Parent

PLEASE NOTE: MCC is licensed by the Department of Early Education & Care. Our regional office is located at 340 Main Street, Suite 400, Worcester, MA. The telephone number is 508-798-5180. You may contact EEC for information regarding the program’s regulatory compliance history at any time.

Each member of our staff meets all requirements of the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and is First-Aid (every three years) and CPR (every year) certified. Our staff consists of loving, nurturing individuals who were chosen for our Center because of their genuine concern for the welfare and emotional growth of each child, and their willingness to commit themselves to enriching the lives of the children for whom they care. Their dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism ensure the quality of our program. They participate in over 20 hours of training each year. This can include monthly readings, outside meetings, etc. All personnel at MCC must successfully undergo a CORI (criminal background check) and a DSS (Department of Social Services) check before they are allowed to be alone with any child. Their background, hands-on experience, specific skills and commitment to MCC’s philosophy creates the best opportunity for an educational, nurturing, caring and positive early childhood experience for all. Please note that you can find MCC’s organizational chart that identifies the lines of authority and supervision at MCC.

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. Also, toilet training status is NOT an eligibility requirement for enrollment. 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 an application that includes your child’s name and date of admission, your family’s primary language if not English, the home and business addresses, telephone numbers of the parents, along with their names, the name address and contact information of an emergency back-up person, a physical description of your child or a current picture, the name address and phone number of your child’s source of health care, any allergies, special diets or chronic health care concerns along with any condition and/or any special limitations or concerns including but not limited to medications the child is taking at home or school and their side effects, the child’s schedule including days and hours of attendance and if applicable the name of the school he/she attends. You must submit these records annually and whenever changes occur.

· Copies of any custody agreements, court orders, and restraining orders pertaining to the child when provided by the parent.

· Permission to transport a child to a medical facility and for the child to receive emergency medical treatment, including but not limited to an epi-pen for suspected exposure to a life threatening allergy in the event that a parent can’t be reached and when delay would be dangerous to a child’s health

· A list of any person(s) authorized in writing by the parent to take the child from the program or to receive the child at the end of the day

· Written informed consent for observation of children by anyone other than program staff or the parents of children in the program, if applicable. For observations in which there is no interaction between the child and the observer and no identification of individual children, a general permission may be obtained. When there is interaction between the child and the observer or when individual children are identified to an observer other than parents of children in the program, a specific individual informed consent must be obtained

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.

MCC will identify at least one educator to serve as the liaison for each child with a disability. The liaison will be responsible for coordinating care in the program and with service providers and communicating with the child’s parents, service providers and educators.

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. One 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. 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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

Ø A child to experience accomplishment, to flourish, to build a sense of self-worth and to mature

Ø A time for relaxing, having fun, enjoying friends and making choices and decisions

Ø Is a complement to the child’s home; a place that shows respect for the child’s background and family style

Ø Shows equal concern for the needs and well being of both the child and the parent

Educational Program: Our educational programs last 2½ 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.

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/Circle (9:20 ish)	Free-Play	Free-Play
9:30 – 10:00	Walk with Stroller	Circle, Wash hands, Snack NS 2/ Outside Time NS 1	Project
10:00 – 10:30	Walk, Snack, Diaper Change	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	Project, Music and Movement, Story Time	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/Diapers/Stories/ 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	Free-Play in Big Hall	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			PM Activity/Free-Play	PM Activity/Free-Play
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	Outside Play (weather permitting)	Outside Play (weather permitting)	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	Outside Play (weather permitting)	Outside Play (weather permitting)
5:00 – 6:00	Get Ready for Dismissal	Get Ready for Dismissal	Get Ready for Dismissal	Get Ready for D

SERVICES PROVIDED at MCC ON PLEASANT STREET (Open 2^nd wk. of Sept. thru 2^nd wk. of June

Morning Sessions: Our educational programs last 2½ 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 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).

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. Parentss provide a lunchbox (labeled) with a nutritious lunch, beverage, spoon, straw, napkin, etc. (No candy or nuts)

11:45 PM - 12:30 PM offered each day. Parentss provide a lunchbox (labeled) with a nutritious lunch, beverage, spoon, straw, napkin, etc. (No candy or nuts)

Medfield Children’s Center strives to meet these goals for each child including but not limited to:

· Help each child to achieve greater independence, social competence and self-fulfillment.

· Offer a curriculum that encourages social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth

· Offer a curriculum that incorporates each child’s natural interests and curiosities in a developmentally appropriate way

· Offer a safe, comfortable environment for these early learning and growth processes

· Help each child learn to develop self-discipline and to deal with his/her emotions in an appropriate manner

· Create an environment where the child’s natural desire to learn is stimulated through meaningful, appropriate and playful learning experiences

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 31^st) 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 but is not limited to:

· A balance of quiet and active times and individual and group activities, including music, art and sensory experiences

· Free-play activities to encourage choice-making, social interaction, sharing and organization

Nursery School (2.9-3.11 years old as of August 31^st): 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 develop self-care skills such as dressing, using tissues, 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 that include but are not limited to:

· Development of social and language skills through the use of art, play and literature

Pre-Kindergarten (4.0-4.11 years old as of August 31^st): 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 but not be limited to:

· Exposure to writing skills (We are using Zaner-Bloser System of printing, which is taught in the Medfield Public Schools.)

