Download Parent Handbook - Little Einstein Preschool

Parent Handbook
Mesa Center
2105 E Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85204
480-652-8820
Apache Junction Center
183 N Apache Trail #110
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
480-886-7080
Monday thru Friday
6am to 6:30pm
*Please read through the Handbook carefully and make sure that you understand
everything in the Handbook. This Handbook contains important information regarding
your childcare contract. The information in this Handbook is a legal document. You will
need to sign the Acknowledgment of Little Einstein Preschool Parent Handbook letting
us know you understand what you are reading and have received a copy of this
Handbook.
Mission Statement
The mission of Little Einstein Preschool is to provide a safe, loving
environment, and a higher level of childcare services. We have well-trained
staff members to provide the best care and education for your children. Our
Centers will always be clean, secure, friendly, and kid-safe.
Philosophy
Little Einstein Preschool Centers are based on a quality child care
experience in a comfortable, familiar, home-like setting. Learning through
play is viewed as the cornerstone of the curriculum. Adults provide
protection, security, stimulation, support, limits, and affection. Children are
respected as individuals within a child-oriented rather than teacher-directed
program.
About Us
We will have cameras in every classroom and a secure Internet viewing
service available for our parents to look at their kids at any time. We are also
going to have a secure, coded, locked entry door for your child’s safety.
Curriculum
At Little Einstein Preschool, we focus on the needs of young children. We
offer learning curriculum appropriate for each age group from infants
through school age. Our staff will be qualified from their start date and will
continue to further their education in child development and new methods of
teaching.
Our Programs by Group
The Elephants and Giraffes
In our Infant program, we will do anything that will make you and your little one
comfortable. The Elephants and Giraffes will get the one-on-one attention they need from
our loving staff. We will work closely with you as the parent to make sure that your little
one stays on their schedule as much as possible. We also will keep you informed on how
your little one did each day (e.g., eating, nap time, and other actives).
The Cubs
When your child starts to walk, they will be in the Cubs room. At this age, your little one
is curious and wanting to learn new things. Our staff will introduce a daily schedule to
encourage them to explore. We will have the newest toys and activities for your little one
to interact with everyday.
The Monkeys
Our Monkey room is appropriate for age 2 years and up. We schedule monthly themes
that include crafts and activities. We will begin working on their colors, shapes, letters,
and so much more. We also believe that kids learn by hands-on experiences, so even
though the kids are playing, they are also learning at the same time.
The Koalas and Lions
Here at Little Einstein Preschool, we will be using Houghton Mifflin Pre-K Curriculum.
Houghton Mifflin is a hands-on, minds-on curriculum. The curriculum is professionally
planned by educators to enhance a child's early educational development, but kids just
think it’s fun. Each month they will receive hands-on crafts and learning activities that
help preschoolers understand numbers, letters, colors, and shapes. Children will learn and
grow as they enjoy poems, books, stories, games, finger-plays, arts and crafts, science
projects, and a variety of physical activities.
Enrollment Procedure
Before your child can start Little Einstein Preschool, we need these forms completely
filled out and returned to us in order to hold a spot for your little one:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Blue Emergency Form
Immunization records
Registration fee and first week’s tuition
Food program papers
Photo permission form
Login cameras permission form
Acknowledgment of receipt of Little Einstein Preschool Parent Handbook
It is your responsibility to inform us of any changes in address or work info and who can
pick up your children.
Tuition and Fees
A non-refundable registration fee of $75.00 per child or $150 per family is due at the
time of enrollment, along with the first week’s tuition. Registration fee is due every year
on January 1st. The registration fee helps with safety, insurance, and learning for your
child.
A $25-dollar late fee will be applied to your account every Friday the week before tuition
is due if you do not pay on time by Tuesday night of that week.
DES Families, your co-payment and any extra amount not paid by DES is due on Friday.
If you do not pay on time, a $25 late fee will be applied to your account.
Hours and Withdrawal
We close at 6:30pm. The parent of any child remaining at a Center after 6:30pm will be
charged $15 for every 15 minute increment after closing time.
You need to give Little Einstein Preschool TWO WEEKS NOTICE if you decide to
withdraw your child from Little Einstein Preschool. If you don’t give two weeks’ notice
or don’t fulfill the two weeks’ notice, you will be responsible for that tuition. All
exemptions to this rule will be handled by the Director or Owner.
If you leave Little Einstein Preschool with a balance due, you will receive a final invoice
by email or mail. If we don’t receive payment within 30 days of any unpaid balance, your
account will be sent to collections.
