Child Care Parent Handbook - Santa Maria Valley YMCA

Santa Maria Valley YMCA
Childhood Parent Handbook
2011-2012 School year
Young Children’s Preschool
3400 Skyway Dr.
Kinderbridge
Tunnell Elementary School
1248 Dena Way
Y Day Camp
3400 Skyway Drive
www.smvymca.org
(805) 937-8521
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Dear Families,
WELCOME
Thank you for choosing to enroll your family in the Santa Maria Valley YMCA Child Care Program. It
is a time to meet new friends, learn new skills, build self-confidence and enjoy lots of fun and
challenging activities designed to meet the developmental needs of your child. Your child’s safety and
well-being is our primary concern.
Please review all of the enclosed information so that you and your child will be prepared for the first
day of care. If you have any further questions, please contact our YMCA Child Care department (805)
937-8521 or (805) 349-0369.
We are excited to have your child here and we look forward to meeting and interacting with you and
your family.
Sincerely,
Diane Majewski Dana McNutt
Preschool Coordinator Afterschool and Camp Director
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In all Y youth programs we try to:
· Finger paint more and point fingers less
· Do less correcting and more connecting
· Take more hikes, make more kites
· Stop playing serious, and seriously start playing
· Build self esteem first and the craft later
· Teach less about the love of power and more about the power of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty.
· Put a smile on EVERY child’s face
YMCA Child Care Program Goals
Specific goals include:
· Providing an environment of health, safety, nutritional practices, support and care
· Develop social skills with other children and adults
· Realistic trust in his/her environment is encouraged
· Childcare staff encourage and provide opportunity for quality development at each child’s stage of
development
· Encourage children to think, reason, question and experiment
· Respect cultural diversity of staff and children
· Have fun!
YMCA Early Childhood Program Philosophy Statement and Curriculum
· We believe children learn through hands on activities and play.
· We believe that learning occurs by continually building upon new experiences to further enhance the cognitive,
social, emotional, physical, fine and gross motor development of children.
· We believe that our theme-based curriculum provides a framework, yet demonstrate an approach to draw from
many resources to meet children’s and family’s individual needs.
· We believe in forming a relationship between children, their families and the teachers.
· We believe that every child should be given a chance to have quality child care.
Our Theme-based Curriculum is an idea or topic that a teacher and children can explore in many different ways. Teachers
demonstrate this approach through a child’s culture, environment or shared experiences (ex: Fieldtrips, guest speakers,
activities). The events are taken place in the classroom on a daily basis, and children are involved in the planning stages.
Teachers integrate literacy, social studies, science, math, music, art, and dramatic play. A teacher considers the total
need of the child and uses the themes to invite new learning. Theme-based curriculum is custom-designed to fit the
teacher and the children. The idea is to learn through play, experiences and have fun! We believe that children need to
have fun in our programs. When we know when children are having fun, they are learning.
Y Childcare Program Staff
Y childcare staff are CPR and First Aid certified, meet criminal clearance and state health regulations. We take pride in
our staff and provide training, which includes emergency procedures, program planning, child abuse awareness, and
other areas pertaining to childcare. All childcare staff meet or exceed the minimum state requirements regarding
academics and experience working with children.
Each child care center is managed by a highly trained Y Childcare coordinator that not only has the academic
requirements for the position but also has past experience of operating a childcare program. The Childcare coordinators
spend the majority of their time at the center providing leadership, guidance and overall supervision to insure a high
quality program is provided for the children and families.
MISSION
The YMCA Mission is to put Christian principles into practice through activities that build healthy spirit, mind, and
body for all.
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PROGRAM HOURS & DAYS
YCP is open Monday through Friday and begins at 7:00 a.m. and continues until 6:00 p.m. (See below days that center
will be closed). Please have your child here at the center by 9:00 a.m. This is the start of our educational day. Late arrival
can cause a distraction for the class.
Please have your child here no later than 9:00am unless arrangements have been made with a teacher. We know that an
emergency can happen. Please call and inform us of any emergency. If you do not inform us of any emergency by phone
or make prior arrangements with teacher the day before then your child will not be allowed to attend that day. Parents
will be notified of any schedules changes and plans in advance.
Holiday Schedule
The child care program does not operate on the following days:
New Year’s Day Labor Day Christmas Eve
President’s Day Thanksgiving Christmas Day
Memorial Day Day after Thanksgiving New Year’s Eve
(Modified schedule)
4 th of July *Friday before Labor Day *
*YCP will be closed for one day for teacher in-service day.
