Kids' Town House, Inc.

PHILOSOPHY

 Kids' Town House, Inc. strives to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment that allows children to grow, discover, and learn through a variety of age and developmentally appropriate experiences. Our philosophy is to encourage the child to develop in a positive atmosphere of warmth and caring. Our goal is to meet the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs that are unique to each child. In their daily experiences with us, the children learn to make decisions, carry out responsibilities, express themselves creatively, and discover friendships. They are exposed to music, movement, art, science, reading, dramatic play, life skills, and blocks, sensory, fine and gross motor play.  Themes are planned around the interests of each group of children. A daily schedule helps to provide a familiar flow to each day, and balances active and quiet play with child-initiated and teacher-directed activities. We strive to achieve our childcare goals through the partnership of child, parent, school, community, and staff.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

 Kids’ Town House, Inc. Daycare is a Licensed Child Care Center governed by a Kids’ Town House Board of Directors with the cooperation of the Center Director. KTH is licensed for 77 children through the Department of Human Services. KTH complies with all the child care regulations set by the State of North Dakota. KTH cares for children 6 weeks old through 6^th grade. We believe that every child has the potential to grow and experience early learning and socialization through the opportunity to make choices.

            Kids’ Town House, Inc. Offers:

            *Safe and healthy environment

            *Nutritious meals and snacks

            *Activities to build self-esteem

            *Field trips and guest speakers

            *Large motor and outside activities

            *Age appropriate activities

            *Transportation to and from school, walking to swimming lessons and library

CENTER POLICIES

HOURS

 The center is open from 6:30 am to 5:45 pm Monday through Friday. It is closed for the following holidays:

 *Labor Day                     New Years Eve Day- sign-up sheet

 *Thanksgiving Day                *New Years Day

 Friday after Thanksgiving      *Memorial Day  

Christmas Eve Day- no tuition assessed     *4^th of July

 *Christmas Day                                                         

**KTH assesses tuition for holidays on full and part-time contracts, despite the fact that the center is closed. (*=tuition assessed holiday) Ten children will need to attend KTH on days we have a sign-up sheet, to determine whether we will be open. If there is not enough interest, KTH will be closed with no charge assessed.

 If the holiday falls on the weekend we will be closed the Friday or Monday closest to the holiday.

 ELIGIBILITY

 Children will be enrolled on a first come, first serve basis, based on openings available in each program. Others will be put on a waiting list and will be accommodated as space permits. Kids’ Town House, Inc. will not deny enrollment on the basis of creed, race, or sex. Accepting children with special needs into our program will be determined on an individual basis.

 REGISTRATION AND FEES

 A $30.00 non-refundable registration fee will be assessed to place your child on our current roster. Should you choose to void your current contract you will be charged the $30.00 registration fee again to place your child back on our current roster. If KTH has limited availability in each program, a $30.00 registration fee plus $200.00 down will reserve your child a spot on the KTH roster for new families. This $200.00 will be credited to your first tuition period. Should you choose not to attend KTH, this $200.00 will not be refunded as a spot was being held for your child. Activity fees will be charged per fieldtrip. The amount of the fee will depend on the activity, plus transportation costs. These fees will be posted prior to each fieldtrip and will need to be paid before the activity.

 The parent must complete a registration packet and return an immunization form, completed by the child’s doctor, prior to the first day of care. After receiving the registration packet, parents will attend a pre-enrollment meeting with the center director. This gives both parents and the center a chance to discuss the child’s care. The parent handbook will be reviewed and clarified if needed.

 Tuition will be due every two weeks. Full tuition will be charged for each tuition period, including the six major holidays the center is closed. A tuition bill will be printed off for your records. Tuition is due every other Friday by 5:45 pm, or on the last business day before the holiday should the center close for a Friday holiday. Year-end statements will be posted in your child’s locker in January for tax purposes. Current rates are subject to change with one month notice to parents. School age children are charged drop-in rates for early release days and school out days unless you choose to sign a NO SCHOOL DAYS contract.  A No School contract may be obtained for your school-age child to reserve a spot for your child on any Cavalier Public No School Days, and storm days. KTH may be used as your child’s storm home with the Cavalier Public School only if you sign a No School and storm day’s contract. See No School and storm day’s contract for full details and requirements.

