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 POLICIES ~ Procedures Welcome It is with great pleasure we welcome your family to our Apple Dumpling Gang Christian Nursery School and Daycare Center. We take the job of caring for your child very seriously; your precious gift from God is our utmost concern. We promise to provide an environment complete with the most loving staff, a program dedicated to meeting the developmental needs of each individual child, and a safe and secure facility. We are available to you at any time. Thank you for making our center your choice. General PhilosophyChildren are a gift from God and are to be treasured, guided, and brought up to the very best of our ability. Each child is unique and possesses different abilities and interests. Each child develops at a different rate and it would hinder that development to hurry the process. We endeavor to meet each child at their developmental level and to design our programs to best serve our children. It is proven that the child learns best through play. We believe that “anything we can get into the hand we can get in the brain”. Each teacher has education, specific training, and experience, to offer a daily program designed to offer the children a wide variety of experiences. These may be in the form of small group activities, individual choice of centers, or large group times. In the nursery school age classrooms, we will loosely follow a teacher-created curriculum offering activities around a seasonal or thematic unit. Activities will include, but not be limited to: songs and games, children’s literature time, cooking, arts and crafts, science, and reading readiness activities-keeping in mind the developmental appropriateness for the child and group. Associations
The Keystone STARS program provides Standards, Training, Assistance, Resources, and Support (STARS) to facilitate continuous improvement and recognize achievement by child care providers. Keystone STARS is a voluntary program that recognizes Department of Public Welfare (DPW) regulated child care providers that exceed state health and safety licensing requirements. Keystone STARS establishes a quality rating system beginning with the Start With STARS level and progressing up through a STAR One, Two, Three, or Four designation. Each STAR designation has its own research-based performance standards or benchmarks that are linked to improving outcomes for children. ADG is currently STARS 2 Center which means:
ACSI assists early education programs serving children from birth to pre-kindergarten through regional and national services. Our goal is to provide our preschool and child care membership with the tools they need to serve and educate the children in their care, their families, and honor the Lord through this specialized ministry. This association will just enhance our already committed desire to bring the families of Apple Dumpling Gang the very best education and services. Statement of Faith
Security Procedures In lieu of certain tragedies that have taken place in and around our area. ADG has adopted the following security procedures:
4. Please be advised that we do not allow individuals to sit in the parking lot for any length of time if they do not have business here at the center. This is for the protection of the children as well staff. The security of this center is a major priority for the administration. ADG reserves the right to review update and change any of its security policies at any time. Calendar: Dates Center will be closed for the coming 2009-2010 school year: These are days that you are not charged.
Inclement Weather: On days when nature chooses to re-direct our schedule; you will be able check for delays or closures by using one of the following methods.
Outside Play during Winter Months: There is not a regulation regarding outdoor play in winter, however the Department of Public Welfare does have the following recommendations which we do follow: · Children are to go outside everyday as weather permits.
o Proper winter wear is mandatory. Hats, mittens, and heavy winter coats are needed daily. Tuition and Personal Use Time: The enrollment and tuition fees paid by the parents are the fees that take care of running our center. So that we may offer consistent quality programs, timely payment of fees due is necessary. When you enroll your child in our center, a contract for payment will be signed and payment dates agreed to. It is your responsibility to maintain that agreement. Non payment of accounts will lead to interruption or termination of services.
12. Please note: That we accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover cards for your convenience. You may also choose to pay with your Debit or ATM card if you wish. We at ADG provide an excellent program and care for the children we serve. To continue providing this level of quality service, it is our expectation that parents be responsible by maintaining their financial commitment. ADG operates on a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the financial obligations of its families. Failure to meet your commitments will result in whatever action ADG deems necessary to collect outstanding balances. Policy Regarding Automatic Withdrawal/“Tuition Express”: Although each family will be required to fill out an application for Tuition Express, active participation will be by the customer’s request. If you are interested in taking advantage of this convenient option, simply let the director know and your application will be activated immediately. Please note, however, that any customer who neglects to fulfill their enrollment agreement with our center in regards to regular, on time payments or withdrawal notification, will be automatically enrolled in Tuition Express. Automatic enrollment takes place when the following issues occur:
WWe provide an excellent facility and care to the children we serve. To continue providing this level of quality service, it is our expectation that parents be responsible for maintaining this service. If you have questions in regards to this matter, please contact the director. Enrollment: Following a pre-enrollment tour and interview, a packet for enrollment must be completed prior to your child beginning at Apple Dumpling Gang. The forms in the packet are required by Pennsylvania State law and are maintained according to regulation. It is extremely important that our center be kept updated of any changes in the information provided.
