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Early Childhood Programs

100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 317.844.3399 (p) 317.844.1034 (f)

Parent Handbook 2015-2016

WELCOME Welcome to St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs. The purpose of this Parent Handbook is to help you familiarize yourself with the guidelines set forth in Early Childhood.

Program Mission and Philosophy St. Luke's Early Childhood Education staff provides age-appropriate, play-based learning experiences. We offer high-quality opportunities for growth in cognitive, social/emotional and physical development in a loving, Christian environment. Knowledgeable and experienced staff members are committed to children and families in their journey towards greater growth and development.

This program believes that maturation plus experience influences a child’s growth and knowledge. We further believe that early childhood education should help provide enriching educational experiences in the developmental areas of the child’s life. Growth in emotional maturity, social competence, physical skill development, creativity, language, cognition and perception are the areas that this program shall strive to promote.

St. Luke’s is unique to other Indianapolis area programs. We provide an opportunity for children of all ability levels to relate socially to each other, learn from each other, and play together. In addition to skill development, our philosophy is that the tolerance and acceptance of people with differences begins at an early age. This is a special opportunity to develop the foundation for Christian attitudes towards individual differences throughout the child’s life.

Parents’ Day Out (PDO) serves children 10 months (by 9/1 of the current school year) to 3 years old.

St . Luke’s Community Preschool serves children 3 (by 9/1 of the current school year) to 5 years old.

Marion County Health Department St. Luke’s Early Childhood is inspected annually by the Marion County Health Department. We operate under the Health and Hospital Code Chapter 11 as a child care facility.

STAFF The Early Childhood staff is here with the best interest of your child in mind. We take full responsibility for the safety and care of the children we greet each day. Early Childhood staff are screened and chosen because of their motivation to do what is best for children. Teachers are trained in First Aid/Pediatric CPR and Universal Precautions, child abuse and neglect. Any staff members that have contact with Early Childhood children are screened with fingerprints and a background check. Each teacher is also required to have 12 hours of professional development each year on topics that affect early childhood. We ensure that our staff will help guide and nurture your children every step of the way.

Table of Contents

School Policies and

Procedures.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Enrollment Policies and Reporting Responsibilities Days and Hours of Operation Late Pick up Fees/Absences Plans for Emergency Situations Safety Carpools and Authorized Driver Information

Financial Policies……………………………………………………………………………………...5 Registration Tuition Fees Tuition Payment Schedule Withdrawals Health and Wellness Policies…………………………………………………………………... . . . . . .6

Health/Illness Medication/Sunscreen Outside Time and Big Muscle Play Accidents

Guidance and Discipl ine…………………………………………………………………….……...7 School Policy

Biting Hitting/Physical Contact

Curriculum……………………………………………………………………….…………….….……8 Supplemental Programs Children with Challenges or Special Needs

Classroom Policies and Procedures………………………………………………………..….….8 Parental Concerns Lunches Clothing Items from Home Toilet Training Snacks/Treats Birthdays Field Trips/Auto Safety

Parent Participation/Communication………………………………………..………….…..…..9 Opportunities for Parent Involvement Parent/Teacher Conferences

St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs 3

317.844.3399 www.stlukesumc.com

100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46260 317.844.3399 317.844.1034(f) www.stlukesumc.com

SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ENROLLMENT Every child at St. Luke’s ECP must have the following information on file before entering. * Student Registration Form * Personal History * Student Information Form * Health Record

POLICIES AND REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES ** Confidentiality of information about child and family will be maintained at all times. All forms and other information concerning the child and family are accessible to the parent/guardian, and St. Luke’s staff. Information concerning the child will not be made available to anyone, by any means, without the expressed written consent of the parent/guardian. In the event of a divorce, separation, or custody ruling, please notify the school so that we may ensure that proper procedures are followed. Written documentation will be requested.

** In regards to divorce, the school recognizes both natural parents as having custody of a child unless an official court order is on file giving one of the parents’ exclusive custody. In such cases, the school follows the dictates of the court. In the absence of a court order, either parent may pick up.

** It is the policy of this program not to disclose the names of the children who may have caused injury to another child or children while attending the school. This ensures each family’s privacy.

** St. Luke’s Early Childhood has an open door policy. You are welcome to visit (limit of 2 per room) the school at any time. We do ask that if you are planning a visit that you contact the Director to set up the best time possible for both parties and ask that you respect your child as separation may be difficult for all. Visitors must check in at the Early Childhood Programs Office and sign in and out.

