Welcome!

Virginia Beach Christian Academy Preschool is a state licensed facility and abides by the rules and regulations administered through the Department of Social Services. We do not discriminate against race, color, gender, or creed.

Philosophy and Objectives

Opportunity

A Christian preschool is an extension of the Christian home in training little ones and preparing them for future endeavors. The staff works closely with the parents to teach and train their child in a safe, healthy, Christian environment.

A child’s early years provide a foundation for growth and development for the rest of his life. It has often been said that a child’s personality and character have already been formed by the time he begins Kindergarten.

Our children progress through developmental stages that are basically the same for all children. Yet, the rate at which children progress through these stages can vary dramatically from one child to another. The program at VBCA preschool is based on the philosophy that each child is an individual who develops at his/her own rate. This philosophy begins in our preschool and continues all the way through the academic years culminating with our graduating high school seniors.

In order to help our children develop to their fullest potential, we provide a Christian environment that lays the foundation for each child to enter into an early relationship with Jesus. They experience His love and compassion through the love and respect the teachers show each of them.

Our children are taught that there are consequences for their actions. Right choices earn rewards. Inappropriate choices bear the negative consequences. We have no “bad kids” at VBCA preschool. Every child is “good”. We simply make poor choices on occasion and it becomes an opportunity to learn.

Goals

The goals established at VBCA preschool are to inspire spiritual, cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in our children. This is accomplished through the daily interaction of the students and staff.

Our goals in caring for children are:

            To provide the children with a clean and healthy environment

            To provide a safe, yet fun environment

            To provide developmentally appropriate learning activities

            To teach the children to respect themselves and others

To be sensitive to each child’s needs and rate of development

            To offer opportunities of choice, experimentation, creativity, and problem solving

            Teaching the children to basic skills that they will use in everyday life

            To promote child individuality will encourage children to fulfill their potential

Curriculum

VBCA preschool uses A Beka curriculum, which is a well-rounded, phonics based curriculum that gives ample opportunity for social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. An evaluation will be completed twice each year. The assessments help evaluate skills, ability level, and needs of each child. The director or teacher will be happy to discuss the assessments with any parent. The toddler/preschool classrooms have daily schedules posted and are available upon request.

VBCA is more than likely the first opportunity that your child will have had to experience “school”. Our staff’s interaction with them today will affect them for the rest of their educational experience. We strive to make this a positive, enjoyable and exciting experience for them.

Hours of Operation

VBCA preschool classes are held Monday through Friday from 8am – noon. Students may be registered for three or five mornings per week. Classes will be held Monday through Friday beginning the Tuesday after Labor and continue through the second Friday in June. Summer session preschool is available and recommended in order to keep your little one on a good schedule and moving on the forward track in preparation for school.

The following schedule indicates the days that the preschool will be closed and those days that we are open for “child care only”. The “child care only” days are those that normally have several students out of class because the parents are not working. For working parents, we use these days for activities and review, but do not present any new material due to the low attendance rate.

            Thanksgiving and the following Friday              Closed

            Christmas break                                                 Child care only

            Christmas Eve and Christmas Day                    Closed

            New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day             Closed

            Martin Luther King Day                                       Closed

            President’s Day                                                   Closed

            Seminar for Staff (Thurs & Fri early in March)   Child care only

            Good Friday                                                         Closed

            Memorial Day                                                       Closed

            Independence Day                                               Closed

            Labor Day                                                             Closed

Before and after preschool care is available to a limited number of students who have been registered for the same. The Day Care hours of operation are from 6:30 am  - 7:45am and from 2:30pm - 5:30 pm.

Daily Activity Schedule

The daily activity schedule for children ages two and up consists of an opening session where the children open with prayer, recite the pledges to the American and Christian flags and the Bible. They enjoy their “circle time” for singing, sharing, etc. The schedule also includes letter stories and projects, number time, Bible stories, center playtime and outdoor playtime. They have snack in the morning. Students who are registered for before and after care will have lunch at noon and afternoon snack. The afternoon includes a two hour rest/quiet time.

A specific schedule noting times, etc. is posted in the children’s classroom.

Daily activity for Infants/Toddlers

The infant schedule is, by necessity, more flexible than that of the older children. Diapers are checked hourly and changed as needed. The meal and snack schedule is determined by the parents and adhered to as closely as possible.

