PARENT HANDBOOK

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Santa Clarita Little People Day Care and Pre-School is a non-profit, faith-based corporation established to serve families in our community. We realize that all children are God’s Special Blessings. Therefore, we are committed to offering a loving, safe and nurturing learning environment for children and families. As we journey through this special time in our lives we will share our knowledge, understanding, respect and love for one another in hopes that you, your child and your family grow in faith with all of us at Little People.

        

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

We are forever grateful to our Little People Parents. Thank you for choosing Little People as your Day Care and Pre-School. Let us always keep the lines of communication open and respect one another. We appreciate your trust and support. You and your families are forever in our prayers.

Love, Peace, and God’s Blessings.

INTRODUCTION

 to Santa Clarita Little People Daycare and Preschool

Santa Clarita Little People Day Care and Pre-School is a faith based, non-profit corporation.  A Board of Directors who meets quarterly governs the school.

This book has been compiled to ensure that all parents* are aware of our School’s philosophy, programs and policies. Your signature on the “Admissions Agreement” form confirms that you have read and understand all information herein. Please keep this handbook for future reference.

The School (Little People) reserves the right to document information regarding all events. The school reserves the right to revise any fees and/or policies upon written notification to the parents.

*For the purpose of this handbook, “parent” is defined as any person living with a child who has responsibility for the care and welfare of the child.

LITTLE PEOPLE PHILOSOPHY

Santa Clarita Little People Daycare and Preschool provides faith based childcare and an educational program which assists the children in developing appropriate faith values and traditions. The school does not instruct the children in particular religious doctrine, but rather guides them to experience what it means to be a Child of God.

We believe that every person is a unique creation and beloved by God, their Creator. Each person has worth beyond measure and has a valuable contribution to make in our life together. Therefore, we strive to treat every member of every family with love and respect.

We model for the children entrusted to us loving, caring ways to relate to each other. We strive to aid in the social, educational, physical and faith development of each child.

We believe that God is just. Therefore, we strive to be fair ourselves and to guide for the children in fair acceptable relationships with others.

We believe that God allows us to freely choose how we live. Therefore, we give the children safe choices and allow them, insofar as it is possible, to experience the natural consequences of their decisions.

We believe that God endows every person with creative potential and intends for people to be responsible members of His Creation. Therefore, we seek to provide every child with the opportunities to explore his/her own creativity, to learn for the purpose of understanding, organize coherently, plan constructively, and evaluate life’s lessons with humility, humor and hope.

We believe that God forgives us. Therefore, we strive to model forgiveness by both precept and example to the end that teachers, students and parents learn to forgive themselves and each other and love more fully with confidence and courage, not hampered by the fear of failure. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Little People strives to meet a variety of criteria related to providing a developmentally appropriate program for toddlers through pre-kindergarten. These criteria include, but are not limited to, having well-qualified and trained staff, meeting stringent health and safety standards and providing opportunities for parental involvement.

Little People has an open door policy.  We encourage parents to stop by to visit and even take their child (ren) to lunch.  Parents are invited to be members of the Parent Assistance Committee. This committee meets throughout the year to assist Little People with special events.

Prayer is a part of our daily routine. The children recite basic prayers throughout the day. Our staff introduces them to the most basic of beliefs through songs, religious books, art and other activities.

CARE

Little People provides developmentally appropriate day care and pre-school for the following age groups:
TODDLERS – 24 to 44 months
PRESCHOOLERS – 36 to 56 months
PREKINDERGARTENERS – 48 to 68 months
Our individual age groups are assigned according to the current kindergarten entrance cut off date of December 2.
Daycare Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Preschool Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Daycare tuition includes breakfast, (served between 7:00-7:20 a.m.) morning snack, hot lunch and afternoon snack.
Preschool tuition includes morning snack and hot lunch.
Toddler and Preschool programs available are: 5 full or half days, 3 (M-W-F) full or half days and 2 (T-TH) full or half days.

Individual Programs

Toddler Program

Our Toddler Program includes activities designed to stimulate each child’s growth and development. Our Toddler Staff will work with you, the parent and the child in transitioning from diapers to potty. Your child is provided with an environment of love, security and acceptance to stimulate the toddler’s natural curiosity and social development.

