Parent Handbook

 

Parents Handbook

 

NON DISCRIMINATION

 

      Child care regulations, and the beliefs of this Center, prohibit licensed child care facilities from discriminating against any child or parent on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parenthood, age or physical disabilities.

INSURANCE

     Both centers carry full coverage insurance on all of our vehicles including our buses. We also carry general liability insurance for each center. If you would like more information feel free to stop by the office and speak to one of us. We also have them posted on the bulletin boards near the main entrance.

HOURS OF OPERATION / CLOSURES

     Imagination Station (56th Avenue) will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. Precious Beginnings Learning Center & Daycare will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. (The buildings are right next door to each other).

     Both facilities will be closed to observe the following holidays: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

VIDEO AND T.V.

     Viewing television/videos and video games in our center is normally limited to one hour per week. This will usually include educational programs such as Veggie Tales, Sesame Street, etc. Other age-appropriate movies and games ("G" rated) will be shown or played on occasion.
     Older school-aged children may be permitted to watch movies rated "PG". These children may also use computers and computer games more often than one hour a week. (school-age refers to children who have actually started school)
     If you prefer that your child not view the program or if the child does not wish to participate, an alternate activity will be made available. Precious Beginnings will do our best to keep your child's equipment safe. However Precious Beginnings and our staff are not responsible for loss or damage to your child's electronic games, chargers or any other device brought into the facility. Please put your child's name on everything! For questions or clarification please stop by the office.

PARENT VISITS

     Parents are more than welcome to drop by at any time for a visit and to check up on your child's progress. Parental visits to the center are strongly encouraged. This center believes that the more involved the parents of the children in our care are, the stronger the bond will be between the parents and children as they age and mature.
     If you would like to join us for lunch, please let us know by 10 am that morning. Parent volunteers are also an important part of our center's home-like atmosphere. Volunteers must meet qualifications as specified by the Municipality's Child Care Code. If you are interested, please let one of the staff know!

     If you choose to visit your child during the day you will need to sign into the building as a visitor. The log book is located in the lobby by the check in computers in both buildings. They are usually black note books. You do not need to sign in or out of the center if you are picking up or dropping off or your child at the center.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED

     A complete change of clothing to include underwear and socks are to be available at the center at all times. This is in addition to the "Comfort Care Kits".
     Diapers and wipes (if the child is not potty trained) During "Potty training" please supply several outfits & plenty of underwear with rubber pants everyday!
      A blanket and/or stuffed toy from home often help a child adjust to a new environment and we encourage you to bring one for nap-time. (please remember that your child's blanket and pillow need to fit into their cubby) However, we do not allow other toys from home as they may be disruptive and get lost or broken. We assume no responsibility for lost or damaged items. We DO allow the children to bring items in for "Show and Share Day," which is every Friday. (Toy firearms, knives and swords will not be accepted at anytime or for any reason) If your child's name is not on ALL items we will not be responsible for them if they become lost! Silver and Black permanent markers are available from the office.
     

CLOTHING SHOULD FIT THE SEASON

Clothing for outside play:

• Winter: Heavy coat, snow pants, sweatshirt/hoody, waterproof mittens, hat and boots, and a pair of shoes, to be used for inside play.

• Summer: Lightweight jacket or sweatshirt/hoody, rain boots and a pair of shoes, to be used for inside play.

     Please dress your child in comfortable PLAY clothes, as some activities may be messy. Although we have smocks for painting, the paints or mud, sand, water etc. may soil and/or stain their clothing. Do not send your children to daycare in fancy, special or their Sunday best clothing! Precious Beginnings or its staff are not responsible for lost clothing, toys, blankets or anything else you may bring into the center. We WILL make every effort to get your child's belonging in their cubbies provided they are labeled with your child's name. If you do not have a silver or black Sharpie, please stop by the office we will gladly mark them for you! We are not responsible for item not labeled with your child's name.
     Fire Department regulations require that children's shoes remain on at all times (including nap-time) in case of evacuation. PLEASE make sure that your child has INDOOR shoes in addition to any outdoor footwear you have provided. Children WILL NOT be allowed to wear outdoor boots inside the building for extended periods of time. This includes rubber break-up boots. Parents will be asked to return to the center with the appropriate footwear or be charged an additional fee for use of the centers footwear.

OUTDOOR PLAY

     Outside play will be offered twice a day for toddlers and pre-school aged children, as weather permits. Children will be provided a minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity indoors or outdoors, for every 3 hours the facility is open.
     Inside activities will be substituted for children when the temperature is 10 degrees or lower for toddlers or pre-school aged children and 50 degrees or lower for infants. Also, if weather is too severe for outside play due to wind chill factors, heavy snow, unsafe conditions (icy or heavy rain, poor air quality and the occasional moose), an indoor vigorous activity will be substituted for outdoor play.
     Children who are well enough to be in care are presumed well enough to play outside. All children will go outside unless staff has been notified with a written excuse from a physician for the day (on staff availability only). The child/children who need to stay inside will be supervised at an alternate choice of games and activities.

