table of contents · 4 welcome it is our privilege to welcome you to bright beginnings learning...
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Table of Contents Welcome ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Our Mission ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Staff .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Non-Discriminatory Policy ......................................................................................................................... 6
Enrollment Information .............................................................................................................................. 6
Required Enrollment Documentation ....................................................................................................... 6
Classrooms and Ratios .............................................................................................................................. 6
Withdrawals and Dismissals ..................................................................................................................... 6
Days and Hours of Operation ................................................................................................................... 7
Normal Hours of Operation ...................................................................................................................... 7
Arrival and Dismissal ................................................................................................................................. 7
Paid Holidays ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Public School Closing Days ........................................................................................................................ 7
Inclement Weather Policy ......................................................................................................................... 7
Tuition and Fees ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Full-Day and Half-Day Requirements ........................................................................................................ 7
Vacation Allowance ................................................................................................................................... 8
Tax Statements ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Returned Check Fees ................................................................................................................................ 8
Late Fees ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Communication ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Day to Day Communications ..................................................................................................................... 8
BBLC Facebook Parent Page ..................................................................................................................... 8
Infant and Toddler Communication .......................................................................................................... 8
Newsletters ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Changes in Your Child’s Life ...................................................................................................................... 8
Current Address and Emergency Information .......................................................................................... 9
Meals ............................................................................................................................................................ 9
Learning Environment ............................................................................................................................... 9
Teacher’s Role ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Daily Schedules ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Outdoor Play ............................................................................................................................................. 9
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Guidance and Positive Discipline Policy .................................................................................................. 10
Naps and Quiet Time .............................................................................................................................. 10
Toilet Training ......................................................................................................................................... 10
What to Bring ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Clothing and Personal Belongings ........................................................................................................... 10
Health and Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Handwashing ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Immunizations ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Medications ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Wellness Policy........................................................................................................................................ 11
Accidents and Injuries ............................................................................................................................. 13
Sunscreen ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Birthday Celebrations and Holiday Parties ........................................................................................... 13
Acknowledgement .................................................................................................................................... 15
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Welcome It is our privilege to welcome you to Bright Beginnings Learning Center. We are honored that you have
entrusted us with the care of your children, and we hope that you and your children quickly feel at
home. This Handbook was developed to help ensure a smooth transition, and to outline what you can
expect from us. We hope that you and your family will enjoy the time you’ve spent with us. Again,
welcome!
Barb Wiley
Owner/Director
Our Mission Our Mission is to be your child’s home away from home, to teach not only academic lessons, but lessons
of life as well. Manners, compassion, self-respect and respect for others. The safety of your children is
always our first concern, so please adhere to our policies.
Bright Beginnings Learning Center is focused on the following:
• Offering developmentally appropriate activities and experiences which will enhance growth in
the areas of cognitive, sensorimotor, social/emotional and physical development.
o Promote secure and loving attachments between children and staff.
o Provide learning centers and a variety of curricula that generate curiosity, initiative,
creativity and independent thought.
o Exhibit appropriate use of language to develop communication skills.
o Provide gross motor and fine motor activities to develop physical and coordination skills.
• Developing a partnership between parents and BBLC staff in order to best meet the needs of the
child.
o Encourage open communication between parents and staff in order to share ideas,
evaluate the progress of the child, and set goals and objectives to best promote the
child’s overall development.
o Conduct regular conferences to monitor the child’s development
o Serve as an extended support system to the family unit.
• Promoting a positive self-concept within the child, which gives the child the ability to develop
respect for self and others.
o Respect each child as a unique individual.
o Use concepts and teaching techniques that are relevant to the child’s learning.
o Help children develop self-control and the ability to make decisions.
o Provide guidance by setting clear, consistent limits for appropriate behavior.
o Encourage children to communicate feelings.
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Staff
Barb Wiley Owner/Director 636-296-2363 (center)
314-609-6996 (cell) [email protected]
Brandie Hoffman Assistant Director
636-296-2363 (center) [email protected]
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Non-Discriminatory Policy Applications for enrollment are considered without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin,
disability or any basis prohibited by law.
