storage.googleapis.com€¦ · Web viewThe mission of “Just Like Home Childcare” is to provide a warm and home-like environment for children where the emphasis is on learning

Revised as of 8/21/2019

2019 -2020

Parent Handbook

3075 E Mission Blvd

Fayetteville, AR 72703

479-966-4450

www.justlikehomechildcare.info

[email protected]



Mission Statement

The mission of “Just Like Home Childcare” is to provide a warm and home-like environment for children where the emphasis is on learning through play and developmentally appropriate practices.

Bio

Kelly Price, Owner, shifted the focus of her career of years in corporate administration and customer service to Early Childhood Education when she tragically lost her 3 month old son, Caleb, due to an accident while he was in daycare in 2005. Since finding that her life's passion was in taking care of precious children, Kelly moved from Memphis, TN to Fayetteville where she has earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northwest Arkansas Community College, graduating in December 2007. Kelly received the coveted Golden Eagle Award in November 2007, awarded to NWACC's most exceptional student and the Distinguished Academic Achievement Award upon graduation in recognition of outstanding academic accomplishment in Early Childhood Education. In addition to academic pursuits, Kelly has been working in childcare since January 2006.

Confidentiality

All information regarding children and their families is confidential. Enrollment files are kept in a locked file cabinet in the front office. Children’s portfolios pertaining to curriculum, assessments, and daily activities are kept in the classrooms and are maintained by the teachers. Teaching staff may review children’s portfolios when necessary for appropriate planning.

Photo taking

Documentation of activities is part of the Just Like Home Childcare program. This allows us to document our experiences, building of friendships, and some memorable times. Parents are required to give written permission to photograph your child. Pictures taken of daily activities will be displayed around the building. This helps the children feel more at home and comfortable with their environment. Parents will receive all photos that are taken of their child after they are taken down and replaced with new ones. Permission to photograph forms are filled out by all parents, allowing or denying photos of their child to be placed in public view or on our website.


Grievance Policy

We have great concern for the care of your child/children and welcome any feedback. We encourage you to discuss any concerns relating to your child/children with your child’s classroom teacher. If an issue cannot be resolved, the Director is always available to assist in finding a resolution. It is our policy to collaborate and work with you in determining the appropriate care for your child. In the event you are not happy with the services provided, please provide a written letter of grievance to the director.

Waiting List Guidelines

If there are not immediate openings, parents can place their children on the waiting list. When an opening occurs within a classroom, parents of the child from that age group will be contacted in the order of the date they were added to the waiting list. An unborn child’s name may be placed on the waiting list once the pregnancy is confirmed. Once a child is enrolled, parents must pay childcare tuition on the date of the signed contract. If an opening is offered but the parent turns down the space, written notification stating the space was turned down will be sent to the parent.

Parent Orientation

Operational and enrollment policies will be discussed with parents during parent orientation. This process takes about 30 mins and can be done anytime before your childs first day of school. Parents will be notified in advance of any change in operational and enrollment policies.

Tuition

Full-Time Care

Infants

Weekly – $220

Monthly - $953

Toddlers

Weekly – $210

Monthly – $910

Preschool & Pre-K

Weekly - $210

Monthly - $910


Part Time Care

$55/day for all ages, based on availability.

**Prices are subject to change

Sibling Discount

Families with multiple children enrolled full time, are entitled to a sibling discount of $10/week off or $43/month off the regular tuition per child.

Payment Schedule

All tuition will be paid for in advance. If you choose to pay on a weekly basis, prepayment for that week will be due before 5:30pm each Monday. If you choose to pay on a monthly basis, payment will be due on the first of each month.

Late Tuition Fee

If paid weekly:

If tuition is not paid by the pick-up time on Monday, a $10/per day late fee is accessed every day until paid. If it is not paid within 5 business days, your child will not be able to return until payment has been made.

If paid monthly:

If tuition is not paid by the 2nd of every month, a $10/per day late fee is accessed every day until paid. If it is not paid within 5 business days, your child will not be able to return until payment has been made.

Late-pick up Fees


Just Like Home Childcare closes promptly at 5:30pm. Late fee policies are strictly enforced. I understand there may be situations that are unavoidable (i.e. traffic, accidents, or weather). That is why it is important that parents develop a backup system to ensure that their children are picked up prior to closing.

