Revised 10/11

Parent Handbook

Located at Kendal at Oberlin 600 Kendal Drive

Oberlin, Ohio 44074

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Table of Contents

Revised 10/11

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 4

WELCOME TO KENDAL EARLY LEARNING CENTER ............................................................. 4

MISSION ......................................................................................................................... 4

PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................................. 4

HISTORY ........................................................................................................................ 4

KENDAL AT OBERLIN ADMINISTRATION .................................................................. 5

KENDAL’S EARLY LEARNING CENTER TEACHING STAFF ..................................... 5

PROCEDURE FOR ENROLLMENT ............................................................................... 5

KENDAL EMPLOYEES .................................................................................................. 6

ORIENTATION PROCEDURE ........................................................................................ 6

FEES ............................................................................................................................... 6

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT ................................................................................................. 6

CALENDAR AND HOURS OF OPERATION ................................................................. 7

SCHEDULING POLICY .................................................................................................. 7

OHIO ELECTRONIC CHILD CARE ................................................................................ 8

PARENT VISITATION, COMMUNICATION, AND PARTICIPATION POLICY .............. 8

COMMUNICATION ......................................................................................................... 8

PARENT CONCERNS .................................................................................................... 9

KENDAL AT OBERLIN POLICY ON CONFLICT OF INTEREST .................................. 9

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICY ON CONFLICT OF INTEREST ............... 9

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE POLICY ................................................................................. 9

ILLNESS / COMMUNICABLE DISEASE POLICY ....................................................... 10

PREVENTATIVE PRACTICES ..................................................................................... 11

MEDICATION POLICY ................................................................................................. 11

FOOD SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFIED DIETS ...................................................................... 12

STAFF HEALTH AND TRAINING POLICIES .............................................................. 12

SAFETY POLICY .......................................................................................................... 12

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN ............................................................................ 13

THREAT OF VIOLENCE PROCEDURE ....................................................................... 13

EMERGENCY CENTER CLOSING .............................................................................. 14

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FIELD TRIP SAFETY POLICY ..................................................................................... 14

OUTDOOR PLAY POLICY ........................................................................................... 14

SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY POLICY ............................................................... 15

EMERGENCY ACCIDENT PROCEDURE .................................................................... 15

GUIDANCE AND MANAGEMENT POLICY ................................................................. 16

CLASSROOM SCHEDULE .......................................................................................... 16

AM PROGRAMMING ...................................................................................................... 17

PM PROGRAMMING ...................................................................................................... 17

HIGHSCOPE CURRICULUM ....................................................................................... 17

INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMMING .................................................................. 18

CONFERENCES AND ASSESSMENT ........................................................................ 18

WHAT DOES YOUR TODDLER NEED AT KENDAL? ................................................ 18

WHAT DOES YOUR PRESCHOOLER NEED AT KENDAL? ...................................... 19

LAUNDRY ..................................................................................................................... 19

NUTRITIONAL SERVICES ........................................................................................... 19

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT ........................................................................ 20

DONATIONS ................................................................................................................. 20

TRANSITION POLICY .................................................................................................. 20

PROCESS OF PREPARING CHILDREN FOR KINDERGARTEN ............................... 20

PROCEDURE FOR RESOLVING CONCERNS ........................................................... 21

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING ....................................................................................... 21

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Kendal Early Learning Center

Introduction

Welcome to Kendal Early Learning Center The early learning center at Kendal at Oberlin is located in the community area of the Kendal at Oberlin retirement community. This unique location provides a diverse intergenerational atmosphere for our children. The on-site location allows employee parents to visit children throughout the program day to observe care and learning experiences. Many of our Kendal community residents also have the opportunity to spend time interacting with the children in a variety of both planned and spontaneous intergenerational experiences. Children and residents benefit greatly from these special interactions.

Mission It is our mission at Kendal’s Early Learning Center to provide the families of on-site employees and families from the surrounding community with a high-quality educational program founded on Kendal’s Quaker-based Values and Practices, which provides the following: a written, evidence-based comprehensive curriculum; diverse enrollment of all income levels from the local community; safe secure environment in an intergenerational setting; and trained and experienced staff.

