Medfield Children’s Center accepts children, regardless of their or their parents’ race, cultural heritage, national origin, marital status, religion, disability (please see below), sexual orientation or political views. During the course of your child’s enrollment, if it is determined by Medfield Children’s Center that this is not an appropriate setting for your child, we will consult with you regarding alternative plans for your child’s care.
The Department of Early Education and Care, our licensing agency, requires that a health record be submitted prior to admittance to school. This record must show that a recent physical exam, including a lead test, and all scheduled immunizations have been given. EEC also requires parents to complete Medfield Children’s Center’s registration agreement, an Authorization and Consent form, and a Developmental History form before their children begin school. You must submit these records annually and whenever changes occur.
We accept applications from any child who has a disability. With written parental consent we will request information from the child’s public school system, Early Intervention Programs or any other health/service providers that the child has been receiving services from. The parents will be asked for permission for MCC to participate in the development/review of any Educational Plan the child is on.
We will ask that the parent put in writing any accommodations that will need to be made with respect to changes or modifications in the child’s participation, the size of the group to which the child is assigned, or the staff ratio; or any special equipment, materials, ramps or aids that are necessary.
If these accommodations become unduly burdensome, the parents will be informed in writing within 30 days and it will include the reasons for the decision. Some reasons may be the cost or nature of the disability, the lack of ability to secure funding, the lack of adequate staffing, the lack of financial resources or an adverse effect of expenses or resources. Toileting issues will not be considered an undue burden. The notification will be kept in the child’s record. EEC may be contacted if necessary for a determination of compliance.
Medfield Children’s Center, Inc. is a privately owned, non-denominational preschool. Our first school is located in the First Baptist Church on the corner of South and Main Street and our other school is located in the Church of the Advent on Pleasant Street. The schools are convenient to many surrounding communities and services families from Medfield as well as approximately seven other towns. We are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care. Our Centers meet the safety standards of the Fire and Building Inspectors of the Town of Medfield.
The purpose of Medfield Children’s Center is to provide a safe, creative, stimulating learning environment for children age 15 months to 5 plus years. The program allows children to develop social and listening skills and to become confident in a group setting while engaged in age-appropriate activities. MCC recognizes that each child is an individual and develops at his/her own pace.
As educators of young children, we value childhood. Too much exposure to formal academics too early in a child’s development can cause a child to be resistant to the excitement of learning. Our purpose is to allow the children to explore, to wonder, to experiment with language and materials, to play and to develop a love for learning.
Teachers endorse and value the following skills as appropriate for young children.
Social/Emotional Skills: We believe children’s success in school is in part related to events and experiences that occur prior to a child’s entry to “real school”, Kindergarten. Children’s social skills affect the quality and success of the school experience. Young children construct understanding by interacting with others and their environment. Throughout early childhood, we emphasize sensitivity to the feelings of others, kindness, patience and cooperation. In early childhood social/emotional competencies are best achieved through play and play related activities. In order to be successful in a classroom, children need, for example, to be able to exert self-control when frustrated, be polite, listen, follow directions and classroom rules, and take turns.
Communication Skills: Communication and language skills are critical to children’s social, emotional and cognitive well-being. Throughout early childhood, we encourage children to develop increasingly sophisticated language skills through social interaction, dramatic play and age appropriate activities. In order to communicate effectively, children must be able to use appropriate conversational tone and volume, advocate for him/herself, use appropriate vocabulary to put feelings into words, use language to discuss activities and events and use manners without prompting.
Self-Help Skills: Children gain confidence and self-esteem as they become more independent. Throughout early childhood, we provide opportunities for children to master important self-help skills that include the ability to
Ø Recognize teachers and other children by name
Ø Respect property and materials that belong to others
Ø Manage one’s own clothing, including buttons and zippers
Ø Wash hands and use the bathroom independently
Ø Manage snack independently
Fine and Gross Motor Skills: As teachers, we recognize the impact of fine and gross motor skills on educational progress. The stage is often set with enough rest, proper diet and good physical health. We will encourage opportunities to:
Ø Develop large muscles, including upper body strength
Ø Experience skipping, jumping, hopping, climbing and balancing
Ø Play for exploration and enjoyment
Ø Develop an awareness for personal space while walking, running and playing
Ø Use proper grip when using crayons, markers and pencils
Ø Use scissors correctly
Ø Use a variety of materials
Readiness Skills: A child’s approach to learning is central to his/her success at school. Curiosity and the desire to learn come from positive, age appropriate experiences with story, language and problem solving as well as exposure to new ideas. Throughout early childhood, students need to develop the ability to listen and comprehend a story being read out loud. Children also need to develop the language and thinking ability to retell and sequence a story. Recognizing and generating rhymes in games and songs and poetry are also appropriate skills for preschool and children. Familiarity with upper case letters, and eventually lower case letters, the beginning letter sounds, and an ability to problem solve are also skills young children are ready to learn.
