Welcome 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
Center’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 center reserves the right to revise any fees
and/or policies upon written notification to the parents.
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 center does not instruct the
children in particular religious doctrine, but rather guides them to
experience what it means to be a
Child of God.
*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.
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
teach the children entrusted to us loving, caring ways to relate to each
other. We strive to aid in the social, educational, physical and religious
development of each child.
We
believe that God is
just.
Therefore, we strive to be fair ourselves and to teach the children to be
fair in their 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 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 with humility, humor and hope.
We
believe that God
forgives us.
Therefore, we strive to teach
forgiveness
by both percept 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 strict criteria related to providing a
developmentally
appropriate program for
toddlers through pre-kindergarten. These criteria range from having a
well-qualified and trained staff, meeting stringent health and safety
standards, to 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 daily part of our 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.
Policies
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 center maintain
current and accurate records on each child so parents can be contacted in
case of an emergency. Your child(ren’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 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
center 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
should have any questions or concerns, please notify the Director.
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 center 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 in the office.
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 the
administrator regarding any questions or concerns. Our Administrator
maintains open communication with the staff, parents and children. Your
concerns are our concerns. Annual conferences are scheduled in February
and 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 administration must
be written and placed on the administrators’ desk. It is very important
not to interrupt teachers or the administrator when they are actively
involved with the children.
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 7:00-7:25 a.m.) morning snack, hot
lunch and an 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.
Daily Assembly/Birthdays/Share Day
At
8:30 a.m. daily (8:15 during the summer session) all classes assemble for
daily news, birthdays, prayer, flag salute, 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
Administrator who will assist you with any celebration plans.
One
day each week is specified as
share day
for the preschoolers and pre-kindergarteners only. Your child’s teacher
will let you know when to bring a share item. 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. Non-violent items only. Toy guns, knives and the like are
inappropriate share items and will be stored in the Administrator’s office
and given to a parent or guardian 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,
page 11, for additional information.)
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, and snaps/fasteners, or in
onesies and coveralls.
A
complete change of clothing (including underwear, pants, shirt and socks)
is required for each child. (See individual program description for more
information.) 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.
Lost and Found
A Lost
and Found box is located in the office for misplaced blankets, toys and
articles of clothing.
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 7:25
a.m. ONLY. Children arriving
between this time 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 and emergency first aid.
Every effort is made to ensure the safety of your child. Unfortunately,
minor accidents may occur. The Administrator will inform parents of
injuries, such as ALL
head injuries and serious bites. Slight injuries requiring love, clean up
and a bandage, 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 Administrator 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 Administrator will stay with your child until your
arrival.
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 sheet. Medication
sheets 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 school use
and home use.
All
completed
medication forms must be put on the administrator’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 Administrators office. It is the parent’s responsibility to take the
medication home daily.
Non-Prescription Medication
Non-prescription medications may be administered when a medication form is
properly filled out. This medication can only be administered in
accordance with the product label directions.
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.
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 his/her 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.
Emergency Preparedness
and Packets
To
comply with State regulations and to ensure the safety of your child,
Little People has a written Emergency Preparedness Plan. It is necessary
for you, our staff and the children (at their level), to be familiar with
this plan. We practice emergency drills monthly to achieve our goal of
keeping everyone as calm as possible during an emergency.
The
school will provide emergency packets. Parents are required to provide a
family picture and a letter for each child that will be opened in case of
a major emergency (i.e. earthquake, fire). 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
Registration Fee
A
registration fee is due upon enrollment and renewable each August. This
fee is pro-rated upon enrollment before or after August. Registration
covers a portion of the insurance, administrative costs and emergency
supplies. Registration fees are NOT
refundable.
Tuition
All
tuition fees are due and payable on Monday, or your child’s first day in
attendance. A $10.00 fee will be charged after this day.
If fees are unpaid one week after the due
date, your child will not be readmitted until full payment is made. This
will be strictly in forced.
If
your child attends more than the regularly scheduled program, please check
with the Administrator for additional charges. A receipt 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.
ONLY Tuition payments are
to be deposited in the tuition box.
Use
small envelopes if the payment is made in cash. Checks need not be in
envelopes.
A
$10 service fee is
charged for all re-deposited checks.
A
$20 service fee is
charged for all returned 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.
Thirty-days (30) notice will be given regarding any increase in tuition or
registration fees.
§
A
late fee will be charged at $10.00 cash per day.
§ Non-payment
by 10:00 a.m. on Friday will warrant disenrollment enrollment.
§
No checks will be held for late week deposits.