Parents of children remaining on site after 6:00pm will be charged $1/minute. Late fees will automatically be added to your next bill based on the time you check out your child and MUST be paid by Wednesdays at pick-up. Please be courteous of your teacher’s time.

There is an optional charge of $10/week or $43/month, if you need to drop your child off between 7:00am - 7:30am or pick your child up later than 5:30pm – until 6:00pm. This will be an option that you can check on your Registration Form.

Returned check Fee

If your check is returned, there will be a $50 fee accessed to your account and will need to be paid next time tuition is due. If your check is returned more than once, you will have to remain cash only.

Receipts

For tax purposes, a yearly statement will be provided to each family. Weekly or monthly receipts will be provided if requested.

Supply Fee

A yearly supply fee of $250 per child or $400 per family will be assessed once a year every April. This fee will be used for big improvements, adding play structures to the playground area, and any other things needing to be maintained in the facility. There will be an advance notice sent out advising parents of this fee.

Withdrawal from Center

Care may be terminated with a (1) month written notice. Payment for the last month will be accepted in lieu of notice. Payment by parent/guardian is due for the notice period, whether or not the child is brought to provider for care. 1 month notice should be considered the minimum; We would appreciate the sharing of your long-term plans so that we can prepare for the open space.


We will give at least a two week notice if the child is to be terminated from our care. We retain the right to terminate this contract WITHOUT NOTICE in the event of destructive, uncontrollable, or violent behavior, or in the case of delinquent fees.

Hours of Operation

Just Like Home Childcare is open from 7:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday. We are open year round, with the exception of the holidays listed below.

New Years Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day and the day after

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Teacher In-Service Days

We are closed for a total of 3 days throughout the year for continuing education training for all staff. Those days will be announced as they are set throughout the school year. There will be at least two months notice given before each day we are closed.

Daily Arrival and Departures

At Just Like Home Childcare we use a computer program called Procare, which is used to check-in/out all of our children. This program is very user friendly and you will find it will be much easier to use than the old pen and paper that you might be used to. You MUST check your child/children in BEFORE you go back to their classrooms. You must also remember to check your child/children out before leaving the building. By checking your child/children in/out properly every day, it provides a record of the child’s attendance, hours, and who brought/picked up each child each day, which is vital for record keeping.

Open Door Policy

Just Like Home Childcare has an Open-Door policy for parents. We welcome and


encourage you to visit at any time. You have unlimited access to the center during business hours for contacting your children and assessing the care provided. Please notify the front office of your visit and join your child for lunch, read a story, or enjoy a nap time tuck in. Feel free to stop in and join in with any activity you like. Our goal is to provide a positive learning experience for you and your child.

WelcomeTime Cut-Off

Please have your child checked in no later than 10 am. Your child must arrive before 8:15 to enjoy breakfast in the Infant, Toddler, and Preschool classrooms or arrive by 8:45 if your child is in the Pre-K class.

Non – Discriminatory

Every child is welcome in our center regardless of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, or physical/mental capabilities.

Standards of Conduct for Staff and Parents

We believe that it is vital to your child that a partnership between teachers, parents and office staff evolve. We must communicate effectively with each other about development, concerns and progress. We must treat each other with respect and courtesy, give encouragement and support as well as show the child that he or she is OUR priority.

Inclement Weather Policy/Emergency Closing

During the winter months, if it is decided that JLH will close or open late due to inclement weather, it will be posted on the JLHwebsite: www.justlikehomechildcare.info and then also posted on the JLH Facebook page. The JLH phone is always forwarded to the Directors cell phone; therefore, you may always call within normal business hours if you have any questions.

If JLH is open and it is decided to close early due to snow forecasts, then the lead teachers will be responsible for calling parents and all children will need to be picked up within (1) hour of the time called.


Pick-up Authorization

Besides the parents, only the people listed as an authorized pick-up person will be allowed to pick up your child. These people will need to come in to the office to get set up as authorized pick-up people.

If you need to add a family member or person as an authorized pickup person, please let the office know and we will make sure it is up dated. If a person comes to pick-up your child and they are NOT on the authorized pick-up list, then a parent must call or be called to confirm identity and authority to pick-up your child.

What if my child is sick?