· 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 31^st): This program is available at SOUTH STREET ONLY.

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.

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 31^st): This program is available at SOUTH STREET ONLY.

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.

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. We also welcome any child for our summer program who meets our age requirements.

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.

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:

· A lunchbox or bag, clearly labeled on the outside, with your child’s name

· A sandwich or alternative main course (i.e. soup, yogurt), fruit, chips and/or pastry snack.

· 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

Main Course Sandwich, yogurt, soup, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, (children don’t usually mind room temperature), pizza slices

Fruit Bananas, oranges, apples, melon. Please make sure to peel & section, or cut the skin off fruit if that is how it is preferred

We do not microwave or refrigerate any lunches. (Ice-packs will keep things cool)

Main course is eaten before anything else, then fruit or the next “healthiest option”.

Please provide a drinking straw and napkin or wet wipe for each meal and a spoon as needed.

Labor Day Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Christmas Day (and normally the day before

We generally follow the Medfield Public School’s schedule for days off, with the exception of their teacher days and also Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Because those holidays fall at the beginning of school, we chose to stay open to help maintain the continuity of school routine, which helps the children with their adjustment and transition to school. We close on Good Friday because our programs are located in churches, though we have no religious affiliation with them. Please see the Director with any questions.

There will be no school for children registered for only the Academic Program - 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM during the weeks listed below. Children registered in the Extended Day Program (after 12:30 – South Street only) may attend school during these weeks:

Christmas Vacation (December) Winter Vacation (February) Spring Vacation (April)

MCC is open year-round for child care, with the exception of major holidays, the last week in July and first week in August, and when the Medfield Public Schools close due to inclement weather. If there’s a delay, we’re here at normal times. 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 be hand-delivered to our Center, or can be mailed. Tuition may be paid on a weekly or on a 10-month installment basis. Please refer to your Parent/School Agreement if you have questions, or as you are always welcome, call! We ask that you put on your check memo exactly what the money is being applied to.

MONTHLY INSTALLMENT payments are due on the first day of each month. The 1st 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 MCC. In August, the 2^nd 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.

A non-refundable material/application fee must be paid each and every year a child registers at one of our Centers.

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.

Starting school is an exciting experience for any child. It can also be a scary time because the child feels a natural sense of separation from the parent. Most children enrolled at the Center have little difficulty adjusting to their new surroundings after they have visited the Center with Mom or Dad. However, to make your child’s separation as easy as possible, we suggest the following:

· On your child’s first day of school, please feel free to stay as long as you feel necessary for him or her to feel comfortable.

· Please don’t leave without saying goodbye. However, once you’ve said goodbye, it’s best to leave quickly without looking back.

It is our experience that most children who cry when their parents leave stop crying within a few minutes. However, if your child’s crying worries you, please feel free to call or email the Center later in the day to hear how he or she is doing.

Children are smarter than you think. If they feel “nervous vibes” from the parents, they will use this as a cue for their own actions. So please put on a “happy face” at drop-off time for your child’s sake, and give us a call as soon as you like!

As you may know, routine and structure are very important to young children. They feel a sense of security knowing what’s next to come in their day. Starting off on the right note is so important. Therefore, we ask that you make every effort to arrive on time. We are certainly sensitive to emergencies and special exceptions. Please understand that we offer a fully enriched program with a curriculum, this is not a babysitting service. When your child arrives very late, he/she comes into a structured or teacher directed activity part of the day and it is disruptive to the class. It also makes it harder for your child to join in and he/she may feel left out. Also, please be sure your child’s teacher is aware of your child’s arrival and is under their care before leaving the building. DO NOT SEND A CHILD TO HIS/HER CLASS BY THEMSELVES.

1.Be aware of your own feelings! Try not to pass on your anxieties to your child.

2.Be firm! “Goodbye, I’m leaving now, I love you!” Try not to say, “Is it okay that I leave now?”

3.Be specific! Young children have a hazy sense of time. “I’ll see you after snack” is better than, “I’ll see you later.”

4.Be there! If you are going to be late or if someone else will be picking up your child, be sure to let your child know.

Please keep in mind that our staffing is based on the expected arrival and departure times of the children. Even 5-10 minutes can jeopardize the safety of the children if we do not have adequate coverage. Please be sure to call if you are unavoidably delayed so we can adjust our staffing to ensure the safety of all. Please be aware that a late fee will apply.

The goal is for the children to learn to separate independently and develop the capacity to cope with their feelings. It is often stressful, many times more so for the adults! In order to help the children cope with separation, some rules apply:

· Establish a routine with your child. Children like to know what to expect and that you mean what you say.