WE VALUE A PHILOSOPHY OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT THAT BELIEVES:
Ø Each child is a unique individual
Ø Each child has his/her own strengths and weaknesses
Ø In a broad definition of a child’s social, emotional and cognitive needs
Ø In the significance of building a child’s self-confidence
WE VALUE A TEACHING ENVIRONMENT THAT FOSTERS:
Ø The love of learning
Ø A safe, nurturing and friendly atmosphere
Ø A child’s willingness to be challenged
Ø Learning through play
WE VALUE A PROCESS OF EDUCATION THAT ALLOWS FOR:
Ø Children’s various interests
Ø A balance between individual creativity and child centered activities
Ø The inspiration of new ideas
Ø A child to develop at his/her own pace
Ø A child to experience accomplishment, to flourish, to build a sense of self-worth and to mature
Ø A child to become comfortable in the broader community
WE VALUE A CURRICULUM THAT INCLUDES:
Ø An understanding of individual learning styles
Ø The opportunity to maximize each child’s ability
Ø Time for both individual and group learning
Ø Content of interest to both child and teacher
Ø A time for relaxing, having fun, enjoying friends and making choices and decisions
WE VALUE PARENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF WHO SUPPORT:
Ø Each child’s individual uniqueness
Ø Open communication between home and school
Ø The importance of working together cooperatively
Ø Learning as a life-long, continuous process
Ø Respect for others
WE VALUE A PROGRAM THAT:
Ø Is a source of parent information
Ø Is a complement to the child’s home; a place that shows respect for the child’s background and family style
Ø Is a place to be with a caring adult
Ø Shows equal concern for the needs and well being of both the child and the parent
Morning Sessions: Our educational programs last 2½ 1/2 hours in the morning from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Monday-Wednesday-Friday for Pre-Kindergarten and 9:00 AM. - 11:30 AM Tuesday-Thursday for Nursery School.
Afternoon Sessions: Our educational programs last 2 1/2½ hours in the afternoon from 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Monday-Wednesday-Friday for Pre-Kindergarten and 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday for Nursery School (upon need and demand).
Lunch Bunch Program:
This optional program is a great social experience and offers additional enrichment activities in a smaller group setting. It is very popular with students and parents alike. Signup is on a month-to-month basis.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM offered each day. Parents provide a lunchbox (labeled) with a nutritious lunch, beverage, spoon, straw, napkin, etc. (No candy or nuts, please.)
11:45 PM - 12:30 PM offered each day. Parents provide a lunchbox (labeled) with a nutritious lunch, beverage, spoon, straw, napkin, etc. (No candy or nuts, please.)
Our educational programs last 2 1/2 hours in the morning from 9:00 AM–11:30 AM and are offered 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week.
Lunch Bunch Program:
This optional program is a great social experience and offers additional enrichment activities in a smaller group setting. It is very popular with students and parents alike.
Lunch Bunch runs from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM and is offered Monday through Friday. Parents provide a lunchbox (labeled) with a nutritious lunch, beverage, spoon, straw, napkin, etc. (No candy or nuts, please.)
Full and Part-Time Child Care:
Our Child Care Program is available everyday from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, and provides for educational programming, play time, and rest time throughout the day.
After-School Program:
The After-School Program is offered 2, 3, 4 or 5 days per week from 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM when public schools are in session and from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM when public schools are not in session, including the summer. To attend the After-School Program before 11:30 AM, advance notice for the period selected is necessary. You will be billed for the additional time your child attends.
DAILY SCHEDULE at MCC ON SOUTH STREET (with flexibility)
|
Time |
Toddlers |
Nursery |
Pre-K/Transitional |
Kindergarten |
|
7:30 – 8:30 |
Free-Play in Big Hall |
Free-Play in Big Hall |
Free-Play in Big Hall |
N/A
|
|
8:30 – 9:00 |
Divide into classes |
Divide into classes |
Divide into classes |
|
|
9:00 – 9:30 |
Free-Play/Stories |
Free-Play |
Free-Play |
|
|
9:30 – 10:00 |
Circle/Project Time |
Circle, Wash hands, Snack NS 2 Outside Time NS 1 |
Project |
|
|
10:00 – 10:30 |
Wash hands/Snack |
Outside Play NS 2 Circle, Wash hands, Snack NS 1 |
Clean Up/ Wash hands/Snack |
|
|
10:30 – 11:00 |
Outside Play–weather permitting |
Wash hands/Project |
Stories/Music & Movement |
|
|
11:00 – 11:30 |
Diapers/Get ready for lunch |
Music & Movement/Stories |
Outside Play-weather permitting (swaps w/10:30 time some days) |
|
|
11:30 – 12:00 |
Lunch Time |
Lunch Time |
Lunch Time |
Arrive off Bus/Lunch Time |
|
12:00 – 12:30 |
Clean Up/Get ready for rest |
Clean Up/Get ready for rest |
Clean Up/Get ready for quiet time |
Clean Up/Get ready for quiet time |
|
12:30 – 1:00 |
Rest Time |
Rest Time |
Quiet Time |
Quiet Time |
|
1:00 – 1:30 |
Outside Play |
Outside Play |
||
|
1:30 – 2:00 |
PM Activity/Free-Play |
PM Activity/Free-Play |
||
|
2:00 – 2:30 |
||||
|
2:30 – 3:00 |
Snack Time |
Snack Time |
Snack Time |
Snack Time |
|
3:00 – 3:30 |
Outside Play (weather permitting) |
Outside Play (weather permitting) |
Stories |
Stories |
|
3:30 – 4:00 |
Free-Play |
Free-Play |
||
|
4:00 – 4:30 |
PM Activity/ Free-Play |
PM Activity/ Free-Play |
Outside Play (weather permitting)
