For Parents
Parents are always welcome to visit and observe their child at any time at the Shining Stars Christian Preschool. We believe parents are the most significant adults in a child’s life. Participation in the Center’s activities is encouraged. It is our goal to partner with you in guiding the development of your child.
There are several areas in the Center for parents to find information about our programs and special events. Please be sure to check the Parent Information Board located outside the Director’s office and in each classroom. Feel free to discuss any questions or problems you have concerning your child, whether at home or at school, with the teachers and Director at any time.
Sign-In / Sign-Out Procedure
You are required to physically sign your child in and out of the Preschool each day. This record is proof that your child is on site and is used in emergency situations. If a child is to be picked up by someone other than a legal guardian, prior written notification is required.
As legal guardian, you should provide the Center with at least two names of persons authorized to pick-up your child in case of illness, emergency, or if you are not able to do so. A photo I.D. is required for anyone picking up a child.
Safety and Security
Wherever possible, we have installed security entry systems to protect the children in our care. Also, there is a code system that is required for entry into the Preschool. We are concerned first and foremost with your child’s safety.
Arrival at the Center
You are required to accompany your child into the classroom. This provides a smooth transition and allows you a brief exchange with the teacher to convey information about your child and to learn of the day’s plans. Our responsibility begins when you place your child in the care of a child care staff member.
When the center first opens for the day and attendance is low, children may be gathered in one room before they move on to their respective classrooms. This provides an opportunity to get settled and gives children of different ages a chance to interact. Likewise, at the end of the day as children are picked up, remaining children might be placed in one room. You will be advised of the room in which to place or pick-up your child.
Emergency Procedures
The Child Care Center has written policies and procedures for dealing with emergencies. In the event of an emergency, we will follow those procedures. To prepare the children and staff, we periodically schedule, carry out and document emergency drills. The Center has developed emergency evacuation plans designed to meet the needs of any emergency. Evacuation plans are posted in the classrooms. Please feel free to request a copy of our policies.
In the unlikely event that the Center is severely damaged or declared unsafe, all children will be evacuated to an emergency shelter where they will await your arrival. Should such an emergency occur, the Center Director will attempt to notify you as soon as possible. A notice will be posted at the center with information on the alternate site.
It is advised that you list all telephone numbers where you may be reached, including cell phone numbers, and that you also include the name and telephone number of a friend or relative who lives out of state and can be contacted if local lines are down.
Emergency Notification Form
Emergency forms are kept on file in the Center. In cases of illness or injury, the cards are to be used to notify and advise you or the person(s) designated by you of your child’s status. It is extremely important that the information be kept current with correct telephone numbers.
If the following information should change at any time, please notify us so that we can better serve you and your child:
- Phone numbers where you can be reached during the day
- Addresses at home and work
- Names of authorized persons to contact in case of an illness, injury or emergency
- Names of all persons authorized to pick up your child
Clothing
Children should wear washable play clothing at the Center. We require that you keep an extra set of clothing in your child’s cubby at all times in case of spills or accidents (pants, shirt, underwear, socks and shoes). Please label all clothing with your child’s name. Be sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather conditions. Shoes should be tennis shoes or other soft-soled shoes with straps or laces. Flip flop type shoes are not acceptable.
As mentioned above, at least one of change of clothes needs to be provided. A $2 charge will be billed to your child’s account if your child needs school clothes and does not have any on hand. This does not apply if available clothes have been supplied and additional clothing is needed. Please wash and return the borrowed clothes as soon as possible.
Sun Safety
We will make every effort to reduce exposure to sunlight from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (10 a.m.-3 p.m. during winter) by structuring play time so that children are not outdoors for long periods of time when the sunlight is most direct and by providing shaded play areas.
In order to better protect your child from sun damage, please provide sunscreen products (SPF 30 or greater) and/or protective clothing (long sleeved shirts, long pants and wide–brimmed hats) for your child to wear when they are outdoors for any extended period of time, i.e. recess or field trips.
Children will not be allowed to go outside if the air quality is not acceptable.
Lost and Found
If your child is missing anything, please inquire at the Center office as soon as possible. Remember to label everything. It is much easier to return a lost item if it is labeled with the owner’s name. Unclaimed items are given to charity after a reasonable period of time.
Personal Belongings
The Center cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage to any personal belongings children bring to the center. Children are to be encouraged to leave toys and other special belongings at home, with the exception of a blanket, soft toy or stuffed animal for rest time. It is distressing to children to misplace or lose belongings and sometimes difficult for the teacher to identify the owner. Please help your child understand why it is not wise to bring personal belongings to the center.
It is acceptable for children to bring one toy or book on their designated “share day”. When a child brings a toy or book to the center, make sure to label it and place it in the child’s cubby or in a safe storage place. Discourage the child and other children from playing with the toy in the classroom or the playground during play periods.
Nap and Rest Time
All children between 18 months and 5 years will be provided with the opportunity to rest as required by the state. Children will need to bring a twin bed sheet and a blanket, both labeled with the child’s name. Two pieces of linens are required by the state for each napping child. A $1 fee per linen per day will be charged for the use of school linen. The Center will provide sleeping cots. Every Friday sheets and blankets will be taken home for laundering and must be returned to the Center on Monday.
Nutrition
The Center provides a nutritious mid-morning and a mid-afternoon snack that adheres to all USDA guidelines to all enrolled children each day. 100% fruit juice and/or milk will be served with each snack. Children can bring their own lunch or buy one for $3.95. The center encourages healthy, nutritious lunches. A parent may occasionally provide a lunch from a “fast food” establishment, but such a practice is to be limited. Teacher and/or aides will assist children with their lunches.
If your child is allergic to any kind of food, please notify the Director. Arrangements can be made for a special diet. Snack menus for the week are posted in the classrooms.
You are encouraged to join your child for lunch. Please inform the teacher if you plan to have lunch with your child. Lunch is scheduled between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Toddler Diets
If your child is under the age of two years and unable to eat regular table foods, you will need to supply the Center with any formula, baby food, or other special foods that your child may need for snack times. Toddlers will be fed on demand as much as possible.