Indoor Playtime Defined as:

Activities that encourage large and small motor skill development and development of eye-hand coordination such as crawling, rolling, toddling, walking, rolling the ball, shape sorting, etc. As part of their playtime, the staff uses every opportunity to teach colors, numbers, amounts, shapes, etc. At least one playtime each day will include music and movement.

It is also important for infants to experience “tummy time” on a regular basis in order to develop strong muscles, balance, and hand/eye coordination. Each infant will experience thirty minutes of tummy time each day. Tummy time will be recorded on each child’s daily take home sheet.

Before and After School Child Care for School-aged Children

School aged children who are registered in the before school program may participate in quiet games, such as checkers, chess, scrabble, etc. prior to heading for class at 7:45am.                                                                                  

After school students arrive at approximately 2:45pm. Students who are simply “late pick ups” will sign in on the late pick up roster and will sign out when the parent or ride arrives. Times for check in and check out must be listed and a bill will be forwarded to parents for the child care provided. After school students who have brought a snack from home will be given the opportunity to eat their snacks prior to homework or play. Students with homework will be assigned to study tables to complete the same. Those with upcoming projects and reports will be offered the opportunity to receive guidance and assistance.

Others will be participating in their chess and checker tournaments, playing with board games, building blocks, legos etc.

Thirty minutes every afternoon will be set aside each day for outdoor play at the park.

Policy for arrival and dismissal of children

All students will be escorted into the building by way of the middle door in the breezeway. Children should be “clocked in and out” using the time clock near the door.

At the end of the child’s day, he will be released to his parent or other authorized person. Identification checks will be made in the event that the staff member on duty does not recognize the parent. ID checks and verification of parental permission for pick up will be completed if the person coming for the child is someone other than the parent.

In the event that a non-custodial parent arrives to pick up the child and the name is not on the “pick up list”, it is important to remember that without proper court ordered documents on file, we simply have no choice and must release the child to the non-custodial parent. We will, however, make every effort to contact the custodial parent and give them the opportunity to arrive onsite prior to releasing the child in question. If, however, the non-custodial parent leaves before the parent arrives, there is nothing we can do. Additionally, if the custodial parent arrives prior to the departure of the non-custodial parent, we will do our best to ensure that all conversation between parents occurs outside of our building, as children should not be present while parents work out their custodial issues.

Parents must come into the building to pick up their children and clock them out.

Policy for late arrivals and absent children

Should a child arrive “late”, he will be assisted with his belongings and assimilated into the classroom activities as soon as possible. In the event that the child’s class is not in the building due to a field trip, he will be assigned to another classroom until his class arrives back in the building. Should his classmates be at the park for outdoor play when he arrives, he will be escorted to the park to join them by one of our staff members.

If the child is absent, we ask that our parents contact us to let us know that he will not be attending class that day. Since all of our students are transported to and from the center by their parents and not coming in from other schools, etc, we do not contact the parent if the child is absent unless he has missed the second consecutive day. Parents of students who have not arrived by noon on the second consecutive day will be contacted by the secretary to be sure that all is well and to determine if there is any way that we may be of service to the family.

Policy for late pick ups

Preschool children who are picked up later than 5:30 will be charged a fee of $1 per minute per child. School aged children who are not picked up at their scheduled pick up time will be charged $1 per minute per child. In the event that a child has not been picked up, parents and emergency contacts have not been able to be reached, the child will go home with either the director, assistant director, or lead teacher. Staff will leave a note on the door and will continue to attempt to reach the parents. Enrollment in this preschool grants permission for the director or representative of the academy to take a child to her residence in the event that a parent or emergency contact is not reached within an hour. Additional information regarding our attempts to reach the parents and emergency contacts will be addressed later in this document.

Children’s Admission Requirements

Current shot records must be presented upon the first day of admission for all children. Shots must be kept regularly updated in compliance with state regulations. A registration form must be completed for each child and a sign-in card for each family. By law, a physical must be completed for each child within thirty days from their first attendance date or the child will not be allowed to stay. Proof of birth for every child must be verified within seven business days of each child’s initial attendance. This can be a birth certificate, passport, proof of birth letter from the hospital, or if the child transferred from a public school, we could see their report card or a letter from the principal stating the child’s attendance. All these attendance requirements apply to employees’ children, as well. All personal information about children in our care and their families is treated confidentially.

Daycare Programs Offered:

The following programs are available:

          Full time day program (arriving 6:30 am or later, and leaving 5:30 pm or earlier)

          Preschool only (8am – noon, three and five days per week)

Food Services

Due to the fact that we do not have a commercial kitchen, it is necessary for our children to bring lunch and snacks from home.