 Upon enrollment, all fees, tuition and expenses are the responsibility of the parents. Families who are currently subsidized by the Department of Human Services are responsible to pay at least 20% down each month.  Any overages will be credited to the next billing period. Any under payment will be due the next billing period. Families are required to let us know of any changes in their status that may occur. Kids’ Town House, Inc enters into childcare and payment agreement with the parents only. Families are responsible for the entire bill whether they are subsidized or not.

 The Board will review any rate increases semi-annually depending on the amount needed to meet financial obligations and increased staff wages. Talk to your director if you need to know the amount.

 SCHEDULES

 Full time is considered 5 days a week. Part time schedules must be a minimum of either 3 full days or 5 half days. Half days are 5 hours or less between either 6:30 am-1:00 pm or 12:00-5:45 pm. We do not accept part time care for Infants and Toddlers. This must be a set schedule and these scheduled days must be paid. You cannot swap days of care if you are part time. If you are scheduled to be at the center and your child is sick, you still must pay for those days. If you bring your child on a day that you are not scheduled, you will be charged. If you give no notice, there may not be room for your child, in which case you may not be able to leave your child at the center. You will be charged for any extra days on your next bill. The first initial two weeks of care for first time families are a trial period. During this time, either party may terminate this contract immediately without written notice. Tuition is due for the two weeks at the time of termination.

 ABSENCES

 There will be no refunds or reductions for sick days, unless your child is out sick for 6 consecutive days or hospitalized.  A written doctor’s excuse must be turned in with your request. You will then be credited for those days on the next tuition period. Please call if your child will be out for the day or arriving late by 9:30 am so KTH can staff accordingly.

 LATE FEE

 A $20.00 late fee will be assessed if your payment is not made by 5:45 pm on the Friday Due Date stated on your statement. If we are closed on that Friday payment is due the previous day stated on the statement. Services may be discontinued, if your tuition is delinquent more than one tuition cycle (2 weeks).

 There will be a $25.00 charge on all NSF checks. After which a money order or cash will be the only acceptable form of payment.

 If your child is picked up after the closing time of 5:45 pm, you will be charged $2.00/minute per child. You will be charged the late fee on your next billing statement with the date you were late.

 Accounts four weeks past due will be collected by using all legal avenues available. (North Valley Collections or Small Claims Court).

 VACATION POLICY

 The number of days your child is scheduled for in a two-week period is the number of days you qualify for vacation in a year. For example: Susie Que- Full days Monday, Wednesday, Friday, this is six days in a tuition period, therefore she is granted six vacation days for the year. You will be granted vacation days after you have been enrolled for three months. At that time, you will be granted vacation days according to your schedule, to be used for the next year. Vacation days may be used only if a request is submitted in writing, to the Director at least two days in advance. Credit will be applied to the tuition period of the vacation days used. There will be no vacation for short term; no school/ storm days and summer enrollment. Vacation days must be used by Sept 1^st of each year. You may not carry vacation days over to the next year.

 WITHDRAWAL

 If you wish to withdraw your child from the center, you must fill out a two-week written notice of withdrawal form. Payment is required for those 2 weeks at the time you fill out the form. All childcare fees must be paid I full prior to leaving the program. Any unpaid fees will be turned over to collection at the end of your final two weeks.

 Parents choosing to withdraw for any amount of time (summer or school year); will be charged a nonrefundable re-enrollment fee of $30.00. If you do not pay the re-enrollment fee, we do not guarantee that we will have an opening for your child. Prior approval from the director is required. If you change your mind after you have paid your fee to hold your child’s spot, PLEASE let us know as soon as possible, so we can put another child on the roster. We do have waiting lists for most of our groups.

 CHILD INFORMATION FILES AND HEALTH RECORDS

 Every child will have a file to be kept in the center. The file will contain a registration form, health and information records, completed immunization forms, parent release consent forms, food program forms, and a current picture. All of this information will need to be completed upon enrollment. Files will be updated as needed. We will also need custody papers if there is a dispute between parents.

 All records of the children will be kept confidential and are disclosed only to parents, professional staff, officers of the law, or other official agencies. The staff is mandated by the state of North Dakota to report any suspected neglect or abuse.