Philosophy Kendal at Oberlin's learning center’s philosophy is to work as a team with families, teachers, and with the on-going support of Kendal community residents to provide a healthy, safe environment that nurtures the development and individual creativity of all the children in our care by:

• promoting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development; • enhancing the ability to communicate feelings and ideas along with encouraging

positive interactions between staff, children, families, and residents; • initiating the ability to make appropriate choices independently and to develop

the ability to understand the consequences of decisions and actions; and • enhancing the ability to identify and set individual goals and to strive to complete

them while showing the beginnings of time awareness.

History Kendal’s Early Learning Center opened in January of 1994 and is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. KELC is a small intimate center serving two age groups. The facility has two classrooms, a Toddler Room and a Preschool Room. KELC has been accredited by the National Academy for the Education of Young Children as a quality early learning center since 1997 and follows NAEYC standards. In

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January of 2008, KELC completed the assessment process and applied to the state of Ohio to become a quality star-rated center. In March 2008, became one of Ohio’s Three-Star Centers.

Kendal at Oberlin Administration Chief Executive Officer: Barbara Thomas Director of Human Resources & Operational Services: Toni Merleno Director of Child Care: Jeni Hoover

Kendal’s Early Learning Center Teaching Staff Toddler Lead Teacher: Jeni Hoover Toddler Assistant Teacher: Julie Price Preschool Teacher: Karen Moore Preschool Assistant Teacher: Sara Kelly Substitutes: Robin Jones & Jennifer Perrino

Procedure for Enrollment Families who wish to obtain information or enroll a child at the Center should schedule an appointment with the Director. All required paperwork must be completed before a child can attended the Center.

• Child Yearly Medical Statement or appointment card (Physical must be in place within the first 30 days of service. Attendance may not continue after 30 days without completed current physical and yearly thereafter.) • Health Record/Emergency Transportation Authorization • Health Care Plans, Dietary Restriction/Medication Request Forms (when

necessary). • New Child Intake Sheets and Program Permission Slips • Proof of Health Care Insurance • Proof of Custody • USDA Food Income Verification and Enrollment • Kendal Permission for Assessment • Enrollment Fee Agreement

In order to protect all the children in our care and Kendal at Oberlin Residents, Kendal Early Learning Center will not enroll children without the immunizations requires by the Ohio Department of Health according to the child’s age, if a child is exempted from these requirements for medical reasons medical documentation is required.

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Kendal Employees Priority will be given to care requested by on-site employees who have completed their 90-day orientation period. Other participants in Kendal’s Early Learning Center will be given two months written notice if care is no longer available because the children of an on-site employee need the space in the center. Names will be listed in the order of request when space is not immediately available in the age-group needed for a child in Kendal Early Learning Center. Priority will be given to those requesting full-time care. Please notify the Director of any changes in registration information (change of an address, telephone number, etc.). Parent information will be updated quarterly throughout the year.

Orientation Procedure An initial interview with the Director to:

• view center and program; • review enrollment procedures and completed paperwork; and • review with the Director center policies and Parent Handbook

Parent/Child visit:

• Toddlers and Preschoolers – a minimum of two morning visits (9:00 to 11:30)

Fees Fees will be reviewed annually and a one-month written notice will be given before any fee increases are implemented. Kendal employees receive a discounted rate. Fee Schedule and Rate Sheets are available from the Director. Clients are billed bi-weekly. There are twenty six billing cycles per year. Payment is due the first day of every cycle. For your convenience, a payment box is located right next to the exit door in the Toddler Classroom. It is the responsibly of the family to make scheduled payments. Failure to make payments will result in the removal of the child from the program.

Employee Discount Employees can have their early learning fees deducted directly from their paychecks. This arrangement is made at the time of enrollment. Employees can also use a flexible spending account through payroll deduction to save pre-tax dollars bi-weekly up to the amount of their year-end early learning tax credit.