Payments Accepted
A small fee will apply when using your credit or debit card. Any returned checks will be
charged $25 NSF fee and check writing privileges will be suspended. If you need
receipts, please ask at the front desk.
Your childcare tuition is a contracted weekly tuition, so you pay no matter if your child
attends Little Einstein Preschool or not. To be able to keep our Centers staffed and
provide the excellent services, we do not offer any free days. Drop-in children will be
dealt with on a day-by-day basis depending on if we have availability that day. We do
offer 10% discount to families with multiple children.
We here at Little Einstein believe that the best advertising is word of mouth. So, we are
offering a referral program for our enrolled families. If you refer someone to Little
Einstein Preschool and they sign a Little Einstein Preschool code of conduct form, we
will give you $50 in Einstein Bucks after 6 weeks of their being enrolled.
Termination of Enrollment by Little Einstein Preschool
Little Einstein Preschool holds the right to terminate child care at any time. This will be
based on the interest of everybody involved if you and/or your child has any of these
issues:




Abuse of other children, staff or property
Abusing the Little Einstein Preschool polices
Disruptive or dangerous behavior in any way (examples include, but are not
limited to: biting continuously, hitting, or scratching)
Non-payment of tuition
We don’t allow the biting to continue for any length of time. All children deserve a safe
place to play and spend their day. We will try to get this under control as quickly as
possible. But if we can’t and the offending child bites 3 times within a short period, they
will be sent home for the day. If the child breaks skin, they will also be sent home. If the
child keeps on biting, they will be removed from the Center.
Holidays and Vacation Time
Little Einstein Preschool will be closed on these major
holidays:
Christmas Eve
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Day after Thanksgiving Day
Labor Day
Independence Day
Memorial Day
News Years Day
4th of July
Presidents Day
If the Holiday falls on a Saturday, we will be closed on Friday and if the holiday falls
on Sunday, we will be closed on Monday. You must pay for these days listed above
even though we are closed.
If your child attends Little Einstein Preschool, even if it’s not every day, you still
need to pay your tuition in full. We do not offer discounts for sick days. This is so we
can staff the Center and offer the awesome care your child deserves.
DES does not pay for holidays or sick days. So families are responsible for
paying for those days out of their own pocket.
Maternity Leave Policy
There is no allowed time off for a child while the mother is on maternity leave. If mother
is planning on taking enrolled child out of childcare while on maternity leave, there is no
guarantee on availability upon child’s return. The only way the child’s spot can be held is
if weekly payment is made. Child can still come in while tuition is still being paid. We do
encourage keeping children enrolled to help them stay on their daily schedule for better
adjustment. Be advised that there may or may not be a spot open for the expected child.
Please talk with the Center Director for availability. By state law, we can only have so
many children enrolled at a time. If we are full and no spots become open, you may have
to find childcare somewhere else. As much as we would love to care for your newborn
child, we will not be able to if we don’t have available openings.
Sick Child Policy
We here at Little Einstein Preschool believe that everybody prefers to be home when they
are ill. We also think it is dangerous to knowingly expose others to an illness. For these
reason, we ask that NO sick children attend Little Einstein Preschool.
Symptoms that would exclude a child from care are:





Fever of more than 100.5 degrees
Unexplained rash or sores
Discharge from eyes, ears, or nose
Vomiting or diarrhea
Productive cough or a dry cough lasting more than 1 week without a doctor’s
attention
Should your child develop any of these symptoms while in our care, she or he will be
isolated and a parent will be notified to come and pick up the child immediately. Children
with these symptoms must be symptom FREE at least 24 HOURS with no help of feverreducing medicine before returning to Little Einstein Preschool.
Medication Administration & Emergency Procedures
Little Einstein Preschool will administer medication. If your child has medication, we
will need it brought in its original container with a prescription label that includes the
child’s name, doctor’s name, medication name, required dosage, expiration date, and
instructions for administering. A medication release form will need to be filled out and
signed by the parents before Little Einstein Preschool can administer the medicine to
your child.
Allergies
If your child has allergies, please see the Director and talk to your child’s teacher so they
are aware of your child’s situation. We also need a form filled out about your child’s
allergies and what we should do in an emergency.
Injuries and Accidents
We take every safety measure to make sure that your kids are safe at Little Einstein
Preschool. But kids like to test their boundaries and accidents sometimes happen. We do
have yearly inspections from the state and would love to have your input on how to keep
your children safer. Please contact the Director or teacher if you have feedback on this
matter.