** St. Luke’s Early Childhood is required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services. During the first two weeks of employment, all staff shall receive documented training in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. The director will update this training annually. The guidelines for reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect is as follows: 1. Refrain from questioning the child and suspected perpetrators beyond gathering information to report the

suspected abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services. 2. Staff member shall immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to Mollie Smith . 3. The staff member and Director will call Child Protective Services 317.968.4379.

** If an authorized intoxicated or impaired person insists on removing a child(ren) from the school, the school shall immediately report the incident to the local police.

** The use of tobacco, and the use or possession of alcohol, illegal substances, and firearms is prohibited on school grounds.

Days and HOURS OF OPERATION Hours of operation for PDO and Preschool are from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. Ages are as of September 1. Parents’ Day Out Ages Days Class Size Beginners 10 months-2 years M, W, TH, F 7-10 children:2 teachers 2’s 2-3 years M, W, TH, F 12 children:2 teachers Preschool Ages Days Class Size 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D 3 years old T/TH, W/F, M/W/F, M/T/TH 14 children:2 teachers 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D 4 years old M/W/F, M/T/TH or M/T/W/TH 14 children:2 teachers

Jr. Kindergarten 5 years old M/T/W/TH/F 15 children:2 teachers Fun Fridays 3-5 years old F only 14 children:2 teachers

LATE PICK UP FEES/Absences Late Pick-up Fee: A $20.00 late fee will be charged for children who are picked up later than 10 minutes (without notification of the ECP office) after their class dismissal time.

If you are able, we appreciate a phone call for children that will be out of school. 844-3399.

PLANS FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS In order to protect your child in the event of an emergency, we ask that you keep any emergency contact information for your child current. This includes: * Emergency medical authorization in case you cannot be reached * Phone numbers for yourself and at least 2 other people who are authorized to pick up your child * A list of your child’s allergies and other health related information (medication, food, etc)

If we would need to evacuate the building, we would gather at St. Luke’s Lodge. In case of a tornado or severe weather warning, we will proceed to the closest interior room without windows. In case of a fire, an escape route is posted in every classroom. In the event of a fire, children will leave at the nearest exit. Fire drills are practiced monthly. In all emergency situations, the parents/guardians will be notified via phone as soon as the situation allows.

School Closure- If Washington Township OR Carmel Clay Schools are closed due to inclement weather, we will be closed for the day. If Washington Township OR Carmel Clay Schools are delayed due to inclement weather the alternate start time will be 10:30, dismissal remaining 1:00pm.

An announcement will be on the St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs voicemail by 7:30am if school is c losed or delayed. Please cal l 844.3399 and l isten to the voicemail . Delays or closures will also be announced on news channels 6, 8, and 13. There is no reimbursement for days or hours missed due to closure or delays.

SAFETY Because we are all concerned with the safety of the children, we ask for the parents’ cooperation in observing the following safety measures when arriving or departing from the school: Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures 1. Park in the northeast parking lot. Use entrance #16. Entrance #17 is closed for security. 2. Arrival-Bring your child into the building. The security doors open at 8:50 for entrance into the Early Childhood area, then wait with your child until the teachers open the classroom door. 3. Dismissal-Security doors open at 12:50 for entrance into the Early Childhood area. Come to your child’s classroom and wait in the hall until the teachers open the door for dismissal. 4. Initial the clipboard next to your child’s name at both arrival and dismissal to indicate he/she has been dropped off and picked up. Also sign in and out any child you bring in your carpool. ***At any time you wish to enter the Early Childhood end of the building, you will need to ring the doorbell and be buzzed in. Also, the security doors are to be used as a one way entrance, all families exiting at the other end of the Early Childhood wing, past the PDO classrooms. This helps the traffic flow during busy times

Carpools and Authorized Driver Information - Each child shall have a complete Student Information form that lists persons authorized to pick up when needed or in case of an emergency. No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up the child. Staff members will request identification if the individual is



unknown. If you need to add or remove names or make any other changes to your emergency card, please call the EC office.

V isitors All visitors (therapist, observer, visitor, parent, grandparent) MUST sign in at the office.

FINANCIAL POLICIES REGISTRATION Registration for the following school year will be held in January. Returning families shall have first priority for placement. Returning families have one week from the date of posting of the class lists to withdraw without forfeiting tuition and registration payment. Previously non-enrolled church families shall have the next priority. Following church family registration, the registration process shall be open to the community.