If your child is enrolled in preschool only, he will need a morning snack. Those children who leave at 3pm will need their morning snack and a lunch. Children leaving after 3pm will also need and afternoon snack.

All lunchboxes must be labeled with your child’s name and a date tab will be placed on it each morning upon arrival. If your child is carrying a sippy cup, water bottle, etc with him when he comes through the door, it will also need to be labeled with name and date.

There is no refrigeration available to store your child’s lunch or drinks. Please be sure to send items that will not need refrigeration. The ice packs that can be purchased for your child’s insulated lunch box are perfect for keeping things cold until it is time for him to eat. Additionally, many parents have found that freezing their child’s juice boxes the night before will serve as a cold pack for the lunch and also provide for a nice cold drink with his meal.

When packing your child’s lunch and snacks, please use juice boxes, refillable water bottles, etc for drinks. Send enough of these for snacks and lunch. Please do not use sippy cups or send containers that we need to refill. Minimum standards require that items such as these be labeled with name and date – each item, each day. It is so much more convenient to send in three pre-filled water bottles, or juice boxes.

There is a microwave available to heat your child’s lunch. However, we are not authorized to “prepare” meals. Consequently, we can open your Tupperware container and heat your child’s spaghettios but we cannot open the can and dump them into a bowl to heat them. So please think about what preparation may be required before selecting something for your child’s lunch or snack.

We also ask that parents bear in mind the nutritional needs of their child. Remember the food pyramid. Crackers, cheese, pieces of lunchmeat, etc. serve much better than 3 sweets or chips or a combination thereof for snack, lunch, and snack (all sweets/fats).

Additionally, there is a real concern regarding children and obesity. Check the fat and calorie content on some of the “convenience” foods that you are sending for lunches. You may be surprised to find that the little lunchable you send in every day has more calories in one meal that a normal child should be eating in an entire day! Also, please pay attention to the high sugar and red or yellow dye content of some foods. In some of our kids, this combination is like a shot of adrenalin.

Another important thing to remember is to choose things your child likes to eat. If your child loves peanut butter sandwiches and wants them seven days a week, it’s ok with us! We are not the “gourmet lunch police”! Peanut butter is very nutritious and sending a lunch that you know he will eat makes more sense than sending an expensive “convenience food” that he really doesn’t care for. Also, sending salad for breakfast is also, ok. His tummy can’t tell time. J It is healthier than most cereals and as long as we know that it is for breakfast rather than lunch, everyone is happy.

The children must be seated at the tables to eat snacks and meals. They must wash their hands before and after eating meals and snacks.

All snacks are to be served on a paper towel, in a cup, or on a paper plate. Food cannot be placed directly on the table’s surface. Water is always offered between meals and snacks – at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon after coming in from outside.

Children arriving prior to 7:30 may eat breakfast here if you desire. They must be finished by 7:45 in order to give us time to set up for the beginning of class at 8 am. All full day children will be served lunch at noon. Snacks are served in the morning and afternoon.

In the event that a child forgets his snacks or meal, he will be served a snack or meal provided by the center and the parent will be charged accordingly. One of our admin staff members will make the purchase at Food Lion and a copy of the receipt will be provided.

Infant bottles should be handled in the following manner: The parent prepares the number of bottles the child needs with water to the number of ounces desired. Parents will use the water they prefer, whether it be bottled water, sterilized or tap water. The bottles are sent in with the child’s name and date on the bottle. Parents will premeasure the amount of powdered formula into an individual container. Our staff will combine the powdered formula with the premeasured water to prepare your child’s bottle. This system seems to work best for all and meets the requirements and restrictions placed on the center by the Department of Social Services, Child Care Center Licensing Division.

Children with food or milk allergies

A notice will be posted in every classroom to remind the staff of what not to feed certain children. Always communicate with our staff about all of the children’s food allergies in order to be safe.

The Organizational Structure

Pastor                                     Rev. Robert Thorp is the Pastor and is ultimately

responsible for the church and all of its ministries.

Sr Administrator                    Kimberly Thorp is the senior administrator and the official Program Director and as such is responsible for establishing policy and providing the support and assistance the staff may need in implementing those policies. Sis Thorp has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s in education and is currently a doctoral fellow at Regent University.

Asst. Program Director         Katie Francis is the assistant program director for the preschool at VBCA. She is responsible for the actual day to day operation of this center. She will supervise all preschool staff, establish and implement staff training, and ascertain that this center remains in compliance with the minimum standards for licensed child day centers, as well as within the standards set by this autonomous preschool. It is also her responsibility to handle the financial matters that arise.