|
Outside Play (weather permitting)
|
|
4:30 – 5:00 |
Clean Up/Stories |
Clean Up/Stories |
||
|
5:00 – 6:00 |
Get Ready for Dismissal |
Get Ready for Dismissal |
Get Ready for Dismissal |
Get Ready for Dismissal |
DAILY SCHEDULE at MCC ON PLEASANT STREET (with flexibility)
AM CLASSSES PM CLASSES
9:00-9:15 CIRCLE TIME 12:30-12:45 CIRCLE TIME
9:15-10:30 FREE PLAY/PROJECT TIME 12:45-2:00 FREE PLAY/PROJECT TIME
10:30-10:45 BATHROOM/SNACK TIME 2:00-2:15 BATHROOM/SNACK TIME
10:45-11:00 STORY/MUSIC TIME 2:15-2:30 STORY/MUSIC TIME
11:00-11:30 OUTDOOR PLAY TIME 2:30-3:00 OUTDOOR PLAY TIME
Medfield Children’s Center strives to meet these goals for each child:
The daily programs include age-appropriate units of study and play. These units have been designed to develop language and motor skills, to prepare toddlers for our more structured Nursery Program, to challenge the intellectual ability of our Pre-Kindergarten children, and to provide constructive activities for the older children who join us after kindergarten.
The academic instruction consists of a wide range of learning activities geared to the age of the student. The following is a summary of the subjects covered during the academic year. The precise amount of time spent on each subject varies with each class. You should be aware that children develop at different rates during the pre-school years. No child is expected to be able to do everything listed below. The instruction units are included to inform you of the goals your child is striving to achieve.
Toddler Group (15 months-2.8 years old as of August 31st) This program is available at SOUTH STREET ONLY.
The Toddler Program provides a series of social experiences designed to meet each child’s emotional and physical needs in a safe and nurturing environment. Freedom to run, play and assert his/her newly acquired independence is a big part of the toddler’s day. Within this well supervised play, our teachers will provide situations which develop self-control, cooperation and communication through positive interactions with peers. Through our daily interactions, your child will begin to learn about numbers and colors, work with puzzles, play with blocks, string beads, and play with play dough, paint and color. We will introduce new concepts to each child as he/she is ready. Toddlers enjoy music through songs, finger plays, marching and playing games. Our consistent daily routine will help these young children become familiar with their surroundings. We provide a relaxed, happy and loving atmosphere for our little ones. They feel well cared for, safe and confident in the Toddler Room.
The Toddler Program consists of the following skills and provides a gradual transition from the “ME” world to the “WE” world of a pre-school child. It includes:
Ø A balance of quiet and active times and individual and group activities, including music, art and sensory experiences
Ø Free-play activities to encourage choice-making, social interaction, sharing and organization
Ø Language and word activities
Ø Opportunities to develop both fine and gross motor skills
Nursery School (2.9-3.11 years old as of August 31st): This program is available at SOUTH AND PLEASANT STREET.
The educational program for this group provides experiences which promote a positive self-image for the development of social, emotional, and physical growth. These experiences include free-play, stories, arts & crafts and music & movement in a pleasant, nurturing environment. Our Nursery students are provided many opportunities for self-expression and exploration of their environment. These children are eager to learn, and our program is designed to give them numerous positive opportunities to discover their world. Using a variety of hands on activities these children will learn the wonders of nature and science and begin to understand numbers and quantities. They will be allowed to show their creativity through music, art and role-playing.
We will also provide developmentally appropriate activities centered on cognitive and language skills. Our Nursery students will be learning to master manipulative skills and be exposed to shapes, colors, letters and numbers using sensory experiences. They will become more adept at verbalizing their emotions and the emotions of others through books, songs, dramatic play and puppetry. We encourage cooperative play while fostering independence and responsibility. The children will develop self-care skills such as dressing, using a tissue, going to the bathroom and cleaning up after play.
Our Nursery students will have many opportunities to exercise their growing bodies with indoor and outdoor large motor games and equipment. We have a very well-rounded program designed to foster your child’s growth as he/she enjoys learning.
The Nursery Program is designed to introduce the following concepts:
Ø Recognition of colors and shapes
Ø Development of social and language skills through the use of art, play and literature
Ø Skills in body coordination and balancing
Ø Cutting and gluing
Ø Music & movement
Ø Name recognition
Ø Science
Ø Rhyming
Ø Matching similar objects
Pre-Kindergarten (4.0-4.11 years old as of August 31st): This program is available at SOUTH AND PLEASANT STREET
The educational program for this group is developed to promote letter recognition, writing skills, and other Kindergarten readiness skills. In addition, we provide an atmosphere which promotes a positive self-image for the development of social, emotional and physical growth. The children will be exposed to cutting, gluing, calendar, colors, shapes, recognition and writing of name; exposure to numbers and upper/lower case letters, cooking and music & movement are also included in the curriculum.