Kinderbridge
Our Kinderbridge program is will be open all school days. Day camp is offered for an additional cost during thanksgiving,
winter, and spring breaks. Hours are 11:30 am-6:00 pm
Day Camp
Our Day camp operates during Thanksgiving break (Monday-Wednesday), Winter break, and Spring break. Observing the
same closures as YCP as listed above. Hours are 7:00 am-6:00 pm. Children must be here no later than 9:00 am for Day
camp and will not be admitted if arriving after 9:00 am. No refunds are given for any program due to late arrival.
ENROLLMENT POLICIES
Preschool care is for children 30 months to 5 years.
For children in our preschool programs a “Child’s Pre-Admission Health History &-Parent’s Report” and a copy of
immunization card prior to the first day of participation in the childcare program. When a child is overdue for any routine
health services, parents, legal guardians, or both provide evidence of an appointment for those services before the child’s
entry into the program and as a condition of remaining enrolled in the program. Exemptions for families that have religious
or personal reasons, a form must be filled out and signed by the parents or guardians. A documented from a physician will
also be required.
Your child’s file is available for review by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing evaluators at all
times. Your child may also be interviewed by a Community Care Licensing evaluator without prior parent permission as
per Title 22 state regulations.
Your child’s file is available for review by your child’s teacher, billing and program directors ONLY.
Kinderbridge is open to children enrolled in kindergarten. ASES is available through your child’s school for grades 1 st -8 th .
Day Camp is open to children ages 4-12.
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Payment Policies
Establishing Fees
Childcare program fees are established to offset the costs of operation for the program within the following framework:
• All children in the program share equally in the cost of providing for the fixed costs for the program, regardless of
time usage. Fixed costs include facilities and insurance, directing staff, and administrative costs.
• Direct costs such as snacks, program supplies, and program leadership are considered when establishing fees.
• All new or returning participants to childcare must pay a registration fee.
Member Payment Arrangements
YCP and Kinderbridge Payments:
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA child care dept. will not send you a monthly invoice.
Your child care payment is due on the 1 st of each month and is considered past due on the 6 th . A late fee of $20 will be
added to your account if you do not pay on or before the 5 th of the month. A child may be removed from the roster if
payment is not received by the 6 th of the month. Childcare payments that are “declined” or are returned from your
financial institution for any reason will adhere an additional fee of $25 and a late fee of $20 (if not paid before the 5 th ). If a
check is returned for any reason you will no longer be able to pay using a check.
You are able to pay the monthly cost at the Santa Maria Valley YMCA or by calling 805-937-8521 when using a credit
card.
A yearend tax statement will not be available, please save your monthly receipts. Our tax-id number is located on each
receipt.
About Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
EFT occurs on the 1 st or 15 th of each month. In the event the funds do not clear the member’s account, the childcare
enrollment will be suspended until payment is received. Monthly payments continue until the YMCA receives a 14-day
written cancellation notice. Any change to the EFT system, i.e., change of bank/credit card account; leaving the program;
increasing fees to include an additional child; must be received in writing by the YMCA 14 days prior to the month in which
the change is to be effective. There is a service charge for any payment that does not clear the member’s account,
for any reason, including change in credit card expiration date. Returned payments may result in suspension or
termination of YMCA child care services. Additional late fees may also apply.
Written notification regarding fee increases and service charge increases will be given to current members 30 days in
advance of effective EFT date.
Fee Credits/Refunds for Absences
There are no adjustments in the monthly child care enrollment payment for absence or non-participation. Your fee covers
our direct operating expenses (i.e., staffing, snacks, materials, activity fees, etc.). All of these must be available to your
child. When you enroll your child, you are reserving space, time, staffing, and provisions whether or not she/he attends.
There is a one-month minimum participation with no refunds or credits issued for the registration or participation fees.
“Responsible” and “Billing” Parties
As the enrolling parent, you are responsible for all fees related to your child’s participation. This includes families that
receive assistance through third party agencies (CHS, ODE etc.) such as co-pays and family fees.
Withdrawing from the Program
Participants leaving the child care program are required to notify the YMCA Business Office in writing by completing the
“Program Change Form.” The “Program Change Form” form is required to stop the EFT payment and must be
received at the branch 14 days prior to the month the child will be leaving the program regardless of the time of
year. If 14 day written notice is not given there will be no credits or refunds given. After 30 days, unpaid accounts may be
submitted to a collection service. Registration fees and increased participation fees will apply to any re-enrollment.