Lead Teachers                       The lead teacher is tasked with the ultimate responsibility for her assigned students.  It is the responsibility of the lead teacher to read and understand the policies and procedures established by this academy regarding all facets of operation as explained in the handbook,. Teachers are to prepare their lesson plans in advance and have them approved at least two weeks in advance of the planned activities. All classroom décor , parent newsletter, preparation for activities are to be completed in advance. Please note the training modules.

Teacher’s Aides                     To assist the lead teacher in providing instruction and care for the children in the class.  To assist with cleaning, classroom prep or any other delegated responsibility

Our staff members are dedicated men and women of God who have been called to this ministry. They love God and the children they serve. All have been trained extensively for their positions and meet the criteria established by the Commonwealth of Virginia for the positions they hold.

Admission policies and procedures

1.                  Request a “prospective student packet” which contains enrollment information

2.                  Read the handbook thoroughly

3.                  Return the completed application for enrollment to the VBCA office with the $25 enrollment fee

4.                  Schedule an interview

5.                  Parents will be notified of acceptance.

Eligibility

Preschool students enrolled in the infant room must be at least six weeks of age Children who are two years old and up will be enrolled in the class that is appropriate for age and development.

Withdrawal/Termination Policy

All students are enrolled on a six-week probationary period. If at any time during the first six weeks, whether the parents or the preschool feel that it is in the best interest of the child or the center, withdrawal or termination may occur without notice. After the six week probationary period has been completed, a paid two-week notice is required for withdrawal from this preschool. Conversely, the academy will give a two-week notice for any child who is not on disciplinary probation. If termination is necessary, the parents will receive a written statement explaining the cause for termination of services.

Disciplinary probation

Students who have difficulty with inappropriate physical contact such as hitting, kicking, pinching, biting, etc. will be issued a warning and placed on disciplinary probation. Parents will be notified of the problem and the child will earn a “strike”. Should the child continue to have the above problems, it will be necessary to terminate his attendance at this academy – generally following his third strike. If termination is deemed necessary, the child may or may not be issued the traditional two-week notice. The safety of the children is paramount in this instance and may not allow the opportunity for “notice”.

Financial Policies

This preschool is dependent upon the tuition of the students and gifts of friends for operating expenses. All contributions are tax deductible, as are your child care tuition payments. We offer a 10% sibling discount.

Tuition is listed on the attached tuition worksheet form and is on a per week basis. It is due on Monday morning, in advance. There is a drop box mounted just inside the door of the preschool classroom where payments may be made. Payments may be made by cash or check. If you are paying in cash, please note on the envelope your last name so that the payment is credited to the proper account.

There is a $30 fee for all returned checks. In the event that you have a check returned, no matter what the reason may be, you will be required to make all additional payments by cash or money order. Please understand that this is not meant to be an inconvenience to you. We understand mistakes. Unfortunately, in an attempt to keep our fees down, our cash flow is tight. If someone bounces a check to us, we end up bouncing checks to others and the check charges alone take a quite a large chunk from our available funds.

Your child care tuition is a weekly fee and is due in full whether your child is in attendance or not. Families wishing to take vacation will be allowed up to four weeks per year at a rate of 50% of your tuition provided we are notified two weeks in advance (in writing please).

Tuition payments not received on time will be subject to a $5 per day late fee. In the event that a child’s tuition payment is not received by Wednesday, the child will not be eligible for classes until the account is current. The first two times are “graced”. However, any family entering financial probation a third time will be asked to withdraw from this academy.

Student Dress Code

All students must wear shoes and socks. Due to safety issues, we prefer tennis shoes – or something similar with a rubber sole. We know that although sandals or “flip flops” are cute, they can be dangerous when running in the park. Please remember that the easier it is for your child to put the shoes on, the easier it is for them to come off – thus, there are owies at the park as a direct result of sandals that have zigged when your child zagged, or the Velcro strap has come loose.

Jackets or sweaters should be worn whenever the weather requires them. When determining the need for the same, please think about the periods of outdoor play that the kids have each day, as well as those monthly fire drills that require being outside for lengthy periods of time. It is better to send a jacket that is not needed than to have your child spend his “outdoor time” in another classroom because it is too cold to be outside without one.