A change of seasonal clothing is to be kept at the center at all times in case of an emergency. Please label all of these items with your child’s first and last name. Parents are responsible for the weekly laundering of sheets and blankets. Parents are welcome at the Center any time of the day, but we ask your cooperation in not disturbing the center’s programs. At the time of enrollment, a schedule is agreed upon between the family and the Director. We are staffed according to these agreements; therefore it is of utmost importance that the schedule is maintained. Changes in schedule must be authorized by the center director and are based on availability.
Meals and Snacks: We are committed to serving nutritious meals and snacks. Lunches are prepared daily through our “heat and serve” kitchen on-site and include the recommended daily items from each of the following food groups: proteins, fruits and vegetables, and grains. We will also provide morning and afternoon snacks. Infant formula, foods, diapers and diaper wipes are the responsibility of the parent. Should the need arise where the center has to provide such things the parent will be charged for the items. If your child will be arriving: after 9:15 but prior to lunch being served (11:30 downstairs and 12:00 upstairs) you must call and leave a message with the Center’s office or your child’s teacher in order for there to be enough food for lunch. We make our meals based upon the daily attendance count for each day. Lunch menus will be posted on a regular basis. Any special dietary needs MUST be provided by parents. Under some circumstances, parents will be required to provide their child’s lunch. The parents may provide birthday and other special occasion treats with pre-arrangement with your child's teacher. Communication: This is a vital part of a successful family-center relationship. Communication takes place many ways: Each child has a 'cubby' or 'mailbox' where pertinent information is placed. The entrance of the center is where general information is posted and we ask that parents make a habit of referring to that board often. Both the director and your child's teacher will send newsletters and calendars with activities and information for the days ahead. Finally, availability is key. We are always willing to be available to talk with you concerning your child and any part of our program. Be sure to communicate to us your specific needs and desires. It is our goal to meet and exceed your expectations and by taking the time to work together we are able to make the transition from home to center a smooth one.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: ADG offers to every parent in every classroom 2 specific conferences each year. One during the fall, which is more informal setting the grounds and expectations for what will be introduced during the school year. The second one, which is typically held in late Spring will be more formal in nature, providing each parent with a written report detailing the progress of their child. These conferences will be based upon observations and portfolios representing the child's work and development. Nursing Mothers: We at Apple Dumpling Gang applaud you! You are juggling so much-with being a wife, employee, and a new mom-yet you have continued to provide your little one with the nourishment proven best for his/her development. We understand how difficult this can be at times for both you and your baby. ADG has provided two comfortable rockers in the infant room that are available for those times when you come in and find your little one needs some nursing time. There will be a light blanket provided for a privacy drape also. We only ask that you stay in the infant room and use the drape so that our other parents coming in are comfortable and our children don’t get too curious- there is nothing like a small, noisy crowd to distract your baby. Thank you for helping to make our center a place of fun and relaxation for all. Health and Illness: Parents are required to carry medical and accident insurance on the enrolled child. A Health Assessment Form is a part of the enrollment packet and must be completed at the following ages:
Periodic health examinations and immunizations are required by the PA Department of Public Welfare and are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Failure to obtain health examinations and immunizations as per the Department of Public Welfare’s guidelines will cause disruption in your child care services. These must be completed in a timely manner or services in our center will be suspended. Infants are required to have a completed child Health Appraisal PRIOR to being admitted to our center for care. We are concerned about your child's health and the well being of each child entrusted to our care. We are especially careful to limit the spread of infectious diseases. If your child shows any of the signs listed here while they are in our care, a parent will be notified to pick up the child within a 90 minute time frame from the point of contact either with the parent or someone on the child’s emergency contact form. Failure to arrive within the allotted time will then require ADG to isolate your child and start providing one-on-one care at a rate of $40.00 an hour or any part thereof. ADG is not staffed to provide one-on-one care so please understand that if your child is unable within the normal activities of the classroom then they are to sick to attend our center.