An abundance of meaningful experiences are provided for the development of basic readiness skills for our PreK students. Some of these sills are listening to speakers, dictating stories and retelling events, seeing classroom charts and other print, participating in dramatic play and other communication experiences, and experimenting with writing by drawing and copying.
The children are encouraged to seek solutions to concrete problems through interaction with other people and real objects. Learning about math, science, social studies, health and hygiene are all integrated through meaningful activities such as those when children build with blocks, measure sand, water or cooking ingredients, observe changes in the environment, work with tools, sort objects, explore plants and animals, and draw, paint and work with clay.
Hands-on activities are planned daily. This time is used to develop large muscle skills in running, jumping and climbing. It also provides hands-on learning about the outdoor environment and time for the children to express themselves freely.
Free-play time allows the children to initiate their own play experiences with a variety of fine motor activities as well as role-playing areas. This time also allows much individual interaction between the children and the caregivers.
Each child is viewed as a unique individual with his/her own pattern of growth and development. We design all our activities to develop the children’s positive self-esteem and positive feelings towards learning.
The Pre-Kindergarten Program introduces concepts in preparation for Kindergarten. The curriculum, which is developmentally appropriate, will focus on:
Ø Exposure to language skills
Ø Exposure to math concepts
Ø Exposure to writing skills (We are using Zaner-Bloser System of printing, which is taught in the Medfield Public Schools.)
Ø Exposure to science and social studies activities
Ø Enhanced social skills
Ø Indoor and outdoor play. Cutting, gluing, calendar, colors, shapes, recognition and writing of name, exposure to numbers and upper/lower case letters, cooking and music & movement are also included in the curriculum.
Transitional Program (5.0-5.11 years old as of August 31st):
The educational program for this group is developed for the child who is age eligible to enter Kindergarten but for any number of reasons needs an extra year of PreSchool. This program will promote advanced skills in language arts, phonics, reading, math and science. This program is available at SOUTH STREET ONLY (upon need and demand).
The Transitional Program is designed to develop advanced skills in preparation for Kindergarten. The children will be exposed to a reading program that assists the children in the attainment of skills in visual and auditory discrimination. A math program is also incorporated into the children’s daily experiences. The Transitional Program includes science themes and helps children learn to explore the world around them.
After-School Program (5.0-6 years old as of August 31st):
The educational program for this group provides guidance and support in a safe and stimulating environment. Activities include art, games, outdoor activities, walking field trips and time for your child to socialize with peers in a relaxed, yet supervised environment. The school bus drops the children off at MCC South Street after AM Kindergarten at approximately 11:30 right outside our gate. This program is available at SOUTH STREET ONLY (upon need and demand).
We offer a nine week themed Summer Program located at our South Street school open to any child currently enrolled at either of our Centers or any student who will be entering our Centers in September.
It is a wonderful introduction to MCC’s routine and a great way to meet future classmates and teachers. It runs daily Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. We are also open for child care in the summer from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM. We also welcome any child for our summer program who meets our age requirements.
Lunchtime at Medfield Children’s Center is a very special time for your child to eat a nutritious meal, practice good table manners, and learn mealtime socialization skills. To accomplish this we request you send in the following:
1. A lunchbox or bag, clearly labeled on the outside, with your child’s name
2. A thermos or juice box with a straw
3. A sandwich or alternative main course (i.e. soup, yogurt), fruit, chips and/or pastry snack. Children are asked to eat their main course first, fruit second and chips/snack last. Candy, gum and peanuts are not allowed (peanut butter sandwiches are fine). Please send in a reasonable amount of food, not a feast.
4. A napkin or a wet wipe
5. A spoon for non-finger foods (i.e. Jell-O, pudding) as we do not provide them
During lunch and clean up, we will share together story time and play until pick-up time. As always, thank you for your continued cooperation and enthusiastic participation. Should you have any questions, please speak to your child’s teacher.
If lunch is forgotten, we will make every attempt to reach the parents. If we are unable, MCC will provide food so the child is not hungry.J
Lunch Box Suggestions:
Main Course Sandwich, yogurt, soup, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, (children don’t usually mind room temperature), lunchables, pizza slices
Snack Small bag of chips, pretzels, etc., carrot or celery sticks
Dessert Jell-O, pudding, fruit roll-up, granola bar, cookies
Fruit Bananas, oranges, apples, melon. Please make sure to peel and section, or cut the skin off your child’s fruit if that is how it is preferred
Drink Juice Box or thermos (No Glass Please!!)
Lunch Bunch Rules:
Main course is eaten before anything else.
Have lunchboxes labeled with your child’s name.
Fruit is eaten after the main course.
Please provide a drinking straw and napkin or wet wipe for each meal and a spoon as needed.
