Family Handbook
Family Handbook
Our Mission
Building a solid foundation for your child's learning and development.
Serving the children and families by providing a nurturing and
secure environment. Meeting the needs of every child as an individual
and supporting their developmental needs.
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Welcome to Foundation Station
Development Center
Our Philosophy
We are devoted to educating and caring for the children in our program
here at Foundation Station Child Development Center. We host a nurturing and
positive environment so all children can build a solid foundation of learning
experiences. Children can develop all skills needed to be successful in the future.
Our philosophy incorporates several early childhood theories, some from Piaget,
Vygotsky, Gerber, Montessori, Erikson and Bronfenbrenner. Children can benefit
from many positive practices, as well as continuous research. We strive to work
together with families where they feel engaged in their child's progress and
welcomed at our center. We offer a diverse program and believe in the following
developmental principles:
Parents are a child's first teacher; we encourage parents to share their ideas
and thoughts to their child's teacher. Relationships with our families are important
to the learning process of the children in our care. Teachers see the children in the
classroom as individual beings, no child is the same, and will not learn and
develop the same. We work with the children to develop positive images of
themselves and their learning abilities. Children rates of development will vary,
but the sequential progression of growth does not.
Providing a well-arranged environment indoors and outdoors to promote
individual learning experiences through play. Children can develop many skills
through the opportunities provided by the layout of the classroom, and materials.
The child's development involves interrelated physical, cognitive, emotional, and
social skills. Based on the children's interest, activities will be planned accordingly.
Background:
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The Foundation Station Child Development Center (FSC) was founded in 2000,
to provide childcare services to families in the Berea/Richmond Area. We serve as
a high-quality childcare center for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. We also
offer an afterschool program for school age children through elementary school.
The staff works together to design and implement quality programs for
young children and families. We are a licensed childcare with accreditation
through the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), KY
ALLSTARS program, and incorporates the Kentucky Early Childhood Standards
Curriculum.
Tuition:
Payment is expected in advance of service and prior to the first of each month.
Tuition is expected for days your child may be absent due to illness, family
emergencies, doctor visits, hospitalizations, vacations, or any other reason. Please
note that tuition rates do not change in the event of a week including a holiday.
After extensive research, we have found our policy to be consistent with other
schools and child day care centers. Because our costs remain the same throughout
the year, we rely on the specified tuition to be paid each week in order to meet
our expenses. Consequently, as much as we might like to, we cannot make
allowance for any days missed in your regular attendance schedule.
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6years old-10 years old = $300 (after school hours only, August-May)
$500 (Summer months all day)
Bi-Weekly Rates (24 Pay Periods)
6weeks-3years old =$300
3years old-6years old = $250
6years old- 10years old = $150 (after school hours only, August-May)
$250 (Summer months all day)
Holiday Closings:
Unexpected Closings:
Withdrawal Policy:
Families may discontinue services at any time during the year. A two-week notice
is required. Notice must be given in writing by completing the Intent to Withdraw
Form, located in our office. Account must be paid in full before withdrawing—
including your child's tuition for that two-week period. Any account past due at
time of disenrollment will be paid thru our electronic withdrawal option.
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The director at Foundation Station Development Center reserves the right to cancel
the enrollment of a child at his/her discretion, or for the following possible
reasons:
• Non-payment or excessive late payments of tuition and fees.
• Not observing the rules of the center as outlined in the parent agreement.
• Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parent or child.
• Expired or non-immunizations and/or physical.
Communication:
Proper communication between our parents and the teachers and staff of
Foundation Station Development Center is extremely important. Teachers will be
sending home information on a regular basis. Infant and toddler parents will
receive daily reports. You are welcome to call to arrange a meeting with your
child's teacher--even just to become better acquainted! Concerns about any aspect
of our program, or your child's care, may be expressed to the center director. Each
child is provided with a mailbox and/or cubby. Families with two households will
be provided two mailboxes. Please check these daily for notes, newsletters and
daily reports. Remember to communicate in writing any changes in your child's
schedule. We must be informed, in writing, regarding any changes in the person
picking up your child. You may add or delete names of authorized adults allowed
to pick-up your child on the Child Information Record.