Should your child show any of these signs while at home, we require that he not return to the center until 24 hours symptom free. When antibiotic therapy is required, your child must have received the medication 24 hours prior to return. · Child Illness: Parents are required to pay for all days scheduled per their Parent Contract. Please refer to the Personal Use Time section also for further information. Medication: Should your child have need for medication administered while in our care, the following guidelines must be adhered to: · Medication must be in the original childproof container with the original pharmacy label. This will supply us with the administration instructions and physician/pharmacy information. Parents are to give all medication directly to staff personnel and complete the required Medication Log each day the medication is to be administered. The center staff will only give non-prescription medication with a current Non-Prescription Medication Form completed by the child's physician. This is a state regulation. Arrival and Departure: All children must be escorted into the center and after signing in for the day, be placed in the direct care of a center staff member. It is important to arrive with a few minutes available to see that your child is settled comfortably. Children are only released to adults who are parent-authorized to remove the child from the center. Only after the center staff has released your child into your care, may you sign your child out for the day and depart. Should the need arise for someone other than the parent to come for your child, we must have this in writing (or on the list pre-authorized) and we will ask for identification. Your child's safety is our utmost concern. ·
Early Drop-Off or Late Pick-up Fee:
A charge of $50.00 per half hour or any part thereof will be charged for any
drop-offs before 6:30 AM or pick-ups after 6:00 PM.
Any part-time child that
exceeds the post program hours will automatically be charged the full day rate
based upon their program.
· Late Drop-Off and Meals If your child will be arriving after 9:15 but prior to lunch being served (11:30 downstairs and 12:00 upstairs) call and leave a message for the center’s cook or your child’s teacher. Your tuition pays for lunch, but it is important to have an accurate number for food preparation so there s enough for the children and staff while making certain that there isn’t waste to contend with. Child Abuse and Neglect Policy Each day in the United States more than 3 children die as a result of some form of abuse according to the statistics from 2003. · 85% of those are under the age of five · 41% are under one year of age More children (age 4 and younger) die from child abuse and neglect than any other single, leading cause of injury death for infants and young children.[3] What is Child Abuse? – Any recent act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes non-accidental serious physical injury to a child. What Constitutes Abuse? – It must involve a child, a perpetrator and an act of abuse. The following are considered forms of abuse or neglect:
Indicators that must be present are changes both in physical and behavioral manners of a child. Remember to take into consideration the age, background, and cultural environment of every situation (such as in some cultures it is common for women or young girls to be subservient to men or male role models). What can you do about it? – First and foremost Apple Dumpling Gang is a MANDATED REPORTER.
Keep in mind that as a Mandated Reporter we are not reporting actual abuse or neglect but only that we SUSPECT that a child has been abused or neglected and it is our SUSPICION that we are reporting. It is then up to the state to determine if any abuse or neglect has actually taken place. What to do if you suspect someone is under influence of a controlled substance such as alcohol or other? Remember you cannot deny a parent or legal guardian the right to pick-up or remove their own child, no matter the situation. We are not a law enforcement agency. However, we can…
However, we do take the attitude that our families have put their most precious possession in our care, their child and this we do take very seriously. We will do whatever is necessary to keep that commitment even if it means straining our relationship with a family. · If we are unsuccessful in making contact with another adult from the child’s emergency sheet then ADG will contact a local taxi company and pay for the transportation of the family home. If the adult in question refuses our assistance than it is the policy of ADG to take the license plate number down along with a description of the vehicle and contact the Silver Spring Township Police and inform them of our concerns. This is our last resort. Once again, it is not our position to hurt or destroy families but our job is to make sure that the children in our care are protected and safe. Referrals Outside Services ADG, although does not employ anyone with a Special Ed degree. Its staff does consider itself observant enough to recognize the potential for a problem in a child's development. ADG makes no diagnosis as to whether a child may have a learning disability, but may encourage the parent to contact an outside source such as the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. Parents need to understand that ADG cannot make a request for evaluation on its own, but that request must be initiated by the parent itself. It is the position of ADG to work with and assist in all areas possible when dealing with a child with special needs. However it is important to understand that Apple Dumpling Gang