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2015 Parent Handbook

1340 W. Wyomissing Blvd.West Lawn PA 19609Phone: 610-985-0313

Fax: 610-985-0294

“Excellence in Child Care-

Home away from Home”

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Kidz Paradise Child Care

‘Excellence in Child Care – Home away from Home’

Our Philosophy

Our objective at Kidz Paradise is to provide a warm, compassionate environment where every child can feel comfortable and secure.

We are hopeful to cultivate a sense of trust and partnership between parents, children and the educators that may evolve through being able to communicate various needs and knowing that these needs will be valued. It is important to develop a consistency between child care practices at home and those at our facility to enhance the children’s general feeling of security within themselves and to develop strong relationships with the grown-ups in our day-care.

The growth and development of each child is observed carefully in our facility. Guidance and support, provided through our programming, attempt to nurture the total development of the children at their own rate. We aim to guide your children in becoming an effective learner through crafting an atmosphere that is challenging as well as stimulating. Essentially, our intention is to assist your children to advance all the necessary skills now and in later years. Children learn through play, and the day-to-day program includes creative practices such as stories, painting, music, and language combined with play both indoors and outdoors, which boosts the social, physical and intellectual skills.

Vision Statement

To challenge and teach each child socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically so that they can be a productive and independent student when they move into their new adventures in the education system.

Mission Statement

At Kidz Paradise we believe that a quality education in a loving atmosphere embraced with creative, fun, caring teachers will provide your child with the kind of care that they would get from their own family. Our mission is not only daily care but a nurturing environment in which they can grow and learn surrounded by people that care about their well-being.

Our mission is to challenge and educate each and every child: emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically.

Emotionally Our teachers are here to encourage your child to learn and develop the many feelings they have

within themselves. We want your child to feel comfortable to open up about their feelings. And help them to discover ways to deal with the many emotions that they will encounter.

Socially Kidz Paradise is a place where your child is encouraged to learn and

socialize with others. We want your child to learn, practice and facilitate manners that are being taught at home as well as at the center. Meal times are one of the very best opportunities for your child to be themselves and socialize with others.

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Cognitively We are here to teach your child the basics (math, science, history, social studies, etc.) so that they are well prepared for higher learning. The learning process is endless and there is no better time to start the climb then when your child is young.

Physically Physical education is a very important part of the growth of your child. Your child needs to get exercise, so we spend at least one (1) hour daily on physical education. Each classroom has a time set aside for walks, playground time or indoor physical activity. If weather doesn’t permit us to be outdoors our teachers have inside physical activities for your child.

There are weekly themes set for the center. You will see them on the monthly calendar that will be sent home. These themes are completed and handed out a month before, so that they teachers can plan their time accordingly. Each teacher is responsible to complete and post their lesson plans weekly. Each classroom will have an area set aside to post daily activities and/or other important messages for the parents. In addition to daily messages, which you can find on the boards, personal notes may be left in your child’s cubby, folder or lunch box/back-pack.

Language ArtsOur teachers will use poems, flannel boards, puppets, finger plays, music and other various methods of storytelling to engage your child to the wonderful world of literature.

Each month your child will practice a group of thematic poems or finger plays. Language and familiarity with the structure of language are prerequisites to early literacy. Your child will be encouraged to discover their talents as authors and illustrators by utilizing what they have mastered. Each child will receive small group and individual instruction throughout the day in this area as they explore several valuable pieces of children’s literature more thoroughly.

The alphabet will be explored daily through the use of variety of mediums. Your child will learn the difference between capital and lower case letters. (I.E. sandpaper, boxes, clay, noodles, flashcards, books and songs)

In addition to these experiences the teachers will develop lessons that explore a variety of age-appropriate themes. Research has shown that background knowledge is the single greatest predictor of reading comprehension. The early academic experiences provided by the center should be helpful in preparing your child as they begin their transition into other academic programs.

Math/ScienceThese two (2) subjects will be presented by providing your child with hands-on, concrete exploration. The math activities include exploration of a variety of manipulatives for counting, sorting and patterning. Each of these areas is also tied into language arts.

The science curriculum includes the study of various forms of life and objects of nature through careful observation. Daily your child will be lead into discussions about the weather and nature outside of our windows.

Dramatic Play This area allows for creative play where your child an enact real-life scenarios. This can include playing dress-

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up, kitchen area, community helpers and other areas that they see on a daily basis either at home, at the center or just out in our community. While engaged in this type of play, your child will process the world around them.