Enrollment Information
Required Enrollment Documentation A completed enrollment packet, including all forms, parent agreement and immunization records must
be turned in prior to attendance. Physical forms must be returned within 30 days of enrollment.
Classrooms and Ratios Children are moved to the next age group on the basis of developmental readiness and availability of
space in accordance with teacher/child ratios and group sizes rather than on the child’s birthday.
Classroom and Class Email Ages Ratio
IT Unit (Infants and Toddlers) [email protected]
Birth-2 years 1 adult for every 4 children. Group sizes may never exceed 8 children per classroom.
Toddlers [email protected]
2 years-3 years 1 adult for every 8 children. Group sizes may never exceed 16 children.
Pre-School [email protected]
3 years-4 years 1 adult for every 10 children. There is no limit on group sizes.
Pre-Kindergarten [email protected]
5 years and older 1 adult for every 16 children. There is no limit on group sizes.
Before and After School Care [email protected]
School Age 1 adult for every 16 children. There is no limit on group sizes.
Withdrawals and Dismissals We require a 2-week notification if you decide to withdraw. Tuition must be paid in full.
Bright Beginnings Learning Center reserves the right to dismiss a child from the center if there is
difficulty with repeated behavioral problems or the safety of other children is endangered, or when all
alternatives have been exhausted.
Before dismissal occurs, the following procedures take place:
1. Verbal and written communication from the teacher and/or Director to the parent about the
specific behavior problems and why they are disruptive to the class.
2. Conference with teacher and parents to find the reason behind the problems and to develop
solutions to rectify the problem.
3. Efforts of teacher and parents to implement the designated solutions in the classroom and, if
necessary, at home as well.
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If, after the above procedures do not change or modify the behaviors and the teacher and Director feel
the other children in the class are still at risk, the Director will mandate dismissal in writing.
A parent’s lack of cooperation or failure to comply with center policies is reason for dismissal.
Days and Hours of Operation
Normal Hours of Operation Bright Beginnings Learning Center operating hours are 6 am – 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Arrival and Dismissal All children must arrive prior to 10 am. Exceptions will be made for Doctor/Dentist appointments,
please bring paperwork with you. All children will be clocked in at the front desk. Children will never
be permitted to leave the building without a parent or designated adult. If a legal custody case exists,
you are required to provide the center with a certified copy of this documentation to be kept on file in
your child’s file. Only persons designated, in writing, will be allowed to pick up a child. THERE ARE NO
EXCHANGES OF A CHILD OVER THE FENCE OR OUT THE PLAYGROUND GATES. All adults must enter the
building from the front doors and await an employee to assist them. Minor children WILL NOT be
permitted to drop off or pick up children.
Paid Holidays The center will be closed on the following holidays. New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday following Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If the
holiday falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday will be closed. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the
following Monday will be closed. These Holidays are paid days for all full time salaried employees,
therefore full tuition is charged for these weeks.
Public School Closing Days When public school is closed and your school aged child will be attending BBLC, there will be an
additional tuition fee. Half days will be an additional $10.00 per child, per day. Full days will be an
additional $15.00 per child, per day. During full week closings we can either charge daily or weekly
summer rates, whichever is lower.
Inclement Weather Policy If it is necessary to close early due to snow or ice, all parents will be contacted. If in doubt, please
contact the center. No credits will be provided for inclement weather. School Closings will be reported
to the following news stations: 2, 4, 5, 11, and 30. Please make sure to watch these channels for closing
information. Please DO NOT text or call the Director’s cell regarding school closings. As soon as a
decision is made, we will report to the news stations.
Tuition and Fees
Full-Day and Half-Day Requirements Tuition is based on enrollment, not by the day(s) attended in the week. Tuition in based on a 50 hour
attendance. Tuition is due and payable on your child’s first attendance day of each week upon arrival.
There will be a $25 late fee if your tuition is not paid by 10 am of the second day of attendance. If
tuition is not paid upon arrival of the 3rd day, your child will not attend until payment is made. Non-
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payment can result in enrollment termination. Tuition is paid for scheduled holidays in both full time
and part time programs. If a child is out sick for 3 or more days, due to illness, half of the stated regular
tuition is due when provided a doctor’s note. Child will not attend the second week without the first
week’s tuition paid in full plus late fees.