Although it is not a requirement, little girls who come to preschool in dresses or skirts wear a pair of shorts underneath them – at least until they are old enough to remember that feet belong on the floor and not behind their ears.

Basically, our dress code is simply “a common sense approach”. Comfortable play clothes with shoes and socks - jackets when needed.

Name, address, and phone changes

Always let the staff know when you move, change your name, switch jobs, or get a new phone number. We need correct information on all children and their parents at all times. Give the new information to the Director to update your file.

Child guidance policies

Virginia Beach Christian Academy Preschool will enforce the following guidelines as set forth in the minimum standards:

1. The staff will use limits that are clear, fair, consistently applied, and appropriate, as well as understandable to the children.
2. The staff will provide children with reasons for limits and patiently enforce them
3. The staff will accept age appropriate behavior and expect behavior that is on the

child’s development level.

4. The staff will redirect children to acceptable and appropriate activities.
5. The staff will help children to use words to express their feelings, frustrations

and to resolve conflicts.

6. The staff will arrange equipment in a way that promotes desirable behavior.

Motivation and discipline policy

Our children are continually encouraged and praised for positive behaviors.  It is important for them to realize that good behaviors receive positive recognition.

Conversely, when children demonstrate negative behaviors, we respond with calm, clear, and concise correction.  The child’s attention is focused on the fact that the negative behavior has occurred.  Then, he is redirected and counseled as to why the action was inappropriate.

We do not use physical punishment at VBCA preschool.  When redirection and talking to the child has not achieved acceptable behavior, it is our policy to place the child in time out.  Time out is done by removing the child from the activity for an age appropriate time (one minute per year of the child’s age).  The child is then redirected to a more appropriate activity.  If the child cannot sit in time-out or settle down, he is escorted to the office where the director or sr. administrator will attempt to handle the situation by talking to the child.  If all fails, we will call the parent and have the child talk to their parent or get picked up from the center.  If the problem is resolved, the child may return the next day.  If we continue a second time to have behavior problems, the child will be suspended for one week.  The third time, the child will not be allowed to come back to the center and termination will result.  If, in the event that a child displays unacceptable behavior which may result in physical harm to his/her self, other children, staff, or church property, the parent will be notified and the child must be picked up within one (1) hour of the phone call.  A child may be suspended or terminated at any time if it is deemed necessary for safety reasons to all persons involved.  There is no reimbursement when a child is picked up due to behavioral problems, suspension or termination.

Discharge policy

A child may not be authorized to attend if an outstanding payment is due, we have an unpaid returned check, or daycare tuition is not paid, as explained in the financial section of this handbook.  Once all outstanding balances are paid in full, normal daycare attendance may resume.  A child may be terminated for care due to behavioral problems and/or problems with the parents.  In this case, the parent will be notified of either immediate dismissal or a one-week termination notice depending on the situation.  There is no reimbursement when a child is discharged due to suspension or termination.

Health and Safety Issuers

Hurricane and snow days.

VBCA closes when faced with weather conditions that warrant the same as a safety precaution for students and staff.  A closing announcement will be run on WNIS (AM790) and on the local television stations.  Additionally, we will keep our voice mail line updated for your information.  Another source of information is the school web site: plevbca.org.  We will make every effort to get this information disseminated by 6:30am.

Illness

In the event of an illness while a child is in attendance, we require that the child be picked up within one hour from the phone call.  This includes fevers of 100 degrees or more, diarrhea, vomiting, or anything else that may be contagious.  All medical expenses are the parent’s responsibility.  We want to keep our center as healthy and safe for our children as possible.  Additionally, when a child is ill, he wants to be at home with parent.  There is no reimbursement when a child leaves the center due to illness.

All children’s temperatures are taken under the arm only.  The thermometers and protective covers are kept in the first aid kit.

Parents must provide a written action plan to take in an emergency situation if their child has asthma, bronchitis, allergies, intolerance to food, medication, or other substances.

If children at the center have been exposed to a communicable disease listed in the Department of Health’s current communicable disease chart, we will notify you within 24 hours, or the next business day.  Life threatening diseases will be reported immediately.

If there is a question about the communicability of a disease, we will contact the health department for clarification.

When any surface has been contaminated with body fluids, it shall be cleaned and sanitized.

Injuries/Incidents

All staff is required to report all injuries/incidents to the director immediately after they occur or the staff becomes aware of them.

An injury/incident report will be completed and given to the Director for a signature.  The parent is given a copy of the report and asked to sign the document.