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Removal from Program for Non-Payment of Fees
In order to be fair to all Child Care program participants, those who do not pay program fees in a timely manner may be
suspended or terminated from the program. If there is a wait list for the program, your child will be put on the bottom of the
wait list.
Fees become past due on the sixth of each month and must include a late payment fee. Any balance due may result in
the child being removed from the program roster effective the following day. No further YMCA participation is allowed
until the balance is paid in full.
Parents are encouraged to discuss fee payment problems with the Childcare Director. Arrangements during times of
unusual hardship or extraordinary circumstances may be considered.
Day Camp
Day Camp fees are due the Thursday before camp begins, if payment is not received by the Thursday before there will be
a $20 late fee added to your total payment.
AVAILABILITY OF SUBSIDIES
Financial Assistance (not available for kinderbridge)
Those families unable to pay the full cost of participation and qualify are encouraged to apply for YMCA Financial
Assistance made available through generous contributions from friends of the YMCA. Please speak with the Child Care
Director or Child Care billing specialist for more information on eligibility requirements. The YMCA will also work with
families to connect them to additional resources throughout the county
Who to See When
Your Childcare Coordinator/Site Supervisor will be able to assist you with most any question related to operation of the
program, including:
• Program Ideas
• Behavior Concerns
• Schedule Changes
• Program Concerns
• Staffing Concerns
The Childcare Coordinator or Afterschool/Camp Director will be able to work closely with you to ensure a positive YMCA
experience for both you and your child.
For child care account clarification or billing questions, please contact your child care billing specialist.
PROGRAM COMMITMENT TO INCLUDE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The YMCA Child Care program staff strives to respond to the needs of each individual child in a group care setting, 1:12
for preschool age children,1:15 for school age children. The YMCA provides opportunities for involvement in large and
small groups with a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The YMCA childcare program is, however,
unable to provide one-to-one care for any child except on an intermittent basis, such as injuries, immediate disciplinary
issues, and certain personal care needs customarily provided to other children.
The YMCA childcare program welcomes all children. To the extent it is reasonably able to do so, the YMCA program will
provide services to children with disabilities or any special needs in the same manner as services provided for other
children of comparable age.
It is essential that all pertinent information about the child’s needs be available to staff from the outset of enrollment and
that a continuing bond of trust and mutual partnership exists for the benefit of the child. Therefore, a parent has the
obligation to disclose significant medical, physical or behavioral issues at the time of the child’s enrollment and on an
ongoing basis.
� If it is unclear whether The YMCA Childcare Program can reasonably accommodate the unique needs of a child,
we will arrive at a final decision by reviewing the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY ON CHILD GUIDANCE & DISCIPLINE
Children’s Appropriate Conduct
It is our intent that each child enjoys the activities planned by understanding that she/he is responsible for her/his actions.
With prior knowledge of our basic rules of safety and good conduct, each child is made aware of how to exercise selfdiscipline.
We are here to assist her/him and to know that we expect her/him to succeed. YMCA house rules and conflict
resolution strategies are posted at every YMCA Program Center. Character development is an important part of our
program. We also use positive reinforcement by consistently acknowledging good behavior.
The expectations listed below are the general expectations we have for all our program participants:
� Respect for yourself, for others and for property.
� Safety first.
� Speak for yourself/listen attentively.
� Be responsible for your words and actions.
Philosophy
The YMCA strives to maintain a positive approach to managing children’s behavior at all times. “Discipline” is the process
of teaching self-control and the ability to live within limitations and agreed upon guidelines. The staff and children at each
Program Center establish expected behavior guidelines. Positive behavior is self-rewarding and allows for program
activities to occur. When children choose to behave outside of the guidelines, some consequence is required to avoid
future problems. The overall safety of all children in the program is our highest priority.
Process
As mentioned above, when positive behavior is displayed, the consequence is participation and enjoyment of planned
activities. In cases of negative or inappropriate behavior, the following process will be employed:
1. Reasoning and Redirection: Every effort will be made to help the child understand the inappropriateness of
her/his action and agree to an alternate form of behavior. Children may be redirected to alternative activities.
When the conflict is child-to-child, every effort will be made to have them reason together face-to-face with staff
facilitating.
2. Removal from Specific Activity: When reasoning has been pursued and has not changed behavior, removing
the child from the activity involved for an appropriate amount of time may become necessary. The denied
activity should be related to the misbehavior and the removal should not exceed 10 minutes.