TUITION Tuition is based on the actual costs of operating the school divided by the number of students enrolled. Your payments are divided into 9 equal payments, not based on the number of days child attends each month. Fees for the coming year, based on a non-profit budget, are as follows: Parents’ Day Out 1 day/week $783 year/$87 month 2 days/week $1566 year/$174 month 3 days/week $2349 year/$261 month Preschool 2 days/week $1566 year/$174 month 3 days/week $2376 year/$264 month 4 days/week $3060 year/$340 month

5 days/week $4050 year/$450 month FEES Registration Fee: $50.00 (non-refundable) per child Building/Supply Fee: $100.00 (non-refundable) per child

TUITION PAYMENT SCHEDULE Parents’ Day Out and Preschool tuition is due the first day of the month. Tuition checks may be placed in the tuition pocket located on the wall just outside the Early Childhood Programs Office. Checks should be made payable to St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs(St. Luke’s ECP). Please make note for Treasurer if child’s name differs from name on check. Please place checks in the tuition pocket without an envelope. Do not put cash in the tuition pocket.

Semester tuition payment may be made if desired. Please be patient if you experience a delay in the deposit of your payment. Please let Kathy Hockett, Treasurer) at 257-9004 with questions. Please contact the office if you need special payment arrangements.

Returned Checks: Checks returned twice with Non-Sufficient Funds must be paid with cash or money-order for the remainder of the school year. A $25 fee will be due on any returned check.

Overdue Tuit ion Payments Monthly tuition is due the first day of each month. On the 10th of the month, any unpaid account will be considered delinquent, and charged a $20.00 late fee. The following school year’s registration/tuition deposits and registration for siblings are not accepted for children whose accounts are not current.

WITHDRAWALS

Each child is enrolled for the entire school year or the balance of the school year. Two weeks prior notice, or two weeks tuition, is payable upon child’s withdrawal from the program before March 31. No refund of tuition can be made after April 1. Any child in school as of that date will be charged tuition through the close of school in May.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND ILLNESS A health examination is required for each child prior to admission to the school. (see Health Record) In an effort to control illness in our facility and to do what is in the best interest of our enrolled students, the following guidelines have been made. Please do not send your child to school with any of the following health issues listed below present the day of or evening before. If any of the listed issues are observed, your child will be sent home. ♥ pink-eye ♥ constant cough ♥ fever of 99.2+

♥ skin rashes ♥ sore throat ♥ diarrhea ♥ swollen glands/eyes ♥ ear ache ♥ dizziness ♥ persistent runny nose ♥ nausea or upset stomach ♥ headache

If your child does have a fever, he/she may NOT return to school unti l he/she has been FEVER FREE, WITHOUT THE USE OF MEDICATION for 24 hours. He/she should feel well enough to be in a group and play outdoors. If the child is due to become contagious within a 24-hour period, he/she should stay home. The Director should be notified if a child has a communicable disease.

If your child becomes ill during the day and is found to have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, or is not able to participate in the daily routine, we will notify the parents via. Your child is to be picked up as soon as possible. If the parents cannot be reached or you are unable to pick up your child within 30 minutes, those persons on your child’s emergency list will be contacted. Please be prepared and have a back-up plan i f your chi ld were to become i l l and you would need to make alternate arrangements for your chi ld’s care. Please keep work, cel l , and emergency numbers current.

Dietary Al lergies If your child has a dietary allergy, this needs to be documented by the child’s physician with specific restrictions, an indication of what the known reaction could be, possible treatment, and information regarding who is to administer any aid needed.

Head Lice While head lice does not pose a health hazard, it is highly contagious, especially with young children. Children who have a live louse and/or 2 or more eggs/nits within 1 inch of the scalp will be temporarily excluded from school until treated with the appropriate medication. In order to re-admit, after treatment, the child will need to report to the front office to be checked for a louse and/or nits.

Immunizations All children that enroll at St. Luke’s Early Childhood must have current, age appropriate immunizations and the Health Record form on file by his/her first day of school. Per Indiana law, we cannot reject a child who may not be current on vaccinations because of a medical or religious reason—as allowable by Indiana law. If a vaccine preventable disease occurs we will require all unvaccinated children to be excluded for up to 3 weeks, depending on the disease. Parents will be notified, in writing, of any significant occurrences or problems that might affect your child, including exposure to communicable diseases.

MEDICATION/SUNSCREEN Medications No prescription or non-prescription medications are dispensed at school. Severe allergy medications or Epi Pens must be authorized by the Director and kept in the office.

Sunscreen Please be proactive and put sunscreen on your child prior to arrival at school. Teachers are not allowed to put sunscreen on your child at school. OUTSIDE TIME AND BIG MUSCLE PLAY



ALL children need fresh air and big muscle play time. All Early Childhood students will go outside daily, weather permitting (30 degrees and above) Please dress your child(ren) accordingly.