First aid kits are taken outside whenever the children are taken out to play.  Staff will administer appropriate first aid to all injuries and document the first aid procedures on the injury report. The Admin office must be notified whenever there are items in the first aid kits that will need to be replenished soon.

If a child has a minor injury, the parent will be notified at pick-up time and sign the injury report.  Parents will be called immediately if a serious injury occurs or if the director deems it necessary to notify the parents.

In the event of a physical accident or emergency illness, VBCA preschool has permission to seek outside medical attention as we see fit for the child’s best interest.

Medication

VBCA will administer only dated, labeled, prescribed antibiotics and long term medications with the child’s name and in its original container.  A completed medication form must be kept at the center to enable us to administer medication.

No medication will be given for more than ten days unless authorized by a physician in writing.  Long term prescription drug use is allowed with written authorization from the child’s physician and parent.  Medication must be left with the director to verify that we will be able to administer it and approve the medication form. Diaper cream is considered a medication and will be treated as the same. All medication is stored in locked boxes.  The director, sr. administrator, and the admin assistant will have key to open them.  Medication must be brought in a zip-lock bag with a measuring device.  We will not administer suppositories.  Staff members who have completed training on administering medication will be responsible for the same.

Seriously injured child or emergency action plan

1. The injury is immediately reported to the director or manager in charge.
2. Assessment and the severity of the injury is completed.
3. 911 will be called if needed
4. The parents will be contacted.
5. Medical consent forms and the child’s information is ready for the paramedics.
6. The name of the hospital to which the child is taken is determined.
7. A staff member will go to the hospital if the parent is not at the center when the child is ready to be transported.
8. the staff who witnessed the injury will complete an injury report and turn it into the director or manager in charge as soon as possible after the injury.

Procedures for identifying where children are at all times

1. Director/manager will maintain hourly ratio checks.
2. Children are signed in and out as they arrive and leave on the ratio sheet in the open classroom by a staff member.
3. Bathroom checks are conducted.
4. All teachers keep an accurate list of the children on the attendance sheets by highlighting the children’s names as they come and highlighting their names when they go home.

Policy for lost or missing children

1. Staff reports missing child to the Director/manager in charge.
2. Manager checks the building and area around the center quickly.
3. Manager calls the police immediately and gives them a copy of parent information and medical release forms.
4. Manager calls the parents.
5. Staff involved documents the incident (when and where the child was last seen).

Procedures for identifying where children are on field trips

1. Doing a head count before leaving the center.
2. Making a list of all children going on the field trip.
3. Giving the manager that is staying at the center a copy of the list of children that are on the field trip.
4. Use the buddy system (two children holding hands).
5. Children will wear identi-tags with their name, center’s name, phone number, etc.
6. Doing periodic head counts during the field trip.
7. Set a designated meeting place.

Policy for lost of missing children on field trips

1.      Staff designates a safe place to stay if a child becomes lost.

2.      Staff reports missing child to the person in charge of the field trip.

3.      Immediately notify the field trip site security.

4.      Call police and the center.

5.      Staff member will look for missing child while other staff watch over the

      children.

6.      The center will notify the parents.

7.      Staff involved document the incident, when and where the child was last seen.

Policy for natural disasters or emergencies requiring closure

The center will contact the parents by phone for emergency situations such as closing the center early due to no electricity, inclement weather, or any other natural disaster.  We will follow the emergency broadcast information and instructions for safety.  All parents must pick up their children when notified of such an emergency.  Parents area given at least one hour notice of the center closing.  We will also record a message on our voice mail to inform the parents and staff of the situation and the particulars for when the center is closed or will re-open.  There is no daycare reimbursement as a result of the center closing due to reasons out of our control.

Evacuation plan for fire drills and emergencies

Upon hearing the fire alarm or having to evacuate the center, teachers must get their attendance sheets and assemble the children together to exit.  Teachers will lead children through their primary exits unless it is unsafe to do so.  In this case, secondary exits will be used.  Each classroom has a diagram of primary and secondary exits to be used in emergency situations posted next to the exit doors.

Teachers will lead children to the designated safe place outside the building either in the back parking lot or on the side of the building.  Once the children are at a safe place, teachers will take roll and verify that everyone is there.

The director or manager in charge will do a thorough check inside of the building to make sure everyone has gotten out safely, checking all classrooms and bathrooms.  The director or manager will then exit the building with the emergency contact files for all children in attendance and the sign in sheets.  Once the building has been declared safe again, the director will inform the teachers to return to class.