Parents are requested to notify your child’s teacher of any diagnoses of communicable or contagious diseases to which the child or immediate family members have been exposed. Parents will be notified of any communicable diseases that are reported to our center as well.

Children cannot be admitted if one or more of the following symptoms exist: (per the DHS licensing handbook)

a. Sudden change in behavior, such as:-lethargy or lack of responsiveness-unexplained irritability or persistent crying-difficult breathing-a quickly-spreading rash

b. Fever over 100 degrees/oral, 102/rectal, 100/axillary (or equivalent method) in a child who also has pain, behavior changes, or other symptoms of illness

-an infant younger than two months with any increased temperature should get urgent medical attention, within an hour

-an infant younger than six months with any increased temperature should be medically evaluated

c. Diarrhea, defined as watery/runny stools, if frequency exceeds two or more stools above normal for that child, and is not related to a change in diet or medication. Exclusion from child care is required if diarrhea cannot be


contained in the diaper or if diarrhea is causing soiled clothing in toilet-trained children.

d. Blood or mucus in stools (unless caused by hard stools)

e. Vomiting illness (2 or more episodes of vomiting in the previous 24 hours)

f. Abdominal pain which lasts more than 2 hours

g. Mouth sores with drooling

h. Rash with fever or behavior change

i. Purulent conjunctivitis or “pink eye” – with white, yellow, or green eye discharge and red (“bloodshot”) eyes, exclude only if the child has:

-fever,

-eye pain

-redness and/or swelling of the skin around the eyes, or

-if more than one child in the program has symptoms

j. Pediculosis (head lice), until after the first treatment

k. Active tuberculosis, until a health care provider or health official states that the child is on appropriate therapy and can attend child care

l. Impetigo, until treatment has been started

m. Strep throat, until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment has been started

n. Chicken pox, until all lesions have crusted (usually 6 days after the rash appears)

o. Rubella, until 6 days after onset of rash

p. Pertussis (whooping cough); until 5 days of antibiotic treatment

q. Mumps, until 5 days after onset of gland swelling

r. Measles, until 4 days after onset of rash

s. Hepatitis A, until 1 week after onset of illness or as directed by the health department

Any child who becomes ill and unable to participate in daily activities shall be separated from other children, supervised, and parents shall be called to pick up the child. Parents have one hour from the time of notification to pick up the child.


Your child may return 24 hours after a temperature has returned to normal, 24 hours after the child is no longer vomiting, or 24-48 hours (depending on the illness) after the first dose of an antibiotic. If a child receives an antibiotic for an ear infection, he may return to day care immediately if he has been free of other symptoms mentioned for at least 24 hours, or has been cleared by a physician and been given permission by that physician to return.

The child is welcome to attend when he has only a mild cold (e.g. clear runny nose or mild cough), but is able to participate in the day's activities. A greenish-yellow runny nose is a sign of infection. The child may not return until symptom-free for 24 hours UNLESS accompanied by a doctor's note specifically stating that the child is NOT contagious.

Medical Conditions

Please notify your child’s lead teacher if your child has a specific medical condition we need to be aware of. You will need to bring a statement from your child’s doctor confirming the condition and include any special instructions or emergency procedures.

Medical Emergency Procedures

All of the staff is trained in basic adult and child CPR/First Aid and Safety. For minor injuries like bumps or bruises, teachers will provide first aid as needed. If the injury is more serious (i.e. needs stitches, suspected broken bones, etc.) the parents will be notified immediately.

In case of a serious accident or sudden illness requiring medical attention, the following procedures are followed:

1) A phone call is made to 911

2) Child's parents (or emergency contacts) are called.

Please make sure that all emergency contact information is up-to-date and correct. If you have a change, please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible and she will make the necessary changes. If you list a cell phone or pager as your main contact, please make sure that it is accessible to you at all times while your child is in our care.

Accident/Incidents


All accidents and notable incidents will be documented and reported to parents upon pick-up. It is the responsibility of the teacher to inform the parents of these happenings. All accidents and/or incident will be documented throught the Daily Connect App.

Medication Administration

If your child is on medication and it needs to be administered while s/he is at daycare, the medicine must be in the original container and labeled with your child's name, doctor's name, name of medication, dosage, and when to be taken. Authorization for dispensing prescription medication forms will be available for you to sign giving permission to give the medication to your child. Medication will be administered at the time or with the meal you specify and will be written on a medicine release form that will be kept with the medicine at all times.