· NEVER SNEAK OUT! That erodes trust and will lead to problems. Determine how long you have to stay, give your child a warning about a minute or so before you must leave and offer a choice of activities that have an obvious end (i.e. “When the story is done, it’s time for me to go”).

· When it’s time to go, say goodbye and leave. Dragging it out only prolongs things and confuses the children. Our staff is experienced at assisting children to cope with separations and helping them get involved with activities and play.

· Avoid long discussions with teachers during separations and reunions. Children get the message that you and the teacher are not available to them and will usually find ways to get attention, often in a negative way. Additionally, conversations about children in front of them or other children should be avoided. We will always find a time that is mutually convenient for you to touch base with your child’s teacher.

· Parents are responsible for their children once they arrive. When parents arrive at school, the boundaries are often a little shakier as children test out who’s really in charge. Many children can have difficulty staying in control after a long day and when parents “hang out” too long, problems can occur. Keep rules consistent with the rules of school (i.e. only adults touch the gate to go in or out).

· Avoid socializing with other parents within the room. While we feel we are here for you, the parent, as well as your child, having many conversations going on in the children’s classroom can be disruptive for the children and make it difficult for the staff to keep the room safe and activities going. Try a hallway.J

Please establish a routine of taking your child to the bathroom at home immediately before leaving for school to minimize the extra individual trips to the bathroom during class time. Thank You!! Also if your child is not yet toilet trained, he or she must be freshly diapered upon arrival.

Children will be diapered in the designated diapering areas. All MCC staff members will follow EEC procedures for diapering. Procedures are posted in each of these areas and will be followed whenever a child is diapered. Children’s diapers will be changed regularly and on an as-needed basis. Parents are responsible for maintaining a supply of diapers and wipes, and also a spare change of clothing. Staff will alert parents when the supply needs replenishing.

Toilet training is done in accordance with the requests of the child’s parents and in a manner that is consistent with the child’s physical and emotional abilities. Toilet training will never be coerced. All children will be allowed to use the bathroom when needed. Children will be supervised during toileting, but will be allowed as much privacy as appropriate. Please keep in mind those children who are learning to be self-sufficient in the bathroom will have an easier time if they wear clothing they can pull off and on themselves.

If you would like MCC to make sure your child’s teeth are brushed while at school, please send in a labeled toothbrush and tube of toothpaste.

Children are so excited to get their first school backpack or tote bag, and we welcome/need their convenient use for sending home class projects and school notices. All students are requested to have their own full-size backpack, clearly labeled on the OUTSIDE, the first full week of school.

Parents may choose to have their child’s birthday celebrated at the Center. Please discuss plans with your child’s teacher in advance of the Special Day.

We feel it is important for the children to be exposed to many different celebrations. Therefore, we will be celebrating all holidays in a non-religious manner.

Please do not dress children in their “best” clothing. Children love to explore and experiment with everything, such as water, food, glue, dirt, and especially PAINT (and we do a lot of painting). We protect their clothes as much as possible, but remember, children are supposed to get dirty and explore. So, please dress them in “play” clothes while at school. Proper footwear is essential, especially sneakers or skid-proof shoes. We ask that you leave in your child’s backpack an extra set of clothing, including underwear and socks, for any accidents or spills that might occur during the day. Remember the clothing will need to be changed seasonally.J

Dress children with appropriate clothing for the weather. We go out everyday if weather permits. Coats, hats, gloves, boots, etc., should be clearly labeled to avoid mix-up or loss. Per safety rules and regulations, sneakers are safest and most practical for all activities indoor and out and are the ONLY acceptable shoes for use on our outdoor climbing equipment.

Extended Day (South Street Only): All our students have a scheduled quiet time each day. Although the children are not required to sleep, they are required by EEC to have a quiet period. We ask that the Big Hall and Toddler children bring in a LABELED sleeping bag, and the PreK, Transitional and Kindergarten students bring in a LABELED beach towel.

Special Requests (South Street Only): Requests for additional days and hours may be made through the Director. We will make every effort to accommodate these requests, but please understand additional time is scheduled on an as available basis. Payment for additional services is due on the day of service.

· We will administer prescription medicine only from an original, labeled prescription bottle. The label must include the child’s name, name of the drug, the physician’s name, and directions for its administration, and storage directions.

· All medication (prescription and non-prescription) needs to be provided by the parents.

· We will not administer the 1^st dose of any medication to a child, except under extraordinary circumstances and with parental consent.

· We will not administer non-prescription/non-topical medicine such as cough medicine without a doctor’s note. Diaper creams may be administered at the parent’s request and with a permission slip. Over the counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s packaging.

· We won’t administer any prescription medication without a doctor’s order including child’s name, dosage, and time of day to be given, days to be given.