3. Parent Conference: If the parent needs to be formally involved in the process, specific changes in behavior will
be requested with specific consequences for non-compliance outlined. Whenever possible, the child is present
and participates in these conferences. The goal is to define what changes need to be made to help the child be
successful in the program.
Removal from Program for Inappropriate Behavior
If the above process has not resulted in corrected behavior, the family will be required to remove the child from the
program.
For kinder care and Day Camp if a child receives three behavioral reports and inappropriate behavior continues the child
will be removed from the program. No refunds are given if a child is removed from a YMCA program for behavioral
issues. If a child hits, kicks, punches, etc any teacher or YMCA staff member the child will be removed from the program
immediately.
Behavior Related Issues
In addition to behavior management procedures outlined above, parents must be aware that:
• No staff member may ever strike, swear at, abuse, or threaten with physical intimidation either a child or a parent;
• No staff member will allow a child to be stricken, sworn at, abused, or physically intimidated by anyone else
• No child will be allowed to continue in the program who becomes a safety hazard to themselves or others;
• No parent or guardian will be allowed to harass, threaten, or display violent/intimidating behavior towards staff,
participants or other members.
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Special Situations
In situations that indicate professional help may be necessary, a referral to a professional resource in the community can
be made.
Behavior Management
The safety of a child is the highest priority for setting behavior management procedures.
• When a child has a serious discipline problem, (on any ONE occasion), the parent may be called by staff to request
that the child be picked up within one half hour of the call. Hitting another child, biting, threatening or intimidating
others, injuring another child or staff member or runs from the program center is a serious discipline problem.
• Should it be decided by YMCA staff that a child poses a serious discipline problem, the child may be suspended from
the program for a period of 1-5 days, or may be removed from the program entirely.
• The YMCA child care program follows all school rules and policies. If a child is suspended from school, he or she is
not allowed to attend the YMCA program during the entire time of the suspension.
YMCA Child Abuse Prevention
The YMCA maintains a policy of Child Abuse Prevention practices, which include procedures, related to:
• Employee reference checking, hiring criteria, and fingerprinting;
• Training and supervision requirements for staff;
• Staff relationships with children;
• Unscheduled site visitation by YMCA supervisory staff and Board.
These policies are enacted to protect parents, children, and YMCA staff members from actual occurrences of child abuse
as well as allegations of abuse.
Child Abuse Reporting
Section 11166 of the California Penal Code requires any child care custodian, medical practitioner, or employee of a child
protective agency who has knowledge of or observes a child in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his
or her employment who he or she knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse, to report the known
or suspected instance of child abuse to a protective agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone
and to prepare and send a written report thereof within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident.
“Child Care Custodian” includes teachers, licensed day care workers, administrators, or community care facilities licensed
to care for children, foster parents, and group home personnel.
BITING POLICY
Parents and caregivers are often frustrated by this experience, as it can be both frightening and painful for the children
involved. The following includes some of the reasons why a child may bite. In addition, we have listed the steps we take
here at the center to prevent or respond to a biting situation. We hope this helps to alleviate any concerns you may have.
WHY BITE?
A child may bite for a number of reasons, which might include:
Teething-As two year molars begin to come in, many children bite on an object to try and relieve discomfort. Children,
who have never bitten others, frequently start to during teething. They are “thinking (acting) with their mouth”, so to speak,
as its presence makes itself felt!
Mimicking- Just as children imitate one another in silly actions and noises, they also imitate more serious behaviors.
Language Frustration- Unable to clearly express their needs verbally, biting may seem to be quick, easy way to get a
message across. It may or may not be, to defend a possession or in response to aggression. Biting may become another
form of a child testing a way to “make things happen.”
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Oral Exploration- As children develop through the sensorimotor stage they continue to find out about their world through
physical action upon it. For many children, mouthing an object (and subsequently biting it) is one of other “ways of
knowing.”
Curiosity- A child may simply want to see what will happen if he/she bits someone. Children rarely bite out of curiosity
more that once or twice.
Follow-up for Repeated Incidents of Biting:
Staff will meet with parents to initiate a management plan for resolving the behavior. The center and staff feels that
involving parents as partners is the most effective way to work towards a solution. Again, names of other children involved
will NOT be disclosed in deference to professional confidentiality.
The proactive management plan will include
1. Consider the child’s level or responsibility for changing behavior consistent with his or her age developmentally
appropriate.
