KID CARE

Parent Handbook

2010-2011

www.up-njacks.com

833 Junction Hwy. ~ Kerrville, TX 78028 ~ 830-25-SMILE (257-6453)

State of TX child care license #1027066

Schedules & Calendar

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Up-n Jacks Kid Care will follow the Kerrville Independent School District Schedule for starting and ending dates, as well as holidays.  

Full day care for 3mos - 5 year olds will be from 7:15 am– 5:30 pm Monday –Friday.  No early drop off or late pickup.  See arrival and departure section. 

 After school care will be offered all school year from 2:303pm-5:30 Monday - Friday.  All children must be picked up by their parent or designated caregiver no later than 5:30 pm or charges will apply.      

During the year we normally observe the following holidays; therefore, we will be CLOSED.  Depending on the census for days adjacent to holidays, we may determine it best to close additional days.  If this occurs, you will be given several days notice. 

· Labor Day

· Thanksgiving Day, the Wednesday prior and the Friday after

· Christmas Eve

· Christmas Day

· New Years Eve

· New Years Day

· Good Friday

· Memorial Day

Independence Day

Should it be necessary to close due to inclement weather or other emergencies occur, every effort will be made to contact the parent as soon as possible. If KISD is closed due to inclement weather, Up-n Jacks will also be closed.

Our normal procedure is to release the child to his or her guardian/parent(s) ONLY, or someone you designate. If someone other than the parent is to pick the child up, please notify us in advance.  A verbal notice is acceptable on that day if this person is on the emergency contact list.  If the person is not on that list, we must have written permission to release your child.

The emergency contact list you are required to complete designates who may pick up the child if a parent cannot. Those on the list should also be people we could call in the event something happened and you did not show up to pick up your child.

Please inform your emergency contacts that if we do not know them; we will ask for identification.   It is not our intention to offend them; this is for the child's protection.

Immunization requirements are set by the minimum standards for child care centers by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

See Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Child Care Facilities in back of this handbook. 

See Vision and Hearing Screening requirements in back of this handbook.

Parents will be notified to pick up their child immediately if signs of illness occur.  While waiting for the parent to arrive, the child will be removed from the classroom to prevent contact with other children.  Sick children will be kept at school only until the parent or emergency contact person arrive.   Symptoms of illness include:

· Fever – Oral temperature 100.4 or above.  Child may return  when he has been fever free for a minimum of 24 hours.

· Vomiting – If your child vomits or has within the previous 8 hours, they should not attend care.  He may return when 24 hours has passed since the last episode of vomiting.

· Diarrhea – If your child has diarrhea (watery bowel movements), they may not return until 24 hours has passed since the last episode.

Emergency plans are posted in each classroom.   Emergency phone numbers are posted by each telephone.  Teachers in the classroom have 2 way radios for constant communication with other staff and the Director.

In the event of an accident or medical emergency, parents will be notified as quickly as possible. The teacher is responsible for going with the child to the emergency room or administering first aid if ER care is not necessary. 

If the accident is minor, an accident report will be completed and a copy given to the parent when the child is picked up.

Up-n Jacks will not administer medications unless it is an emergency such as inhaler or Epi-pen.  All other medications will need to be given by the parent or designated person.    If your child requires emergency medications such as an inhaler or Epi-pen, the following paragraphs describe our policy.

Up-n Jacks Kid Care staff will only administer medication prescribed by a physician.  Please discuss and make every effort to schedule medications when the child is not in our care.  Prescriptions must be in the original, child resistant container that has been labeled by a pharmacist.  The bottle must include the child’s name, the name of the medication, the date the medication was filled, the prescribing physician, expiration date, administration and storage instructions. 

Two steps must be taken in order for us to administer medications.  First, parent must complete our in house medication administration form. Second, a written, dated note giving Up-n Jacks staff permission to administer the medication must be provided in advance.   The first daily dose of ALL medication administered must be given at home.   Medications will not be given unless both of these steps have been completed in full.

No over –the – counter medication will be given. 