Art Art allows your child to investigate an assortment of paints and papers to develop endless creative expression. In addition to these mediums, crafts may include projects using feathers, pom-poms, felt, tissue paper, glue and glitter. Children are encouraged to use scissors, crayons, markers and pencils to create whatever they desire. All of these mediums are ways to strengthen your child’s fine motor skills as well as developing their creativity.

Construction/Engineering Area Construction/engineering areas have several containers of an assortment of blocks and various other building materials so that your child can build and created things that they imagined in their minds or have seen elsewhere.

Social StudiesThis area has been designed to allow children to explore the world around them. Areas that identify your child’s neighborhood, city, surrounding states, the USA as well as other countries. Along with these concepts, your child will be exposed to community helpers, multicultural traditions as well as celebrations practiced around the world.

Sand/Water TableFilled with sand, water, pasta, dirt or other mediums of manipulation this table is a messy, fun way to pour, measure and configure these mediums into a creative masterpiece. These mediums let your child explore the wonderful world of science as well as math.

Center Policies

Non-Discriminatory Admission PolicyKidz Paradise fees and tuitions are in compliance with the Department of Public Welfare, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (PA OCDEL).

Notice of Non-Discriminatory Policy of StudentsKidz Paradise admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin (including limited English proficiency) to all the rights, privileges, progress and activities generally accorded to make available to students at the center. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, color, national and ethnic origin (including limited English proficiency) in administration of its educational policies and admission policies. Admissions, the provisions of services, and referrals of clients shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin (including limited English proficiency), age or sex.

Program services shall be made accessible to eligible persons with disabilities through the most practical and economically feasible methods available. These methods include, but are not limited to, equipment redesign, the provision of aides, and the use of alternative service delivery locations. Structural modifications shall be considered only as a last resort among available methods.

Any individual/client/patient/student (and/or their guardian) who believes they have been discriminated against, may file a complaint of discrimination with:

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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE BUREAU OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS PA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION HARRISBURG REGIONAL OFFICE PA HUMAN RELTAIONS COMMISSION PHILADELPHIA REGIONAL OFFICE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DPW/BUREAU OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Enrollment Procedures

1. Parents or Guardians may complete the enrollment packet and pay the non-refundable registration fee of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) per family. The enrollment packet contains, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Parent Fee Agreementb. Emergency Consent Form (ALL areas MUST be filled in)c. Child Health Assessment Form (filled out and signed by a physician)

i. Pennsylvania State Law requires that your child have a physical examination within thirty (30) days of a Childs start date.

d. Lotion Forme. Media Consent Formf. Child Information Sheetg. Transportation Permission Form (If Applicable)h. IEP or IFSP Information Sheet (If Applicable)

2. The parent is then responsible for arranging with the director for:a. Payment of Tuition Depositb. Payment of Registration Feesc. Tuition Payment Schedule (See Tuition Schedule in Handbook)d. CCIS Co-payment (If Applicable)e. CCIS Add-on Fee (If Applicable)

Hours of Care The center is open weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 6:00AM till 6:00PM. Any changes to these

time frames due to holidays or inclement weather will be communicated to the parents via newsletter, calendar or memo. (Please keep in mind that no child should be in the care of Kidz Paradise for more than 10 hours a day. If any child is in care for more than ten (10) hours, a late fee will be applied to the families account and a notice will be sent home.)

Kidz Paradise will publish a Center Annual Calendar listing the dates which Kidz Paradise will close for the day or close early. This calendar will run with the fiscal year, July through July.

For inclement weather information, tune to Channel 69 News WFMZ, the Kidz Paradise Childcare and Learning Center Facebook Page, and registered email account with Kidz Paradise.

***Enrollment Fee***Eighty-five dollar ($85.00) non-refundable registration fee per family due upon enrollment.Thirty-five dollar ($35.00) non-refundable yearly application fee per family posted to accounts annually to any client registering prior to September 1st of the previous year.

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Tuition Rates (Applied Weekly)Full Time: Twenty-five (25) hours or more per week Part Time: Anything less than twenty-five (25) hours per week

Infants (6 Weeks to 12 Month Old) Full Time: $210.00 Part Time: $170.00

Pre-Toddlers (1 Year Olds) Full Time: $200.00 Part Time: $160.00

Toddlers (2 Year Olds) Full Time: $190.00 Part Time: $150.00

Preschool & PreK (3 to 5 Year Olds) Full Time: $175.00 Part Time: $140.00

School Age Kids (Kindergarten thru 5th Grade) $100.00 per week

$35.00 extra per day for full time care during the school year$15.00 extra per day for early dismissals

Summer Camp (Kindergarten thru 5th Grade) $145.00 per week (Summer Camp Activity Fees may apply)

*RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Payment Policy

1. Tuition is posted to all accounts the Monday prior to services rendered2. If payment is not received by the end of the business day on Thursday (6:00PM), the week prior to

services rendered, there will be an additional thirty-five dollar ($35.00) late fee applied to the account.