· We will not administer any medication contrary to the label without written doctor authorization. Any medications without clear instructions on the container will be administered in accordance with a written physician or pharmacist’s descriptive order.

· No prescription medication will be administered without written parental authorization on a medication form.

· All medication will be returned to parents daily unless noted. If not, medication will be stored to ensure sanitation, preservation, security and safety.

· Please be sure to hand the medication directly to a teacher. Do Not leave it in your child’s lunchbox or backpack.

· Written record of all medicines administered except topical non-prescriptions will include the name of the medication, time/date/method of administration, name of staff, dosage, and name of child. This will be put in the child’s file.

· We will verbally inform the child’s parent at the end of each day whenever a topical medication is applied to a diaper rash.

· All medications must be administered in accordance with the consent and documentation requirements specified below:

WRITTEN PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIRED

HEALTH CARE PRACTIONER AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED

LOGGING REQUIRED

ALL PRESCRIPTIONS

YES

YES, MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITH ORIGINAL LABEL CONTAINING THE NAME OF THE CHILD AFFIXED.

YES, INCLUDING NAME OF CHILD, DOSAGE, DATE, TIME & STAFF SIGNATURE. MISSED DOSES MUST BE NOTED ALONG WITH REASON(S) WHY THE DOSE WAS MISSED.

ORAL

NON-PRESCRIPTION

YES, RENEWED WEEKLY WITH DOSAGE, TIMES, DAYS AND PURPOSE

MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITH ORIGINAL LABEL CONTAINING THE NAME OF THE CHILD AFFIXED.

YES, INCLUDING NAME OF CHILD, DOSAGE, DATE, TIME & STAFF SIGNATURE. MISSED DOSES MUST BE NOTED ALONG WITH REASON(S) WHY THE DOSE WAS MISSED.

UNANTICIPATED

NON-PRESCRIPTION FOR MILD SYMPTOMS (E.G. ACETAMINOPHEN, IBUPROFEN, ANTIHISTAMINES)

YES, RENEWED ANNUALLY.

MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITH ORIGINAL LABEL CONTAINING THE NAME OF THE CHILD AFFIXED.

YES, INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE CHILD, DOSAGE, DATE, TIME AND STAFF SIGNATURE.

TOPICAL

NON-PRESCRIPTION

(WHEN APPLIED TO OPEN WOUNDS OR BROKEN SKIN)

YES, RENEWED ANNUALLY.

MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITH ORIGINAL LABEL CONTAINING THE NAME OF THE CHILD AFFIXED.

YES, INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE CHILD, DOSAGE, DATE, TIME AND STAFF SIGNATURE.

TOPICAL

NON-PRESCRIPTION

(WHEN NOT APPLIED TO OPEN WOUNDS OR BROKEN SKIN)

YES, RENEWED ANNUALLY.

NO, ITEMS NOT APPLIED TO OPEN WOUNDS OR BROKEN SKIN MAY BE SUPPLIED BY PROGRAM WITH NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS OF SUCH, OR PARENTS MAY SEND IN PREFERRED BRANDS OF SUCH ITEMS FOR THEIR OWN CHILD/REN’S USE.

NO, NOT FOR ITEMS NOT APPLIED TO OPEN WOUNDS OR BROKEN SKIN.

An individual health care plan will be maintained for each child with a chronic medical condition that has been diagnosed by a licensed heath care practitioner. The plan must describe the condition, its symptoms, any medical treatment that may be necessary while the child is in care, the potential side effects of the treatment, and the potential consequences to the child’s health if the treatment is not administered.

· The educator may administer routine, scheduled medication or treatment to the child with a chronic medical condition in accordance with written consent from the parents and with authorization from their licensed health care practitioner.

· The educator mush have completed training from the licensed health care practitioner or with his or her written consent, training from the parents or MCC’s health care consultant, that specifically addressed the child’s medical condition, medication and other treatment needs.

· Any unanticipated administration of medication or treatment for a non-life threatening condition requires the educator make an attempt to reach the parents before treatment or medication. If the parents can’t be reached before, they must be contacted as soon as possible afterward.

· All medication/treatment must be documented, whether routine, scheduled or unanticipated in the child’s medication and treatment log.

· Written parental and licensed health care practitioner authorization is valid for one year unless withdrawn sooner. This authorization needs to be renewed annually for any medication or treatment to continue.

Problems: We sometimes can help with problems at home, such as eating, sleeping, wetting, sharing, or adjusting to new babies. If you feel that we can help you, please feel free to call us between 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM.

Release of Children: Children will be released only to the adults listed on the Authorization and Consent Form. Children are not released to anyone else unless a note is sent in to the teacher by the parent. We cannot release a child to another child. Once the teacher releases the child to the parent/adult he or she must accompany the child throughout the building and play-yard at all times. A photo ID may be requested at any time. Please do not take offense. Remember, this is for your child’s safety. A late fee will be charged if children are not picked up on time. See the section on Late Fees.