All medication is kept in a locked area with the medicine release form with it. Some medicines will need to be refrigerated and will be kept in a dedicated place in the kitchen refrigerator.

NOTE: Fever-reducing medication will not be administered to mask symptoms of a contagious illness. A physician’s written diagnosis of the reason for the fever and a statement that your child is not contagious to others is required before such medication will be given.

Child’s Progress

Assessment of your child’s progress in the program is ongoing. Lead Teachers will observe each child and create individual plans which will enhance developmentally appropriate activities based on your child’s strengths and areas of projected development. A collection of each child’s work and a summary of progress will be shared and discussed regularly with parents.

*Parents understand that they may ask for a conference with the caregivers as needed.

Parent/Teacher Communication

Just Like Home utilizes an app in all of our classrooms called Daily Connect. This app parents to monitor their child’s meals, naptimes, diaper changes and activities. Parents may access Daily Connect online at https://www.dailyconnect.com for free. Additionally,


parents may purchase a mobile app for a one-time fee of $4.99. Just Like Home will link your email to your child’s profile. To register, visit http://www.dailyconnect.com/register and follow the instructions. Once registered, you will be able to access the information entered by the teachers throughout the day. If you already have an account with Daily Connect, verify the email address used for Daily Connect is the same as what is on file at Just Like Home. Please remember that our primary focus is the children, therefore updates may not be as frequent in the Pre k classroom as they are in the infant classrooms.

PLEASE NOTE: Per DHS Licensing, teachers are NOT allowed to have cell phones out in the classroom. All communication during the day must be through Daily Connect or by phone via the office.

Clothing

Your child should be dressed in simple, washable clothing suitable for play. While children wear smocks during messy activities, occasionally accidents do occur. If your child is potty trained, clothing should also have easy access for toileting purposes. Tennis shoes are suggested as footwear since they are soft-soled and provide fairly safe footing. Sandals should not be worn if they do not have a back strap, as they can be dangerous while running or climbing on play structures. Please provide appropriate clothing for cold weather days as well, including hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, coats, etc. Any clothing or shoes that are torn, stained, or lost are not the responsibility of the center. If your child’s clothes need to be changed, the teacher will provide a plastic bag in which to put the soiled clothes. The labeled bag will be returned to the parents upon pick-up.

Diapering

Infants and young toddlers:

Diapers are checked and/or changed every 1-2 hours and sooner if it is soiled.

Toddlers and twos:

Diapers are changed every 2-3 hours or more frequently if needed.

You may bring a whole package of diapers to be stored in the changing table. Each diaper DOES NOT have to be labeled; however, we do ask that parents put their child’s name on the outside plastic of the package or the box.


It is the parent’s responsibility to provide diapers and any other necessities for their child on a daily basis. Your child’s teacher should be keeping you informed of items needed. If your child happens to run out of diapers in the middle of the day, we will provide the necessary amount of diapers to get your child through the remainder of the day; however, the amount of diapers used will need to be replaced the next day.

Guidance, Behavior Management & Discipline

Discipline must be individualized and consistent for each child, appropriate to the child’s level of understanding, and directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control. A teacher may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction which are outlined in the DHS handbook. Some examples would be using praise and encouragement for good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior, reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements, redirecting behavior using positive statements, and using brief, supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development, limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.

There must be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child. Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment, punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training, pinching, shaking, or biting a child, and hitting a child with a hand or instrument are prohibited.

Minor Medical Treatment

Permission to Perform - In the event of an emergency, you hereby give Just Like Home and its employees and agents, permission to perform minor medical treatments on your child while awaiting medical help, and you hereby waive and release Just Like Home and its employees, agents, owners, members, successors and assigns from any liability about any claims arising from such treatment.

Biting Policy

Biting is fairly common in young children and it evokes a strong emotion in adults, both parents and educators. Biting is often very painful and frightening for the child who is bitten. It can also be very frightening for the child who bites. Biting happens for different


reasons with different children under different circumstances. The first step in learning to control it is to look at why it may be happening. Reasons why children might bite:

Curiosity – toddlers may bite to see what their friends arm may taste like or to see the reaction.