ACCIDENTS Treatment of Injuries and I l lness In compliance with Standing Order No: 4 D 2000 from the Bureau of Community Health Nursing, the St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs shall follow the procedures listed below:

In case of accident or illness, the responsibility of the adult who is with the sick or injured person is to administer first-aid and care for the sick/injured person. 1. The Director (or designated person in her absence) shall notify the parent or responsible person listed as an emergency contact, or if unable to reach them, call the doctor or hospital. As a last resort, or in case of a serious emergency call 911 to attend to the child as needed. . 2. The Teacher’s responsibilities shall be to notify the Director (or designated person in her absence) when an accident or illness needs emergency procedures. Written documentation of significant emergency conditions and measures taken will be documented. Teachers will assist as needed and follow-up the outcome and be aware of possible restrictions when he/she returns to school.

GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE It is our policy and belief that all children will be treated with love and guidance. It is our objective to reinforce positive behaviors and redirect negative behaviors. We will help the child problem-solve in order to be successful in the classroom with his/her peers and teachers. St. Luke’s uses Conscious Discipl ine as our framework in guiding children in the right direction. Caregivers shall use positive guidance to communicate to children, using helpful statements, and encouraging the children to make good choices with adult support.

If a child is experiencing difficulty in our setting, we will request a Parent/Teacher Conference. The intention is to support the child’s success in our program and to arrange a behavior modification plan for both school and home to work together to meet the needs of the child.

Our St. Luke’s policy dictates that any person while on the child care premises shall not engage in or direct any of the following actions toward children: inflict corporal punishment, hit spank, beat, shake, pinch, produce physical discomfort, or use cruel, harsh, unusual, humiliating, or frightening methods of discipline, including the threat of use of physical punishment. Discipline will never be associated with food, rest time, or toileting. Spanking or any other form of physical punishment is prohibited under all circumstances, even if requested by the parent.

BITING Biting is a behavior that can be common with toddler age children. Normally, biting is a way of communicating their needs or expressing their feelings. Biting will always be discouraged and the child will be helped to find other solutions to gain what the need is. If biting becomes a problem, the teachers will meet with the parents in order to problem-solve and find a solution. Our policy is:

1. Provide first aid if needed and document incident. 2. Inform parents. 3. If child bites two times in one day, parents will be called to take the child home. We will put the children’s

safety first.

HITTING AND PHYSICAL CONTACT Hitting, pushing, shoving, or any other physical contact by a child will not be tolerated by the St. Luke’s staff. We clearly understand the developmental process and that children are learning their boundaries. We must ensure that each and every child at our program is safe.

CURRICULUM

We strive to provide developmentally appropriate activities that integrate St. Luke’s Christian beliefs into each piece of the day. Teachers develop written weekly scheduled activities and plans that are driven by the students and aligned with developmentally appropriate practices consistent with development of the WHOLE child. We strive to remain current with educational practices for early childhood children and provide experiences that promote readiness for their next stage in life.

SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAMS All of the following programs are implemented into the Early Childhood program. These supplements are just that, supplements. Putting them all together, in a developmentally appropriate fashion, using play-based structure and approach is the way that we differentiate in order to meet needs of each child. Together, with many views, we are able to use Best Practices.

• Foundations for Young Children • Minds in Motion • Get Set for School/Handwriting Without Tears • Integrated Literacy and Phonics, including Zoo Phonics

CHILDREN WITH CHALLENGES OR SPECIAL NEEDS Some of our students may need additional support for learning. Differentiating instruction within the classroom is important for all students to achieve. However, it is sometimes necessary to provide additional services from outside sources. We strive to meet the educational needs of all children.

CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PARENTAL CONCERNS If parents have a concern, we ask that you first discuss any issues directly with the classroom teacher. Choose an appropriate time and share your thoughts with the teacher. Carefully listen and ask questions that will help you better understand the situation. It is possible the conflict can be resolved. If, after discussion, the issues were not successfully resolved, please feel free to contact the Director.

LUNCHES Lunches are provided by the parents. We encourage parents to send a healthy lunch that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. We do not allow Go-Gurts as part of the child’s lunch and discourage Lunchables (low nutritional value.) In PDO we encourage easy to maneuver foods, finger foods, and foods that allow independent eating.