is not, nor does it represent itself as being a specialized school for children with special needs. The scope of our ability to help is limited to the fact that it does not take away from the care of the other students within the teacher's scope of training. Once in IEP (Individual Educational Program) has been developed for a student is the policy of ADG to have a copy of this report. Please understand that any information derived from this report will be kept in extreme confidentiality and would be used only to fulfill the purposes of the IEP as written. Finally, it is understood that scope of these referrals would not be limited to just educational observations, but may also include emotional, physical, and spiritual. It is the hope that Apple Dumpling Gang will minister to the child as a whole. Discipline and Termination from the Program: Our staff is dedicated to the philosophy that "children can be responsible for actions and decisions of their choosing if the environment is conducive to a loving and gentle approach of self-governing." In other words, we help children to make good choices and learn self-control by building a framework allowing them to work through problems constructively. We model and encourage appropriate behavior, use re-direction and discuss issues. Time-out is used as a last resort. Should a child’s behavior put his or another’s health or safety at risk; a director-teacher-family conference will be called to discuss alternative methods to remedy the behavior. Apple Dumpling Gang reserves the right to terminate any child from the center who cannot be adequately served due to behavioral issues. All meetings and agreements shall be documented in writing and every avenue will be pursued prior to termination of services. Please note: the policy of this center is to meet the needs of each individual child to the best of our ability; individual needs are considered but the class as a whole must be the primary consideration. Should your child require care beyond what we are able to give, an appropriate notice will be given the family to find alternate care. It is not our intention to use this policy except in absolute necessity. We will always seek for the best care for your child even when it is not with us. This policy is at the complete discretion of the administration. Children’s Acts of Aggression: Effective immediately the following policy is now in place at this center dealing with acts of aggression and fighting (such as biting, hitting and spitting) by children. The policy is as follows:
RATIONALE: Aggressive acts, both premeditated and reactive, occur in out-of-home care settings. Administrative guidelines are necessary for the management of recurrent acts of aggression and resources and structure of the facility.
Parent Resources Child Care Network, Inc. 114 Trindle Road Suite 201 Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 243-1830 (800) 358-8725 This program is designed for children from birth until their thirteenth birthday and provides services to assist eligible working families in paying for childcare.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Information Line 1-800-986-5437 This program is for families that cannot afford health insurance for their children. Almost all health care is included in CHIP and the coverage is either free or at a modest monthly premium.
Capital Area Intermediate Unit 55 Miller Street Summerdale, PA 17093 (717) 732-8400 Individuals and families dealing with ADD/ADHD can contact the CAIU for counseling, therapy, and assessments. An Early Intervention/Preschool Program is also available.
Information on other Cumberland County parent resources is available upon request. Non-Discrimination Policy: It is the policy of Apple Dumpling Group, Inc. and Apple Dumpling Gang to recruit and process the applications of children wishing to be a part of our center without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or religion. This program does not and will not discriminate. Admissions, the provision of services, and referrals of clients shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, or sex. Program services shall be made accessible to eligible persons with disabilities through the most practical and economically feasible methods available. These methods include, but are not limited to, equipment redesign, the provision of aides, and the use of alternative service delivery locations. Structural modifications shall be considered only as a last resort among available methods. Any individual/client/student (and/or their guardian) who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint of discrimination with: Apple Dumpling Group, Inc. Attention: G. Gordon Glen, CEO 718 Hogestown Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Equal Opportunity Room 521, Health & Welfare Building PO Box 2675 Harrisburg, PA 17105
PA Human Relations Commission Harrisburg Regional Office Riverfront Office Center 1101-1125 S. Front Street, 5th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17104
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Suite 372, Public Ledger Building 150 South Independence Mall West Philadelphia, PA 19106-9111
A copy of the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare Rules and Regulations governing childcare facilities is posted and available for inspection by all parents.
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Keystone STARS
Apple
Dumpling Gang has aligned ourselves with the Association of Christian Schools
International. This organization will serve as another umbrella for us to use as
we strive to improve the care and support we already offer our families.