3. Any account with a balance other than $0.00 by the end of the business day Friday, will receive a notice of suspension of care for the coming week due to non-payment.

4. FAILURE TO PAY TUITION AS SCHEDULED IS REASON FOR, TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT, SUSPENSION OF A CHILD FROM KIDZ PARADISE

Fees for Services Parents who do not arrive at the center by 6:00PM for their child will be charged a fee. Late fees are as follows:

Late Fee Penalty Charge:The center opens at 6:00AM and closes at 6:00PM. No child shall be admitted into the building prior to 6:00am! Late Fees for any student not picked up by 6:00PM is as follows:

First 1-15 minutes: $25.0016-30 minutes: $50.0031-45 minutes: $75.0046-60 minutes: 100.00

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Every fifteen (15) minutes is twenty-five dollars ($25.00)

If someone has not come for the child by 6:00PM, the staff will begin to call each of the people listed on the emergency contact form to come for the child. If we are not able to get in touch with anyone on your emergency contact form we will than contact Berks County Children and Youth.

The weekly fee will be charged each week regardless of attendance. Payments are expected by the end of the business day Thursday, the week prior to the services rendered. Failure to make weekly payments will be cause for an interruption of child-care services. There is a thirty-five dollar ($35.00) late fee charge if payments are not received by the end of the business day (6:00PM) Thursday.

Payments may be made by check or money order. Please write your child’s name in the memo area if you are paying by check. Checks need to be made out to Kidz Paradise. Payments may also be made by direct withdrawal from checking accounts on the website, kidzparadise.org, through the Parents Portal. Parent Portal login information will be given to parents or guardians upon enrollment.

THERE IS A FORTY-FIVE DOLLAR ($45.00) RETURN CHECK FEE or INSUFFICIENT FUNDS FEE. If you have 2 returned checks, you must pay with a money order. If you have two failed transactions on the Parent Portal, you must pay with a check or money order.

Refund Policy In the event of withdrawal prior to two-week (2) notice there will be NO monies

refunded.

Withdrawal

A. The center shall give careful and detailed consideration to cases of withdrawal or dismissal of students and shall have written statements, provided to parents upon enrollment, to notify of the procedure for refunding on unearned fees or charges.

B. Tuition paid in advance shall be refunded in full if a registered child withdraws with a two (2) week notice or is requested to withdraw.

C. Payment in Case of Withdrawal: Two (2) weeks prior written notice, or two (2) weeks tuition is payable upon the child’s withdrawal from Kidz Paradise.

Key Cards New families are issued a key card to enter the building for picking up and dropping off children. These key cards must be used daily and should not be used by anyone other than the designated individual stated on the card. Kidz Paradise will also provide, to any designated individuals whom will be picking up your child on a regular basis, a key card. Replacement key cards are $5.00 each. If a family withdrawals their child/children, we ask that they return all key cards to the office on the last day of care.

Pin NumbersEach parent or guardian will be issued a four (4) digit pin number upon enrollment. This pin number should be used to sign their child in and out of the center each day on the computer in the lobby. If the pin number is forgotten, the office has a master copy of all the pin numbers. This is a requirement by PA DPW OCDEL and Berks County Child Care Subsidy (BCIU CCIS).

Other Important Tuition Info

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1. Financial Arrangements: Tuition is based on the actual costs of operating the center divided by the number of children enrolled. Kidz Paradise’s budget is based upon a fifty-two (52) week school year. Tuition is payable for the days and hours reserved regardless of attendance.

2. Credit for Absences and Vacation: If your child is absent from care for a full week, either for vacation or for illness, they will receive the first week in the fiscal year at a 50% tuition discount. Any full weeks absent after that will be allowed a 20% tuition discount.

3. Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee of eighty-five dollars ($85.00) is payable when you enroll a child for the first time. A registration fee of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) will be posted to all accounts, with the exception of families enrolling after Sept. 1st of the previous year, annually in January.

4. Holiday Credit: NO CREDIT on tuition is given for scheduled Kidz Paradise holidays.5. Make-up Days for Absences: We are licensed to handle a certain number of children per day,

distributed among the various classrooms in specific numbers. Therefore, we cannot automatically grant opportunities to make up all days lost as a result of absences. If a child has a prolonged illness, however, we will make every attempt to allow for some extra time at the center.