2. Development and implementation of a time specific staff action plan and monitoring strategy. A consistent
approach between home and school is always the most effective way to solve any behavior issues. Additional
“intensive” techniques may be used at school such as assigning one staff member to ‘shadow’ the biter. Their
most important role is to help the child develop positive alternative behaviors before biting. All staff members use
a quick, consistent response if biting does occur so the message is quite clear!
3. Development and implementation of a parent action plan.
4. If the skin breaks from a bit, your child will be sent home.
5. If a child still exhibits consistent biting behavior, the director, staff and parents, will determine further actions as
necessary, including removal from the program.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNICATION
To ensure you and your child are getting the most out of your YMCA experience, we keep the lines of communication
open through a variety of ways including: newsletters, Parent Advisory Councils, bulletin boards, parent/teacher
conferences, parent events, surveys, and feedback forms. You will receive frequent communications from us, both in
person and in writing, so you're constantly informed of your children's progress, achievements' and daily activities. What's
more, you're welcome to drop in anytime, to visit, check in with your child, and enjoy the program.
Parent Information Area
When you sign out your child each day, please check for any up-to-date information or notices at the Parent Information
Area. Please check any posters and brochures for other information pertaining to YMCA activities and opportunities to
volunteer. Early childhood participants: Please clean out your child’s cubby each Friday.
WAYS PARENTS CAN BE INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM
Parent Advisory Council-YCP
Parents are encouraged to participate in the Parent Advisory Council as a way to keep abreast of current issues and
concerns at each YMCA Program Center. Parents and YMCA staff members come together to share ideas and
suggestions regarding program content and quality, family activities, enrichment programs, and other items of interest.
Parent Concerns
The YMCA is dedicated to developing and maintaining high levels of member service. We want to hear from you if we
have not accomplished this goal.
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MEDICATION DURING PROGRAM
Any medication which needs to be administered during program hours must:
• Be accompanied by “Permission to Medicate” form (available at the Program Center);
• Be brought directly to Site Supervisor/Coordinator in its original container with the child’s name, physician’s name
and drug name clearly labeled on the container; and
• Have specific written instruction for dosage amounts, times, etc.
• Ongoing medication must be filled out once a month
YMCA staff members are not permitted to administer any over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin, and cough
medicine without having written instruction and dosage given by the child’s physician.
SUNSCREEN
Please apply sunscreen to your child in the morning and have your child pack a bottle of sunscreen for application
throughout the day. We highly encourage children to:
1. Wear hats while we are outdoors;
2. Bring a water sipper and keep it full throughout the day;
3. Bring sunscreen and apply it to your exposed parts hourly; and
4. Wear a “sun shirt” on field trip days.
YCP parents: Sunscreen must be either UVB or UVA of SPF 15 or higher applied to their child are asked to bring the
brand of their choice, in the original container, labeled with your child’s name. An authorization form will need to be
completed before the sunscreen to be applied. And while it is hard to avoid being out in the sun between 10:00 a.m. and
2:00 p.m., we do try to schedule groups to stay out of the sun during these hours as much as possible. We always
alternate between indoor and outdoor activities.
During a high risk of insect-borne disease the public health authorities recommend that bug repellent containing DEET are
used and applied only once a day on children older than two months. Parents must fill out an authorization form.
Kinder and Camp parents: Staff are not allowed to rub sunscreen to any child, we recommend purchasing the spray
sunscreen and staff can spray it on so kids can run it in themselves.
Child Illness
We try not to share communicable diseases. To assist with this, please help your child wash his/her hands before entering
the classroom each morning. We also ask that you evaluate your child's health before sending him/her to school in the
morning. Please keep your child at home if he or she has any of the following symptoms: Sore throat,
nausea/vomiting, stomach, undiagnosed rash, cough, fever, diarrhea, headache, earache, or if your child is not
able to fully participate in all activities. The following table serves as a guideline for excluding children from
participation in the YMCA Early Childhood Program due to illness. One or more of these illnesses will determine when a
child is excluded and may return to program. A child taking antibiotics must be on medication for over 24 hours before
allowed to return to the Center. This health policy pertains to antibiotic drops and ointments as well as antibiotics
prescribed for non-contagious illnesses, such as ear infections. Parents must notify the YMCA Child Care Director of the
absence AND the nature of the absence on the day of the illness
Symptoms When a child is to
When a child may return
be excluded from care
to school
Diarrhea After two or three watery stools occurrences within a 24- 24 hours after diarrhea subsides
hour period or at the discretion of the staff
Fever When underarm fever is above 100°, **Add a degree Without fever for 24 hours, with out the
when it’s place underarm.
use of fever reducing medication.