Confidentiality:
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Each family has the right to confidentiality. Foundation Station Development
Center keeps certain information on file regarding children and families that may
be considered personal in nature. We maintain this information in confidence and
do not discuss or release it to persons outside of FSDC unless written permission
has been obtained from the parent(s).
Custody Orders:
Until custody has been established by a court action, one parent may not
limit the other from picking up a child in our care. The center must be notified
immediately of any changes in custody orders. Certified custody orders must be
given to the center director.
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Fire, Tornado and Disaster Procedure:
In the event of a fire, tornado or disaster warning, the children located at
the center will be taken to the designated areas. Each classroom is trained and
equipped with all exit and safety protocols. Each room also follows Madison
County requirements to be equipped with shelter in place kits. Students will
remain sheltered until the all-clear signal is sounded. Foundation Station
Development Center posts evacuation and Critical Management Plans at each
door.
Student Possessions:
Each child will need a blanket to use at naptime. A zippered pillowcase is
also requested for storing the blanket. Your child's name must be clearly written
on the pillowcase and blanket. The pillowcase and blanket are taken home each
Friday to be washed and returned the following Monday. A small pillow or small
stuffed toy is permissible. Sometimes children need to bring special toys or
newfound treasures to use as a "bridge" between home and school. On these
occasions we will work with you and your child to make it a positive sharing
experience. We encourage you to keep personal belongings and toys at home
unless the teacher has scheduled a "show-n'- tell" day. Foundation Station
Development Center will not be responsible for any lost items.
Clothing:
Because of the wide range of activities, it is recommended that children be
dressed in washable, comfortable clothing. Plastic aprons will be provided by the
center for art and water activities. Water activities, sand play, and occasional
bathroom accidents necessitate that an extra set of clothing be kept at the center
at all times. All extra clothing should be marked with the child's name and placed
in a labeled plastic bag. Clothing should include underwear, socks, pants, and shirt.
If wet or dirty clothes are sent home, please return a clean extra set of clothes the
next morning. Licensing requires that children be taken outdoors each day. The
children will play outdoors if the temperature is 32° or warmer. Children should be
dressed accordingly: light jacket, cap, rain boots (for damp days) in fall and
spring; heavy winter jacket, mittens, scarf, hat, and snow boots in winter. An extra
sweater or sweatshirt at school is recommended for sudden changes in
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temperature. All clothing, including coats and boots, must be labeled clearly with
your child's name.
Wellness Policy:
You are the best judge of your child's health and we trust you will not bring a sick
child to the center. However, if while in our care your child becomes ill, displays an
unknown rash, or acts out-of-character your child's teacher will consult the director
and you may be called to come take your child home. When called, you (or an
alternate emergency person) are expected to come within the hour. This is to
protect the health of your child and his/her classmates. Your cooperation is greatly
appreciated. The following criteria will be considered in determining if your child
must go home:
• Unknown rash will need to be seen by a physician and the child can return to
school by the written recommendation made by the doctor. A doctor note is
required.
• Fever of 100.5° or higher. For a mild fever, muscle aches, toothache, or headache
Tylenol (supplied from home) may be administered. *See Medicine below. The child
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must be fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of Tylenol, or other fever reducing
medications.
• Diarrhea (more than two loose, watery stools), or vomiting. Consideration will
be taken if your child is allergic to certain food/drink products or on medication.
The child may return when bowel movements are normal, and no other symptoms
of illness are present. The child may return 24 hours after the last time he/she
vomited, and no other symptoms of illness are present.
• Persistent cough or runny nose for an extended period of time (cough
suppressants and/or allergy medications are not recommended unless prescribed
by a doctor). Child may return 24 hours cough free without the aid of cough
suppressant, or allergy medication.
• Crying and irritable for a long time, or not eating or drinking normally. Anytime
a child is not themselves, cannot be soothed by a teacher, requires one-on-one
care, complaining about discomfort, or not interacting with the class is reason to
take a Wellness Day and spend time in the comfort of their own parent(s) arms.
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“Consult/see Doctor” then a note from the doctor with the child’s weight, and the
dosage recommended, must be provided.