Frustration – instead of hitting another child with whom they are fighting another child may bite them, or if things are not going their way, toddlers may get very angry and frustrated and lash out by biting.

Copying – children who see another child or adult biting may think that this is a good idea.

Seeking attention – biting is a good way of getting others to take notice, even if the attention gained is negative.

Stopping a child from biting is not easy. It is important that you are calm and consistent in your handling of it. Chewy toys and tubing may give your child a more acceptable outlet for her biting needs. They're available from occupational therapy catalogs.

The staff at Just Like Home Childcare acknowledges that biting is a common behavior among young children. We recognize that the majority of children will learn not to bite in time and are very clear, firm and calm when a child does bite and offer praise and warmth when they don’t.

If an incident of biting does occur, the parents of both children will be informed of the event. This will also be recorded on an incident/accident sheet that will be given to each parent involved, as well as kept on file.

When a child bites, we show disapproval and very firmly and calmly say “No we do not bite! It hurts and it’s not nice!” Or “we use our teeth for eating”. We use gestures and facial expressions to reinforce the message. We might decide to walk away from the child for a short period to emphasize our disapproval. If a child persists with biting, the teacher will make a plan to monitor and support the child and consult the child's parent. If biting continues, the teacher will then set up a parent/teacher conference to discuss the child's behavior and plan of actions. We may seek outside advice from other professionals, if necessary.

If biting becomes a consistent pattern of behavior the following steps will be taken:

The child’s biting will be logged by a staff member to distinguish a pattern throughout the day.

1 bite in one day, where skin is broken, will result in the child being sent home for the day.


2 bites in one day, even if no skin is broken, will result in the child being sent home for the day. If a child is sent home 2 times in one week then, the child will be suspended for one week.

If biting results in (3) incident reports within one month where skin has been broken, the child will be considered for expulsion. This is on a case by case situation.

Infant Care

Every baby is unique and young infants thrive on the warmth and caring that comes from close relationships with caregivers. Our goal is to learn each baby’s individual eating and sleeping patterns, how he/she approaches new objects and people, and how he/she prefers to be held for feeding, sleeping, or comforting. Remember, parent and teacher communication is an essential component to quality care.

Infant Feeding Guidelines

Parents will need to supply a minimum of three (3) bottles or breast milk bottles for an 8-hour period until the child is one year old. Parents have a choice of bringing in bottles that are already prepared and ready to warm or parents can chose to bring in their child's formula/breast milk to the classroom and the teacher will prepare the bottles as needed throughout the day. The child’s name must be labeled on each bottle.

Parents are responsible for providing unopened baby food on a daily basis. You may bring a one-week supply at a time. Your child’s name must be written on each container.

Children will be introduced to whole milk and table food provided by the center at 10 months of age, upon parent approval. A monthly menu will be provided to the parent. If you do not want your child to be served an item on our menu, you will be responsible for bringing in baby food and/or subsitutions.

Children older than 18 months of age will not have bottles available to them while in care. Whole milk in sippy cups and table food will be provided at meal times. Due to safety concerns, toddlers will not be allowed to walk around while holding a bottle or sippy cup.

Infant Sleeping Patterns


Infants must be allowed to sleep on demand. Crib sheets and blankets are provided. You may bring a favorite blanket for napping. To reduce the risk of SIDS, infants will be placed on his/her back to sleep until the child can roll over independently. Infants will be placed in a side-lying or stomach position only when a written request from the infant’s doctor has been received. Unless specified by the infant’s doctor, positioning devices that restrict the infant’s movement in the crib will not be used.

Meals/Nutrition

A menu is posted monthly on the bulletin board and copies are available for parents as needed. Our kitchen staff prepares and provides a morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack for all children 10 months and older. Children are encouraged to taste all foods served, but are never forced to eat.

Menus are prepared in accordance with daily nutritional requirements outlined by the US Government. A monthly menu is posted in each classroom. We believe that mealtime is also an important learning process; teaching the children table manners and proper handwashing.

Since the foods children eat contribute to their growth, development, capacity to learn, and overall behavior, menus are nutritionally balanced according to USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program Guidelines. Snacks consist of fruits, raw vegetables, raisins, crackers, cheese, cereals, vanilla wafers, etc. Milk, 100% fruit juice, or water will be served.

