PARENT INFORMATION
Meals
Parents must provide a bag lunch for their child. Milk is available for all children for all meals. Licensing rules require the following components in each child’s lunch:- Protein: meat, fish, eggs, beans, cheese or peanut butter
- Two servings of vegetables or fruits
- Cereal, whole grain or enriched bread products
Two snacks are proved daily at no cost. Center staff will offer a wholesome snack each morning and afternoon, although from time to time a special treat is served. Menus are posted in each classroom. Children under the age of 2 receive foods according to the instructions provided by the parent on the intake form.
Staff who are responsible for lunch setup will check to see that children’s lunches fulfill these requirements. If the lunch is missing an item, staff will supplement the lunch and remind families about the state requirements.
Please remember to cut toddlers' items into bite-sized pieces.
Rest/naptime
During sessions lasting more than four hours, licensing rules require a minimum of 30 minutes of rest time for children under the age of 5. Children are permitted to get up and do a quiet activity that will not disturb the other children if not asleep within this time.Outside play
Licensing rules require the children be taken outdoors on a daily basis. It is expected that every child in attendance will be well enough to go outdoors. Staffing requirements unfortunately do not allow for requests that a child stay indoors while the rest of the class is outside. If you think your child is not well enough for outside play, it is requested that he or she stay home for the day. If there is a specific medical reason that a child may not be outside, a signed note from the physician is required so accommodations can be made.Children will enjoy outdoor activities unless the following occurs:
- stormy or severe weather
- heavy rain
- temperature above 90 Fahrenheit
- wind chills of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below for children age 2 and above
- wind chills of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below for children under age 2
Cubbies
Cubbies are provided for each child’s belongings. Please provide a full change of clothing appropriate to the season in the cubby. Please label all of your child’s clothes and belongings for easy identification, including plastic and other lunch containers.Toys from home
The center understands that transitions can be difficult for young children and their parents and that bringing something from home can sometimes ease the situation. Please note that classroom staff may ask the child to put the item in his or her cubby after he or she is feeling better so the item doesn’t get lost or broken. Be sure to mark any item with your child’s name. Speak with your child’s teacher because some classrooms enjoy show and tell time.Field trips
Parents will be notified in advance of any scheduled field trips through postings in a classroom, parent boards or newsletters. If space permits, extra hours will be granted for those children not scheduled on the date of the trip. All trips off campus will be chartered by school bus. Preschool children may take a city bus or walk if the location is close by. Parent participation on trips is encouraged and appreciated.Toilet training
For toilet training to be a success, it must be a cooperative and consistent effort between home and school. If you have noticed an interest with your child in trying to use the toilet at home, please let your child’s teachers know. Our teachers are very skilled at detecting readiness for this developmental task and will be happy to discuss their techniques with you. State licensing does not permit us to potty train child under the age of 18 months. If a child is potty training, please help him or her become self-sufficient by bringing in easy-to-pull down clothes, and send plenty of extra clothing, including socks. If a child has a potty accident, teachers will not rinse underwear in the toilet. Solid bowel movements will be emptied in the toilet, and dirty clothing will be placed in a bag and sent home.Clothing
Busy, creative, learning play can be messy regardless of the age of your child. We use smocks or shirts to cover clothing during art projects and use washable paints, but we cannot guarantee that spills or stains can be avoided. Please dress your child in play clothing that is washable and durable so that he/she can enjoy our activities without fear of soiling an outfit.
All children need a weather-appropriate change of clothing that is clearly labeled.
During the winter months, all children must have snow pants, a warm coat, boots, a hat and mittens. Children will enjoy the fresh air and exercise daily.
During the summer months, children often engage in water play, so a swim suit and a towel should be left in the cubby. It is important to label everything.
Child Care Center