There will be a $15.00 charge for returned checks. If more than two checks are returned due to insufficient funds, all future payments must be made by cash or money order.

Toys: With the exception of nap time “loveys”, beginning of the year comfort objects and objects coinciding with our curriculum (i.e. Show & Tell), we ask that your child be discouraged from bringing toys from home. This is to eliminate the chance of cherished toys becoming damaged or lost. We appreciate your cooperation.

Confidentiality: Records of all children are confidential and only staff and referral agencies (with written permission) may have access. A staff member may be dismissed for discussing children outside of the school, to other staff or referral agencies without permission (please see page 15 for policy regarding parental access to the records).

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.)

First Aid: If a child requires first aid for any reason, a staff member trained in first aid will administer it. An injury report will be sent home describing what the injury was, how it occurred, the first aid administered, and who administered the first-aid. Parents will also be informed, either in person or by telephone, of injuries other than minor bumps, scrapes and scratches.

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.

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. 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.

· 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/she vomits 2 plus times in the previous 24 hours (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 – They’re associated with the inability to control saliva. Keep the child home, unless it’s 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 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.

NATURAL DISASTER/POTENCIAL EMERGENCYPLAN /EMERGENCY LOCK DOWN FOR MCC ON SOUTH ST

Very importantly, all emergency situations will be handled in an appropriate matter by all educators; they must be able to communicate basic emergency information to emergency personnel. Robin Holland will make sure all educators have a working telephone in order to make and receive calls during all hours of the program operation either on or off premise; whenever they are supervising children. Robin Holland will also make sure that exit signs are posted in each room that has direct access to outside.

If a natural disaster/town initiated lock down occurs at our South Street School (i.e. tornado/emergency situation), we will move all children to the first floor hall closest to the Toddler room if the situation warrants it such as the tornado. We will consider this to be our designated meeting space. If this occurs, an email and/or phone call will be placed to every family attending MCC that day. All numbers are located in our emergency book. The director will make sure in the event of any kind of emergency, evacuation or otherwise, the parents will all be notified. The phone number for MCC-SS is (508) 359-4239.

We will be in close, consistent contact with Medfield’s local authorities (Fire Dept., Police Dept.) as needed to determine whether or not we need to evacuate or take shelter in place in the event of a natural disaster. The non-emergency and emergency numbers to both the Fire Department and the Police Department are located on each phone at MCC. After we have successfully evacuated the building, appropriate authorities will be notified, along with all the families.

Escape routes from each classroom and each floor are posted throughout the building. They are posted on each Parent’s Board in the individual classrooms, and also near each exit door. Before vacating the building the Director will do a check to make sure there is no child left in the building. Our daily attendance book will ALWAYS be taken to the evacuation site, and immediate attendance will be taken.

If we need to vacate the building at the South Street School, we will bring all children to the Church of the Advent on Pleasant Street in Medfield. The phone number there is (508-359-3667). At Pleasant Street, all children will be in the lower level where MCC is housed. We will consider this to be our designated meeting place.

In case of fire, loss of power, loss of heat or water, or other emergency situations, we will also evacuate to Pleasant Street and an email/ phone call to the parents to make them aware, directly after.

In case of a missing child, the immediate first call will be to the proper local authorities. With their guidance we will immediately start a search for the missing child. The parents will be notified next that their child is missing.

If there is a town initiated lock down, each of the doors in the building will be securely locked by the staff members. At MCC-SS there are 6 doors. The fire exit for the upstairs classes leads to a door with no exterior entrance. There a two doors in the Big Hall, one leading to the play yard and the other to 109. The Big Hall teachers are responsible for locking these doors. There is a door leading to the play yard from the room with the bathroom. The teacher in that room is responsible for locking it. There is a door to the left of the back bathrooms up the staircase, that is always kept locked, and there is a double door in the narthex of the church leading to 109 that also is always kept locked. The Director will make sure they are locked. As above, all parents will be notified that this is taking place.

The Director will make certain this plan is kept current, and that it meets the needs of all children in care, including toddlers, and any children (including but not limited to those with disabilities) who may need additional assistance during an evacuation. In order to facilitate evacuations or any emergency situations, Robin Holland will hold practice evacuation drills with all groups of children and all educators throughout the building at least monthly. The drills will take place at different times of the day, and will use alternate exits. Documentation will include the date, time, exit route used, number of children evacuated and the effectiveness of each drill.

NATURAL DISASTER/POTENCIAL EMERGENCYPLAN/EMERGENCY LOCK DOWN FOR MCC ON PLEASANT ST

Very importantly, all emergency situations will be handled in an appropriate matter by all educators; they must be able to communicate basic emergency information to emergency personnel. Sharon Maillet will make sure all educators have a working telephone in order to make and receive calls during all hours of the program operation either on or off premise; whenever they are supervising children. Sharon Maillet will also make sure that exit signs are posted in each room that has direct access to outside.