Vacation Allowance Each family will receive one week vacation time per calendar year at no cost with a two week notice.
Vacations must be taken in weekly increments. If absence last more than one week, a full week’s tuition
will be charged for the additional time off.
Tax Statements Tuition total tax statement will be provided after January 15th of the following year.
Returned Check Fees All returned checks will be assessed a $35.00 charge. Cash or cashier’s check will be required as
payment for the returned check. If the center receives more than one returned check, checks will not
be taken any longer.
Late Fees There will be a $1 per minute late fee for any child left after 6:30 PM. This fee will be charged per child
if more than one child within a family is left. Legal authorities will be contacted after all emergency
contacts listed on the enrollment forms have been attempted one hour after closing.
Communication
Day to Day Communications Please tell your child’s teacher about anything special or different about your child’s day, such as: an
early pick up for an appointment; an approved substitute picking up your child; if your child is not eating
breakfast, etc. It’s important that teachers are kept in loop to ensure an easy transition throughout the
day.
BBLC Facebook Parent Page We utilize a Facebook Parent page to communicate with our families throughout the day, and to post
pictures of our children playing and involved with activities. The is a closed group, so please talk to the
Director about getting an invitation to join. Please do not post private messages to the Parent Page.
You can, however, send a private message if needed.
Infant and Toddler Communication Daily parent reports will be given for each child 2 years and younger. Conferences will be conducted
twice per year to discuss your child’s progress.
Newsletters Monthly newsletters and calendars will be sent home and posted on the bulletin board.
Changes in Your Child’s Life Your child’s teachers should be notified about any unusual or upsetting experiences that may affect
behavior, such as an illness or death in the family, a recent move, separation, or a parent out of town.
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This information allows us to better understand if the child’s behavior is different than normal, and
allows us to give some extra emotional support to the child, as needed.
Current Address and Emergency Information Parents are required to keep the center up to date regarding immunizations and emergency contact
info. If your address, home or work numbers, or emergency contacts change, please let us know right
away.
Meals Children are not allowed to enter the building with food, drinks, candy or chewing gum. If you provide
your child's foods, you MUST meet federal food program guidelines, or you MUST have a physician's
note.
Breakfast, morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack will be provided at no additional charge. All meals
are well-balanced, nutritional meals. Menus are posted on the bulletin board. Breakfast will be served
upon arrival until 8:00 AM for all classes. Morning snack will be served at 10:00 AM. Lunch will be
served between 12 pm and 12:30 pm. Your child is expected to have been fed if they arrive after their
class has been served meals. Please be sure to inform center of all food allergies. WE ARE A
PEANUT/TREENUT FREE ZONE.
Learning Environment
Teacher’s Role It is the role of the teacher to facilitate a child’s successful exploration of the environment by providing
support, focused attention, physical proximity and verbal encouragement. Our teachers recognize that
children learn from trial and error and that children’s misconceptions reflect their developing thoughts.
The teacher can accomplish these goals and facilitate children’s involvement by asking questions,
making suggestions or adding materials or ideas to a situation.
The classroom must be arranged in such a way that the child is encouraged to choose and explore areas
of interest. A spacious environment with well-defined centers encourages children to interact with the
environment, as well as their peers and adults. Teachers emphasize language that accompanies the
children’s developmental concepts.
Daily Schedules A developmentally appropriate daily schedule, established to meet the needs of the children, will be
posted in each classroom. The schedule is flexible and will include the following:
• Learning through play and learning centers • Group times for music, movement, stories, etc. • Snack and lunch • Outside play • Quiet time
Outdoor Play Licensing rules require that all children must have one hour of outside time per day, weather permitting.
If your child is too sick to enjoy outside time, he/she is too sick to attend BBLC.
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Guidance and Positive Discipline Policy We believe the purpose of discipline for young children is to teach coping skills and discourage
inappropriate behavior. The early years are a time for children to develop confidence and self-control.
When adults create environments that respect each individual child, they set forth a message that the
world is a warm, friendly learning place. Positive discipline techniques that combine caring and
direction are a part of this healthy environment.
Guidance techniques used by our teachers include:
• Setting clear, consistent and fair limits for children’s behavior.