 We will need to know if your child has any allergies to any food, drink, bugs, animals, etc.

 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURES

 All children are to be signed in and out by a parent or guardian. Please indicate all the information needed on the daily sign in and out sheet. If you are not going to be at the phone numbers listed on the registration form, please leave a number with the director/ asst. director where we can reach you in an emergency.

 Please help your children with their outside apparel. You will need to escort your child into the room and share any pertinent care communications with the center staff.

 The caregiver is to be notified if someone other than the parent or guardian is picking up your child. This individual must be listed on the authorization form. The individual will need to show proper identification before the child will be released to that person.

 When an unauthorized person, a person incapacitated, or a person suspected of abuse attempts to pick up a child, the caregiver will contact the parent or guardian and proceed according to their instructions. If the parent, guardian, or responsible party cannot be reached, the staff will contact an individual designated as an emergency contact, and will proceed accordingly. Staff will not release the child until an authorized individual has arrived at the center to pick up the child.

 DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE

 KTH staff will be using Love and Logic Techniques (positive reinforcement, redirection, natural and logical consequences, and some individual time) as our methods of guidance. The children will be encouraged to make choices and accept consequences that are clearly outlined. We believe that guidance is something that should be positive and approached in a fair and caring manner. We do not believe in punishment or shaming any child for any reason. Our goal is for the behaviors to change, not to make the children feel powerless. We also teach children the skills to solve differences with their peers.

 If persistent unacceptable behavior continues, parents are consulted. Open communication between the center and parents is encouraged and conferences may be scheduled as needed. A plan to address the inappropriate behavior will be developed in consultation with the child’s parents and with the staff members when needed. If efforts made by the family and the center fail to change the child’s behavior and the behavior puts other children or the child at risk, Kids’ Town House, Inc reserves the right to dismiss the child.

 NUTRITION

 Kids’ Town House, Inc. participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. We serve a nutritious breakfast, lunch and a snack in accordance with the food program guidelines.

 REST TIME

 A crib size pillow and blanket can be brought daily or left in a hanging canvas bag. After 30 minutes, children who do not require a nap will be taken to another part of the center for a supervised quiet choice time. (Ex: reading a book or watching a video) Naptime is from 12:30-2:30, a quiet time poster will be posted on the door to keep interruptions to a minimum during this time. Blankets and pillows are to be taken home every Friday to be washed.

 PARENT-CENTER COMMUNICATION

 Information is communicated through parent bulletin board posts and monthly lessons of planned events. Any other daily information will be found in your child’s locker or posted on the door or by the sign in and out sheets. Please feel free to contact a member of the staff with any questions or concerns.

 Daily sheets are filled out on the infants and toddlers. Be sure to pick them up before going home.

 Daily sheets are available for Preschool and School Age children at the parent’s request.

 CONFERENCES

 Parent-teacher conferences may be called upon the request of either the center staff or the parent with notification to the center director.

 SUPPLIES

 Parents are responsible for providing the following clothing/supplies to be kept in the center at all the times:

   *Clear storage bin with cover for locker

    *A change of clothing, including underwear and socks

     *Snow pants, hat, mittens, scarf, and boots for winter

      *One rest blanket and crib size pillow

      *Infants/toddlers: disposable diapers, wipes, creams, teething bibs, three bottles, and a blanket.

       Be sure your child’s things are labeled.

 POTTY TRAINING

 Potty training should begin at home over a long weekend. KTH holds the right to place your child in a pull-up after two daily accidents for sanitation purposes. If daily accidents continue after a three week period, your child must continue to wear extra absorbent protective undergarments.  You must supply KTH with pull-ups in your child’s locker during this time or you may purchase pull-ups from KTH for $2.00 each.

 TOYS

 Toys are brought at your own risk on Fridays only. We do not assume responsibility for personal toys. Be sure that your items are labeled with your child’s name and are not small enough to pose a hazard to younger children. Please understand that if toys are brought to the center, they may be lost or broken. KTH staff will do our best to keep them safe, but we will not be held responsible for them. In any event that an item from home causes disruptions or problems, it will be taken away and asked to be taken home. KTH does not allow any toy guns or other toys that encourage violence in our center.