We provide a safe, secure learning environment for every toddler.  Prayers, songs and religious activities are a part of your toddler’s everyday life.  Building a strong self-image and positive attitude are the beginning steps to a well-rounded growth pattern.

Toddler parents are responsible for:
Diapers and wipes, if needed

• Three* complete changes of clothing in a zip lock bag with child’s name on outside of bag
• Jackets and hats as needed
• A small blanket and a warm fuzzy (full day children)
• Small tube of sunscreen (full day children)

*While potty training, please supply extra clothing including easy pull on and off pants, underwear and socks.
NO “Pull-ups”

Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten Program

The goals for our preschool and pre-kindergarten programs are:

To facilitate the development of a good self-image and attitude about themselves and others.

To provide opportunities for development through:

Firsthand experiences in social relationships

Physical development of large and small muscles

Offering acceptable emotional outlets

Stimulating experiences that encourage children to identify, analyze and resolve problems.

To provide an introduction into basic faith beliefs through music, songs, prayers and daily activities.

To encourage self-expression through materials, movement, music and language.

To stimulate language development through listening and articulation or speech.

To develop an awareness of the five senses.

To encourage independent thinking and decision-making.

To develop a positive attitude toward school and learning.

To offer experiences not normally available at home such as:

Recognition of colors, shapes, numbers and letters.

Learn body parts, classification of objects, position (up and down).

Recognize name in print.

Develop coordination skills.

Use scissors properly

Develop social skills.

Listen and follow directions.

Take turns and sit for an activity for 15-20 minutes

Be aware of the community.

To assist children in knowing there are friendly adults outside the home.

Preschool and Pre-kindergarten parents are responsible for:

• One (1) complete change of clothing in a zip lock bag with child’s name on outside of bag
• A small blanket and a warm fuzzy (for full day children)
• Jackets and hats as needed
• Small tube of sunscreen (full day children)

          

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment is open to all members of the community on a first come, first served basis.

Enrollment Process

It is the responsibility of the enrolling parent to accurately complete and sign all enrollment forms and update information as needed.  By signing the enrollment forms, the enrolling parent is also certifying that they have legal authority for the child.  It is important that the school maintain current and accurate records on each child so parents can be contacted in case of an emergency.  Your child’s current Immunization Record must be received prior to or at the time of enrollment and must be kept current at all times.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF ANY CHANGES ON THE REQUIRED ENROLLMENT FORMS, EMERGENCY CARD OR CHILD’S RECORDS.

California law is clear in that parents who have joint legal custody have equal access to all information regarding the child including enrolling the child and making changes to the enrollment information.  Court orders are required to prevent a parent or legal guardian from certain activities such as picking up the child or visiting the child at the school.  We reserve the right, however, to prohibit individuals from being at the school if the health and safety of any child is threatened or compromised. 

The school is not allowed to make copies of forms and other documents or provide testimony, verbally or in writing, about any child, unless subpoenaed by court order.  Designated administrative personnel will review subpoenas.  It is not in the best interest of any child for staff to act with partiality to one parent or the other. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information, please notify the Director. 

Registration Fee

A Registration Fee is due upon enrollment and renewable yearly. This fee is pro-rated upon enrollment before or after August.  Registration Fees cover a portion of insurance, administrative costs and emergency supplies.  Registration fees are NOT refundable.

POLICIES

Attire

Children’s clothes should allow freedom for action, be sturdy and washable, permit self-dressing, be suited to the temperature, be LABELED with the child’s name, and adhere to the School’s non-violent environment policy. Please refrain from sending children to the school in clothing with suspenders, belts, snaps/fasteners, or in onesies, and coveralls. A complete change of clothing (including underwear, pants, shirt and socks) is required for each child. Children should wear rubber or crepe-soled shoes. NO SANDALS, HIGH TOP SNEAKERS, OR BOOTS.  Soiled clothing is to be taken home daily and replaced with a fresh change the next day.