Medication will be stored per the manufacturer’s recommendations. We have
locked cupboards, and containers for the refrigerator, for the storage of
medication.
A Non-Prescription Release form for other applications such as diaper wipes, sun
block, soap, etc. will be signed upon enrollment.
Conflict Resolution:
If an issue should arise between a family and a staff member, or between two
families, we encourage the concerned party speak directly to the staff member, or
family, prior to coming to the directors. If the problem remains unresolved, or the
parent wants to make sure the administration is aware, our door is always open.
Administration will act as a moderator in situations that require more attention or
are reoccurring. We will make every effort to remain fair, with our main priority
being the safety and quality of care, of the children at Foundation Station
Development Center.
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• Positive Behavior--We reinforce the behaviors we wish to see repeated.
• Redirection--Often interesting a child in another activity can eliminate potential
difficulty. We might ask a child to help us or send a child to a different area to
play.
• Positive Reminder--Telling the children what we want them to do rather than
using "no" or "don't."
• Renewal Time--Occasionally, as a last resort, a child needs to be removed from
the situation for a brief break. This allows the child time to calm down and
consider an alternate behavior.
Difficult Behavior
We will make every effort to work with the parent or guardian to ensure a
cooperative approach for children having difficulties with behavior. We are here
to serve and protect all our children! A parent may be called at work or home at
any time the child exhibits uncontrollable behavior that cannot be modified by the
center's staff. The parent may be asked to take the child home immediately. The
following steps may be taken regarding children who display chronic disruptive
behavior, upsetting to the emotional or physical wellbeing of another child or an
adult.
Initial Consultation:
The director may request that the parent or guardian meet for a conference. The
problem will be defined on paper. Intervention strategies will be discussed. The
best solution toward solving the problem will be agreed upon by the center
director, teacher, and parent or guardian.
Second Consultation:
If the initial plan for helping the child fails, the parent will again be asked to meet
with the director and teaching staff involved. Another attempt will be made to
identify the problem, and establish a new, or revised, approach for solving the
problem. Parents may be asked to consult outside professionals or bring in
behavioral specialists to help identify the problems or provide new strategies, in
order for FSDC to continue care. Our goal is to work as a team to better serve
each child.
Disenrolled:
When the previous attempts have been followed and no progress has been made
toward solving the problem, the child may be disenrolled from the center at the
discretion of the center director.
NOTE:
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Corporal punishment will not be allowed. This is defined as the use of negative
physical touching (spanking, slapping, pinching, etc.), exclusion from large motor
or outdoor activities, or exclusion from any learning activity. In certain instances, a
child may be physically restrained in order to keep the child, other children, or
staff safe from harm. No unusual punishment will be allowed such as humiliation,
ridicule, threat, or coercion.
Meals, Snacks and Food Allergies:
The center will provide milk for lunch and two snacks with water for each day.
Parents will provide formula or breast milk for children up to the age of 12 months.
FSDC will provide whole vitamin D milk for children between the ages of 12 and 24
months. 1% milk will be provided for children from 25 months to 12 years of age. If
there are dietary needs, or allergies, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify both
the center director and the classroom teacher. Parents will need to supply any
special foods required. An Allergy Action Plan and a Medical Action Plan are
available in the main office and must be filled out if a child has an allergy or
medical need.
Foundation Station Development Center offers breakfast, lunch and two snacks
per day for full time enrolled students. At FSDC we participate in the USDA Child
and Adults Care Food Program. Meals are purchased by the month according to a
set weekly schedule. Parents may send meals for students, but food must be
simple and self-serving (e.g., yogurt, breakfast bar, dry cereal, fruit, sandwich).
Healthy Choices
While the occasional donut, chocolate milk, and fruit snacks make for a good
treat they do not necessarily make a healthy meal. We ask that parents reserve
these items for special occasions. Bringing in these items on a daily basis for their
child does not encourage healthy eating patterns. We are happy to provide
parents with a list of healthy, fun, alternatives upon request.
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I have received a copy of the Foundation Station
Development Center Family Handbook. If I have any
questions, I will contact the Director or Assistant Director.
_______________________________ ________________
Signature of Parent Date
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