There will be no school on the following days:
Labor Day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Christmas Day (and normally the day before)
Thanksgiving (W, TH, F) Columbus Day President’s Day
Good Friday Veteran’s Day Patriot’s Day
Memorial Day Independence Day New Year’s Day (and normally the day before)
There will be no school for children registered for only the Academic Program (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM) during the weeks listed below. Children registered in the Extended Day Program may attend school during these weeks:
Christmas Vacation (December)
Winter Vacation (February)
Spring Vacation (April)
CENTER CLOSINGS
Medfield Children’s Center is open year-round for child care, with the exception of major holidays, the last week in July and the first week in August, and when the ENTIRE Medfield Public Schools close due to inclement weather. No payment is expected for the 2-week summer closing period.
All tuition payments should be made by check or money order, payable to Medfield Children’s Center, Inc. Checks should preferably be hand-delivered to our Center, or can be mailed. Tuition may be paid on a weekly or on a 10-month installment basis. We ask that you put on your check memo exactly what the money is being applied to. WEEKLY tuition is due on the first day of the week.
MONTHLY INSTALLMENT payments are due on the first day of each month. The first installment is to be paid in July before your child enters school. This amount will be pre-payment for your child’s last month at the Center. In August, the second installment is to be paid and will be applied to September’s tuition.
Tuition is our only source of income and our staff is hired according to enrollment. Therefore, tuition must be paid regardless of your child’s absence from school due to illness, holidays, vacations, storms, etc. Although children are accepted for enrollment for a full academic year, we recognize that extenuating circumstances may necessitate your child’s early withdrawal. In this event, it is the parents’ responsibility to notify Medfield Children’s Center, Inc., at least 2 weeks before the child is to be withdrawn.
MATERIAL/APPLICATION FEE:
A non-refundable material/application fee must be paid each and every year a child registers at one of our Centers.
LATE FEES (South St. School Only):
A parent or other authorized adult must pick up your child at school by 6:00 PM A late fee of $2.00 for each minute will be charged whenever we are unable to release your child due to your tardiness. This fee will go directly to the staff member who is forced to stay late. The same late fee will be applied to those parents who are repeatedly late picking up their children attending our half-day programs as well.
Absence: We ask that you notify the school by telephone when your child will be absent. When your child is ill, please inform us of the nature of the illness. This information enables us to be alert to the possibility of similar cases and to notify other parents when necessary. (See the section on Contagious Diseases and Illnesses.)
Accidents: In the unlikely event your child suffers an accident at the school, and when you cannot be reached by phone, the emergency contact number listed on the registration form will be called. Depending on the severity of the accident, your child may be administered first aid on the premises by a staff member trained in first aid and/or taken to the nearest hospital. Parents must fill out and sign an authorization form for this purpose.
Allergies: You MUST list any and all allergies, chronic illnesses, or special conditions or substances that may cause irritation or an allergic reaction to your child on the appropriate forms when registering your child. A list of children and their allergies or special conditions will be posted in the office and in each classroom for all staff. If your child has any food allergies, we ask that you bring in snack for your child in its original container, clearly labeled with the child’s name.
In the event of a reaction, the appropriate first aid treatment will be administered. Parents will be notified immediately. If an Epipen is to be used, a waiver of personal liability for our staff members must be submitted in writing, prior to our accepting the Epipen. Also, a “Food Allergy Action Plan” form needs to be filled out. Please see the Director for these forms. It is important that both are filled out in a timely manner.
Contagious Diseases, Illnesses (Chicken Pox, Measles, Mumps, etc.):
If your child has been exposed to a contagious disease or illness, please notify the school immediately in order to protect the rest of the children and staff. If your child has contracted a contagious disease or illness, please notify the school immediately and keep your child home in order to protect the rest of the children and staff. Any child not well enough to participate in all activities, including outside play, should remain at home until recovered. Parents will be called and will be expected to pick up children who have a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, uncontrollable, persistent coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, untreated conjunctivitis, a suspected rash, or related illnesses (chicken pox, measles or other possible contagious illnesses). There is a “gray” area in which your child may not be exhibiting any of the above mentioned symptoms, but you still may receive a call from us. Be assured this is a difficult call for us to make, one we do not make lightly, but we always have your child’s best interest in mind.
Sick children will be kept away from the other children in a quiet area in view of staff until a parent can pick them up. If attempts to contact a parent are unsuccessful, the emergency person listed on the registration form will be notified to pick up the sick child. The child will be re-admitted when free of symptoms for at least 24 hours or when a doctor’s note and/or prescription medication are provided (MCC Pleasant Street does not administer “meds”). All parents will be notified orally or in writing when any contagious disease, such as measles or mumps, has been introduced into the Center.
To prevent spreading germs to other children and adults at our Centers, we strongly request that a child does not come to school sick. If a child needs to be medicated before school (i.e. Tylenol or cough medicine) to make it through the day, we strongly request that your child remains at home. Because of our staffing arrangements, all children must participate in outdoor activities. If you feel your child is not well enough to go outside, please keep him or her at home. Thanks for your cooperation. Below are some illnesses or conditions that would make it necessary for a child to stay home, as well as information regarding when it is appropriate to let the child return to school.