FIELD TRIPS AND WALKS

     Field trips and walks away from the center will be planned for children over the age of 3 years to area parks, zoos and other facilities, both indoors and outdoors. Prior to any child leaving the premises, a consent form must be signed by at least one of the parents or legal guardians.
     There will be separate forms for each outing. Primarily, we will use our bus to transport children and chaperones, in which case, car seats are not necessary. The drivers Precious Beginnings will employ will hold a current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) class C or higher with a passenger endorsement. On rare occasions, we may also use parent volunteers as drivers. If we use parents' vehicles, transportation will only be allowed when there are enough seat belts and parent volunteers to safely travel, and your child's car seat has been left at the center for his/her use. No child will be allowed to attend the outing without an age-appropriate child safety seat. This only applies when using private vehicles. For more information see bulletin board to the right of the main entrance doors.
     Children at Precious Beginnings Learning Center & Daycare travel between the buildings to reach the playground. Because they actually leave their primary facility this is considered a "field trip" and requires a separate permission slip. This is part of the enrollment packet.

 

 

DIAPERING & POTTY TRAINING

 

     When toilet training, please provide us with at least 10 pairs of underwear and rubber training pants as well as several complete changes of clothes so we can ensure your child stays clean and dry.

     There will be a charge of $2.00 for any "house diaper" and $0.50 for any "house wipe" we use for your child after you are notified you need them. It has been our experience that children who use "Pull-Ups" take longer to potty train. Because of this, we discourage their use. It is our belief that children who are put in underwear and rubber pants take less time to potty train due to the wetness they feel. Diapers and pull ups are designed to draw the moisture away from their skin. It is our policy however, to be consistent and supportive of the method you are using at home to train your child.

BIRTHDAYS

 

     We celebrate all birthdays during afternoon snack time. Parents may provide a treat for their child's class provided they check with staff regarding allergy issues within that class (i.e. peanuts, strawberries, etc.) The teacher will add special stories, songs and games to make the day a special one for your child.

 

CHILD ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT

 

     Alaska State Statutes and Anchorage Child Care Center regulations require that all licensed child care providers report ALL incidents of suspected or actual abuse or neglect of children regardless of whether they occur in, or are related to the facility. This facility is therefore obligated by law to report such incidents within 24 hours to the Office of Children's Services. Their phone number is 269-4000. Centers are also required to notify the Municipal Child/Adult Licensing office of incidents which alleged a child was abused or neglected when the center is responsible for that child. The Municipal Child/Adult Care Licensing office number is 343-4758.

 

INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS

 

     The Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Health and Human Services is the agency mandated by the State Law to regulate childcare facilities. This agency therefore supervises monitors and investigates complaints involving childcare centers in the Anchorage bowl. This office is located at 825 L. Street, 3rd floor and the phone number is 343-4758.

DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

 

     The staff at Precious Beginnings Learning Center & Daycare will always try redirection and praise on a child to try to solve a behavioral problem before it begins. Consistent redirection, teaching them how to make good choices, understanding the natural consequences when we are not making good choices, and talking with the child will be applied first and foremost. If these tactics are unsuccessful, then time-out will be administered according to the child's age, and will usually run 1 min. per age of the child. No child will ever be in time-out for more than five minutes. Our center does not use corporal punishment. Spanking or slapping by staff is strictly prohibited. Parents who want to spank their child must do so behind closed doors and out of the sight or sound of other children. You must also clock your child out of our attendance computer before doing so.
     In the rare event that all other methods of discipline have been exhausted, or the child is a danger to him/herself or anyone else, you will be called and may be asked to come to the center to discipline your child in a manner appropriate for the situation. In severe cases, you may be required to pick them up for the day. If the problem becomes consistent, you may be asked to enlist professionals, such as your pediatrician, Alaska In or Denali Family Services (to list a few) or in rare cases find another care provider.
    

 We have written resources and maintain on staff several highly trained people who can help families who find themselves in need of more information regarding the relationships between parents and children. If you'd like some suggestions for reading materials or other tactics that can help fill your specific needs, please let one of our staff members know. We'd be happy to help your family be successful in any way possible.

 

STAFF SUBSTITUTIONS AND VOLUNTEERS

 

     Before starting employment at Precious Beginnings Learning Center & Daycare all employes, substitutes and volunteers must obtain before starting employment, a back ground check through Alaska State Troopers and a release of information. They will also need to get fingerprints done within 30 days of hire. In the event that an emergency fill-in or substitute is needed a person meeting the necessary requirements will fill that need. We usually go with office staff first.

ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS

 

     If a child becomes ill while in care, the parent will be called and asked to come and pick up the child within one hour of the initial phone call. (i.e.: vomiting, fever or other strong symptoms, for clarification of "Symptoms of Exclusion" please see the bulletin board to the left of the main entrance.) If you are not available, the next person on your emergency card will be called. It is the parents' responsibility to keep your emergency cards updated. The child will be kept under supervision, quiet and resting until the parent arrives. Children who are ill upon arrival will not be allowed to stay. It is the center's discretion as to whether a child is too sick to remain in care. The child may return to the center after all symptoms of illness have gone. Any child reported with any communicable condition (pink eye, strep throat, lice and so on)may return only with documentation from a licensed physician that it is safe for the child to return. If your child has anything contagious, please let the office know so we can post a notice.
     In the event of a serious accident or injury, the parent will be notified immediately. If the parent is unreachable, the emergency contact name will be called. Parents are required to leave the phone number of places other than their work or home if they plan to be elsewhere. Parents are required to update any information such as a change of work place, address or phone number every quarter. Parents will also need to sign a medical release form in case of a serious emergency. In such an event, we will call 911. We will not attempt to transport the children ourselves. The child will be transported in an ambulance to the closest hospital, unless another hospital has been designated by the parent on the emergency card.
     This facility requires written parental permission and instructions before administering any and all medications, including over the counter, naturopathic remedies, vitamins and mineral supplements. Any over the counter medications must have a dosage by age or weight on the bottle.
     All prescription medications must have a label with the child's name, prescribing person's name, dosage and the name of the medication. Upon expiration of the written permission slip, the parent must remove the medication from the center, or it must be discarded by the facility. Any child who requires an inhaler or EPI pen is required to have one here at the center at all times. (even when it is only used "occasionally")

 

TOPICAL PRODUCTS

 

     As preventative measures, this center will utilize sunscreens, toothpaste (children under 2 will receive a fluoride-free product), insect repellent (children under age 2 will receive a DEET-free product), hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, Bag Balm, and baking soda. Parents will indicate on the form provided any personal preference or known allergies to the "over the counter" items listed above. If you wish, you may designate a substitute product for the items listed. You will be required to supply Precious Beginnings staff with the alternate item for the specific product type listed above and label it with the child's name for his/her use. The signed form will need to be updated as your child's needs change and remain in effect until revised or revoked by the parent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

 

     No information of any kind will be released to any other party without the express written permission from the parent/legal guardian or by court order. The Department of Health and Human Services or their representatives and the Office of Children's Services also has access to children's files.

 

NO SMOKING

 

     Both Precious Beginnings Learning Center & Daycare prohibits smoking anywhere on our property. We do not allow persons to smoke in a vehicle parked on our property. Child care personnel may not smoke while responsible for the care of children, and they may not expose children to second-hand smoke. We ask that all cigarette butts be left in your car and not in our parking lot. If you find that you need to empty your ash tray or trash, please use our dumpster! Please understand that we take this very seriously and will terminate childcare for repeat offenders.

CELL PHONES

 

     Due to difficulties with being able to communicate with parents, we ask that you finish ALL cell phone calls before proceeding to pick up or drop off your child. Our caregivers usually have a small amount of time (as they are watching kids) to fill you in on your child's day. They should at least have your full attention so that they can brief you as quickly as possible. It is also our experience that some parents "forget" where they are and do not use language appropriate for the center.

CONSENT TO VIDEO TAPE

 

     At this time Precious Beginnings Learning Center & Daycare has cameras in all areas. By entering the building you are giving consent to be video taped and or audio taped. Video taping will be stored for up to 7 days and can be used as a training tool.

PARKING

 

     Parents may park in any space in the front or on either side of the building with the exception of the handicap area which includes the ramp, loading area and the space directly to the left of the ramp (clearly marked). Handicap parking is allowed with a state approved placard or plates, belonging to a child or individual entering or exiting the vehicle (see state law below). We have several children and adults who need that area to access our building, so please do not park there for any reason, not even for a quick drop-off or pickup.
     Please understand that we take this very seriously and will terminate childcare for repeat offenders. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please feel free to stop by the office so that we can discuss this with you further.

Excerpt from DMV form 861

 

State law requires that the authorized holder (disabled individual) must enter or exit the vehicle when parking in a space reserved for individuals who experience a disability. In other words, if you experience a disability and have been issued a placard or plates you may not park in a reserved parking space and stay in the vehicle while another person runs an errand. Furthermore, using a placard or plate that was issued to another person could result in a fine of up to $500.00. Loaning a placard to another person can result in your privileges being revoked.

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE

 

     Any rate or policy change will be posted on the notice board thirty (30) days in advance of implementation of the changes. It is the parent's responsibility to read any notes posted, we do not have the staff to notify parents individually of every change. Imagination Station will do our best to make sure these changes are clearly labeled and noticeable to anyone entering the building. This board is located by the front door.

 

 

 

 

Precious Beginnings Learning Center

&

Daycare

 

Appreciate you entrusting us with your child's safety and early educational needs we treat every child as if they were our own.

 

 

Kay Samuels

Center Director