• Redirecting children to more acceptable behavior or activity.
• Using behavior as a learning experience.
• Using natural and logical consequences so children learn that their behaviors have
repercussions.
• Children may be given an opportunity or time away from the group to calm down and cool off
after a frustrating situation.
Age appropriate guidance, redirection and table time are the only forms of discipline used. Physical
punishment is never permitted within the center or on center property. In case of severe discipline
problems, the center has the right to refuse service out of concern for others safety.
Naps and Quiet Time All children are required to take an afternoon nap, or participate in quiet time. School aged children will
not be required to nap, but must remain quiet during naptime.
Toilet Training When your child begins to show signs of readiness, usually around the age of 2 – 2 ½, we will begin
working with the parent to toilet train. The center does not use “pull-up” or diapers during this process.
Frequent trips to the rest room and praise and encouragement will be used to assist your child thru this
process. Please provide several changes of clothing (underwear, easily removed pants/shorts and
socks). This usually goes much faster if everyone is ready to participate, and positive.
What to Bring
Clothing and Personal Belongings Each child will need 2 complete changes of clothing to be left at the center. Weather appropriate
clothing and shoes are required at all times. Please label all extra clothing with your child’s name. We
are not responsible for lost items. Please make sure your child has appropriate clothing for outdoors.
(gloves, hats, scarfs, etc.) During the summer months, each classroom has a specified “water play” day.
Children will need swim clothing, water shoes, and a towel.
If your child has a special blanket or “lovie”, we prefer that they stay at the center, rather than being
transported back and forth daily from the home. This minimizes any pet hair, dander, or other allergens
from coming into BBLC. We have a washer and dryer on site, and are happy to launder these items for
you on a regular basis.
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Outside toys are ONLY allowed on show and tell days. Children will not be permitted to bring toys from
home or school on any other days. These items are often special for your child, and can cause
disruption in the classroom when they must be shared, or if they accidentally get damaged by other
children while sharing.
Electronic toys are not permitted on any days, so please leave these items at home.
Health and Safety
Handwashing Children are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting, before eating and after playing outdoors.
Immunizations All immunizations must be current and on file at the center. Children will not attend if immunizations
are not current. If you choose to not provide your child with immunizations, the state requires both you
and your physician to fill out and sign documents. These documents are available at your physicians'
office on line and in our office.
Medications Medications will be administered ONLY if there is a signed medication form authorizing the center to do
so. They are available in the office. All medications must be in original container indicating the correct
dosage for child, age/weight appropriate unless otherwise stated by a doctor. The child’s name, dosage,
type of medication, dates to be given, times and dosages must be indicated on the medication form.
BBLC reserves the right to refuse administration of medication at any time.
Wellness Policy In order to protect the children in our center and offer excellent childcare, we need to ensure that we
have policies in place addressing health and safety standards. Please help us by cooperating with the
following policies for dealing with sick children in a group care setting.
• Please call the center if a child is going to be absent due to illness.
• If he or she has been diagnosed with something that may be contagious, we especially need to
know so other parents can be notified. Parents will be alerted if the children have been exposed
to anything contagious. In some instances, a fact sheet will be provided so parents can be
prepared for what symptoms may appear, how it is treated, and what the incubation period is.
• Please keep in mind that, although a child’s symptoms may subside, they may still not feel well
enough to return to Bright Beginnings. Children who cannot fully participate in center activities
should not return to care.
Once parents are notified that the child has become ill during the day, they will be expected to pick
them up promptly. If parents’ cannot be reached or cannot leave work, we will need to notify the
people designated to pick the child up in an emergency.
You will be contacted if your child has any symptoms of illness as follows:
• Fever: Children should be kept home if they run a temperature of 100 degrees or more. They
may return to care after being fever free without medication for fever reduction for at least 24
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hours. If you take your child to the physician and he/she determines that you child may return
sooner, feel free to bring that doctor’s release with you when returning. This complies with
State licensing requirements.
• Vomiting: A child who cannot hold stomach contents down, must be excluded from care until
they have had normal meals and the vomiting has subsided for at least 24 hours.