6. Overtime Charges: There will be an overtime charge for children not picked up before 6:00PM or dropped off before 6:00AM. (See Fees for Services)

Center Programs At Kidz Paradise we offer:Infant Program: Six (6) weeks – fifteen (15) monthsYoung Toddler Program: Twelve (12) months – twenty-four (24) monthsOlder Toddler Program: Twenty five (25) months – three (3) years oldPre-School Program: Three (3) years old – four (4) years oldPre-Kindergarten Program: Four (4) years old – five (5) years oldSchool Age Program: Kindergarten – 5th grade

School Accountability* Maintains detailed progress reports for each child* Conducts Adult Education Classes for parents/teachers* Transition letters sent home prior to your child transitioning to a new program* Maintain files on each student/teacher. Update files monthly, every six months or yearly depending on

the document

Suspension and/or DismissalThe director and upper management of the center reserves the right at all times for any cause that may be considered sufficient to suspend or dismiss a student. Before any suspension or dismissal, parents will be contacted to come to the center and meet with the director, teacher and at times the owner, on your child’s behalf. No suspension or dismissal will be made without knowledge of the parent/guardian.

AccountabilityKidz Paradise accepts responsibility to the parents it serves, as well as the state, local and federal governmental agencies it operates under.

Parent ParticipationParents are a vital part of the Kidz Paradise learning center. We encourage parents to help us out in the

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classroom, on field trips and special events when possible. Parents are also encouraged to volunteer by helping make classroom materials, becoming familiar with the curriculum and going out special outings. Center parties and celebrations as well as field trips are planned to include the child’s entire family. Suggestions, comments and even criticism are welcomed.

Parent Responsibilities

1. Diapers, Wipes and Lotions: If center diapers are used due to lack of diapers on your part, there will be a $1.00 per diaper fee added to your account.

2. Lunch: Lunch should include a nutritious meal and a drink. The center provides water, juice or milk at breakfast and snack time. If you forget a drink, water will be provided for your child. If lunch is forgotten and Kidz Paradise must provide a meal, your account will be charged four dollars ($4.00).

3. Blankets, bibs and extra clothing (in case of accidents): blankets, bibs and extra clothing needs to be taken home to be washed. Blankets and sleeping bags need to be taken home on a Friday to be washed and brought back to the center on Monday. Soiled clothing, bibs and sippy cups, dishes and utensils need to be taken home daily to be cleaned.

*It is not the responsibility of Kidz Paradise to wash or launder any personal belongings of the children or families in our care.

Lunch and Snack Breakfast and afternoon snack will be provided by the center. Please see the breakfast/snack

calendar located on each classrooms parent board and on the center website, kidzparadise.org. Children may choose to bring breakfast to the center if they arrive prior to 8:30AM. Lunch must be provided by the parent. If your child’s lunch is forgotten one will be provided to them by the center, you will be charged $4.00.

There are times that we will have a special lunch; there may or may not be a cost to you. When these events are announced there will be a flyer sent home with your child on the details including a price. Also, special lunches can be found on the monthly calendar.

VisitorsVisitors are always welcome at the center. Drop in visits by parents or family members are permissible. A driver’s license will be asked to be seen if you are picking a child up for the first time. ALL VISITORS MUST SIGN IN ON THE VISITORS SIGN-IN LOG LOCATED IN THE DESK AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE.

Discipline Kidz Paradise incorporates the dictionary definition of the word “discipline”: “To train or develop

by instruction and exercise, especially in self-control.” A child who knows what limits are set on behavior, why, and that those limits will be enforced, is a happier, more secure child. Through such exposure, self-control, and self-discipline develop which allows the child to become a responsible, socially acceptable person. The sole and specific approved methods of discipline will be:

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(a) Prevention of unacceptable behavior by teacher’s alertness and re-direction of activities (b) Reasoning, explanation and problem-solving (c) Removal form the group with love and affection until self-control is re-established

Clothing Dress your child in clean, comfortable, easy changing clothing. Your child should be able to dress or

undress themselves as necessary for trips to the restroom, outdoor play etc. Have your child dress in outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather. I.E. boots, raincoat and umbrella for rain, heavy coats, mittens/gloves, hats, boots and snow pants for snow/winter, light jacket or sweatshirt for spring and fall. The children go outdoors daily, weather permitting. The Childcare Weather Safety Chart is located in each classroom and teachers will plan outside time accordingly from this chart.