ALL PERSONAL ITEMS MUST BE LABELED WITH CHILDS’ NAME

Sign In and Sign Out

A Parent/Guardian must sign each child in every day by signing his/her first and last name and the time of arrival next to the child’s name on the sign-in sheet. PLEASE WALK YOUR CHILD TO A TEACHER/STAFF MEMBER. Sign out shall be done in the same manner, including FULL signature and the time of pick up. Only persons listed on the Emergency Card will be allowed to pick up a child from SCLP.&

California Department of Education, Child Development Division requires that a child be released only to those authorized persons (at least 18 years old) designated on the child’s release form (Enrollment Card).  It is the parent’s responsibility to notify school personnel of any changes on the emergency card.  A valid driver’s license or current picture I.D. will be requested before a child is dismissed from the school by anyone. Please inform grandparents, friends, etc. of this policy to avoid any embarrassment or confusion. A child shall be released from the playground after the Parent/Guardian has signed out.

FOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Children are to stay with their teacher until the parent or designee walks to the child and retrieves him/her. It is not safe for a child to run to or out the door to greet the person picking him/her up. In addition, at all times, take your child by the hand as you arrive or leave SCLP and walk him/her to and from your vehicle.

Assessment

Public Law 99-457 and Senate Bill AB2666 mandate services for children age’s three to five. These laws stress early intervention as the best approach for dealing with developmental delays. Little People, in association with the local school districts, provides a free assessment for any child determined to require a special need which may or may not be available through the School. Children with mild to moderate needs may require non-intensive intervention. Students and their parents meet at least once per week individually or in small groups with parents as active participants in the remedial setting.  Children with moderate to severe needs who require intensive services may meet individually or in small groups once or twice a week, or attend a special class setting. Children with more severe needs may require a more intensive program.  With the best interest of each child paramount in our program, should the School not be able to meet a child’s special need, the child will be disenrolled. The School also reserves the right to disenroll for inappropriate behavior of a child or that of a parent/guardian.

Parental Concerns

Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s transition and time at Little People. Because our teachers are always interacting with or supervising a group of children, please speak with, or leave a note with the Director regarding any questions or concerns. Our Director maintains open communication with the staff, parents and children. Your concerns are our concerns. Annual conferences are scheduled in February or March. Conferencing is available whenever necessary and can be requested by a parent or staff member.

Communication

All information pertaining to special instructions or needs, tuition, schedule changes, or other information directed to Teachers or Director must be written and placed on the Director’s desk.   It is very important not to interrupt Teachers or the Director when they are actively involved with the children.

Daily Assembly/Birthdays/Share Day

At 8:45 a.m. daily (8:15 during the summer session) all classes assemble for prayer, flag salute, daily news, birthdays, songs, etc. Please notify Little People regarding special events in your child’s life, such as birthdays, special visitors, birth of siblings, etc. Your child enjoys sharing these special events with everyone. Special treats are welcome for birthdays and must be store or bakery bought.  Treats must be NUT FREE.  We cannot accept home made treats for the children.  Prior to your child’s special day, please check with the Director who will assist you with any celebration plans.

One day each week is specified as SHARE DAY for all classes. Your child’s teacher will send home a note regarding their share day. Please supervise what your child brings to “share” and label everything. Prized possessions are fun to show, but remember they will be handled and shared. Suggested share items are: books and games that can be played by a small group. No food or breakable items. Super Heroes, toy guns, knives and the like are inappropriate share items and will be stored in the Director’s office and given to a parent at time of pick up. 

Discipline

Our staff is comprised of professionals in child growth and development who have knowledge in appropriate methods of discipline.  Little People staff are directed never to use any form of corporal punishment, even with parental permission or request. Often times it is only necessary to present acceptable behavior solutions and redirect a child.

SCLP promotes a non-violent environment for the children. Toys and concepts that are not considered consistent with this policy are those that use violent actions to solve problems. We request that children not share toys or other items which convey violent characters or themes. (Please refer to Daily Assembly/Birthdays/Share Day)

Lost and Found

Misplaced blankets, toys and articles of clothing may be picked up in the Lost and Found box located in the Big Classroom. LITTLE PEOPLE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST ITEMS. All items left at the School more than three months will either be donated to a local charity or used as spare clothing.

Food

The weekly menu is posted above the sign-in counter.  School prepared breakfast is served for day care children between 7:00 to 7:20 a.m. ONLY. Children arriving between these times are encouraged to join us. Foods from home are NOT permitted.
A mid-morning snack is served between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. Lunch is served at 12:00 p.m.  A mid-afternoon snack is served between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m.