Vomiting After 1-2 occurrences within 24hour period or at the 24 hours after vomiting subsides
discretion of the staff
Rash When unidentified rash is noticed When rash is no longer present or with
a doctor’s note stating the child is not
No Nit Policy Should your child contract lice or nits, please inform the
YMCA staff and school.
When nits/eggs are noticed or present
contagious.
Should there be an outbreak of lice,
parents will be notified in writing. The
center will be properly treated. Our
priority is the safety and well-being of
all the children in the program. Staff
will check upon child’s return.
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Pink eye When white or yellow discharge or redness surrounding
eye is noticed or present
Breathing
difficulty and/or
asthma
When discharge and redness are no
longer present or when treatment has
been 48 hours.
When difficulty is notices or present When child is able to breathe without
difficulty/or nebulizer is provided
Chronic Health Issues
The YMCA Child Care Program will administer medications to children who have asthma, or who experience allergic
reactions. The YMCA Child Care Program will not administer insulin shots. Any other substitute foods for raising blood
sugar, such as honey, or orange juice, or other food substance, will be maintained at the parents’ request if we are
reasonably able to do so. Parents of children with any potentially life-threatening illness or condition must be reachable
by the YMCA staff the entire time the child is at The YMCA Child Care Program.
ILLNESS
During Program Hours
If your child becomes ill, she/he will be isolated from other children and will be made comfortable in a quiet area. We will
contact you or your emergency contact (in the event we cannot reach you) to make arrangement for the child to be picked
up from the center within one half hour. It is a goal of the YMCA to provide a safe and healthy environment for all the
children. Please be sure to keep the YMCA office and your Program Center informed of any changes in your work or
emergency phone numbers.
INJURIES DURING PROGRAM HOURS
If your child is injured during program hours, the staff member in charge will take whatever steps may be necessary to
obtain emergency medical care as warranted. These steps may include but are not limited to:
• Provide immediate first aid;
• Attempt to contact a parent or guardian;
• Attempt to contact others listed on your registration forms; and
• In case of serious injury, appropriate emergency medical assistance will be contacted (911 will be called). A
YMCA staff member will remain with the child until parents or another authorized adult arrives. YMCA staff may
not transport program participants.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In Case of fire, earthquakes, etc. or any other disaster the alarm locating in our building will sound; the children will
immediately line up at the door with walking partners, and will be escorted out of the building and across the street at a
safe distance away. Here the children will sit on the sidewalk with their teachers, roll will be taken, parents will be
contacted and the children will be transported to the main YMCA by the YMCA vans. The center participates in monthly
Emergency drills.
CLOTHING/BELONGINGS/LOST AND FOUND
Please dress your child according to the weather/comfortable “PLAY” clothing. Children will be doing arts and crafts, and
going outside for activities, clothing may get soiled. Children should not wear clothing that will restrict activities. Closed
toes shoes are required, and NO open-toe shoes or heels please.
YCP: Every child must have one or two complete extra sets of labeled clothing on hand at the center and if possible one
extra pair of shoes. Remember to change the size and season about late October and April. If your child needs to be
changes and does not have extra clothing/shoes at the center, we will contact you at work. We will ask you to provide
clothing for your child at that time or pick your child up. We do not have extra clothing to use for this purpose. You child
has a drawer or plastic box to store their extra clothing. Parents are expected to check their storage place and restock it
as necessary. Do not leave extra clothes on a counter or in their cubby.
Please label all of your child’s clothing, and lunch boxes and be sure to check your child’s “cubby” at the end of each day.
The YMCA will not be responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen articles. Please do not send valuables (toys, action figures,
video games etc.) to the site with your child. After one month, lost and found items will be donated to a charitable agency.
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SEPARATING
There is, typically, a period of a few days up to a few months of adjustment for your child when they begin attending the
center. The way a parent prepares their child for separation can make the difference between a positive and negative
experience. Please prepare yourself for the separation experience first, and then help you child by:
� Talk to your child about the many exciting they will experience at the center.
� Show your confidence that you have selected a program you know will be wonderful.
� Bring them to the Center at least once before they attend to take a tour and meet the teachers.
