JCEC
JOURNEYS CHILD ENRICHMENT CENTER
|
1125 MAIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK (716) 882-0148 |
200 EAST EAGLE STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK (716) 856-2418 |
PARENT
HANDBOOK
2007
WELCOME LETTER
Dear Parents,
Thank you for choosing Journeys Child Enrichment Center as your child care provider. We are glad to have you join our community of caring individuals working together to support the growth and development of our children. Our team of staff and community collaborators work together to provide high-quality Early Child Care and Education services for our families. As one of Buffalo best child care centers, we are sure you and your children will enjoy this Journey to life-long learning. Please review the details of this handbook and use it as a guide to learn more about our program and procedures. Should you ever have any questions- our door is always open- drop by, give us a call, or even send an email and our team will gladly assist you.
Again we Thank You for choosing JCEC and look forward to working with you to bring forth the most positive learning experience for your child.
Giving You My Best,
Tamaira Gayles
Executive Director
GENERAL INFORMATION
Journeys Child Enrichment Center is located at 1125 Main St. in downtown Buffalo, NY {Corner of Summer St.}. We have been gladly servicing families with children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old since 2005, with a licensed capacity of 37 children.
MISSION
More than just a day care- we are a community of family and friends who collaborate to bring success in the lives of young children. We strive to institute a strong sense of community, as we Journey together through life, creating support for each other as we grow.
CORE VALUES
We believe childhood to be a unique valuable stage of development. We celebrate the joys of childhood and guide children through the challenges this stage brings as well. As a care community, we support each other with exchanges of dignity, respect, trust, encouragement, and positive regard.
We believe in sustaining a developmentally appropriate care environment, designed based on knowledge of child development, uniqueness of each child, and the social and cultural backgrounds of the families we serve.
We believe parents to be the most significant adults in a child’s life. We strive to form a strong partnership between parents and JCEC staff to foster a strong relationship with the families we serve.
We believe the strength of our program lies in our community of staff and collaborative support team. Each member of this care community is dedicated to the mission of the organization, and committed to having a positive impact on the children and their educational Journey.
Our current hours of operation are 6 AM -11:30 PM, Monday-Friday., and 8 AM-6 PM on Saturdays. Our Center is closed in observance of the following holidays and staff development days:
New Years Day Memorial Day Veteran’s Day*
MLK Day Independence Day Thanksgiving Day
President’s Day * Labor Day Christmas Day & 12/26th
*Staff Development Days*
When your child will be absent, please notify the Center by 9 AM, so that we may adjust meals and staffing.
Weather Related Closings/ Emergency Closings
In the event of a sever weather or other emergencies causing our center to close, a message will be posted on the answering service by 6 AM. Please listen to instructions as to when the Center will re-open. Closings may also be posted on local news stations.
DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD
We acknowledge that all families have different schedules however request that all children be in attendance by 8:45 AM. This allows the child the opportunity to experience the full day of activities beginning with a great breakfast with his/her friends. If you are running late we ask that you provide breakfast before s/he arrives {as not to disrupt the routine of the other children and staff} and call the center to inform the staff of late arrival.
Drop off during naptime is allowed with administrative approval. Parents are asked to undress children in the coat area, escort children to the appropriate care room, and sign your child in. Never leave a child unattended. Be sure to touch base with the teaching staff to exchange any important information for the day. Should you arrive during a structured activity- feel free to leave a note in the office and the information will be forwarded to the appropriate care staff.
PICKING UP YOUR CHILD
When picking up your child at the end of the day- be sure to sign out. Please note that once you take your child out of the care room, we ask that you supervise your child accordingly.
Only adults listed on the AUTHORIZED PICK UP FORM will be allowed to take children from the center. Parents are welcome to add as many or as few adults on this form as they wish. Please note that all adults including parents, should be ready to present photo ID upon request by JCEC staff.
JCEC staff will not release a child to a minor {under 18} without written permission from the parent.