Please keep your child at home if he/she seems listless, overly tired, and unusually irritable, complains of aches, is feverish or seems to be unusually pale or flushed. It is better to be overcautious than to risk exposing the rest of the children and staff. Also, with a low resistance, we don’t want your child to “catch” anything.
It is important to notify the Center when your child has a communicable disease so that other families can be informed.
Fever – MCC will call a parent to report a fever of 100.5 degrees or more. Your child should be “fever free” for 24 hours before returning to the Center.
Cough – MCC will call a parent to request a pick up if the child has an uncontrollable, persistent cough for one hour or more. If the child is coughing so hard that he or she vomits something other than phlegm, the parent will be called to pick up the child.
Runny Nose – If your child has a thick, greenish/yellowish mucous filled nose, the parent will be called to pick up the child if other symptoms are present such as lethargy, coughing, etc.
Diarrhea – Look for an increased number of stools, increased amount of stool water, or decreased form that is not contained in the diaper or by toilet use. Your child should be “diarrhea free” for 24 hours before returning to the Center.
Vomiting – Keep the child home if he or she vomits two or more times in the previous 24 hour time span (unless the vomiting is determined by a doctor to be due to a non-communicable condition, and the child is not in danger of dehydration). Your child should be “vomit free” for 24 hours before returning to school.
Mouth Sores – These are associated with the inability to control saliva. Keep the child home, unless it is determined by a doctor that he/she is noninfectious.
Rash – The child must remain at home when the rash appears with a fever or a behavior change. When it’s determined by a doctor to be noninfectious, the child may return.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – This appears as pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow discharge, often with matted eyelids after sleep and eye pain or redness of the eyelids or surrounding skin. The child needs to be on medication for 24-48 hours before re-admittance.
Tuberculosis – The child must be removed from the Center until it is determined by a doctor that he/she is noninfectious.
Streptococcal Pharyngitis – The child must be excluded for 24-48 hours after treatment is initiated or when he/she is fever free for twenty-four (24) hours.
Head Lice – The child is excluded until the morning after the first treatment.
Scabies – The child is excluded until after treatment has been completed.
Varicella (chicken pox) – The child is excluded until the sixth day after the onset of the rash, or sooner if all the lesions have dried and crusted.
Pertussis (whooping cough) – The child is excluded after the disease is confirmed by a laboratory or if the disease is suspected based on symptoms or because coughing begins within 14 days of face-to-face contact with a person in the home or classroom who has a confirmed case of pertussis. The child may return back to the classroom 5 days after appropriate antibiotic therapy has been initiated.
Mumps – A child is excluded until 9 days after the onset of parotid swelling.
Hepatitis – This is a viral infection. A child is excluded until 1 week after the onset of the illness and when jaundice, if present, has disappeared. The child may also return if passive immunoprophtkaxis has been administered to the appropriate children and staff.
Please note: Medfield Children’s Center’s complete Health Care Policy is available upon request.
Medfield Children’s Center does not transport any children to or from the Centers. It is the parent’s responsibility to drop off and pick up. In case of emergencies, 911 will be called for an ambulance. We do only walking field trips with parental permission. No vehicles are used.
Our After-School Kindergarten children (South Street School only) are dropped off by a Medfield Public School bus right in front of the gate on South Street.
We believe that all children need limits which are consistently enforced. Children need opportunities to learn to accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions. Positive behavior will ALWAYS be reinforced in order to redirect inappropriate behavior. Behavior management and guidance shall be consistent and based on an understanding of the individual needs and development of a child. We direct discipline to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of the child and for protecting the group and individuals within it. Whenever possible, children are encouraged to resolve conflicts and identify appropriate solutions themselves. An observant teacher will recognize when intervention is needed and will re-direct the children involved to another activity. . Teachers circulate, and strategically place themselves within full view of the room and outdoor areas and use humor, imagination, redirection and consistency to assist the children in developing self-control. In doing so, the teacher should discuss the behavior with the children and restate the desired behavior, age permitting. In order to help the children gain a better understanding of the desired behavior, the consequences of the inappropriate behavior should be directly related to the action (i.e. putting away toys that were being misused, or repairing a book that was intentionally torn). Specific interventions are adjusted to match the development and understanding of each child. The effective use of explanation and reasoning increases with the age of the child as does the child’s ability to consider the feelings of others.
We also make a point of determining if there is a pattern as to when the behavior occurs, if there is a cause/effect relationship, and/or if the aggressor is gaining negative attention or experiencing frustration. Documenting the undesired behavior will take place. Please take note:
1. Corporal punishment, including spanking, shall not be used.
2. No child shall be subjected to cruel or severe punishment including humiliation or verbal/physical abuse or neglect.
3. No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet.
4. No child shall be denied food as a form of punishment or be force-fed.
Our preferred behavior guidance techniques include:
Ø Setting clear limits
Ø Giving warnings before transitions
Ø Using regular routines
Ø Kneeling to the child’s level, making eye contact and speaking to the child quietly
Ø Modeling acceptable behavior
Ø Structuring the environment to maximize good behavior
Ø Planning enough activities
Ø Giving choices
Ø Teaching the use of acceptable alternatives
Ø Anticipation of problems
Ø Redirection
Ø Use of direct and logical consequences
When the need for discipline arises, the following procedures will be used:
It is the responsibility of all staff members to report any suspected abuse or neglect, including abuse by another staff member. All staff members are considered to be mandated reporters. In the event that an incident of alleged child abuse comes to your attention, the following steps are to be taken immediately:
1. Notify the Director regarding the alleged incident.
2. The Director will immediately notify DSS and EEC.
3. The Director, along with the staff member, will immediately confer with the staff member against whom the allegations of child abuse have been made.