Records of all medication administered will be kept at the center. The school will not, and cannot administer medication if the above guidelines are not explicitly followed. 

The easiest, most effective way to communicate to parents and guardians is in writing.  All memos and parent notes will be posted on the bulletin board, and sent home with your child. 

At times, we may need to contact you by phone. This does not necessarily mean an emergency has occurred; but may be needed in a more timely manner. 

We strive to keep misbehavior to a minimum; however, some problems still occur.  Discipline will be consistent and individualized for each child, and appropriate for the child’s level of understanding. 

Our caregivers only use positive methods of discipline which include:

· Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only on the unacceptable behavior

· Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear statements

· Redirecting behavior

· Using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development.  This may be limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age

Repeated inappropriate behavior which is not responding to the above measures will require more serious consideration.  At times, it may be necessary to remove the child from the classroom and take them to the Director’s office.  If this is necessary, parents will be notified in writing and we expect you to talk with him/her at home.  Parents play the most significant role in the appropriate social development of children.  As we work together, we can all meet the social and psychological needs of your child.

By law, it is the school’s responsibility, as well as yours – the parent or guardian to report suspected child abuse immediately. State law requires school personnel to report all cases of suspected abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services. They may be contacted toll free, 24 hours a day at 1-800-252-5400. 

By the Texas Penal Code, we also are obligated to inform all families that any area within 1000 feet of a child care center is a gang free zone.  Criminal offenses in these areas will have more harsh penalties if convicted.  

We accept infants as young as 18 months to children 11 years old.   We are also a CCS provider for those needing financial assistance. 

Children may be enrolled in Up-n Jacks after school program if they are presently attending school and are in PK – 5th grade.    ALL ENROLLMENT FORMS MUST BE COMPLETE BEFORE ATTENDING.  If at any time there is a change of information, you MUST notify us IMMEDIATELY.  Your child’s safety and well being is our primary concern; therefore, it is important for us to be able to contact you.

*Full time is considered 4 or 5 days a week*

 Tuition fees are due every Wednesday by the close of business.  Tuition fees are non-refundable. First weeks tuition will be prorated upon registration. Payments can be made by cash, check or credit card (V/MC).   ALL CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL HAVE A $5 PER TRANSACTION FEE TO COVER BANK CHARGES. THERE WILL BE A $25 RETURN CHECK FEE. A LATE FEE OF $5 PER DAY WILL BE CHARGED FOR CO-PAYS AND TUITION RECEIVED AFTER DUE DATE. If tuition not received by the following Monday, your child will not be able to return until tuition is paid in full.

In order to maintain your child’s enrollment, tuition needs to be paid even if your child is absent from the program.  This is to hold your child’s spot in the program.  Each family is expected to pay their tuition every week. However, each child is granted a one week vacation each year to be used during time off from work and if they are absent from the program.

If your child is leaving the program, you must formally withdraw.  You will be required to complete and sign a withdrawal form.       

If your child is absent from school, or has been picked up early, please notify us so that we have no doubt where your child is and why he/she did not get off of the bus.  This will also determine our staffing ratios required by law.  So please keep us informed if your child will not be in attendance.   

Full day kids will be provided a morning and afternoon snack.  For lunch, you will need to send a healthy sack lunch each day with juice.  On occasion, we will order pizza or have food catered in. We will post these days in the parent communication area the day before. 

Every child in the after school program will be provided water and snack soon after arrival. 

  TRANSPORTATION

Field trips are on a case by case basis.  We will send out permission slips giving advance notice. 

For after school care kids, Kerrville ISD will provide bus service from the elementary schools to Up-n Jacks.  We will sign your child in as they step off the bus.   When a child is picked up, it is necessary to sign them out each and every day.   Alamo Regional Transit has an after school bus program for private schools.  

Parents are required to provide written authorization if someone other than the previously designated person is to pick up their child.  In an emergency, a phone call is sufficient.   If there is any doubt as to the identity of the person receiving the child, identification will be required from that person. 