� Tell them what the routine will be (ride in car, walk into Center, go to the classroom, hug and kiss, mommy or
daddy will leave and then come back after nap or snack or?.) Follow the routine without variation. This will help
them build trust that you will always return.
� Always say goodbye (DO NOT SNEAK OUT), walk out the door and DON’T LOOK BACK or return for “just one
more…”
� Call as soon as you get to your office or home to check and call as often as you like during the day until you are at
ease.
REQUIRED SIGN IN AND OUT PROCEDURES
When you come to the center to bring and/or pick up your child, you must stop at the Parent Table and legibly
sign your full name and the exact time on the attendance roster provided. Parents are required to escort their
child to and from the YMCA Program Center. This is a Title 22 Licensing Regulation 101.326(b) and 101.329 (a.1)
requirements. This procedure helps to ensure the safety of your child and allows staff to determine which children are
present at any given time. Failure of parent to use full legible signatures may result in child’s termination from the
program.
Only Authorized Individuals May Pick Up Children
For your protection, only persons authorized, in writing, by the parents may pick up your child. The staff will question
anyone who is unfamiliar to them and ask for identification to check their authorization. Anyone without proper
authorization will be stopped from taking a child. If someone other than those persons authorized on the registration form
will be picking up your child, you must notify the Program Director in writing. YMCA staff is not permitted to sign out
children from program. Additionally, any restricted individual must have a restraining order on file with the Child Care
Director.
Daily Absences-YCP
If your child is going to be absent, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you call your YMCA Program Center on the day of the
absence. Your Program Center is equipped with an answering machine or voice mail for your convenience. Parents will
be contacted by the YMCA staff if any child is marked “unexcused” unless a message has been received stating that
he/she will be tardy or absent from the program. An additional fee may be added to your account if you do not notify your
center director of an absence.
Late Pick-Up
YMCA licensed child care ends at 6:00pm, and our staff is scheduled to leave to tend to their own families and personal
commitments. Parents need to ensure that their child is picked up before the end of the program. Children become very
worried when their parents do not arrive on time. If you are unable to make it, please arrange for another authorized adult
to pick up your child. Please contact the program center if you anticipate being late; this will ensure the comfort of your
child.
6:00 - 6:10 p.m. $10.00 per child
6:11 – 6:30 p.m. $30.00 per child
After 6:30 p.m. $30.00 plus $1.00 every minute thereafter
Parents who have not notified the Program Center that they will be late, can expect the following sequence of events to
occur. These steps are necessary to ensure the safety of the child as well as YMCA staff members.
• 6:00pm: Program closes. Staff will call parents
• 6:10pm: Staff member begins calling alternative contacts listed on the registration form.
• 6:30pm: The Program Director is contacted and appraised of the situation.
• 7:30pm: If the child has not been picked up by this time, he or she will be turned over to the Sheriff’s
Department or local Police.
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You risk dismissal from the program if:
• You fail to pay the late pick-up fee at the time of pick up.
• You are late in picking up your child(ren) three (3) times.
Parents must keep the YMCA office and Program Center notified of phone number changes for work, home and
emergency contacts at all times.
FIELD TRIPS
Parents will receive detailed information prior to the day of the trip. Please pay close attention to the newsletter so that
you will be aware of the special departure and return times for field trips. Please do not schedule appointments for your
child on field trip days. If you do not want your child to participate in the field trip, you will be responsible for making
alternate arrangements in advance for that day. On field trip days, parents should ensure their child is at the program at
least 45 minutes prior to the departure time. When transporting your child we will need their car seat.
EMERGENCY-CLOSING POLICY
In the event of an emergency closing or evacuation, the YMCA will follow the “Emergency Care and Disaster Plan” posted
at the YMCA Program Center. Please see your Program Center Director for details. Parents can also contact their branch
office.
NAPPING POLICY-YCP
Preschool is provided an opportunity to nap after lunch on individual mats and bedding. Children who do not choose to
nap may rest and read quietly on their mats.
Children are provided a soothing atmosphere complete with soft must and warm strokes to clam and relax them. The
center provides a mat that is sanitized when soiled and on a weekly basis. Families must provide a blanket and crib sheet
for your child. Each time the center must provide a sheet and blanket to your child because his /her blanket/sheet did not
come back after being laundered, we will charge you $3.00. The total amount will be billed to you that day of or along with
your child care charges. If after the third day your child is without out a blanket/sheet the center will not provide care for
your child.