The Admin assistant will assist the infant evacuation.

VBCA preschool has two fire extinguishers in the building.  One is at the front door and the other is near the kitchen.

The center practices monthly fire drills with all children and staff for their protection and to prepare for an emergency situation. 

Shelter in Place

In the event of an emergency situation where it is necessary to protect the students and staff inside the building, three “shelters in place” have been designated.  These shelters in place are windowless areas that may be locked from the inside, providing a secure site for students and staff until an all clear has been given by those in authority.

Staff members will enter shelters in place with rosters, emergency contact numbers, a radio, and working cell phones.  Proper authorities will be contacted and parents will be notified. Teachers will lead children to the shelter in place assigned to their group. Once the children are at a safe place, teachers will take roll and verify that everyone is there.

The director or manager in charge will do a thorough check inside of the building to make sure everyone has into their shelter in place, checking all classrooms.  The director or manager will then enter her assigned shelter with the emergency contact files for all children in attendance and the sign in sheets.  Once the building has been declared safe again, the director will inform the teachers to return to class.

The Admin assistant will assist the infant evacuation.

The center practices monthly shelter in place drills with all children and staff for their protection and to prepare for an emergency situation. 

Communication with parents in the event of an emergency

In the event of an emergency or necessary evacuation, the emergency contact files and attendance sheets will be used to contact each parent, informing them of the situation and the procedures for picking up their child.  A message will be left on the voice mail informing parents of the circumstances and procedure.

Reporting of child abuse and neglect

Staff suspecting any form of child abuse or neglect must bring it to the attention of the director or the manager on duty immediately.  As childcare providers, your are legally responsible to do so.  All staff must document any suspected forms of abuse or neglect.  The director will determine whether or not CPS is to be notified.  A written record of the incident must be kept explaining what the child said about the incident and a description of the injury or neglect.  This documentation will be kept in the child’s file.

Resting and Sleeping

1. All preschool students will bring a resting mat to be kept at school
2. It is to be labeled with the child’s first and last names
3. A vinyl mat will be placed under the child’s resting mat so sanitization can occur
4. If a child brings a pillow, it is required to have removable a pillow case
5. Your child’s linens will go home each Friday to be laundered and returned on Monday

General policies

The director or managers on duty are responsible for getting proper identification from all persons picking up children.

The center will take field trips for children four years old and older.  There will be at least two staff members present.  Parents will be informed in advance to fill out permission slips.

Parents are required to cooperate with the center in carrying out all governmental laws, rules, and regulations affecting the operation of the center.

Parents are expected to escort their child in and out of the center and see that the child is under supervision before leaving the premises.

We ask that the children do not bring toys, books, or videos to the center.  They learn to share our toys well, but have a very difficult time with their own property in this type of environment.  Additionally, we cannot be responsible for lost or broken property.  The exception to the rule will be those items brought to preschool for the purpose of “show and tell” on designated days.

Property of the center that is misused, resulting in damages will be charged to the parent of the staff member responsible for the damage.  The cost will be determined by the pastor.

Children must come bathed and well groomed each day.  We do not have a bathtub.

Children will never be left unattended.

Staff shall be able to hear a child in the bathroom and will check on a child who has not returned from the bathroom after five minutes.

The center practices fire drills on a monthly basis with all the children in our center for the protection of our children and staff in an emergency situation.

All children coming into the center late will go to their regular classroom unless their class is not there (example:  field trip).  In those instances, the child will be placed in the other classroom until his own class returns.

Parents are to sign their children in and out indicating the date, a signature and the time of arrival and departure.

Students who arrive after the beginning of the preschool session (8am) will be greeted and assisted with their belongings, then included in the current activity.

The academy preschool closes at 5:30pm.  Any child still in attendance at that time will be charged $1 per minute per child late fee.  This fee is due on Monday morning following the late pick up.

If the child has still not been picked up by 5:45pm, we will begin to contact all emergency contacts. In the event that no parent or emergency contact has been reached and your child is still at the center by 6:30pm, he will be taken home by the director, assistant director, or lead teacher. Enrollment in this academy automatically grants permission for your child to go home with the director, assistant director, or lead teacher in the even of a situation where no one has arrived for pick up by 6:30pm.

Parents are asked not to send their children in with new expensive clothing.  Play clothes are best.  The children are here to experiment, play, create, and learn with various different art supplies.  We do not want their clothes ruined.

Transportation policy

Parents are responsible for making transportation arrangements to and from the center for their own children.  We do not provide transportation.