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Calendar and Hours of Operation Kendal Early Learning Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except for the following Holidays: New Year's Day Memorial Day Fourth of July Labor Day Thanksgiving Christmas Eve Christmas Day Floating Holiday (date to be announced in advanced) Kendal Early Learning Center will be closed on the first Friday in April and November each year for critical repairs and deep cleaning of the Center. Teachers use this time to prepare for bi-annual parent conferences

Scheduling Policy As a parent or guardian of a child participating in the Kendal Early Learning program, please note the policy as follows

• You must confirm in writing a regular schedule with the Director. • Charges will be made for the arranged schedule commitment whether or not the

child utilizes the program. • No credits will be given for general absences or absences because of illness. • No credits will be given for Kendal holidays if they are part of your child’s

schedule commitment. • Credits given for vacation days must be submitted to the day care Director on

vacation request form 30 days in advance. Vacation credits are as listed:

• Full-week children have 2 full-weeks credit • Part-week children do not receive vacation credits • Employees on extended medical leave may withdraw from the early learning

center for a period of no longer than one month without losing their spot. This must be submitted in writing to the early learning center Director. (Not to be confused with short term sick day occurrences.)

• Two weeks written notice is necessary prior to withdrawal of a child or prior to making a change in the arranged schedule commitment. Changes will be allowed only if space is available in the appropriate age group.

• Additional days can be added to the schedule only if adequate staff and/or child spaces are available. This must be approved by the Director in advance.

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Ohio Electronic Child Care Families Lorain County Jobs and Family Services families are responsible for swiping your card up arrival and departure daily. We may not store your card for you or swipe your card. KELC reserves the right to deny services if:

• You do not have your card, or • Your card is “denied” by the system, or • Other circumstances deemed necessary by KELC Director

If you have any further questions you can contact the Caretaker Helpline at 1-888-796-4322.

Parent Visitation, Communication, and Participation Policy The Learning Center at Kendal attempts to promote a cohesive, family type unit in which parents and staff work together to provide a consistent loving environment. Any custodial parent or guardian of a child enrolled has unlimited access to the Center during the hours of operation for the purposes of contacting their child(ren), or evaluating the care or the premises. A parent of a child enrolled at the Center who is not the child’s residential parent shall also be permitted access unless there is court documentation limiting access and conditions of the nonresidential parent. Legal documentation of special custody arrangement must be on file at the Center when a child is enrolled. Parents are encouraged to participate whenever possible in the activities at the Center. They may wish to attend field trips, class parties, special luncheons, or simply stop in to join the daily fun. Teachers are available to discuss a child’s progress or needs at any time. However, due to staff responsibilities and schedules, parents are asked to make appointments with staff when it is necessary to engage in any lengthy conversations. Teachers want to be able to focus on you and your child at these times.

Communication Monthly newsletters and calendars go out highlighting activities, special events, and upcoming field trips. Daily Schedules are posted. Please check the Center’s Parent Information Boards in the entrance corridor for information and picture displays of on-going daily programming. Special postings are always displayed on the Parent Information Board area and parent reminders are often emailed. Children in the toddler group will bring home a daily log sheet in which parents will know hours your child slept, daily eating habits and changes, bathroom and diapering information, daily activities, or any special concerns.

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Parent Concerns If parents have any concerns or questions at any time it is recommended that the following chain of command be used until an answer or solution is found:

• Child’s teacher • Child Day Care Director • Director of Human Resources and Operational Services

Please feel free to bring concerns up when they occur. Often they can be addressed when they are little problems, before they grow into bigger problems. Staff fully realizes that you trust us with your little ones and we want our relationship to be a good one.

Kendal At Oberlin Staff Policy On Conflict Of Interest In the spirit of our mission, this policy exists to ensure that staff members, children and families are treated fairly and to contribute to an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring in the community.

For this reason:

• KELC staff work to maintain caring and professional relationship with families and co-workers, keeping their personal problems out of the daily operations of the Center;

• staff keep all information regarding children and their families, whether knowledge is acquired directly or indirectly confidential;

• staff do not perform special services for families without prior authorization from the Director;

• staff cannot be privately employed by a client; and, • staff do not except gifts or gratuities from clients.