Based on “Best Practices”, we do not routinely wake sleeping children. Children sleep when their bodies tell them they
need it. Under section 101223 [a(3)] of the Manual of Polices and procedures, Community Care Licensing Division, Title
22, personal rights of the child include “…to be free from…interference with functions of daily living including eating,
sleeping or toileting…”
SNACKS & LUNCHES
A morning and afternoon nutritious snack will be provided to participants. Monthly snack calendars are posted at the
center.
: Families must provide in their child’s lunch 1 dairy product, 1 fruit, 1vegetable, a beverage, main course (i.e. sandwich,
leftovers, soup, etc.). Try to pack items in a way that encourages children to help themselves. (i.e. section or peel
oranges) Uneaten food will be packed back into the lunch box so that you may see how much (and what) your child has
eaten. If a food is sent from the following “never” list, we will ask your child to save it for home.
LUNCH SUGGESTIONS
DAIRY PRODUCTS:
Yogurt, string cheese, cheese cut into new shapes (wedges, strips, etc.), cream cheese (On celery, bagels, or rice cakes.)
FRUIT:
Grapes, (cut length-wise to prevent choking) melon balls, apple chunks (with peanut butter!), dried apricots or apples, fruit
salad combo, applesauce (no sugar added), trail mix with dried fruit, and cheerios.
MEAT OR ALTERNATIVE:
Chicken or turkey dogs (cut lengthwise to prevent choking), cubed meat, beans and rice, tofu, peanut butter, tuna, hardboiled
egg, chicken drumsticks.
VEGETABLES:
Carrot, celery, cucumber, or zucchini sticks (cut length-wise) with a small container of dip (cottage cheese with seasoning
or salad dressing), snap peas, corn on the cob, stuffed celery, bean salad.
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BREAD PRODUCTS:
Rice cakes or mini rice cakes, dry chow mien noodles, tortillas, mini bagels, mini muffins, pasta, pancakes, crackers (with
cheese or peanut butter), rice.
INSTEAD OF SANDWICHES:
Quesadilla (tortilla with melted cheese), burritos, pasta salad, leftover spaghetti or pizza, sandwiches cut into fun shapes.
BEVERAGES:
100% fruit juice, water or milk. (If packed frozen, beverages are nice and cool by lunch time)
“NEVER” FOODS: CHOKING HAZARDS:
The following foods are not allowed at school. Your child
will be asked to save them for home.
Soft drinks
Candy
Gum
Fast Food
All choking hazard foods (see list)
These foods are choking Hazards for
children 4 and under
• Nuts, pop corn
• Raisins
• Whole grapes
• Whole hot dogs or cut in chunks
• Raw peas and carrot chunks
• Hard pretzels
• Meat no larger than can be swallowed
whole
Please note: refrigeration and/or warming up of food cannot be provided so please do not send
perishable items or items that need to be cooked or heated up. Please inform the YMCA Program
Director or teacher of any allergies.
SCHOOL READINESS
Preschool
Children will get many opportunities throughout the day to explore through play. Play and learning connect
together; the skills that children will be learning through a particular activity will be documented by your child’s
teacher. Continually observing children in natural settings is the best way to determine a child’s abilities and
readiness. There will be a file of your child’s progress of concept development, numbers, language, writing,
reading, social and emotional development, physical development, healthy and safety. The following seven
factors will contribute to your child’s success in school.
� Physical well-being: Good health care, proper nutrition and physical activity promote children’s
development and are fundamental for learning.
� Emotional well-being: Children need recognition for their attempts to learn and to explore new
situations. Children who receive praise from parents and caregivers develop self-confidence and are
more willing to learn new things.
� Social skills: Children also need to develop social skills in order to work with others and to talk about
new ideas; this interaction can lead to and exchange of ideas and increased understanding.
� Communication skills: the ability to understand and to express ideas through language is the
cornerstone of learning.
� General knowledge: parents and caregivers can help children learn by encouraging their interests
and their natural curiosity about the world.
� Approach to learning: how children approach learning is important as what they know. Curiosity,
persistence, the ability to work independently, and the ability to listen all help children learn.
� School expectations: The expectations placed on children through the school system helps to
determine whether children succeed or fail. When teachers hold unrealistic expectations that
preschoolers have the attention span of an 8 year old, and require them to sit still for long periods of
time, they will find that many children are “not ready”. When teachers tailor preschool to meet the
individual needs of children, a majority of children will be judged “ready”.
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Revised 12/22/2011
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