JCEC staffs according to children’s daily attendance schedule- therefore it is extremely important for parents to pick children up on time. Parents are asked to contact the Center in the event of a late pick up. An official pick up time must be given and a late pick up fee of $1.00/minute will be added to the invoice of all children left one hour past pick up time or 6 PM, unless enrolled in an evening shift. Our staff will follow the following procedures:
Our policy for repeated late pick-ups:
1st incident- all fees due must be paid before the child can return.
2nd incident- all fees due plus an additional $25.00 penalty fee.
3rd incident- all fees due must be paid and dismissal from the program will be enforced.
It is our intent to provide the best quality service to children while maintaining a positive work environment for our staff- continued late pick ups force our staff to work beyond scheduled shifts to maintain quality care for your child- therefore we ask that parents arrive on time and respect our policy when late fees are requested for late pick ups. Late pick up fees are due at the end of the billing week that fees were charged.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Curriculum
JCEC partners with two great companies to provide the best curriculum for the children in each age group we serve.
The Creative Curriculum is a research based curriculum designed to assist our staff in creating the optimum care environment for children. This nationally recognized curriculum is used in many head start programs across the country as well as many other high quality early care and education programs throughout the US and Canada.
Bright Beginnings, our Bible based curriculum is designed to introduce and reinforce basic developmental skills in the following areas:
Physical Development Social/Emotional Development
Cognitive Development Language Development
Spiritual Development
This internationally used curriculum fosters all areas of a child’s growth process inside and out.
JCEC offers additional enrichment programs to encourage children to be successful in various aspects of life.
Other programs include swimming, martial arts, dance, and other exciting opportunities made available to our families during the year.
STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
In accordance with regulations set forth by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the National Association for the Education of the Young Child; our assisting staff carries a minimum of a CDA {Child Development Associate} or in training to receive this certification or higher. While our lead teachers either hold a 2-4 year degree or are working towards achieving this goal. All staff are Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certified and receive an additional 15-30 hours of continued education each year.
All staff and volunteers participate in a mandatory criminal background check as well as a check for prior crimes of abuse against children. All staff are ‘cleared’ before supervising and children alone.
STAFF ORIENTATION & STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Upon hire- all staff receive a 4 hour initial orientation to our program to cover a basic introduction to our staff, families and facilities. Staff are then partnered with a buddy to guide them through the first few weeks in the new position. In addition, staff meet with the Administration Team numerous times throughout the year.
All staff receive 15-30 hours of continuing education each year in the following areas:
DIVERSITY
The JCEC community is made up of a variety of professionals and families from carious background. We are committed to promote diversity and to allow everyone to feel welcome in our community. JCEC does not discriminate against our children, our families, nor our professionals on the basis of ethnicity, social status, gender, orientation, religion, or ability. JCEC makes every effort to reflect on commitment and respect for diversity by providing a variety of toys, books, music, foods and celebrations from cultures all around the world. Parents are always encouraged to volunteer or donate items to promote diversity in our Center.
CLOTHING
Our program offers many ‘hands on’ learning experiences. We encourage parents to send children in clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for messy play both indoors and outdoors. Although we provide smocks for most activities; accidents happen- children will be children. Relieve them of the stress of ‘staying clean’ by sending play clothes daily. {Including shoes and outerwear}
Parents are asked to keep jewelry at home- as jewelry can be easily broken and beome a choking hazard to growing children. Each child is asked to maintain 2 full changes of clothes [including underwear and socks] in the center at all times. An extra pair of clothing and shoes is requested for those who are potty training. Please label all clothing with child’s first and last name.
MEALS
JCEC in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health’s Child and Adult Food Program, provides healthy, nutritious, child friendly meals daily. Breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper are provided daily by our Center. All meals are prepared on site, menus are posted on the parent board, parents are welcome to send meals from home.
All food allergies must be disclosed at the time of enrollment along with information on reactions to allergies and procedures to address allergic reactions as detailed by child’s physician.