 PETS

 Please contact your child’s teacher for center approval to bring any live animals from home for a visit. All animal vaccinations need to be up-to-date in order for an animal to visit. Should a child have a pet allergy, no pets will be allowed in the building.

 OUTDOOR PLAY

 Licensing standards mandates that children be taken outdoors on a daily basis, so outdoor play is a planned part of each day, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately for outside play. All children must go outside. If your child is well enough to come to the center, they are well enough to go outside. As a general guideline, if the temperature is below zero or the heat index is over 95 degrees, we will stay inside.

 CLOTHING

 Play clothes are best for days at the center. Comfortable, sturdy, washable clothing will enable the children to participate freely in all activities without undue concern for spills, spots, or rips. Children learn through play and will get dirty. It is all part of being a kid.  

 FIELD TRIPS

 Field trips and outings are an important part of our program. Forms completed at the time of enrollment include a parent consent form for fieldtrips. Notification will also be sent home as each field trip is planned. A car seat/ booster may be requested for all children who still legally need them. A release of liability form will be sent home to be signed and returned before your child is allowed to attend the fieldtrip.

 TRANSPORTATION

 KTH provides transportation before and after school for all contracted children. At the Directors discretion, KTH will also provide transportation to extra-curricular activities based on location, time and frequency of activity, as well as the number of KTH kids enrolled in the particular activity. Should an activity interfere with our daily schedule of events, ex: afternoon swimming in the summer, transportation will not be available. A monthly transportation fee will be assessed on your tuition statement at the beginning of each month or $1 a ride as needed.

 SUMMER SWIMMING

KTH staff will transport children to and from swimming lessons during the summer season.  KTH also purchases pool passes each season which parents have the option of including their child(ren) on at a discounted rate. This fee will be assessed on your first tuition bill in June. This pass may only be used while your child (ren) is in attendance at KTH.  A release of liability form will need to be signed and dated before your child is allowed to swim.

 EMERGENCY CARE

 A form authorizing emergency medical care for your child is signed at the time of enrollment. In case of an emergency, you will be called. If our staff is not able to reach you, we will attempt to contact the emergency person indicated on your child’s authorization form. KTH staff will seek medical attention at our discretion if responsible parties are unreachable.

 ILLNESS/COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

 KTH staff will notify you if your child has been exposed to a communicable disease such as chicken pox, pink eye, etc. Please notify KTH if your child has been exposed, or has symptoms of any of the illnesses previously listed, so that we may inform other parents in the center.

 No child will be admitted to the center with symptoms of illness of a communicable disease. No child will be admitted with a temperature of 100.5 degrees or above. If your child has a temperature above 100.5 degrees you will be asked to pick up your child. Over the counter fever reducers don’t eliminate the spread of illness; they just make the child more comfortable. The child needs to be fever free without the use of medication for 24 hours before returning to the center.

 Children with communicable illness like strep, pink eye, etc. must be on prescription medication for 24 hours before returning to the center.

 Our health policy may not be superseded by a doctor’s authorization for attendance. The child may not be contagious, but still may not be well enough to attend daycare.

 Kids’ Town House Inc. Daycare uses every precaution to stop the spread of communicable diseases. The chew toys in the infant/toddler rooms are consistently rotated and larger toys disinfected daily.

 MEDICATIONS

 PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Medication brought to the center must be in the original container and labeled with your child’s name. No substitute containers will be allowed. A medication release form must be filled out and signed by an authorized adult when leaving medication. All medication will be kept out of your child’s reach and returned to you at the end of the day or when no longer needed.

 OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS: We will not dispense any over the counter medications. This includes acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Exceptions may be made at the Director’s discretion, in which case a Non-Prescription release form must be signed by an authorized adult when leaving the medication. All medication rules apply.

 All medications, prescription and non prescription, must have a signed doctor’s note as to the dose administered for the weight of your child if it is not listed on the bottle. This note is good for 30 days.

 Sunscreen and Bug Spray permission forms must be signed by a parent/ guardian each spring to give KTH staff permission to apply these over the counter products on your child.