The staff member will be informed of the following:
1. The staff member will be immediately suspended without pay.
2. No accused staff member may continue to provide direct care to children during the pending investigation.
3. It is MCC’s intention to resolve an allegation quickly, both to spare the staff member unnecessary anguish and to maintain the equilibrium of the Center’s operation for the welfare of the children and staff.
4. Allegations are investigated by MCC, DSS and EEC.
5. All MCC staff should cooperate fully with the investigation effort of any licensing or regulatory authorities.
6. No statements, oral or written, should be made by a Center Director or any other MCC staff member to persons not directly involved with the investigation. Questions from parents of other children enrolled at the Center and/or the news media should be referred to the Director.
Chapter 28, Section 10 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates to the Department of Early Education and Care the legal responsibility of promulgating rules and regulations governing the operation of daycare centers (including nursery schools).
The licensee (day care center owner) is required to inform all parents of specific information about their rights and responsibilities at the time of admission of their child to the Center. Section 7.04 of 102CMR 7.00, the regulations which govern day care centers, contains more information.
Parents have the right to:
Ø Know their children are in a safe environment where they are free to select from a wide variety of activities
Ø Have the opportunity to offer suggestions concerning how their children spend the day
Ø Know what types of programs and activities are being planned and to offer feedback on the kinds of activities the children enjoy
Ø Share concerns with the staff at any time about anything they do not feel is in the best interest of the children
Ø Know if their child is misbehaving, and to spend time talking with the staff about the matter
Ø Be notified when their child has been injured however minor or severe the injury either by an Accident Report or phone call
Ø Voice special concerns not covered in this handbook and to discuss special cases where occasional exceptions may be made
Parents have the responsibility to:
Ø Let the staff know if their child will not be in school for the day
Ø Read, understand and ask questions about, and abide by anything covered in this handbook
Ø Share their concerns with staff members if the program is not meeting their child’s needs
Ø Listen to concerns that staff members have about their child’s behavior, and to work through an agreeable solution to any problem that may occur
Ø Know any change in policy or procedure
Ø Know the discipline procedures of the program
Ø Notify a staff member when someone other than themselves are picking up their child
Ø Inform the staff if their child has been exposed to contagious illness
Ø Notify staff of planned vacation or other absences in advance
Ø Notify MCC in writing of withdrawal from program at least two weeks in advance
Ø Pay fees on time
Ø Keep the child’s records up to date with changes in phone numbers, addresses, contact info, etc.
Ø Pick up children on time; contact MCC if they are going to be late
Ø Be available to be reached by phone in case of emergency; be able to pick up the child or have someone pick him/her up as soon as possible if necessary
Ø Insure that all information reported on the health form is up to date and accurate
Ø Inform staff of any and all relevant issues pertaining to the child’s mental, physical and emotional health; behavior; an/or special needs so that staff can plan accordingly
Ø Be available for parent-staff conferences in a reasonable amount of time, especially in regards to behavioral problems
You have the right to make unannounced visits to your child’s room while your child is present.
The program must have a procedure for allowing your input in the development of Center policy and procedure. Medfield Children’s Center must allow you to make suggestions, but it is up to MCC to decide whether or not they will be implemented. From time to time there may be concerns or a “difference of opinions”. Your child’s teacher or the director will always listen to any complaints or concerns that arise. You may phone, email or set up an appointment for a conference.
You should be able to have access to your child’s records. The Center must provide access within two business days, unless they have your permission to take longer. You must be allowed to view your child’s record, even if it is located in more than one location. The Center must have procedures regarding access, duplication, and dissemination of children’s records. They must maintain a written log which identifies anyone who has access or has received any information out of the record. This log is available only to you and the people responsible for maintaining the Center’s records.
You have the right to add information, comments, data or any other relevant materials to your child’s record; you also have the right to request deletion or amendments of any information contained in your child’s record. Such requests shall be made in accordance with the procedures described below:
1. If you are of the opinion that adding information is not sufficient to explain clarify or correct objectionable material in your child’s record, you have the right to have a conference with the licensee to make your objections known.
2. The licensee shall, within 1 week after the conference, give you a decision in writing stating the reason or reasons for the decision. If her decision is in your favor, she shall immediately take steps as may be necessary to put the decision into effect.
The licensee shall not charge an unreasonable fee for copies of any information contained in your child’s record.