When students are going on a field trip, transportation will be provided by center staff in their privately owned vehicles.  If additional vehicles are needed, parent volunteers will provide this transportation. Proof of insurance and a copy of the driver’s license is on file in the center office.

Children and drivers must wear seat belts at all times when the vehicles are in motion and all children ages six and under must be in approved car seats.

Children must abide by the rules while riding in vehicles and on a field trip.  Students who do not do so will be suspended and or terminated from transporting.

VBCA Preschool injury prevention plan

The director reviews injury reports annually or sooner if needed, to make sure supervision of children is adequate and play materials/equipment are safe.

All unsafe situations discovered in the building and/or on the playground are reported to the manager on duty immediately.

Classrooms do a toy safety check daily as well as a classroom equipment check to ensure safe conditions in the classroom.

All electrical outlets are inspected daily to ensure protective caps are in all of them.

Any broken toys or equipment are removed from the classroom and discarded or repaired immediately.

All medications are locked in proper storage containers either in the office of the refrigerator in the infant/toddler room.

We have a monthly contract with a pest control company to control bugs and rodents to ensure a safe and clean environment.

All toys are used in an appropriate manner and not too many area scattered on the floor at any one time to prevent accidents.

All toys in each classroom are age appropriate for the children served there.

All wet spots or spills on floor surfaces are cleaned up immediately to prevent injury.

State ratios of staff to children are always maintained.

No children are allowed in the diaper changing area unless accompanied by a staff member.

No running is permitted in the center, except for outside.

Playground safety plan

Children will have the opportunity for outside play time based on the playground schedule attached, which allows all classes specific times for outside play.

Parents may apply their own sunscreen or insect repellant on their own child prior to morning drop off. 

The playground is checked for broken glass, debris, or broken equipment so the children are in a safe environment.

Children are to be escorted to the park in the following manner.  Two ropes with hand loops at specific intervals run along either side of the line.  Students hold the handle on either side of them.  Three teachers and three aids will accompany no more than 21 students to the park.

Toddlers will be transported to the park no more than four at a  time.  They will be transported in twin strollers and two staff members will accompany four toddlers.

Staff members always have latex gloves, disposable gloves, and Kleenex tissues in their pockets before taking the children to the park.  The first aid kit also goes to the park with them, as well as an operational cell phone in the event of an emergency.

If you arrive to pick up your child while they are at the park, we require all parents to check in at the front desk prior to getting the children from the park.  Parents will gather the child’s belongings from his cubby and pick him up from the park.

All park equipment is off limits to the children due to the manufacturer’s age restrictions.  Children will participate in organized and free play using balls and outside toys.  Our outside playtime will be dedicated to gross motor skill development using directed and organized play.

Outside play schedule

The play schedule is posted in each classroom.

“Situations”

It will be impossible for the staff and the parents and child to go from infancy through twelfth grade – or K4 without some sort of situation arising that needs to be addressed. The classroom teacher is usually the first stop in dealing with issues that may arise. However, as the day comes to a close an ratio dwindles down, it is possible that something arises that your child’s teacher is absolutely unaware of. In this case, Sis Katie, as the assistant director is generally the next contact, She will know where to go for answers. If you feel that the situation warrants it a “complaint form” is available from her. Please fill it out and turn it in the next day. Do not be uncomfortable about using this method for resolving situations. Frequently, it can be used as a teaching tool.

Conflict

It is very rare for a Christian preschool and one of their families to have a conflict that cannot be resolved between the two parties involved.  Should the situation arise, however, that a parent or the school believes that we are at an impasse and unable to resolve a conflict, it is understood that neither party will bring lawsuit against the other party to be addressed in courts.  The policy at this academy is to enter into binding arbitration rather than a court of law.  Registration in this academy requires that you agree to enter into binding arbitration in the event of an unresolved conflict.  This is consistent with the scriptures (I Cor 6:1-7 ).

Christmas program

The first Saturday in December is set aside for the preschool Christmas program.  They get a little help from their instructors, but manage to put together a wonderful opportunity to “strut their stuff” in front of those they love.

Graduation

Preschool graduation takes place on the first Saturday morning in June.  The kids all dress in their “mortarboards”, march in to Pomp and Circumstance, show off a bit for their parents, grandparents, and friends, receive their “diplomas”, then enjoy cookies and punch at their reception.  Most of them are back on Monday morning and don’t even realize that those high school seniors who have just graduated aren’t heading back to class quite so soon.