If your child has any food allergies, Just Like Home staff must be notified in writing by his or her physician to include the symptoms resulting from the allergy, the remedy, and precautions to be taken.

If your child requires a special diet, we must receive a written statement from your child’s physician describing the type of diet needed. We will work to accommodate those needs as best we can.

If you bring your own child’s lunch, it must meet the minimum Arkansas Childcare Licensing nutrition requirements. The requirements are: a protein, a grain, a fruit, a vegetable, and a dairy component.


Nap/Rest Time for Toddlers

All children are required to have a rest period after lunch. Children will be provided with cots to sleep or rest upon. Your child may bring his or her own blanket, pillow, and a small stuffed animal. Providing a restful environment will create an appropriate naptime; this includes turning off or dimming the lights, a comfortable room temperature, and soft relaxing music. Teachers will give individual attention to help children fall asleep with such techniques as appropriate back rubbing, gentle back pats, stroking hair, or rubbing arms and legs as needed.

Naptime will extend no longer than two (2) hours, between 12:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M., depending on the classroom schedule. Children are not forced to sleep; however, all children are required to stay on their cot for at least one hour. Children who are not sleeping at the end of the hour may get up, go to the restroom, and choose from quiet activities provided. These activities may take place on your child’s cot or in a designated quiet area in the room. After two hours, children can participate in regular activities until all children are awake or until the end of the two-hour rest period. Any child still sleeping after two hours will be awakened.

Sunscreen

Licensing requires written parental authorization form. If your child is to use sunscreen, you will need to apply the first covering in the morning before your child arrives at school and staff will reapply the sunscreen in the afternoon. Please be sure to label all creams and ointments with your child’s first and last name. All products must be in their original container.

Toys

Please do not send your child with their own personal toys. There will be an adequate amount of toys available to meet the children's need for fine and gross motor play. Sharing is already a very hard concept for children to understand and it makes it that much more difficult when a child does not want to share their toy. If a child does come into class with a toy, it will be put into their cubby for the remainder of the day and will be given back at the end of the day.


Outdoor Learning Time

All children, including infants, are required to go outside on a daily basis, weather permitting. Children participate in outdoor learning activities in the morning and afternoon unless it is raining. This time is an integral part of your child’s day. Your child will go outside even in very hot and very cold weather, so please dress your child appropriately. On days when the temperature is extreme, extra precautions are taken such as shortening the amount of time your child spends outdoors, encouraging a higher volume of water intake, and providing activities in the shade.

Potty Training

Children will not be forced or bribed to use the toilet. When you feel your child is ready to take that step, it will be necessary to discuss it with the classroom teachers. The most effective way to transition your child is to bring extra under pants along with the plastic liners to go over them to prevent their clothing and the environment from becoming soiled. Accidents are to be expected along the way and you will need to bring extra clothes for your child. Remember that this is a process!

Parties and Special Events

Birthdays and holiday parties are a special time! Parents are welcome to bring special treats to celebrate their child’s birthday or holiday. If you wish to provide a cake or baked treat, the item must be from a state inspected bakery with an ingredient label on the box. Suggested treats would be: fresh fruit platter, fresh vegetable platter, cheese and crackers. Please be aware that latex balloons are not allowed in the facility. As a safety concern, goodie bags are not recommended.

Non-Compete Policy

You agree that you will not hire for any purpose, any person who is an employee of Just Like Home or was employed by them at any time within the 6-month period prior to your hiring said person. However, during non-operating hours is not prohibited. Just Like Home assumes no liability for its employees during babysitting hours.

Curriculum


Just Like Home Childcare utilizes a self made curriculum called Little Learners. It has been hand-crafted and tailored directly to the early learning standards set by the state. The key components of the Little Learners curriculum are as follows: Social and Emotional Development, Cognitive Develoment, Physical and Health, Language Development, Emergent Literacy, Mathmatical Thinking, Science and Technology, Social Studies, and Creativity and Aesthtics. Each of these components includes projects and/or activities based on the Arkansas Early Childhood Education Framework Developmental Learning Standards and Benchmarks.

Licensing

Children may be subject to interviews by licensing staff, child maltreatment investigators and/or law enforcement officials for the purpose of determining licensing compliance or for investigative purposes. (Child interviews do not require parental notice or consent.) Copies of the Minimum State Requirements for Child-Care Centers can be acquired at the local DHS office. Parents may review our most recent licensing report as requested.