If a natural disaster occurs at our Pleasant Street School (i.e. tornado/emergency situation), we will move all children away from the windows and keep them close to the center wall in the room if the situation warrants it such as the tornado. We will consider this to be our designated meeting place. If this occurs, a phone call will be placed to every family attending MCC that day. All numbers are located in our emergency book. The director will make sure in the event of any kind of emergency, evacuation or otherwise, the parents will all be notified. The phone number for MCC-PS is (508-359-3667).

Escape routes from the classroom are posted by each exit. Before vacating the building the Director will do a check to make sure there is no child left in the building. Our daily attendance book will ALWAYS be taken to the evacuation site, and immediate attendance will be taken.

If we need to vacate the building, we will bring all children over to the South Street School housed at the First Baptist Church on the corner of South Street and Main Street where our nursery school/daycare facility is located. Once there, the children will go to the first floor hall closest to the Toddler room if the situation warrants it such as a tornado. The telephone number for South Street (508-359-4239).

In case of fire, loss of power, loss of heat or water, or other emergency situations we will also evacuate to South Street and a phone call to the parents to make them aware, directly after.

If there is a town initiated lock down, each of the doors in the building will be securely locked by the staff members. At MCC-PS there are 8 doors that exit the church. On the basement level, there are 2 doors that exit the classroom, a door at the top of the school’s hallway stairwell, and a door near the bathrooms. On the upstairs level, there is a door in the church, in the kitchen, and also a door in the function hall. There are also two front doors. Facing the front doors from inside the church, the door on the left is always locked. All doors, with the exception of the one front door to the church are locked at all times. In the case of a lock down, the Director will lock the front door. As above, all parents will be notified that this is taking place.

The Director will make certain this plan is kept current, and that it meets the needs of all children in care, (including but not limited to those with disabilities) who may need additional assistance during an evacuation. In order to facilitate evacuations or any emergency situations, Sharon Maillet will hold practice evacuation drills with all groups of children and all educators throughout the building at least monthly. The drills will take place at different times of the day, and will use alternate exits. Documentation will include the date, time, exit route used, number of children evacuated and the effectiveness of each drill.

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:

· No child shall be subjected to cruel or severe punishment including humiliation or verbal/physical abuse or neglect or abusive treatment including any type of physical hitting inflicted in any manner upon the body, shaking, threats, or derogatory remarks

· No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet; no child will be forced to remain in soiled clothing or remain on the toilet; no other unusual or excessive practices for toileting will be employed

· No child shall be denied food as a form of punishment or be force-fed; or in any way using food as a consequence

· Excessive time-outs won’t be used; time out may not exceed 1 minute for each year of the child’s age & must take place within a staff member’s view

· Kneeling to the child’s level, making eye contact and speaking to the child quietly

DISCIPLINE : When the need for discipline arises, the following procedures will be used:

· Verbal Intervention – Staff will talk with the child about unacceptable behavior

· Redirection- The teacher will redirect the child’s attention to acceptable alternatives

· Time Out – The child will sit in a chair away from the group but still supervised by the educator. This gives the child time to calm down, reflect, and apologize to others if needed, and then return to the group. Time out may not exceed one minute for each year of the child’s age and must take place within a staff member’s view

· Parent Conferences – Recurring unacceptable behavior may require a conference with parents. Alternatives to help improve behavior will be discussed with parents. Continued unacceptable behavior by the child, or behavior endangering others, will be documented and cause for the child’s dismissal from the school (see below). If at any time the parents choose not to meet with MCC concerning a behavior issue or refuses to adhere to an already agreed upon course of action, the parent will be given a two week notice of termination.

BITING: Our school recognizes that biting is, unfortunately, not completely unexpected when children are young. We are always upset when children are bitten in our program, and we recognize how upsetting it is for the parents. While we feel that biting is never the right thing to do, we know that children bite for a variety of reasons, most of which are not related to behavior problems. These reasons can include teething, sensory exploration, autonomy and control, peer interaction, frustration, anxiety and curiosity, to name a few. It occurs most frequently when a child is tired, frustrated, or over-stimulated. When biting occurs, we have three main responses:

2. Help the child who bit to learn other ways of dealing with their frustration and feelings

3. Observe the child who bit and document a possible pattern or reason for his or her biting

Our teachers express strong disapproval of biting. They work to keep children safe and to help the child who bit learn different, more appropriate behavior. When there are episodes of ongoing biting, we develop a plan of specific strategies and techniques to address it and it is shared with the parents. Their input is always welcome.

We give immediate attention and if necessary first aid to the child who is bitten. We offer to put ice on the bite if the child is willing. If the skin is broken, we clean the wound with soap and water. Then we call the child’s parent and inform them of a bite with broken skin. They are also required to sign an accident report. We do keep the name of the child who bit confidential to avoid labeling and give our teachers the opportunity to use their time and energy to work on stopping the biting. When children bite, their parents are informed the same day via an Incident Report.

TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION PROCEDURES: Though Medfield Children’s Center hopes never to resort to this, it is important to make sure the policy on termination and suspension of enrollment is clear. Termination of enrollment will only be used if all other avenues have been explored and deemed unsuccessful. This will include, but not be limited to:

· Pursuing options for supportive services to the program including consultation and educator training.

· Meeting with the parents to discuss options other than termination and suspension.

· Offering referrals to parents for evaluation, diagnostic or therapeutic services.

A reasonable effort is made to work with the family prior to termination. If any referrals are recommended or requested by the parents, the information will be documented in the child’s file. In the rare instance when it becomes apparent that the Center is unable to meet the expectations of that family and/or provide the level of care demanded/needed by the child, the Director may request the family make other arrangements for the care of their child within a 2 week period of time. Please note that MCC can terminate a child immediately if a child’s behavior creates a significant risk of harm to the health and safety of other children or staff, without any notice.

The following are some reasons a child’s enrollment may be suspended or terminated:

· The family does not follow the procedures and policies stated in the Handbook.

· The child is consistently verbally or physically abusive to staff or other children.

· The Center cannot assure the safety of the child (i.e. the child hurts himself or leaves the room without the teacher on a consistent basis).

· If the problematic incident is the final incident in a succession of aggressive behaviors that are harmful to the child, other children or staff at MCC

· A persistent disciplinary problem which is defined by one in which the child is hampering the smooth flow of the program by either requiring constant one on one attention or is unable to conform to the rules and guidelines of the program.

The parents will be provided with written documentation as to the reasons for termination and/or suspension. They will also be provided with the circumstances under which the child may return to our program, if any. If the parents request it, information regarding referrals will be made available to them. The child, who has had enrollment terminated and/or suspended, will be prepared in a manner he/she can fully understand.

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 and must immediately report to the director if she has reasonable cause to believe a child in the program is suffering from serious physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse inflicted upon the child, including, but not limited to sexual abuse, or from neglect, including, but not limited to malnutrition, no matter where the abuse or neglect may have occurred or by whom it was inflicted. In the event that an incident of alleged child abuse comes to MCC’s attention, or filing or learning that a 51A report has been filed alleging abuse or neglect of a child while in the care of MCC or during a program related activity, the following steps are to be taken immediately:

· 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 immediately suspended without pay, with benefits to continue.

· No accused staff member may continue to provide direct care to children during the investigation.

· It’s MCC’s intention to resolve an allegation quickly, both to spare the staff member unnecessary anguish and to maintain the equilibrium of MCC’s operation for the welfare of the children and staff.

· All MCC staff should cooperate fully with the investigation effort of any licensing or regulatory authorities.

· No statements, oral or written, should be made by the 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.

The Director must also notify EEC immediately upon learning that a report has been filed naming an educator or person regularly on the child care premises an alleged perpetrator of abuse or neglect of a child.

Notices will be sent to parents prior to any walking field trip. Parents may decide on an individual basis which field trips they do or do not want their child to attend. If you do not want your child to attend a field trip, we may be able to arrange for your child to spend the day in another class. Permission slips will be sent home and must be returned to your teacher, signed by a parent in order for your child to participate.

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.

· Know their children are in a safe environment where they are free to select from a wide variety of activities

· Have the opportunity to offer suggestions concerning how their children spend the day

· Know what types of programs and activities are being planned and to offer feedback on the kinds of activities the children enjoy

· Share concerns with the staff at any time about anything they do not feel is in the best interest of the children

· Know if their child is misbehaving, and to spend time talking with the staff about the matter

· Be notified when their child has been injured however minor or severe the injury either by an Accident Report or phone call

· Voice special concerns not covered in this handbook and to discuss special cases where occasional exceptions may be made

· Read, understand and ask questions about, and abide by anything covered in this handbook

· Share their concerns with staff members if the program is not meeting their child’s needs

· 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

· Notify a staff member when someone other than themselves are picking up their child

· Notify MCC in writing of withdrawal from program at least two weeks in advance

· Keep the child’s records up to date with changes in phone numbers, addresses, contact info, etc.

· Be available to be reached in case of emergency; be able to pick up the child or have someone pick him/her up as soon as possible if necessary

· Insure that all information reported on the health form is up to date and accurate

· 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

· Be available for parent-staff conferences in a reasonable amount of time, especially in regards to behavioral problems

Right to Visit - You have the right to make unannounced vvisits to your child’s room while your child is present.

Parent Input - The program must have a procedure for allowing your input in the development of Center policy and procedure. MCC 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.

Your Child’s Records - Information contained in your child’s record is privileged and confidential. The Center’s staff may not distribute or release information regarding your child’s record to anyone not directly related to implementing the program plan for your child without your written consent. You must be notified if your child’s record is subpoenaed.

Access to the Record - You should be able to have access to youur child’s records. MCC 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. MCC 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:

· 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.

· 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.