CLOTHING Children are always on the move! They work hard and play hard, so in anticipation of this, we request a complete change of clothing for each child. (Please make sure pants, shirts, socks, and underwear are clearly labeled with your child’s name and placed in a Ziploc bag) Obviously as children grow and the seasons change, the clothing will need to be swapped out. Also, children will have daily outdoor time, unless the weather doesn’t cooperate. In anticipation of this, sandals, crocs, or open-toed shoes are not permitted and in the colder weather, send your child with a warm coat, hat, and mittens. Lastly, children should be sent in clothing that is easy for the child to work with independently. It can become frustrating for the child if there are complicated snaps, zippers, belts, and other contraptions.

ITEMS FROM HOME All toys and other play items from home must stay at home. If you have questions, please confer with the teacher. TOILET TRAINING Not every child is ready to be toilet trained at the same age. When readiness signs for toilet training are observed, teachers will work with parents and children. Readiness signs involve the child’s ability to tell the teacher about a soiled diaper, to show signs of discomfort while in a soiled diaper, and/or to express an interest in using the toilet.

Toilet training means • The child can and does tell the teacher he/she has to use the toilet • The child is able to pull down his/her own clothing



• The child uses the toilet on his/her own • The child can and does pull up his/her own clothing

Children will never be punished or humiliated due to toileting accidents. Accidents and inconsistencies will occur at both home and school. All classrooms are equipped with bathrooms and toilets. Children are required to be toilet trained to attend the four year-old classes.

SNACKS AND TREATS Parents’ Day Out parents are asked to donate two boxes of crackers. Please see classroom schedule

*Each child in Preschool and Parents’ Day Out will be expected to bring a re-usable water bott le to school each day.

BIRTHDAYS If your child wishes to share a birthday treat with the class, please notify the teachers the week before. In accordance with the Marion County Health Department, all treats must be purchased at a store and brought in their original containers (we cannot accept homemade treats).

The policy for birthday celebrations is as fol lows: You may send in cookies (not a large cookie cake) and birthday napkins for the child’s celebration. Due to allergies and our desire to treat our children equally, no lunches, pizzas, cakes, cupcakes, or treat bags can be brought in to school. We want all children to feel special.

FIELD TRIPS/Auto Safety 1. You will be notified in advance of all field trips and admission fees. 2. Parents are used as drivers. There must be two adults in each car. 3. All cars used to transport children shall be adequately covered by public liability and property damage insurance. The car should be in good operating condition. 4. Children should not enter the car without an adult. Children must be in a car seat during the tr ip. 5. All parents are welcome on trips; however, siblings may not accompany the class. 6. All adults on the trip must have a current background check, that includes a driver’s record check, with current copy of driver’s license and insurance card on file 7. Student Information forms will be taken on all trips. Keep the school informed of changes. 8. The driver will be given directions. He/she should relay safety rules to the passengers. 9. Extra parents in the car are to help supervise children. Driving laws are to be followed at all times. 10. When crossing streets, children should hold hands. 11. Adults should help children investigate and enjoy the experience. 12. The adults should walk the children from the car to the classroom. 13. In case of an accident, first attend to any injured. Notify police and obtain a complete police report. Call another parent to come and take the children from any car that is immobile. We ask each driver to follow carefully the rules listed below. The school cannot assume any legal responsibi l i ty for the transportation of the children.

Auto Insurance The driver’s personal automobile liability and medical insurance should cover medical expenses to drivers and passengers.

L iabi l i ty Insurance The school is covered by a Bodily Injury/Property Damage liability insurance policy for protection against liability damage suits for injury to others, caused by accidents occurring in connection with any of our various activities, on the school premises and elsewhere.

COMMUNICATION/PARENT PARTICIPATION It is expected and encouraged that parents and teachers communicate directly, honestly, and as often as desired. Teachers will be happy to set aside a time to meet (other than class time) with parents on matters of concern. If the matter needs further attention, inform the Director and a conference will be arranged. You will also receive information from a Parent Council Representative about a variety throughout the year.

Parent Involvement 1. Special Needs & Maintenance: Sewing, repairing, woodworking as needed 2. Weekday Early Childhood Programs Council: Advisory board for our programs, meets monthly 3. Room Parent: Assist teachers for special classroom events 4. Hospitality: Arrange refreshments for parent meetings and special events 5. Speech/Hearing/Vision Screening: Assist during screening. (no training necessary) 6. Greeter: Greets visitors at the security door; allows appropriate visitors past the doors

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent/teacher conferences are held in the fall and spring. Parents will have the opportunity to confer with teachers at these times. Your child will not have school on Wednesday, November 5 and Wednesday, Apri l 29 in order for conferences to be held. Childcare will be provided if requested in advance. Parents or teachers may request additional conferences when necessary.

Revised 2015

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