alternate staff member as designated by the “Chain of Command”) will walk through all classrooms and lavatories to make sure no staff and no children remain in these areas.  The Director/Teachers will take attendance using the daily Sign In/Out Attendance Sheet.  The children will also be counted.

 

A portable Emergency Supply container is located by the rear exit/entrance (blue container).  It contains water, crackers, diapers, emergency medical kit, flashlights, batteries and a radio.  Infants have their individually labeled food and needed supplies.

 

If the building must be evacuated, this container has wheels and can be brought with us.   If necessary, at this time Learn & Play’s Evacuation Plan will be put into effect.  

 

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THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ YOUR LEARN AND PLAY PRESCHOOL CHILD CARE CENTER PARENT HANDBOOK.

 

 

Believe In Children

...there is faith in their eyes,

love in their touch and hope in their attitude

I thrill with them at life's joys,

run with them through tall grasses

and bow with them in worship.

They are the fragile dreams of yesterday,

life's radiant reality today

and the vibrant stuff of tomorrow.

Yes, I believe in children.

(author unknown) 

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