OUTDOOR PLAY
NYS/OFCS requires outdoor time daily for children of all ages when weather permits. No child will be left ‘inside’ without written excuse from a child’s physician detailing the limitations of outdoor play. If children are sick- it is best that they stay home, if they cannot participate in all aspects of our daily routine. Children are required to have seasonably appropriate outerwear {sun hats, winter hats, gloves, boots, snow pants etc.} No sandals are to be worn on the playground.
FIELD TRIPS
A variety of field trips are offered during the year-while most of these trips are geared towards our preschool class; infants and toddlers are welcome to join us along with their own chaperone. Parents are informed of trips in advance via newsletters and postings on parent information boards. All children must submit a signed permission slip to participate in field trips. Parent volunteers are always needed and welcome on field trips.
NAP TIME
New York State Office of Children and Family Services requires children be allotted with an appropriate rest period during the day. Children are not required to sleep, however they are expected to rest quietly for a period of time appropriate to age and stage of development. Children who do not sleep will be provided with developmentally appropriate quiet activities during the rest period. Each child is provided with a cot/rest mat labeled with his/her name. Parents are asked to provide a blanket for rest time. Cots and blankets are cleaned weekly.
OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH OUR PARENTS
Parent/ Teacher Communication
JCEC offers an open door policy- parents are welcome to call or visit the Center at anytime. On going communication between parents and staff is essential to proper program functioning- parents are encouraged to speak with our staff daily, read daily reports, parent books, newsletters, and other publications.
Our Staff Offers Information
Daily: Take home daily reports to summarize today’s learning experience, news and concerns.
Weekly: Parent Boards are updated to reflect current learning experiences and upcoming news and events.
Monthly: Parent newsletters are distributed monthly to keep parents informed of the events, news and celebrations in our community.
Quarterly: Parent/ Teacher Conferences are held 4 times a year- parents are encouraged to attend to meet with staff for a formal overview of child’s progress and program participation.
Annual: Annual Parent Surveys are distributed to allow parents a formal opportunity to provide feedback on our program. Parents may request a conference with staff or administration at anytime.
Parents are encouraged to share ‘appropriate’ information regarding changes and challenges at home that may impact the child’s ability to participate in our program. All information is kept confidential and will be used only to act in the best interest of the child.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parent involvement is valued, expected, and essential to the functioning of our program. Parent involvement is an extension of our curriculum as children see parents as active partners in their education and parents have the opportunity to play an active role in their child’s learning experiences. Parents are welcome to volunteer in the classroom, chaperone on field trips, serve as parent representatives on our Advisory Board, assist in grant writing, prepare art projects at home, donate supplies to classroom, participate in fundraising efforts and participate in fundraising efforts and participate in center wide charity events.
RESOURCES AND MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR PARENTS
Nana’s Lending Library offers a variety of children’s books, multimedia materials, adult books and learning toys for parents and children and staff to enjoy. Our library is convenient, current, and designed especially for you. Donations of lending materials are always welcome.
CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAY
Celebrating a child’s birthday is a welcomed event at JCEC. Parents are welcome to provide ‘store bought’ desserts {please reference all food allergies} and age appropriate party favors {no latex balloons} as a part of this celebration. All celebrations will take place in the afternoon at 3 PM during our regularly scheduled snack time and free choice activity period. Adult relatives are welcome- children aside form siblings are not recommended as our Center must comply with State regulations. Photographing is allowed for your child only. Photos of other children are not permitted without the written consent from parents in a respect of confidentiality videotaping is not allowed.
DISCIPLINE
JCEC employs the ‘conscious discipline’ behavior management program that is based on current brain research, child development information and effective educational practices. We teach children self control, conflict resolution, character development, and social skills- all to promote an environment of peace, compassion, and respect for others. Parents are the key to effective behavior guidance, without your participation, support, consistency and follow through this program, will not be successful for your child. In situations where children are not responsive to our behavior guidance techniques, the following steps will be taken to assist the child in improving self control:
~Parents will be contacted to conference with staff regarding concerns.
~Parents will be asked to dedicate time at home with the child to practice self control. During these special intervention times, the child will not attend our program.
~Center staff will coordinate a meeting with parents and community resources for a more specialized approach to child behavior concerns.