Early Childhood Education Policy On Conflict Of Interest KELC is a small center devoted to providing quality care to children who are enrolled in our program. Because we depend on parent tuition and other contributions to support our center, we do not promote children attending more than one preschool at a time. KELC will not assist with transportation if/when children are enrolled in our program and another preschool program at the same time.

Arrival / Departure Policy Parents are required to bring their children into the classroom and to sign each child in on the sign-in sheet by the door. Any special messages, medications, special pickup notes, etc., are to be given to the teacher. Children may not be dropped off at the entrance of the building or sent inside alone. Staff must be made aware of each child’s

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presence before the parent departs. At the time of pick-up, parents are asked to make contact with their child’s supervising staff member to ensure that staff is aware the child has been picked up. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their child before sign-in and after sign-out. Children will be released only to parents or to those persons designated by parents (18 years of age) in writing on the Emergency Transportation form in the child's file. If a person designated by parents on the agreement form is picking up a child, parents should notify the staff giving care so that they know who is expected and the approximate time of arrival. Children will not be released to any person who is unable to furnish adequate identification. If it is necessary for a child to be released to a person who is not already designated on the Emergency form, parents must notify the Center. Again, the person designated by parents to whom the child may be released must provide identification upon request. It is the parents’ responsibility to notify the director of any changes regarding the person(s) designated to whom a child may be released. Kendal Early Learning Center closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. If a child is picked up later than 5:30, that parent may be liable for a late charge of $5.00 for every 5 minutes past closing. Please contact the Director with any questions or concerns regarding the departure policy.

Illness / Communicable Disease Policy Kendal Early Learning Center provides and healthy environment. However, we realize that children become ill from time to time. If this is your child’s first group care experience, it is possible that they may experience more frequent illnesses at the beginning before their immune system becomes more active. We observe all children as they enter the program to quickly assess their general health. We ask that you not bring a sick child to the Center. They will be sent home! Please also plan ahead and have a backup care plan in place if you are not able to take time off from work/school. Signs of communicable diseases for which children will be isolated and immediately discharged to a parent or guardian are listed below:

• temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit when in combination with any other signs or symptom of illness;

• diarrhea (three or more abnormally loose stools within a 24 hour period); • severe coughing, causing the child to become red or blue in the face or to make

a whooping sound; • difficult or rapid breathing; • yellowish skin or eyes;

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• redness of the eye with obvious discharge, matted eyelashes, burning and/or itching;

• untreated infected skin patches, unusual spots or rashes; • unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool; • stiff neck with an elevated temperature; • evidence of untreated lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestations; • sore throat or difficulty in swallowing; or • vomiting more than one time or when accompanied by any other sign or

symptoms of illness.

Kendal’s Early Learning Center follows the current version of the JFS 08077 Ohio Department of Health Communicable Disease Chart for the appropriate management of suspected illnesses. The chart is posted in the childcare bathrooms. A child suspected of having a communicable disease shall be made comfortable on his cot away from other children (by the Director’s desk) until a parent or guardian arrives. All soiled clothing will be sent home in a sealed plastic bag and the cot washed with soap and water and disinfected with an appropriate germicide before being returned to the cot caddy. If your child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than can be provided without hurting the health and safety of the other children in childcare, he/she will be sent home. Children will be readmitted to the Center after at least 24 hours of being free of fever and other symptoms. If they are not symptom-free, a doctor’s note will be required stating that the child is not contagious. Please notify the Center when your child is absent due to illness.

Preventative Practices The Center shall implement the following practices for the management of communicable disease on a daily basis:

• The Center will provide training for all staff in hand washing and disinfections procedures prior to working with children.

• The Center shall release employees who have a communicable disease or who are unable to perform their duties due to illness.

• The Center shall notify parents, within the next day of Center operation, when their child has been exposed to a communicable disease.