Even though we have safe Centers, kids do get hurt, and our staff are trained to take care
of any situation that might occur. If your child needs non-emergency care, we will call
you and let you arrange for them to be seen by their doctor. If they need emergency care
immediately, we will call 911 and start CPR (if applicable) and notify you right away.
Discipline Policy
Little Einstein Preschool will use the following discipline model:




1st occurrence, the child will be corrected with an explanation about their
inappropriate behavior.
2nd occurrence, the child will be corrected with explanation and will receive time
out. (Think Time)
3rd occurrence, the child will receive time out for a longer period and parent will
be advised when child is picked up.
More serious behavioral issues may necessitate a call to the parents and/or a
request for immediate pick up. Chronic behavioral issues will not be tolerated for
the benefit and safety of the other children and your child may be disenrolled with
little or no notice.
Meals and Nutrition
We will provide breakfast, lunch and a healthy afternoon snack for your children over the
age of one. We follow all USDA and NAEYC guidelines for nutrition. We ask that you
do not bring any candy, gum, or soda to Little Einstein Preschool. If you do bring those
items, we will return them to you at the end of the day.
Parents of infants must provide a can of their child’s formula with their child’s first and
last name on it. Also, please bring us three bottles with your child’s first and last name on
them to keep at the Center. Parents are also required to provide all cereal or baby food
that the infant needs (except the families that are participating in the Child and Adult
Care Food Program – please see the Director for complete details). We cannot put cereal
in bottles; we will need a note from the doctor to do so. For us to make the bottles or feed
your child, we need written documentation on how to prepare food for your child.
Food Allergies, Religious or Special Dietary Needs:
All arrangements for dietary needs must be discussed with the Director prior to
enrollment to determine if your child’s needs can be accommodated. A doctor’s note may
be required.
Birthday Treats: Special treats brought in to share with your child’s class, MUST be
commercially prepared and packaged. Please check with your child’s teacher to make
sure there are not any children with FOOD ALLERGIES that may need to be
accommodated. The teacher is responsible for inspecting the food. The teacher will look
for expiration date, serving direction, and so forth.
We will serve meals at these times of the day:
Breakfast: Starts at 6:30am Snack: 9:30am
2:30pm
Lunch: Starts at 11:30 am Snack:
Parent Information and Responsibilities
PLEASE NO TOYS OR STUFFED ANIMALS. Kids have problems sharing toys
from home and we have plenty of toys for the kids.
Drop Off Time
It is parents’ responsibility to have children dropped off at the Center by 10:30am unless
previously discussed with Director or you have a doctor’s note. There are many reasons
why we ask children to be dropped off by this time:
 Kids can get in the routine and get ready for nap time.
 They aren’t coming in not ready for a nap and keeping other kids awake.
 We can ensure they have time to eat and that there is enough food for lunch.
 We can make sure we are properly staffed for the afternoon.
Infants and Toddlers
Please supply Little Einstein Preschool with two complete changes of clothes that we can
keep at the Center. Also, we will need diapers, a pacifier, sippy cup, and anything else to
help take care of your little one. All these items must have your child’s first and last
name on them. We will let you know when you need to replenish any of the supplies.
You will be notified in advance to bring in any of the supplies that need to be restocked;
if you forget to do so, you will be charged for the items we need to care for your children.
Charges for items not supplied by parents:
Diaper
Wipes
$1.25 each
$3.00 box
Sippy Cup
Clothes
$3.00 each
$10.00 each
Preschoolers
Please dress your kids in play clothes as we will be climbing and making messes doing
crafts. We are asking that you please have your kids wear closed-toe shoes with rubber
soles. For naptime, we will provide sleeping cots and sheets. Please bring a comfort
blanket for your child. You will take the blanket home on Fridays to wash and bring the
blanket back on Monday.
Admission and Release Procedures
Every child must be signed in and out each day on the sign-in sheet. You will need to
do this for drop off and pick up everyday. If you miss a slot of signing your child in
or out, you will be charged $1.00 per space.
Children will only be released to their parents and people who are on the Blue
Emergency Information Card. We must have Prior Written Authorization by the
child’s parents or guardian to release a child to anyone not listed. Every adult who picks
up your child will be asked to show a valid picture I.D. prior to the release of the child.
If there are any custody issues, you will need to let the Director know and provide the
Director a copy of court ordered custody papers. Little Einstein Preschool must have the
custody papers on file at the Center.