Injuries

Our professional staff is trained in Infant/Child CPR, Emergency First Aid and CA Child Care Preventative Health & Safety. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of your child. Unfortunately, minor accidents may occur. The Director will inform parents of injuries, such as ALL head injuries and serious bites. Slight injuries requiring love, clean up and a Band-Aid, are noted on an Accident Report. This report is made out for ALL injuries, even if we have already contacted the parents.  If a serious injury occurs, the Director will attempt to reach a parent. If we cannot reach the parent, we will contact the person you have indicated on the emergency form to make any emergency medical decisions about your child.  Please keep all numbers updated on all forms. Should the need arise; we will enlist the fastest and safest medical care for your child. Your signed emergency Medical Release will also assist us in obtaining prompt medical attention. The Director/Lead Teacher will stay with your child until your arrival.

At Home Medication

If your child is taking any medication at home only, please complete a Home Medication Form. In case of emergency, we will then have accurate information to give the treating physician.

Non-Prescription Medication

Non-prescription medications such as, lip balm and lotions, may be administered only when a “Non-Prescription” medication form is properly filled out. This medication can only be administered in accordance with the product label directions.  Such medication will be kept in a closed container in the classroom.

Prescribed Medication

Medication to be administered during school hours must be authorized by a written statement from the physician (prescription label) and the parent must properly complete a medication form.  Medication Forms are completed weekly. All medication must be in the original container, indicating the child’s name, type and date of prescribed medication, and amount and time of dosage. Upon your request, a pharmacist will divide the prescription into two separate containers for home and school use. All completed medication forms must be put on the Director’s desk. The forms will then be given to the appropriate teachers. Medication that requires refrigeration is to be put directly into the medicine container in the kitchen refrigerator. All other medication is stored in the Director’s office.  It is the parent’s responsibility to take the medication home daily.

Outdoor Play

Our policy regarding recess and outdoor play for the children is as follows:
We are required to provide an outside playtime for our children both in the morning and afternoon. We constantly monitor air quality and outside temperature. We do not allow children to partake in vigorous play if the outside conditions are unhealthful. As long as the weather is not extremely wet, cold, hot or windy, the children will enjoy outside activities.  Often we will take a walk outside even if it is a bit warm or cold, as the fresh air is always nature’s gift.

We are not a Sick Care Center. We do not provide additional personnel to supervise a child inside during outside recess time.  Therefore, if your child is not well enough to participate in our regular schedule, please keep him/her home until their health improves. As the weather changes, it is your responsibility to provide proper clothing for your child. That includes jackets with hats or hoods if you feel necessary.  Please dress your child accordingly.

Parking Lot Safety

No children of any age are to be left in the car or in the parking lot while parents are in the School.  Parents and Guardians MUST enter the parking lot slowly.  It may be necessary at times to park on the street and carefully walk to the entrance.  Please be aware that you are always an example for all our children.

Holidays

At the beginning of each month a Calendar and Parent Newsletter is emailed/given to each family.

We are closed New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving.  If any of the above holidays fall on Saturday, the School will be closed the Friday preceding the holiday. If these holidays fall on Sunday, the School will be closed the Monday following the holiday. If there are holidays that fall on a Tuesday or Thursday, the Center reserves the right to close the prior Monday or subsequent Friday, respectively.  Holidays are considered days attended for tuition purposes.

We will be closed Christmas Eve and reopen after New Year’s. This time is a no tuition due period. 

In-Service

The School will be closed at least two (2) days each year for designated floating in-service days. One in-service day will be observed yearly in January when all staff re-certifies their CPR and First Aid.  Whenever possible you will be given 30 days prior notice regarding the scheduling of in-service days.  Please note holidays and in-service days, and plan accordingly.

Summer Camp   

Summer Camp is offered to all students from early July to mid August.  The children will enjoy water play in a relaxed, but fun filled summer program including units on camping, water safety, the ocean and all its miracles.

