ESCC Parent's Handbook -- Section III

HOURS OF OPERATION

Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

We maintain a parent friendly environment. Parents are always welcome to call or drop in to see how their child is doing. We would appreciate your taking into consideration our schedule when dropping in or calling. Sometimes are more “hectic” then others (examples: lunch time, getting ready for outside play, etc.). If you call during a “hectic” time and no one answers, please be aware that we are all busy with the children, they are our top priority. Please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our policy, while trying to be open and friendly, must also address safety issues (one of our top priorities). The main entrance is locked at all times. Only people with a code and password can only open this door. All others wishing to enter the center must use the office entrance at the far end of the parking lot; this is to insure that no one enters the building without our knowledge or permission. We do this only for the safety of the children and their families.

CLOSURES

Since we provide an essential service to most of our families, we make every effort to maintain our regular schedule. In the case of an extreme weather emergency, it may be necessary to delay opening or close the center. This is for the safety of our families and our staff. On this rare occasion, our schedule will be posted on WMUR (Ch. 9) and on our website (www.escc-hudson.com).

HOLIDAYS/VACATIONS

The following is a list of the paid holidays on which the center will be closed (see yearly calendar for exact dates):

Labor Day
Columbus Day
Thanksgiving Weekend
New Years Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
Teacher Workshop Day

Although working with young children is very rewarding, it is also a high stress occupation. In order for our staff to be the best that they can be, they need time to relax with their families. Each year the center will close for two weeks:

Christmas week
4th of July week

You will not be asked to pay for these two weeks but will need to seek alternate childcare, or plan you vacation time accordingly.

PUNCHING IN/OUT

We ask all parents to punch in/out for pick up and drop off each day. A key punch pad is located outside the front door for your convenience. This gives us a record of the child's attendance, hours, and the person who brought and picked up the child each day. This is a state mandated policy. You will be given a code and be asked to choose a password to use when your child is enrolled in the center.

DROP OFFS AND PICK UPS

It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or start to cry when being dropped off. Please make your drop off is quick; the longer you prolong the departure, the harder it gets. A smile, cheerful good-bye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back are all that is needed. In our experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone. You are welcome to stay and observe from a distance or phone us when you reach work to be reassured this is true.

Please be brief at pick up times, as well. This is a time of testing, when two different authority figures are present (the parent and the teacher). All children will test to see if the rules still apply. The rules of the center do apply until you and your child have left the building.

Our policy is to release the child only to his/her parents or someone else the parents designate in writing. If someone other than the parent is to pick up the child, please notify us ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your child. If the person is not on your list, written permission to release your child is required. If we do not recognize the person, we will ask to see their identification. We do not mean to offend anyone; this is simply a measure taken for your child's protection.

Drop off and pick up times are not good times to get into serious discussions. Please call to set up an appointment if you have a concern so that we can give your issue the appropriate attention as soon as possible. Topics that concern day-to-day events or light-hearted discussion are fine.

ABSENCES

There will be no refunds or adjustments made for days missed due to illness, holidays, or personal vacations (these were considered in setting of the overall tuition rate). A place has been reserved for each child that cannot be filled on a short-term basis. Please call and let us know if your child will be absent. This will be most helpful in planning his/her make-up activities.

ILLNESS/ MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Early Start is a "well” children’s center. At no time do we provide sick childcare. The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well being and safety of all concerned.

Sick Child Policy: A parent should not bring a sick child to day care, if the child shows any signs of illness or is unable to participate in the normal routine and regular day care program. Sick children expose other children to the spread of their illness. Moreover, sick children want care from their parents in the comfort of their own homes. Every effort is taken to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices.

Children will be visually screened when they arrive in the morning. In the event a child becomes ill and needs to be picked up, the parent will be called and is expected to come pick the child up within one hour (60 minutes). If the parent cannot be reached, or has not arrived within an hour, the emergency contact person will be called and asked to come pick the child up.

If you aren't sure about whether or not to bring your child to care, please call us to discuss it. Allergy related symptoms, and non-communicable illnesses do not require exclusion.

Symptoms requiring removal of child from day care:

Fever: Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100°F or higher taken under the arm, 101°F taken orally, or 102°F taken rectally.
Fever, sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion.
Diarrhea: runny, watery, bloody stools, or 2 or more loose stools within last 4 hours.
Vomiting: 2 or more times in a 24 hour period.
Breathing trouble, sore throat, swollen glands, loss of voice, hacking or continuous coughing.
Runny nose (other than clear), draining eyes or ears.
Frequent scratching of body or scalp, lice, rash, or any other spots that resemble childhood diseases, including ringworm.

We STRESS this again -- if you are not sure whether or not it is okay to bring your child, please call ahead to ask us. We may require a doctor’s decision as to whether or not the child is contagious. We appreciate you cooperation in this matter.

Minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, but we make every effort to keep the children safe through supervision and childproofing. Minor injuries receive appropriate first aid, and an accident report will be given to you upon pick up. If an emergency, injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted as soon as possible. If necessary, your child will be taken to the nearest hospital where you will be asked to meet us. If you are not going to be at your usual place of employment, or at home, please make sure that we have the number where you can be reached.

MEDICATIONS

Parents will provide any medications needed by the child, including over-the-counter and prescription medicine. Written authorization is needed for us to administer ANY medication, prescription or over-the-counter. All medicines must be in their original container with pharmacist's or manufacturer's label, child's name, dosage instructions, current date, name of medication, and times to be administered clearly written.

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