Medication Policy

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The Center will administer medications to a child only after the parent completes a Request for Medication form. All proper sections must be completed and the medication handed to the teacher each day. Medications will be stored in a designated area inaccessible to children. Medications may NOT be stored in a child’s cubby or book bag. Prescription medications must be in their original container and administered in accordance to instructions on the label. Kendal’s Early Learing Center administers no over-the-counter medication. If parents request any different dosages or uses, a physician must provide written instructions on the Request for Medication form. Written permission and instructions for diaper ointment and sunscreen must be on file before these products are used, and forms replaced yearly. Parents must provide all ointments and creams. Food Supplements or Modified Diets If your child requires a food supplement or a modified diet, you must secure written information from your physician regarding this. Please speak with the Director for more details.

Staff Health and Training Policies

• All employees are trained by Kendal at Oberlin's health care staff concerning health and safety regulations and standards as they pertain to the Kendal Community and the Federal OSHA regulations, before beginning regular employment.

• All staff are required to have a physical by Kendal's physician or designee before beginning employment and every three years thereafter and a yearly TB test.

• No staff member will attend the Center if they exhibit signs of communicable disease. The Director reserves the right to request a physician's release for a staff member to return to work.

• All center staff will have completed a course in first aid, and in prevention, recognition and management of communicable diseases, approved by the Ohio Department of Human Services, within the first six months of employment. Recertification is required every three years. All staff are certified in CPR.

• Each staff member is instructed in:

� signs and symptoms of illness � proper hand washing techniques (directions posted at classroom sinks) � proper procedures and scheduling for disinfecting toys and equipment � proper diaper changing procedures (posted on the wall of changing table

areas)

Safety Policy

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No child will ever be left alone or unsupervised. Children are visible to staff in classrooms at all times. Children cannot leave the classroom for any reason without a teacher or parent. Our Center has:

• access to a working phone and emergency contact numbers and names of people who have permission to pick up a child listed on index cards in a gray file box next to the phone;

• fire drills are scheduled monthly and staff will follow the fire evacuation plan posted next to Center exits;

• when there is a weather alert, staff will follow the Weather Evacuation Plan posted next to Center exits and the center phones.

• a posted Emergency Plan for Medical, Dental and General Emergencies next to the exits and center telephones.

• no spray aerosols are used in the Center when children are in attendance. • Kendal at Oberlin has fully staffed facilities department with a system in place for

staff to report hazards. • Repair and housekeeping safety issues are addressed immediately • All personal items (purses, keys, money, etc.) belonging to staff will only be kept

in the staff closet areas in which children do not have excess.

Emergency Evacuation Plan Should KELC need to be evacuated due to:

• fire • threatening environmental conditions (ex. earthquakes, floods, etc.) • utility emergencies • threatening conditions of any sort (intruders, hazardous materials, world

conditions, etc.)

Children will follow the fire evacuation procedures out of the building to their designated safe place on campus (the Facility Services building) or if necessary, off the Kendal campus to the Oberlin Senior High School. Parents will be notified immediately by cell phone for immediate pick-up Fire Safety Evacuation Plans are posted in classrooms and practiced monthly. Tornado and Earthquake Evacuation Plans are practiced four times a year.

Threat Of Violence Procedure

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Children will be secured in the safest location in the building or outside. Inside the classroom, infants and toddlers will be secured in the crib area away from entrances. The preschoolers will be secured in the bathroom area away from entrances. Staff will take the attendance roster, contact 911/Police and 0 for the Kendal receptionist. Staff will follow the instructions from the authorities, account for children with a name to face attendance check, notify parents as soon as possible, and complete an incident report for parents. In accordance with Ohio H.B. 422 School Safety (or Lockdown) Drills are practiced yearly.

Emergency Center Closing During weather conditions in which local Lorain County schools are closed, parents are advised to keep their children at home. The Kendal Early Learning Center will remain open for employee/parents who need emergency services. Kendal does not, however, advise parents to put their children at risk by transporting them in hazardous conditions.