 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

 Section §50.25.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code requires that any suspicion of neglect or abuse must be immediately reported to Social Services. If the staff and/or director suspect that your child has been neglected or abused in any way, we are required to report the suspicion without advising the parent first. Social Services will contact the parents or guardian directly. They will not disclose the reporter, but will discuss the observed problem and work with you to solve it. Any persons making a report of neglect and/or abuse of the child is provided with immunity from liability as outlined in Section § 50.25.1-09 NDCC.

 THINGS THAT AFFECT CHILDREN WHICH WE SHOULD KNOW

 It is helpful for your child’s teacher to be informed if he or she is having problems with siblings, is apprehensive about something at the center, experiencing any changes at home, etc. KTH staff may be able to help or better understand your child if we are made aware. All information is confidential.

 LEAVE OF ABSENCE

 If maternity leave is taken, parents will be charged ½ price for up to six weeks leave. Your child may be brought on a part time basis during this time.

 If leave is requested for unemployment or medical reasons, parents will be charged ½ price for up to six weeks leave.

 PM DEPARTURES

 KTH staff will not release your child if we feel concerned about his/ her safety due to your consumption of alcohol. Please be aware we will contact your emergency person to pick up the child. KTH staff will not be held responsible for releasing a child to an intoxicated individual. PLEASE DO NOT PUT US IN THIS POSITION.

 OUT THE DOOR POLICY

 The center hours are 6:30 am-5:45 pm. Parents need to have their children out the door by 5:45 pm so our staff can lock up. If you need to speak with a staff member at the end of the day, be sure to allow enough time before 5:45 pm. Anyone in the center after 5:45 pm will be charged our late fee of $2.00 a minute per child.

 EMERGENCY CLOSING POLICY

 KTH Board President and Center Director will decide when to close due to blizzard conditions. The center will not close until all children have been picked up. KTH does not close due to sub-zero temperatures. Announcements are placed on the radio (105.1) and TV (WDAZ) the morning of the storm. KTH will be open on days school is starting late. This policy also covers such events as flooding, fire, and other issues of safety to be implemented at the center director’s discretion.

 EMERGENCY DISASTER PLAN-Fire drills are practiced monthly. Tornado drills are practiced twice a year.

 Fire- Everyone will be evacuated immediately to the parking lot on the north side of the bridge across from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church during warm weather months.  In the cold weather months we will evacuate to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church basement.

 Tornado- During a tornado watch, the children will be indoors. During a tornado warning, KTH will evacuate, lock up and go to the basement or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. When the warning has expired we will return to KTH center.

 Power Blackout- Staff will notify parents immediately if there is a power blackout during the winter. KTH will then close until the heat has been restored.

 Flood- The staff will keep the children in the Big Room and parents will be notified.

 EMERGENCY POLICY

 In case of a serious injury 911 will be called and then the parents will be called. KTH staff certified in First Aid and Heart Saver CPR will use the necessary first aid procedures while waiting for the parent(s) and or ambulance to arrive.

 In case of ingestion or poison, The Poison Control Center will be contacted for immediate instructions and then parent (s) will be contacted.

 HIRING POLICY

 KTH will not employ anyone who has been found guilty of any convictions concerning homicides, assaults, kidnapping, gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, corruption, or solicitation of minors, sexual abuse of words, sexual assaults, robbery or burglary, sexual performances by children, promoting prostitution, facilitating prostitution or child procurement.

 Employees are required to complete the application form. The Director of KTH reviews the application, contacts references, and then interviews the possible employee. Prior to employment each employee is required to have a state background check.  All employees sign a confidentiality agreement with Kid’s Town House, Inc. Daycare and Learning Center.

 GRIEVANCE POLICY

 Parents should first speak with the center Director about any questions or concerns. If these questions or concerns are not addressed to the parent’s satisfaction, the parents should go to the Board President. The Board President, at her/his discretion, will address the concern with the KTH Director and respond to the parent(s). If the parent(s) approach (es) a Board Member, the Member should direct the parent(s) to the Board President. The Board President will report concerns and resolution to the Board at the next KTH Board Meeting which the parent (s) is allowed to attend.

  I have read and agree to abide by all the policies outlined in the Kids’ Town House Inc. Daycare and Learning Center Parent Handbook.  

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Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature                        Date        

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Parent’s/ Guardian’s Signature                        Date

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Director’s Signature                                            Date