Diapering and Toilet Training
We ask that you keep a package of wipes and diapers here at the Center; your child’s
teacher will notify you when you need to bring in more. Please make sure your child’s
first and last name are on your child’s belongings.
Here at Little Einstein Preschool, we will work with you and your child on toilet training.
We do not punish or force children to use the toilet. We ask that you talk with your
child’s teacher and come up with a plan on toilet training at home and at the Center.
Pictures
At Little Einstein Preschool, we will be taking picture of your kids and putting them in
your child’s daily log. That log is only seen by Little Einstein Preschool staff and parents.
We will take pictures if your child got hurt or while they were doing cool projects and
send them to you to see. No one else will see those pictures in your child daily log. If
you would prefer Little Einstein Preschool to not take pictures of your child, please
let your teacher and Director know. We will have a bulletin board near your child’s
classroom so you can see the pictures. Also, if you give the Director your e-mail address,
they will be more than happy to e-mail you the pictures as well.
Center Rules
Our rules are made for the safety of the kids that are enrolled in our Centers. Our staff
teaches the kids to respect themselves and other people around them. They also learn to
respect property.









No running in the Center
No candy or gum
No toys from home (Little Einstein Preschool is not responsible for any toys
broken or stolen)
Keep hands to ourselves
Use inside voices
Furniture is not for climbing or standing on
Always clean up your mess
No mistreating the toys (kicking, throwing)
No fighting





No biting
Always tell the truth
Children must sit at the table when eating or drinking (no walking around with
their food or sippy cups)
Always use your good manners
NO OUTSIDE FOOD ALLOWED (unless Director has given permission)
Changes
Little Einstein Preschool has the right to change anything in the Handbook. We will send
a letter home and have you sign a form stating that you understand any changes made.
Parent Involvement
At Little Einstein Preschool, we welcome parent involvement in the program. If you
would like to help during craft time, activities day, or share any other special talents you
may have to offer, please talk to the Director and set up a time and day when you can
come in so that it does not disturb the class.
Little Einstein Preschool will have at least two parent/teacher conferences a year so
parents can sit down and talk with teachers about how their child is doing in school.
Transportation and Field Trips
Little Einstein Preschool will transport school-age kids to and from local schools. Parents
need to fill out a transportation form for each child.
Little Einstein Preschool might take children ages 3 and up on field trips. We will ask for
parents to sign a permission form and we will need to borrow your child’s car seat.
Emergency Preparedness
Little Einstein Preschool practices monthly fire drills and lock-down procedures in case
any emergency should arise.
Insurance
As required by state licensing, Little Einstein Preschool carries child care liability
insurance for the Center and their vehicles.
Pesticides
Little Einstein Preschool will post a notice within 24 hours of when we will spray
pesticides. We will spray on the weekends or early morning so it will not affect your
children.
End of year statement
As a courtesy, Little Einstein Preschool will supply parents with an end of the year
statement. If you have an outstanding balance, the balance due will need to be paid prior
to receiving the end of the year statement.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Little Einstein Preschool adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy in its employment
practices and in the provision of services to its clients. Little Einstein Preschool will not
refuse, withhold, or limit the provision of any services to any present or prospective
client, or make any employment decision regarding any current or prospective employee,
based solely on that individual’s race, color, religious creed, handicap, ancestry, national
origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or
citizenship status. Little Einstein Preschool is an equal opportunity employer.
We encourage all concerns to be addressed to the Director or Owner of Little Einstein
Preschool. Give us a chance to make things right and make the correction before you pull
your child from Little Einstein Preschool.
Little Einstein Preschool is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
All inspection reports are in the front office for public viewing. If you have any
question or concerns, you can contact the Office of Child Care licensing office at 105
N. 18th Ave, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85007 in writing or call them at 602-364-2539.
By signing this form, I am signing that I understand and agree with the information that is
in the Little Einstein Preschool Handbook. I also understand that it is important and my
responsibility to familiarize myself and my children with the materials that are in the
Handbook.
I also understand that this Parent Handbook is not intended to cover every situation that
may arise, but is simply a general guide to the Center’s policies. I also understand that
Little Einstein Preschool has the right to change the policy at any time and I will be
notified of the changes.
I further understand that this Parent Handbook is legally binding between Little Einstein
Preschool, myself, and my children, and I will follow the rules set forth.
_______________________________________________________________________
Child’s name
_______________________________________________________________________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature
_______________________________________________________________________
Date