~Administration will partner with parents to locate a program which is most appropriate to service the needs of the child.
PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT TECHNIQUES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING SPANKING IS PROHIBITED AND WILL NEVER BE UTILIZED.
~Parents are asked to refrain from spanking children while in the Center.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information is kept confidential- including but not limited to- parents financial records, educational and health records of a child. Information is not shared with anyone other than staff and other authorized state agencies when necessary. Signed parental requests are to release information to anyone.
PHOTOGRAPHS/ PUBLICITY
Parental consent forms are provided inside the enrollment packages. Parents are asked to complete this form to authorize all photography and video footage of their child.
RIGHTS OF NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
All mailings, conferences, emergency contacts, and authorizations used in case of accidents will be as directed by the custodial parent.
All parents are encouraged to attend conferences and other functions but it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to inform the non-custodial parent of such arrangements.
Without an official custody order or restraining order on file, the Center legally must grant both parents access to a child.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Required Medical Records
- Up to date physical records must be submitted upon enrollment and annually thereafter.
-Immunizations need to remain up to date to maintain enrollment.
SICKNESS POLICY
Our Center promotes healthy practices to deter children from contracting colds, viruses, and other illnesses. Hand washing by all children and staff are practiced in accordance with State Health recommendations. Our Health Care Consultant educates children and staff on ways to stay healthy and reduce the spread of germs.
JCEC is a “Well-Child Center”- only children “well enough” to participate in regular activities are permitted to attend. When children are sick it is best that they rest at home until they are cleared by a physician to return to program. This policy protects other children by reducing the spread of germs.
Should your child become sick during the day, parents will be notified immediately and the child will rest in the office until a parent arrives. Children will be excluded from the program based upon recommendations of the Academy of Pediatrics. This form is also included in the enrollment package.
Please note that temps over 100 degrees, 2 or more vomiting episodes, or diarrhea are all criteria for exclusion. All children sent home due to health related concerns must have a doctor’s note stating that the child is cleared to return to the program.
If a parent can’t be reached, those listed as Emergency Contacts will be notified.
Sick children must be picked up within 60 minutes of parent/emergency contact notification.
ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS
JCEC is a “well-child” center. Medications both prescription and over the counter are given only with written permission and instructions from the parent and the child’s physician. Medications are only given on site if the physician specifies times of dosage during program hours. JCEC has Medication Administration Trained (MAT) staff to administer medications.
Topical ointments such as sunscreen and diaper rash do not require physician permission, however written parent consent is required. Medications must be removed from your child’s backpack and checked in by a ‘MAT’ certified staff member.
Please note that written medication permission forms are effective for up to six months unless otherwise noted by child’s physician.
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
Every precaution is taken to avoid accidents and injuries, however they do occur. When accidents occur our staff trained in First-aid are able to respond and offer immediate treatment to the child. A fully stocked first aid kit is maintained on site and fully stocked portable first aid kits are maintained in each classroom and used when children leave the building.
If an accident should occur while child is in program, parents will be notified within the hour, no matter how minor. In the event of a more serious injury, parents will be notified immediately- if parent is unavailable- emergency contacts will be notified to provide instruction on how to proceed. Staff may also consult child’s physician and/or health care consultant if child’s parents or emergency contacts are not available.
All parents must sign emergency treatment and consent form upon enrollment, authorizing center staff to contact local emergency medical response team in emergency situations.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
It is extremely important that current contact information is on file in our office- including home address, email address, cell phone numbers, and work numbers. This information must be updated whenever there are changes or every 6 months. This includes all adults listed as emergency contacts and person authorized for pick up. Our staff may routinely check contact numbers to verify current information. Please notify staff in writing if custodial parent will be unavailable on a certain day along with information on who to contact in the event of emergency.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
Emergency Evacuation Drills are conducted at least once a month at various times. Administrators will check each room on site to insure that everyone is out before exiting the building.