Charge for Copies - The licensee shall not charge an unreasoonable fee for copies of any information contained in your child’s record.

Transfer of the 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.

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 Chiildren’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.

One of our most important goals at MCC is to ensure effective and open communication with all our families. If a family does not speak English, or requires an alternate way of communicating, MCC will come up with a plan to ensure an open line of communication that is satisfactory to both parties. 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 daily for correspondence or beautiful works of art. Below you will see many of the ways Medfield Children’s Center keeps open the lines of communication.

a) Any injury which requires medical care beyond minor first aid or an any emergency administration of non-prescription medication (immediately)

b) Any allegations of abuse or neglect involving their child while in the care and custody of MCC (immediately)

g) Whenever a communicable disease or condition has been identified in the program

i) In writing of any herbicides or pesticides, prior to their use whenever possible

· Progress Reports: - At least every 6 months, you should eithher 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.

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.

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.

Counseling for Psychological Assessment: (Children, individuals, couples, families, group therapy)

· Doctor Deborah Merriam of Medfield Counseling 5 West Mill Street, Medfield, MA 02052, (508) 359-2710

· Dawn Alcott Medfield Youth Outreach Office, Town Hall, Medfield, MA 02052, (508) 359-7121

· Psychology Associates, LLC, 258 Main Street, Suite #5, Medfield, MA 02052, (508)242-9666; drvorpahl@yahoo.com

· Matt LaCava, (Director of Pupil Services, Medfield), Memorial Elementary School, Medfield MA (508) 359-5135

· Jewish Families & Children’s Services - 198 Vanderbilt Ave., Norwood, MA (781) 551-0405

Medical Service: Dedham Medical Associates 1 Lyons St., Dedham, MA 02026 (781) 329-1400

Dental Service: Dental Associates of Walpole 1428 Main St., Walpole, MA 02081 (508) 668-8008

Vision Service: Medfield Eye Care 55 North Street, Medfield, MA 02052 (508) 359-9969

Chiropractor: Dr. Rochelle Bien, D.C. 1426 Main St., Suite #6, Walpole, MA 02082 (508) 660-2722

Nutritionist: Dr. Michael Goldstein 1426 Main St., Suite #6, Walpole, MA 02082 (508) 660-2722

Speech, Language and Hearing: Speech-Language and Hearing Associates of Greater Boston, PC

· Parent Line (617) 624-8024. Offers immediate access to parent information messages 24 hours a day and connection to Parent Resource Specialists weekdays between 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

· Parental Stress Hotline 1-800-632-8188. 24-hour support and referrals for parents with children of any age, as well as for other family members, care givers, friends or relatives. Also, listings of parent support groups available.

· Family Resource Guide sponsored by Head Start Collaboration Project of Massachusetts

At Medfield Children’s Center, we do not have a screening process before a child is admitted to the Program. Therefore, it is possible that when we begin work with a child certain areas may arise that are of concern. If we are not equipped (counselors, speech therapists, dental, vision and hearing screening, etc.) to handle the special needs of a child, the following will be done:

1. If any staff member has a concern about a child, she will immediately tell the Director, and observation and documentation of the child will begin at once.

2. After the Director and the child’s teacher have conferred, observed the child and documented the concerns, and after making sure that all efforts have been made to accommodate the child’s needs, they will contact the parents in writing, listing/summarizing their observations and ask for a parent conference.

3. During the parent conference, the staffs’ concerns will be discussed and any documentation that has been on going concerning the child’s behavior will be reviewed. Copies will be given to the parents.

4. Before a referral is considered necessary, observing and recording the child’s behavior will take place. Also, a review of the child’s record will be done prior to making a referral.

5. If testing is required, before a program plan can be set in place, we will recommend (after obtaining written permission), that the parents review our findings with their pediatrician and/or contact outside resources for an opinion regarding the school’s concerns. Correspondence will be sent to whomever the parents request as long as written permission is given.

6. If further testing is required, we recommend that the parents contact their local school department and ask for the child to be screened by the school specialist in charge of the special needs assessment program. If a child is 2.9 years or older, the public school in the community is equipped and funded to conduct such screenings. If the child is under 2.9 years of age, the parents can contact Enable or JFCS.

The parents are asked to return to Medfield Children’s Center with the name of the contact person from the local school so the assessment may be discussed and a program plan may take place for the child’s education. Before anyone at MCC can discuss a child, written permission must be obtained from the parents and recorded in the child’s file.

7. If the parents request a second opinion, the Director has at her disposal other private agencies that test development levels and will refer the parents to one in their area.

8. A follow up phone call or a personal conference between the parents and the teacher and/or Director will take place after the referral agency has concluded their findings. Documentation of such shall be placed in the child’s file.

9. MCC will give written notice to the appropriate administrator of the DPH Early Intervention Program that we are serving a child with a disability who is younger than 2 years, 9 months.

10. MCC will give written notice to the administrator of special education that we are serving a child with a disability who is 2 years, 9 months or older.