• Diarrhea: This is defined as loose watery stools that cannot be contained. If a child has multiple
stools in a period of 2 to 3 hours that cannot be contained in the diaper or clothing, parents will
be notified. Numerous germs can be passed through feces and if it is uncontainable there is
greater danger that it will spread, potentially infecting several children. The child may return to
care once they have been diarrhea free for 24 hours, and have normal stools while eating
regular meals.
• Nose & Eye discharge: Children who have thick, green, excessive discharge will need to be
excluded from care until they have seen a doctor and it is under control.
• Conjunctivitis: Commonly known as pink eye, this is a condition that is very contagious. A child
whose eyes are inflamed, red, itchy or draining with mucus needs to be removed from care.
They may return once the child is on medication for 24 hours, and there is no further drainage.
• Chicken Pox: The child needs to be kept home until there are no new blisters, and only scabs
remain. (A doctor’s release is required.)
• Ear Infections: The child must be fever free for 24 hours (without medication) and able to
participate in center activities in order to return to care.
• Excessive Sore Throat: A child who has a sore throat, especially if accompanied by fever or
swollen glands, must remain home until a throat culture is diagnosed. A child with strep throat
must have had at least 24 hours of an antibiotic to return to the center. (A doctor’s release is
required.)
• Respiratory Symptoms: This includes difficulty in breathing, or continuous coughing to the point
that the child cannot rest comfortably.
• Head Lice and Nits: Parents will be notified to pick-up a child with a suspected or confirmed lice
infection. Treatment will be required, and label from the lice removal shampoo or treatment
must be brought into the center. The child may return to school as she or he is completely free
of lice and nits. Children will be inspected when they return to school.
When your child is sent home, an illness form will accompany them. This form will state the nature of
illness, and when the child will be allowed to return. You will be required to sign a copy for our records
and you will receive a copy for your records.
Please understand we do not have adequate facilities and staff to meet the needs of both the ill child
and the other children in the group. Therefore we have no choice but to exclude ill children from group
care. This also serves to protect all the children and staff members in the center from contagious
diseases. We will follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control. These
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recommendations may occasionally conflict with what your physician may recommend. Our policies will
supersede an individual child’s physician. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Accidents and Injuries Parents will be notified immediately regarding any injury or accident. A written incident report signed
and placed into your child’s file of any injury or incident that occurs. You will be given a copy for your
records.
You will be notified immediately for all injuries or incidents that are urgent. Minor cuts, scraps,
splinters, bumps or bruises will be treated, documented and explained upon arrival of the parent.
Sunscreen SUNSCREEN is also considered a medication and must be provided by the parents. A signed medication
form must be on file to use said sunscreen.
Birthday Celebrations and Holiday Parties Simple birthday celebrations are encouraged. Please discuss ahead of time with the child’s teacher.
State licensing requires that all foods consumed by groups of children must be obtained from sources
that comply with the laws relating to food and food labeling (i.e. packaged foods purchased in stores or
bakeries that have health inspections). Please be aware that we are a peanut and tree nut facility.
Check packages to ensure that all children are able to safely eat treats that are brought in for
celebrations.
Parents are asked to sign up to host holiday parties for their child’s class. Although everyone loves
sweets, healthy and nutritious choices are encouraged. Please check with the child’s teacher to plan
appropriate food and drink. Teachers will provide sign-up lists for parents when help is needed to
provide special foods and supplies for holiday celebrations.
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Acknowledgement I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Bright Beginnings Parent Handbook (“Handbook”). I
understand that I am responsible for reading and abiding by all policies and procedures in this
Handbook, as well as other policies and procedures of Bright Beginnings Learning Center.
I also understand that the purpose of this Handbook is to inform me of BBLC’s policies and procedures,
and it is not a contract of care. Nothing in this Handbook provides any entitlement to me, nor is it
intended to create contractual obligations of any kind. I understand that BBLC has the right to change
any provision of this Handbook at any time and that I will be bound by any such changes.
__________________________________ _____________________________
Parent Signature Date
__________________________________ _____________________________
Full Name (please print) Name of Student(s) (please print)
Please sign and date one copy of this acknowledgement and return it to Barb Wiley, Owner/Director.
Retain a second copy for your reference.