Upon your written request, when your child is no longer in care, the licensee can give you your child’s record or transfer them to any other person that you identify. The Center should ask you to sign a form verifying that you have received the record.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Open House:
There is one Parent Open House each year in September. During the Open House, you and your child will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the teachers and the school, its classrooms and equipment, and meet other classmates and parents attending the same session. We encourage you to visit all the classrooms and meet each teacher.
School Visits:
You are encouraged to visit Medfield Children’s Center at any time to observe our program. We only ask that consideration be given to the activities in progress in the classroom. All parents are encouraged to communicate frequently with the staff caring for their children. All suggestions will be addressed. Our staff is available for individual conferences with you by appointment. Any parents with particular skills are encouraged to share their interests with the classes by contacting your teacher.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
One of our most important goals at MCC is to ensure effective and open communication with all our families. We strongly encourage you to bring any questions or concerns to your child’s classroom teacher and/or the Director. Remember, you can always call any staff member at any time if you don’t see them at pick up or drop off time.
Please take the time to read all the notices that we send home with your child. As tedious as this may sound, all information is essential to the proper operation of the school. If applicable please check your child’s cubby each day for additional correspondence or beautiful works of art.
A monthly newsletter is sent home summarizing curriculum plans, topics covered, special events and days off.
Sharing Information:
If your child is receiving any outside services (i.e. speech or occupational therapy, etc.) please let us know at the start of the school year so we can work together to do the best we can for your child in conjunction with the outside services.
Parent Board:
Outside each classroom is a Parents’ Board with important information. Please try to check it daily at either drop-off or pick-up time.
Parent Community Board (South St. School only):
We’ve established a bulletin board (located on the door as you come into the Big Hall) for any parent who wishes to post something such as advertising for a family owned business, etc. Please feel free to post away.
Progress Reports:
In January during a two week time frame, we will be doing fun games with your child to help us assess his/her development. A written evaluation will be handed out at the end of February. At this time, an optional conference with your child’s teacher may be scheduled. However, please keep in mind that you may request a conference at any time of the year if you feel it is necessary.
Parent Survey:
In April each family will receive a survey. We strongly request that each family fill it out and return the survey to MCC. We feel we can only improve our program with parental input.
Toddler Daily Happenings:
Each day the parents of the children in our toddler class will receive a sheet briefly describing how their day was. Please don’t let this take the place of daily verbal communication with your child’s teacher.
You have the right to request an individual conference with the program’s staff. Medfield Children’s Center has the responsibility to make the staff available. Please remember however, that some times are better than others. While we appreciate and expect to be informed of any problem or event that may upset the child, we hope the information doesn’t come at a time when the attention to the parent will conflict with the responsibilities of the teacher to the rest of the class. Events such as the death of a pet, expecting siblings, or a visit by grandparents may cause children to be upset, overexcited or tense. Knowledge of such occurrences will help us as we work with the parents to meet the needs of the child. If a parent desires a conference with the child’s teacher at any time, please contact the teacher to arrange a time. Please refrain from discussing the problem with the teacher in front of the child or when the teacher is responsible for a group of children. At our South Street School facility, we recommend that conferences (in person or by phone) be scheduled at nap time if at all possible (12:30 and after).
The licensee shall assure that the administrator or her designee meets with you prior to admitting your child to the Center.
At the meeting, the licensee, in addition to the information contained in this fact sheet, must provide you with: the Center’s written statements of purpose; types of services provided; referral policy; behavioral management policy; termination and suspension policy; a list of suggested nutritious foods you could send for snacks and meals; the policy for identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect; the transportation plan; a copy of the health care policy (if you request it); procedure for administration of medication; procedures for providing emergency health care and illness exclusion policy; and a copy of the fee schedule. All of this information may be contained in the “Parent Handbook”. You should also be given the opportunity to visit the Center’s classrooms, either at the time of the meeting or prior to the enrollment of your child.
At least every 6 months, you should either meet with the Center’s staff to discuss your child’s progress, or receive a written progress report of your child’s activities and participation in the Center. This report must become part of your child’s Center record. If your child is an infant or is a child with disabilities, you should receive a written progress report every 3 months. Center staff must bring any special problems or significant developments, particularly if they regard infants, to your attention as soon as they arise.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROGRAM
Providing Information to the Department of Early Education and Care:
The licensee must make available to the Office of Child Care Services any information required to be kept and maintained under these regulations and any other information reasonably related to the requirements of these regulations. This includes information in your child’s records. Authorized employees of the office are not to remove identifying case materials from the Center premises and are required to maintain the confidentiality of individual records.
Reporting Abuse or Neglect:
All Center staff is mandated reporters. They are required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect to either the Department of Social Services or to the licensee’s program administrator. The licensee must have written policies and procedures for reporting and must provide the written policy to you upon enrollment. (See section titled “Identification of Abuse and Neglect”)
Notification of Injury:
The licensee must notify you immediately of any injury which requires emergency care. They must also notify you, in writing, within 24 hours, if any first aid is administered to your child.
Availability of Regulations:
The Center must have a copy of CMR 102 7.00 Standards for the Licensure of Approval of Group Day Care and School Age Child Care Programs, on the premises, available to any person upon request. If you have any questions about any of the regulations, ask your Center to show them to you.