If the Center is closed due to being without, water, heat, or electricity or any type of area-wide threatening conditions, parents will be notified by phone and/or public announcement.

Field Trip Safety Policy When a field trip is planned:

• All child/staff ratios will be maintained. • A first aid kit will always be taken and staff trained in first aid will always be with

the children. • An attendance roster for all children on the trip will be taken. • Each child will wear a nametag listing the name, address, and phone number of

the Center in the event a child gets lost. • A copy of each child’s medical record and emergency transportation

authorization will be taken on every field trip. In the event of an emergency, the child will be transported to the nearest emergency treatment center. A staff member will remain with an injured child until a parent arrives.

• A field trip permission slip will be posted with the date, time and the destination. The child’s name, the date, and the parents’ signature must be on the form in order for the child to participate.

• A general permission statement will be signed at enrollment for walking trips within and around the Kendal facility.

• Every child must provide a car seat with shoulder straps (5 point harness) in order to go on bus trips.

• Staff will always have a communication device to call for help when necessary.

Outdoor Play Policy

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The Center provides outdoor play each day in suitable weather unless unsafe conditions exist such as:

• Temperatures are over 90 F degrees or under 20 F degrees. • Weather advisories posted by the local news channels for: dangerous ozone

levels, humidity, pollen counts, lightening, rain, and ice or wind chill factors.

Kendal has many different outdoor settings and the children enjoy going outdoors to the early learning center play yard to use large muscle equipment, Stephens Care Center Courtyard Garden to ride bikes or exploring the covered walkways and the perimeter path way.

Swimming and Water Safety Policy

• Parents must sign a written permission slip before a child can participate in outside water play or swimming activities in any pool two or more feet deep.

• A certified lifeguard will supervise activities in the Kendal pool. • The staff/child ratio plus will be maintained at all times during any swimming

activity. • Swimming will be offered to pre-school children who are at least 3½ years old

and will be determined by the Director as spaces in the swimming group become available.

If there is any type of behavior exhibited in the pool area which the aquatics staff feel is unsafe, a child may be removed from the swimming schedule until the problem has been remedied and/or the aquatics staff feels it is safe for the child to return.

Emergency Accident Procedure In an emergency and/or accident, the Center staff will follow the posted medical and dental Emergency Plan. The staff will:

• administer first aid; • summon emergency transportation; and, • contact parents.

In an extreme emergency, staff may give syrup of ipecac, on the verbal advice of a physician or poison control center. Incident reports will be filled out for all accidents or incidents involving a child. All incident reports are filled out by staff, signed by the Director and a copy given to the parent on the day of the incident (the original kept on file at the Center after the parent has signed).

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It is important that any medical emergency information and parent permission slips be kept current in case of a crisis. It is the responsibility of every parent to notify the Center of all changes (addresses, names, phone number of an emergency contact person(s) and any additional medical information or special needs that pertains to their child).

Guidance and Management Policy Our policy on discipline is based on the belief that children should learn through positive reinforcement, evaluation and consultation. Staff are instructed to approach a problem by the following method:

• The staff will evaluate the situation, allowing time for the children to resolve

conflicts. • The staff will model language to help children express their needs and feelings

appropriately. • The staff will redirect the child's activities. • The staff will offer the child a supervised timeout. (Approximately 1 minute for

each year of age). • The staff will listen to the child’s concerns and talk with the child concerning

logical consequences and appropriate alternatives. • The staff will reintroduce the child to the group.

In excessively aggressive behavior (continued hitting, kicking, biting, etc.):

• Staff will bring it to the Director's attention immediately. • Staff and the Director together will continue to observe and evaluate the behavior

to pinpoint causes or patterns developing (time of day, health issues, etc.). • Director/Staff/Parent Conferences will be scheduled to develop behavioral

strategies and techniques to help encourage appropriate behavioral changes. • A follow-up conference will be scheduled within a four- to six-week period or

sooner to evaluate a situation and discuss possible alternatives, referral to additional services, etc.

• Unresolved aggressive behavior can lead to childcare services being discontinued.