Our staff is not available before or after scheduled care times.  Please be prompt in picking up your child.   After 5:30 pm, there will be a $5 charge after the first 5 minutes, and $1 per minute after that.

Chronic problems in early drop off or late pick up may result in your child being dropped from the program.   Failure to pick up your child by 6:00 pm and us not being able to reach you or your contacts, will be considered abandonment and law enforcement will be called.  

Day care is provided from 7:15 am – 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.  See holiday schedule for closures.

When we have special events, we will notify parents on the communication board and by a memo sent home with your child.    A special event may consist of picture day, splash day (with your permission),  a special visitor,  pajama day, show & tell, and other events such as this.   

Cubbies are provided for each student to keep his/her personal belongings. Art work, and memos to parents will also be in each child’s cubby.   Since we have limited space for personal items, please remove crafts and papers on a daily basis. 

Our play time will include daily play on the inflatable obstacle courses, slides, etc.  Because of this, please dress your child comfortably and weather appropriate. Since socks are required, you may leave a pair in your child’s cubby since there may be days he may not wear socks in.  Please take them home and wash on a weekly basis.   

Please do not bring or let your child wear jewelry or items of high value to care.  Jewelry is prohibited on the inflatables, and we do not want their items to get lost or broken. 

Each child in full day care is to have an extra set of clothing in case of accidents.  If your clothing is not available, another set belonging to Up-n Jacks will be located for them to wear.  Please return these items in the event another child needs changed.

For all day care, please provide a full size bath towel or blanket and small pillow to use on mats during nap time.  Due to our limited supply, if you are able to  provide your own kinder mat we ask that you do.  Blankets / towels need to be taken home at the end of the week for laundering, but please bring them back the following week.

Parents and grandparents (that are on the enrollment form), are welcome to stop by anytime their child is in our care.  It is not necessary to make an appointment to observe your child.  We encourage parents to get involved and take part in their kid’s day.   If you would like to observe the class or volunteer in your child’s room, please talk to the teacher.  For the safety of the kids, all visitors must sign in upon entering the building. 

We want to provide all families a pleasant child care environment.  People will not agree on everything, all of the time.  If this occurs, it needs to be taken directly to the attention of the other person involved, at the time of the disagreement. Most of the time, a resolution can be reached once views are discussed and there is open communication.  

The Director’s office is open to anyone who may have a question, concern, suggestion, compliment, or complaint.   If at any time you would like to review a copy of the minimum care standards and the most recent licensing inspection report, it is located in the Director’s office.  Depending on the present circumstances, an appointment to sit down with the Director may be necessary.

You may reach the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services who licenses child care centers at:

 Kerrville
819 Water St. Suite 230
Kerrville, Texas 78028
(210) 337-3399       www.dfps.state.tx.us

Child Protective Services 1-800-252-5400.

Poison Control                        1-800-222-1222 

After School Schedule (subject to change)

                2:30-4:00           Arrival / Sign in students / Open play

      3:00– 4:00         Wash hands / Snacks at arrival

          4:15– 4:30        Outdoor play weather permitting

4:30-5:00         Homework or Quiet Activity

             5:00-5:30           Quiet activity & prepare for pickup

Coin operated  arcade games are turned on for the After School kids every Friday.  They are welcome to bring quarters or we will save them in their own personal envelope.

      Preschool Schedule   

FROG  SCHEDULE

7:15-8:30            Arrival / Free Play

8:30-9:00            Outside Play

           9:00-9:10            Hand washing & BR

9:10-9:30            AM snack

                9:30-10:00                   Circle Time / Art

10:00-10:30        Outside Play

          10:30-11:00        Centers / Free Play

          11:00-11:15        Hand washing & BR

11:15-11:45        Lunch

          11:45-12:00        Hand washing & BR

                    12:00-2:45                   Prepare Cots & Rest

   2:45-3:00            Wake up & BR

3:00-3:15            PM snack

             3:15-4:15            Jump time & Centers

         4:15-5:30            Movie / Departure

This schedule may change 

by the staff as necessary.