Parents can contact the local DHS office at: 479-442-4029.

Child Abuse/Neglect

It is the legal responsibility of each employee to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. If a teacher needs to file a report, they will follow these guidelines:

1. Report concerns to the director

2. Document all details of the incident

3. Call the hotline (1-800-482-5964)

4. Follow through if needed

5. Keep all details of the incident confidential

Does Your Child Need Health Insurance?


ARKids First provides health insurance to more than 70,000 Arkansas children who otherwise might have gone without. ARKids First offers two coverage options. ARKids A offers low-income children a comprehensive package of benefits. ARKids B provides coverage for families with slightly higher incomes.

Eligibility for ARKids First is based on your family income and other factors. Only the income of the parents and children you want covered is counted. Children must be under age 19 and living in your home. Children must be U.S. citizens or qualified legal aliens. If your children are not U.S. citizens, you must provide documentation of the child’s alien status.

More information and an ARKids application is included in the parent packet upon enrollment or you can call 1-800-275-1131 or visit www.arbetterbeginnings.com.

Medical Home

The medical home is best described as a model of primary care that is patient-centered, comprehensive, team - based, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality and safety. It is a place where patients are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and enable strong and trusting relationships with providers and staff. Above, the medical home is not a final destination instead, it is a model for achieving primary care excellence so that care is received in the right place:

• Patient-centered: A partnership among practitioners, patients, and their families ensures that decisions respect patients’ wants, needs, and preferences, and that patients have the education and support they need to make decisions and participate in their own care.

• Comprehensive: A team of care providers is wholly accountable for a patient’s physical and mental health care needs, including prevention and wellness, acute care, and chronic care.

• Coordinated: Care is organized across all elements of the broader health care system, including specialty care, hospitals, home health care, community services and supports. • Accessible: Patients are able to access services with shorter waiting times, "after hours" care, 24/7 electronic or telephone access and strong communication through health IT innovations.

• Committed to quality and safety: Clinicians and staff enhance quality improvement to ensure that patients and families make informed decisions about their health.

Family Education

http://www.arbetterbeginnings.com/


SIDS….Did You Know?

About one in five sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths occur while an infant is in the care of someone other than a parent. Many of these deaths occur when babies who are used to sleeping on their backs at home are then placed to sleep on their tummies by another caregiver. We call this “unaccustomed tummy sleeping.” Unaccustomed tummy sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. Babies who are used to sleeping on their backs and are placed to sleep on their tummies are 18 times more likely to die from SIDS. You can reduce your baby’s risk of dying from SIDS by talking to those who care for your baby, including child care providers, babysitters, family, and friends, about placing your baby to sleep on his back during naps and at night. Who Is At Risk For SIDS?

SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 12 months of age. SIDS is most common among infants that are 1-4 months old. However, babies can die from SIDS until they are 1 year old.

What Can I Do Before My Baby Is Born To Reduce The Risk Of SIDS?

Take care of yourself during pregnancy and after the birth of your baby. During pregnancy, before you even give birth, you can reduce the risk of your baby dying from SIDS! Don’t smoke or expose yourself to others’ smoke while you are pregnant and after the baby is born. Alcohol and drug use can also increase your baby’s risk for SIDS. Be sure to visit a physician for regular prenatal checkups to reduce your risk of having a low birth weight or premature baby.

Always place babies to sleep on their backs during naps and at nighttime. Because babies sleeping on their sides are more likely to accidentally roll onto their stomach, the side position is just as dangerous as the stomach position.

Avoid letting the baby get too hot. The baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing. Dress the baby lightly for sleep. Set the room temperature in a range that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.

Consider using a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. The pacifier should not have cords or clips that might be a strangulation risk. Safe Sleep Environment

Place your baby on a firm mattress, covered by a fitted sheet that meets current safety standards. For more about crib safety standards, visit the Consumer Product


Shaken Baby Syndrome

When a child less than one year old is shaken, it can damage the child’s brain, causing blindness, brain damage, paralysis, or even death. This damage occurs because babies have large heads and very weak neck muscles. When a baby is shaken, the brain moves inside the skull, and this motion can cause the brain to tear, swell, and bleed.