All Kendal employees, student teachers and resident volunteers are advised and trained in all polices and procedures before working in any capacity in childcare. The staff is expected to adhere to the above day care policy. Staff never use any sort of physical punishment nor do they engage in psychological abuse, coercion, nor withhold or threaten to withhold food as a form of discipline.

Classroom Schedule

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7:30 - 8:30 Arrival - free play 8:30 - 9:00 Breakfast, bathroom breaks, etc. AM Programming 9:15 - 10:30 Circle Time - Large Group Teacher-facilitated small group activity Plan-Do-Review 10:30 - 11:00 Clean up / Recall / Bathroom 11:00 - 11:30 Outside activities - large muscle activity 11:30 - 11:45 Story, wash for lunch 11:45 - 12:30 Lunch, bathroom breaks, book time on cots PM Programming 12:30 - 2:30 Naps (staff breaks and daily planning) 2:30 - 3:00 Snack 3:00 - 3:30 Circle time - Monday and Friday (combined group) 3:00 - 4:00 Preschool Swimming, Modified Plan-Do-Review, or Preschool Intergenerational Movement, Art, Music, or Cooking 3:30 - 4:30 Outside activities (weather permitting) 4:00 - 5:00 Free play 5:00 - 5:30 Clean up for the day

HighScope Curriculum In the High/Scope approach, children are involved in direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. Children carry out their plans and choices by working with materials and interacting with other children and adults. We plan activities and support their learning by using High/Scope’s 58 key developmental indicators, which are behaviors that reflect the important learning areas for young children. The focus is on active learning in which staff work daily to offer a wide variety of open ended experiences covering all aspect of development and focusing on interests exhibited by the children. Within this framework, children will experience activities in all five content standard areas:

• Approaches to Learning • Language, Literacy and Communication • Social Emotional Development • Physical Development • Art and Science.

These five content standards are aligned with both Ohio’s Early Learning Standards and the Infant Toddler Guidelines. We welcome families to visit their child’s High/Scope

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classroom. Together we can listen to, talk to, and play with children in ways that encourage development and strengthen their skills.

Intergenerational Programming Intergenerational programming is a vital element of our Kendal learning program. The philosophy that children and older adults benefit by having the opportunity to relate to each other is a key focus of our daily programming. Our intergenerational program allows children and residents to interact on several different levels. It is KELC vision to unite generations with relationships having lasting positive effects on the lives of their children and residents. This will be accomplished using our educational curriculum which focuses on the needs and interests of each child and on the interests and talents of each resident according to Kendal’s person-centered philosophy Intergenerational experiences are planned weekly in cooperation with the Creative Arts Therapy Department. Our main goal during these activities is build relationships that focus on respect for all generations and spark that teachable moment and memory for both the child and resident. Kendal residents often enrich our daily program in a variety of ways by volunteering to read stories, play games, assist children with on-going projects and field trips. Through intergenerational experiences, children in our center develop an understanding of the aging process and experience the true meaning of an extended family and community. Any questions regarding Kendal at Oberlin's program should be directed to the Director.

Conferences and Assessment The Kendal Early Learning Center staff will schedule semi-annual conferences and prepare a short developmental report using the High/Scope format. A copy of the report will be kept in the child's file. Conferences will be held in November and May. Our parent-completed Ages and Stages Child Assessments will be completed on the appropriate time-line according to the child’s age and reviewed with parents at conference time or sooner if concerns need to be addressed.

What Does Your Toddler Need at Kendal?

• diapers (disposable only), please label • change of clothing, training pants (when needed) • blanket and small pillow for nap • appropriate outside clothing for the season

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What Does Your Preschooler Need at Kendal? • change of inside clothing • blanket and small pillow for nap • appropriate outside clothing for the season • swimming suit and towel (over 3½ years only)

Laundry All sheets and blankets are laundered and cots disinfected every Friday.

Nutritional Services Children will be provided breakfast, lunch and a snack from Kendal at Oberlin's Dining Services.