Emergency Evacuation Route maps are posted near the entrance of every room. Should you be present during an Emergency Evacuation Drill- you must exit the building and wait for the “all clear” signal from the Administrator before re-entering the building. Please note the primary meeting location is in the parking lot on Old Best Street. The secondary meeting location {used for extreme weather conditions or extended delays to re-enter the building} is the Summer-Best Metro rail station on the upper level.
SECURITY PROVISIONS
All visitors and persons authorized for pick up must be prepared to show picture ID upon request. A visitor log is located in the vestibule- all visitors are asked to sign in upon entering the building and sign out upon departure- this allows our staff to monitor who’s in the building.
Parents are asked to provide written documentation of changes in custody arrangements. We cannot deny a biological or non-custodial parent access to the Center without legal documentation.
CHILD ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT REPORTING
NYS Office of Children and Family Services authorizes all child care workers as Mandated Reporters of suspected child abuse and maltreatment. All suspected cases are reported to the State Central Register and local OFCS will be notified as well.
Should you have a suspicion regarding suspected abuse or maltreatment the contact number is listed on the Parent Board.
COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS
A copy of Regulations for Child Care Centers as published by the NYS OFCS is available on the information table in the vestibule. Contact information for the local NYS OFCS office is located on the Parent Board. JCEC is committed to upholding all regulations set forth by NYS/OFCS.
FINANCIAL POLICIES
Registration Fee
A $20 registration fee is required for all new enrollments and annually each August 1st. All families must re-register their child each August for the upcoming academic year. Enrollment periods expire July 31st of each year- families who do not re-register their child is considered no longer enrolled.
A security deposit of two weeks tuition is required for all families who fail to provide a written two week notice withdrawal notice, when re-registering with our Center.
Payments are accepted by cash, money order, or check. Please make payments only to the Administrative Staff {Miss Tammy, Miss Cherish, and Miss Tish}. Receipts will be provided once payment is logged in our accounting system. Please save receipts for tax purposes- annual tax reports are not prepared by our office.
Tuition payments are due by 6 PM on Fridays. All tuition payments are made in advance – late payment fees of $20.00 will be added to each late tuition payment. Accounts left unpaid for more than 3 days will result in a temporary termination of service until account is paid in full. Partial payments do not delete late fees or reactivate enrollment.
JCEC reserves the right to terminate enrollment for repeated {more than 3 per year} late tuition payments. Tuition fees are flat rate fees, not adjusted for illnesses, absences, or weather related closings.
After 6 months enrollment- parents may use 1 week vacation time each academic year {September-August}. A written two week notice must be submitted to the office and approved by Administration.
JCEC reserves the right to change tuition rates with a 30 day notice. Tuition increases generally occur annually.
SIBLING DISCOUNT
A 10% discount on tuition of oldest is awarded to families with two or more children enrolled.
RETURNED CHECKS
A returned check fee $35.00 will be applied for all returned checks. If a check is returned, future payments must be made in cash or by money order.
LATE PICK-UP FEES
A $1.00/minute late pick up fee will be assessed for all pick ups after scheduled pick up times {not when the Center Closes}. Late pick up fees will be added to tuition bill that week.
WITHDRAWING FROM THE CENTER
Written notification no less than 2 weeks before intended date of withdrawal is required. Failure to give this notice will result in ineligibility for re-enrollment.
FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
JCEC is a not-for-profit organization operating on a very limited budget to keep our fees as low as possible for our families. We rely on fundraising efforts to meet annual budget. Each family is asked to participate in our fundraising efforts as we strive to provide the best service to your family at the lowest possible rates. Without your support the quality of our program may be compromised- a true disservice to those who matter the most- the children.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
JCEC is committed to providing high quality child care and education to the community. This handbook is meant as an overview of our policies and may not cover every issue that arises, therefore open communication is needed. Please keep in touch with Center Staff and Administration. We welcome your comments regarding any topics addressed in this parent handbook.
PARENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT FORM
I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO ALL POLICIES STATED IN THE PARENT HANDBOOK.
PARENT SIGNATURE____________________________________________
DATE____________________________
DIRECTOR SIGNATURE_______________________________________________
DATE____________________________________