For all children, please send a complete, labeled change of clothing which can be left at the center. Remember to replace or change your child’s extra set of clothing each season. ALL CLOTHING MUST BE LABELED WITH THE CHILD’S FIRST AND LAST NAME: THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO PREVENT LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS!!

Electronic Device and Toy PolicyKidz Paradise is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items. We recommend that parents not send in toys or electronics with their child to school to prevent any disruptions to the daily lessons unless it is show and share in the classroom. The children are in attendance at Kidz Paradise to learn readiness skills for school and social skills to aid them in life. Please keep cell phones, electronic game systems and toys at home where they are safe and not distracting to your child. Any item which is brought into Kidz Paradise, we strongly recommend having first and last name on.

Medicine

In accordance with PA DPW OCDEL Regulations, prescriptions and non-prescription medicines, such as aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin, cough drops, etc. MAY NOT be given to a child by the center without written permission from the parent or guardian and the original prescription from the physician. All medications brought into the building must be kept out of reach of children and kept in the original packaging. Children under the age of one (1) need to have a doctor’s note letting us know what dosage that child may have and how often during the day.

In order to have prescription or nonprescription medicines given to your child during the school day, three (3) things are necessary: a medication log must be filled out and signed by the parent, the center must have a signed parental permission form and a doctor’s prescription for each medication.

The doctor’s prescription may be sent to the center in the form of the pharmacy label. The medicine must be sent to the center in the pharmacy box or bottle, labeled with the doctor’s name, dosage, and name of the medicine. Please try to send child proof caps. Please give medicines and the permission slip to the teacher who greets you or take it to the office yourself. The medicine will be locked up and only taken out when it is to be administered to your child.

DO NOT LEAVE MEDICINE IN COAT POCKETS, LUNCH BAGS, DIAPER BAGS OR CAN BE ACCESSABLE TO OTHER CHILDREN! All medications should be given to the teacher to be stored in a safe place out of reach of children!

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Illness and Sick Policy

PLEASE KEEP CONTAGIOUS CHILDREN AT HOME

Your child should stay home/will be sent home if:

he/she has a temperature of 101.0^F he/she has 3 episodes of diarrhea he/she is vomiting he/she has a barking or croupy sounding cough he/she is lethargic or fatigued

If your child wakes up with any of these symptoms, or is sent home with any of these symptoms, they should remain home until they have been fever free/symptom free for 24 hours or cleared by a physician. If you go to the physician, please allow 24 on the medication before returning to school unless a doctor’s note is provided. This is for your child’s health and safety, as well as their classmates.

Kidz Paradise requests parents of children diagnosed with a contagious illness or disease to notify the center ASAP so a notice may be posted for reference of other families.

We will reserve the right to send sick children home!

Remember to notify the office as early in the day as possible if your child is ill and will not be attending the center that day. Our direct number is: 610-985-0313. If you don’t speak with someone, please leave a message. This also alerts the teacher/director if a communicable illness is involved. If your child becomes ill at the center, you or your representative(s) will be notified.

IEP/IEFSP

Kidz Paradise requests that if a child in our care has an individualized educational plan, we receive a copy to keep in the child’s confidential personal file so that we can provide the child with the best care possible.

Transfer of Records

If a parent wishes to transfer the records of their child from Kidz Paradise, they need to do so in writing. Please see the director for a form to fill out in this event.

Parent Portal

Kidz Paradise maintains an up to date website which is the home of the Parent Portal. Through this portal, parents or guardians can update telephone numbers, addresses and other important information. Payments may also be made using direct withdrawal from a checking account through this portal.

Parents must provide Kidz Paradise with a current email address in order to have access to the Parent Portal.

Enrollment Referrals

Kidz Paradise encourages parents to refer friends and family to our care. CCIS families will receive a gift card with value up to $75.00 and self-paying families will receive a week of free tuition for one child. This will be done after the referred family has been in attendance at Kidz Paradise for 90 days.

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Audio and Video Surveillance

Each classroom in Kidz Paradise is equipped with a high resolution camera which records audio and video. A camera is also located at the front entrance of the building. The video feed will not be made available to the parents or public. It will only be accessible to the management team in the Director’s office.

The camera system is in place to ensure the safety of the children and the staff in all the classrooms. Kidz Paradise management uses the video and audio feed to perform spontaneous observations of classrooms, children and teachers. This will help us to continue to improve the program and meet the PA DPW Regulations and Keystone STARS Standards. Any video feed will be stored for a short period of time and then recorded over. In the event a concern is brought to our attention in a timely manner, Kidz Paradise Management will review the video feed to “investigate” the concern and address it accordingly.

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