• Breakfast 8:30 - 9:00 • Lunch 11:30 - 12:30 • Snack 2:30 - 3:00

No breakfast will be served after 9:00. Meals will be served in a family style. This helps children develop self-help skills and appropriate table manners. In addition, by allowing children to make some of their own food choices, they are often encouraged to attempt new and healthy food choices. Food is never withheld nor threatened to be withheld as a form of discipline. If a child has special dietary needs, please include this information on the registration forms and inform the childcare staff during the initial interview and visit. Every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary needs. All special diets must be documented on a request for medication form signed by a physician. Food that comes from home for sharing among the children must be either whole fruits or commercially prepared packaged foods in factory-sealed containers Weekly menus with appropriate portion sizes are posted on the Parent Information Board and in the classrooms. The Kendal Early Learning Center is a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Center receives federal dollars toward the cost of meals and snacks served. These meals must meet federal nutritional guidelines. The CACFP meal pattern varies according to age and types of meal served. Meal reimbursement is based on:

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• the number of meals served to each enrolled child; • the number of children enrolled for care in the free, reduced price, or paid

category; and, • the assigned rate for breakfast, lunch, or snack meals.

Non-Discrimination Statement “In accordance with the Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1440 Intendance Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Donations Donations of toys, "dress-up" clothes, umbrella strollers, books, crib sheets, etc., are greatly appreciated.

Transition Policy Parents will be notified in writing one month in advance when a child will be transitioning into a new age group. Transition letters will explain

• upcoming rate changes (noted on statements); • the developmental programming changes that will be taking place; and, • the specific time-line for this transition period.

Transition periods will be developed to serve the needs of the individual child. Parents will be asked to meet with the child’s new teacher to prepare for this transition.

Process of Preparing Children for Kindergarten All information we receive from surrounding school districts concerning the Kindergarten screening and registration process are passed on to families. The May conference is the major time for assisting families who have children leaving for kindergarten. Parents are given copies of the Kindergarten Guidelines for Families. Assessment and readiness conversations with families are held explaining the importance of visiting the child’s school, classroom, and teacher are essential for a smooth transition into such a new surrounding. Parents are advised to seek out local programs such as Safety Town and Kindergarten Parent /Child Teas (examples from our local school district) as necessary activities for parents and children to attend in order to feel comfortable with their new surroundings.

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Kendal is such a small Center we have an average of 3 to 5 children leaving for school every year and often have three different school districts represented. It is our responsibility to impress upon each parent the importance of making a relationship with their child’s school long before the first day. We yearly provide parents with information concerning local school districts enrollment policies and procedures. At May conferences parents

• are requested to confirm their summer schedules; • are to confirm where their child is registered for school; and, • need to submit in writing when his/her child’s last day at KELC will be.

We encourage parents to plan for their school-age care before the child starts Kindergarten so the child’s transition into school is less stressful. Children leaving Kendal for Kindergarten are always recognized with a Graduation Party in the month of August. Graduation is not held until the second week of August for those children who are in the program all summer long. All children who have been part of the preschool during the current year are invited to our little graduation party, even if they have not attended during the summer session.

Procedure for Resolving Concerns If concerns regarding your child or Kendal at Oberlin’s child day care develop, please make an appointment with the Director to discuss these concerns. If concerns are not resolved at that level within a reasonable length of time, parents are encouraged to contact the Director of Human Resources and Operational Services to discuss the situation. A toll-free telephone number is listed on the facility’s license and may be used to report a suspected violation of the licensing law or administrative rules. The licensing law and rules governing childcare are available for review at the facility upon request. The licensing report including compliance report forms, complaint investigation reports, and evaluation forms from the building and fire departments are available for review upon request from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Cleveland District Office.

Child Abuse Reporting All early learning center staff are considered mandated reporters and are required by law to report if they suspect or know that child abuse is occurring. No staff member is required to report suspected child abuse to their Kendal supervisor before reporting. Identities of individuals reporting suspected child abuse are kept confidential. To report a case of suspected Child Abuse call 1-800- Children in Lorain County call Children’s Services at 1-440-329-5340