TUITION

• All tuition fees are due by the end of your child’s first day in attendance.
• If tuition is unpaid one week after the due date, your child will not be readmitted until full payment is made.
• `Non-payment by 10:00 a.m. on Friday will warrant dis-enrollment.
• Tuition and enrollment fees are not refundable.
• All tuition is to be deposited in the tuition box in the office.
• ONLY Tuition payments are to be deposited in the tuition box.  
• Please use small envelopes if the tuition is paid in cash.
• Checks need not be in envelopes.
• A $25 service fee is charged by the bank for all returned checks.
• A $25 service fee is charged for all re-deposited checks.
• Cash is required as payment for a returned check and Service Charge. If there are two (2) returned checks within a six (6) month period, your account will be put on a “CASH ONLY” basis. 
• Should the school be closed due to fire, electrical outage, flooding or other reasons beyond our control, the Board of Directors will decide upon tuition due for the period of closure.
• A thirty-day (30) notice will be given regarding any increase in tuition or registration fees. 
• If it is necessary for your child to attend more than their regularly scheduled program, please check with the Director for availability and additional charges. 
• An invoice is provided monthly which includes all activity on each account. For your convenience, you will receive a year-end account statement for your tax records.
• If it is deemed necessary to engage a collection agency, the court system or any outside agency for collection of unpaid tuition, the parent/guardian will be responsible for tuition AND all court and legal fees including  a 35% collection fee.

Late Pick Up  

If your child is picked up after 6:00 p.m. a late pick up fee will be charged at $1.00 per minute, with a $5.00 minimum charge. The office clock determines time. Please inform us by phone if you anticipate being late, therefore we can make it easier for your child.  The Sheriff Department and Children’s Protective Services will be contacted for children at the School one hour after closing time.

Vacation Weeks  

A Vacation Week is a week (Monday through Friday) during which a child is off site. All children* are eligible for two Vacation weeks per year without charge.  Vacation Notification Forms are to be filled out two weeks in advance of your child’s absence.  If your child is absent more than his/her eligible week(s), please see the Long Term Absence section. Vacation weeks unused by December 31 will not be rolled over to the following year.  NOTE: YOUR TUITION BALANCE MUST BE CLEARED PRIOR TO UTILIZING A VACATION WEEK.  

*Pre-kindergarten children are eligible for one (1) vacation week between January 1 and August 31. 

Prorated Vacation Weeks

If your child begins School in July, August or September, he/she receives one vacation week for the remainder of the calendar year. If your child starts on or after October 1, he/she is not eligible for vacation time until after January 1.

Sick Days/Weeks  

If your child is sick or not in School more than half of his/her regularly scheduled week, (i.e. 3 out of 5 days, or 2 out of 3 days) a half-week’s tuition is due.  Children scheduled for two days per week are NOT eligible for sick weeks.  Children* are allotted a maximum of four sick weeks per calendar year.  *Pre-kindergarten children are allotted a maximum of two sick weeks from January 1 through July 31.

New enrollees beginning in July, August, or September are allotted two sick weeks for the remainder of the calendar year. Children starting on or after October 1, receive one sick week for the remainder of that calendar year.  Once your child is signed in, it is considered one full day of attendance. If your child becomes sick while at SCLP, a parent or emergency contact will be notified to pick up your child within ONE HOUR. If necessary, your child will be kept in the isolation area of the office while waiting to be picked up. 

  If your child has a temperature, he/she may not return to School until fever free for at least 24 hours without the aid of a fever-reducing medication (i.e. Tylenol, Panadol, Advil, etc.)  Please call SCLP before 10:00 am if your child will not attend his regularly scheduled day. If your child has any communicable illness, please notify the School. We will try to impress upon your child everyday health habits to avoid transmission of germs.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

To comply with State regulations and to ensure the safety of your child, Little People has a written Emergency Preparedness Plan. It is necessary that you, our staff and the children (at their level), are familiar with this plan. To achieve our goal of keeping everyone as calm as possible during an emergency we practice emergency drills throughout the year.  The school will provide emergency supplies.  Parents are required to provide a family picture and a letter for each child. These will only be used in case of an emergency.  Please keep the letter calming and short.
(For example: Dear________,
Mommy & Daddy cannot be with you right now.
We know your teachers are giving you lots of love and hugs. We love you and will see you soon, Mommy & Daddy)

FINAL NOTE: THANK YOU FOR ENTRUSTING US WITH YOUR CHILDREN. ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH US!

GOD BLESSINGS!