Older children can also be injured. No child of any age should ever be shaken, and it is considered a form of child abuse. In America every year, treatment is sought for estimated 1,200 - 1,400 children who are shaken and of these victims. 25-30% will die as a result of their injuries.

Some symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome are irritability, vomiting, sluggishness, not sucking or swallowing, eyes are not focusing or tracking movement, or pupils are unequal in size.

It is important to help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome by educating others about the dangers of shaking children. Talking to your early childhood provider, babysitter, family members, and anyone else who might be caring for your baby is the best way to communicate with them.

If your child is crying, check to see if the baby is hungry or wet; gently walk with the baby or try to rock him; take the baby for a ride in a stroller or car; place the baby in a safe place, such as a crib or playpen, and allow yourself sometime to calm down for a few minutes.

Ask for help: Call a friend, neighbor, or relative to help; sing or talk to the baby; comfort your child by rubbing his back; offering him a noisy toy; or turning on some calming music.

There is a period of time in a baby’s life when they cry more than any other time. It is called The Period of PURPLE Crying®. Visit http://purplecrying.info to watch a great video and gain more information about The Period of PURPLE Crying®. • Most importantly, think about how much you love your child and how much he or she depends on you.

Kindergarten Readiness Indicator Checklist

(for all 3 and 4 year old children enrolled)


Kindergarten Readiness Indicator Checklist1. Speaks in complete sentences.2. Follows directions with at least two steps.3. Understands words such as "top" and "bottom" and "big" and "little".4. Makes simple predictions and comments about a story being read.5. Matches two pictures that are alike.6. Looks at groups of objects and says which are the same shape, color or size.7. Tells things that together, for example a spoon and fork are for eating and a fish

and a boat go in the water.8. Repeats a pattern you start; for example, step, step, jump-step, step, jump.9. Puts 3 pictures in order; for example 1. Planting flower seeds 2. Flowers growing.

3. Picking flowers.10. Says or sings familiar songs and nursery rhymes.11. Retells a simple story such as The Three Little Pigs after listening to it while

looking at the pictures in the book.12. Works puzzles.13. Recognizes and names at least 5 colors.14. Recognizes his or her own first name in print.15. Recognizes letters in his or her own first name.16. Begins to write some of the letters in his or her own first name.17. Recognizes words or signs he or she sees often; for example, McDonald's, Wal-

Mart, the name of the local grocery store where the family shops, or stop signs and exit signs.

18. Holds and looks at books correctly; for example holds the book right side up and turns the pages one at a time from front to back.

19. Recognizes rhyming words such as cat and hat.20. Recognizes and names at least 10 letters of the alphabet.21. Matches a letter with the beginning sound of a word; for example matches the

letter "b" with a picture of a banana.22. Expresses ideas through pictures he or she draws; for example a child draws a

picture of 3 family members and says who each one is.23. Counts at least 5 objects such as 3 bananas and 5 forks.24. Sees the written numeral "3" and understands this means 3 objects such as 3

bears.25. Adds and subtracts familiar objects such as cookies.26. Puts written numerals in order from 1 to 5; 1,2,3,4,5.27. Recognizes and names 3 shapes: circle, square and triangle.


28. Counts from 1 to 10 in correct order.29. Uses the words "more" and "less" correctly.30. Tells if he or she is a boy or girl.31. Tells first and last name.32. Tells first and last name of parent(s).33. Tells how old he or she is.34. Takes care of own needs such as toileting, washing hands and dressing.35. Adjust to new situations without parents being there.36. Uses pencils, crayons and markers for drawing and writing and cuts with scissors.37. Draws a line, circle, X and +.38. Runs, jumps, hops, throws, catches, and bounces a ball.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECIEPT:

I, ______________________________________, have received a copy of the Parent Handbook for Just Like Home Childcare.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

This is to acknowledge that I have received information reagarding Shaken Baby Syndrome. I understand that this is important information. I will familiarize myself with the materials in this section of the handbook and understand that I am governed by its contents.

Parent Signature _________________________ Date ___________________

Kindergarten Readiness Indicators

This is to acknowledge that I have received information on the Kindergarten Readiness Indicators checklist. I understand that this checklist contains important information. I will familiarize myself with the materials in this checklist and understand that I am governed by its contents.


Parent Signature _________________________ Date ___________________

***Please sign and return. This form will be kept in parent/child file***

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