§
Tuition and enrollment fees are not refundable.
Late Pick Up
If
your child is picked up after the Center closes at 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. Sheriff
Department and Children’s Protective Services will be contacted for
children at the Center one hour after closing time.
Holidays/In-Service Days
At the
beginning of each school year a yearly calendar is given to each family.
Please note holidays and in-service days, and plan accordingly.
We are
closed New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. We are closed
from Christmas Eve to the first weekday after New Year’s Day. This time is
a no tuition due period. If any of the above holidays fall on Saturday,
the Center will be closed on the Friday preceding the holiday. If these
holidays fall on Sunday, the Center will be closed on the Monday following
the holiday. If these holidays fall on a Tuesday or Thursday, the Center
will also be closed the prior Monday or subsequent Friday, respectively.
HOLIDAYS ARE CONSIDERED DAYS
ATTENDED FOR TUITION PURPOSES.
The
Center will be closed
at least
two (2) days each year for designated floating in-service days. You will
be given at least 30 days prior notice regarding the scheduling of these
days.
Vacation Weeks
A
Vacation week is a week period in which a child is off site the entire
week (Monday through Friday).
All
children* are eligible for two Vacation weeks per year without charge.
Vacation weeks unused by December 31
will NOT be rolled over to the subsequent year.
*Pre-kindergarten children are eligible for one (1) vacation week between
January 1 and August 31).
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.
NOTE:
YOUR TUITION BALANCE MUST BE
CLEARED PRIOR TO UTILIZING A VACATION
WEEK.
Prorated Vacation Weeks
If
your child begins at the Center 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 and not at the Center more than half of his/her
regularly scheduled week, (i.e. 3 out of 5 days, 2 out of 3 days) a
half-week’s tuition is due. Children scheduled for two days (i.e.
Tuesday/Thursday) 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. 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 the 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 is absent.
If
your child has any communicable illness, please notify the Center. We will
try to impress upon your child everyday health habits to avoid
transmission of germs.
Long Term Absence
If
your child will be absent from the School for an extended period of time,
you may reserve your child’s spot for a maximum of 12 weeks by alternating
full tuition, and half tuition week payments for the duration of the
leave. This request must be pre-approved by the Administrator, in writing,
two weeks prior to the start of the leave.
Driving Safety
Parents/Guardians MUST
always enter the parking lot slowly. It may be necessary at times to
park on the street and carefully walk to the entrance. Be aware that this
is a safe area for children and you are an example for all our children.
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 transition 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:
a)
Diapers and wipes, if needed
b)
Three* complete changes of clothing**
c)
Jackets and hats as needed
d) A
small blanket and a warm fuzzy (for full day children)
*
While potty training, bring extra easy pull on and off pants, underwear
and socks. NO “Pull-ups” please.
** See
Attire
ALL ITEMS MUST BE LABELED
WITH CHILDS’
NAME
Preschool and Prekindergarten Programs
The
goals for our preschool and prekindergarten 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; finding acceptable
emotional outlets; stimulating experiences that encourage children to
identify, analyze and resolve problems.
-
To
provide basic religious training through music, songs, prayers and daily
activities.
-
To
encourage self-expression through materials, movements, 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 assist
children in knowing there are friendly adults outside the home.
-
To
provide experiences not normally available at home.
-
To
give children basic experiences for future learning.
Preschool and Prekindergarten parents are responsible for:
a) One
(1) complete change of clothing *
b) A
small blanket and a warm fuzzy (for full day Children)
c)
Jackets and hats as needed
**See
Attire
Our
learning objectives for preschool and prekindergarten children are:
-
Listen and follow directions.
-
Recognize colors, shapes, some numbers and letters.
-
Learn body parts, classification of objects, position (up and down).
-
Recognize their own name
-
Take
turns; sit for an activity for 15-20 minutes.
-
Learn to use scissors.
-
Show
growth in emotional control.
-
Develop coordination skills.
-
Develop oral language skills.
-
Develop social skills.
-
Be
aware of the community.
-
Develop sensory awareness.
Administrator’s Note
Our
primary goals are:
First,
to realize that all children are one of God’s special blessings;
Second, to
offer a safe, loving, secure environment for everyone as we travel through
this portion of our lives. Third,
share knowledge, understanding and love for one another; and
Forth, that
you, your child, and your family enjoy your time with all of us at Little
People.
We
welcome you and your loved ones as an important link in our Little People
family. Let us always keep the lines of communication open and respect one
another.
We
appreciate your help and support. You and your families are forever in our
prayers.
Love,
Peace, and God’s Blessings,
