INTRODUCTION

 

Non-Discrimination Policy:

In providing services to children and their families, Forward Child care do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, disability, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, national origin or sexual orientation.

Philosophy and Mission Statement:

A key word in our program is respect.  We foster respect for self, respect for others, and respect for materials in developmentally appropriate ways. In a secure and nurturing environment, our curriculum provides for all areas of a child's development: physical, emotional, social, and cognitive.  We believe that children learn through active exploration and interaction with other children, and materials.

We encourage curiosity, experimentation and have chosen materials that help expand children's thinking.  Basic learning materials include sand, water, and tools to use with them, large and small blocks, puzzles, dramatic play props (dress-up clothes, puppets), items for scientific investigation (exploring different textures, magnets, balances, and weights), books, cd’s, musical instruments, art and drawing supplies, and climbing structure (Soft Climber).  Positive social interaction is encouraged by helping children to develop their verbal skills and to express their feelings in appropriate ways.

We recognize that the child is an individual as well as a member of a larger unit, his/her family.  Strong, viable parent/teacher relationships promote effective communication and participation. We work closely with parents for the benefit of the child and includes families in the curriculum and special events.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Commerce

• Bachelor’s in arts

• B.Ed. (bachelor’s in education) 

• Master’s in arts

Experience:

• 10 Years’ Experience in Private High School in Pakistan

• 3 Years plus experience at KinderCare Learning Child care (Bellevue Factoria)

 

I meet and, in most cases, exceed the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) requirements for formal education for their respective positions have had experience working with young children at KinderCare Learning Child care (Bellevue) and their families, and EEC approved certification in First Aid and CPR.

I enjoy and understand how young children learn and grow.  They respond with sensitivity to each child's individual needs, desires, and interests.

To ensure that employees or other persons regularly providing child care or support services with potential for unsupervised contact with children at MCCC are appropriate for serving in their positions, a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and a Department of Social Services (CPS) Background Record Check shall be performed on all candidates for positions before an offer of employment is confirmed. Further, a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and a Department of Social Services (CPS) Background Record Check shall be performed bi-annually on all persons in such positions and/or any time the program receives information that may indicate that a new CORI or CPS Background Record Check review is appropriate.

 

Hours and Days of Operation:

Child care will be open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, fifty-two (52) weeks per year, excluding the following days:

 

 The Child care will be closed on the following holidays: 

• New Year's Day

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• The Friday after Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day

If any of the above holidays fall on a weekend, the closest Friday will be selected.

 

Enrollment and Dis-enrollment

 

Process:

Parents interested in enrolling their child(ren) should call and arrange for a visit.

Orientation:

We request that a parent visit with their child in the child care prior to the child’s actual start date. In most cases, one or two visits are best.

An enrollment form and a developmental history form must be completed by a parent prior to your child's first visit day. The child's health care practitioner will need to complete a physical form.

During the first few weeks your child will be adjusting to a new place and many new faces.  We are interested in making this adjustment as easy as possible for both children and families.  Options for easing your child into the program should be discussed with me.

 

Enrollment

Dear parents complete your child’s enrollment by submitting the proper enrollment forms.

These have with due dates.

Please complete, sign and submit each by the date listed on the form to make sure each child’s form is complete and accurate, child can’t be accepted without the proper forms on file and payment of the first week’s tuition.  If a parent is under the age of 18 a cosigner must sign the contract as a guarantor and agree to be bound by all financial terms.

Be sure to take time to read through and become familiar with.

The program and policies are in the Parent Handbook before your child’s first day at Forward Child care.

 

 Dis-enrollment

Parent/Provider contract may be terminated at any point either by the Parent or by the Forward Child care.

If Parent wants to dis-enroll their child, they must give a prior written two weeks’ notice the final payment will cover the child’s last two weeks of care, whether the child is brought to the Forward Child Care or not payment will be due. Regardless which party terminates the parent or Forward Child Care

Forward Child Care may disenroll the child at will, effective immediately, reasons for termination may include.

 

• Late pickups

• Verbal or Physical abuse by a parent

• Inability to meet the needs of the child

• Failure to pay child care dues on time

• Lack of parent’s cooperation

 

Tuition Fee Charges:

Tuition will be charged based upon the group size:

Infants: $1,250

Toddlers and Twos: $1200

Preschoolers: $1100

Sibling Discount: 20%

 

Schedule Changes:

Schedule changes may be possible provided that space is available.  If you are reducing the number of days your child attends, a month’s notice is required so that we may fill the available opening. We discourage parents from making more than 2 schedule changes per year to provide consistency for the groups and for individual children. Exceptions will be made only in extreme circumstances.

When the maximum capacity for each group is reached, an internal waiting list will be established.  The order in which children are enrolled is directly dictated by the requested schedule and the spaces available.

 

 

FINANCIAL POLICIES:

 

Tuition and Payment Policies:

a     Payments/Tuition fee due starts at each week on Monday

b    we accept payments in advance

c    we do accept payments through VENMO/CASH

     

Extra Hours/Days Policy:

Families may request extra hours/days in addition to their scheduled hours/days. Families must request the specific hours/days at least 24 hours in advance of the time requested. There is a flat rate of $10 an hour or any portion of the hour for extra hours.  The sibling discount is not available for extra hours/days.

Pickup Policy:

It is imperative that children are picked up by their scheduled pick up time.  We suggest planning to arrive just prior to your scheduled pickup time so that you will have ample time to speak with your child’s Teachers, gather your child’s belongings and depart from the child care in a timely manner.

According to Pick up schedule, If the parent is late more than 15 minutes EXTRA $10/HR will be charged.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

 

Absences and Late Arrivals:

Please call the Child Care as early as possible on a day your child will be absent or if your arrival will be delayed so we may better plan for the day. If your child is absent due to health reasons, please alert your child's teacher.

 

If the prolonged absence of a child is due to serious illness and/or extended hospitalization, we will make every effort to work with families regarding holding an enrollment slot and making tuition payments.

Program Evaluations:

The Child Care conducts a semi-annual program surveys in order to get feedback from enrolled families. The survey is anonymous and is a way for families to provide the Child care their comments, compliments, ideas, and suggestions.

 

Arrivals and Departures:

Please accompany your child into the classroom, complete the sign-in sheet and let a teacher know that you have arrived.  This is the time to discuss with the teacher any relevant information that would help your child during the day (e.g. sleeping irregularities, medication needs, moods, changes in daily routine).

When picking up your child, please sign out and notify a teacher that you are leaving. It is imperative that a parent completes the sign in/out sheet for their child every day.  This is our attendance sheet and is necessary for the event of an emergency. Unless the teacher is engaged with a group of children, please inquire about the day your child has had. 

Only those people authorized in writing by the parent or guardian may pick up a child from the child care.  The child care must be notified in advance if someone other than a parent will be picking up the child, and this person will be asked to present identification.  Under no circumstances will a child be released to anyone without prior written permission.

 

 

Behavior Management Policy:

Our policy concerning behavior management ~ sometimes referred to as discipline ~ is based on the individual need of the child, the ability of each child to understand what he/she is doing and the consequences of their actions. A child is never made to feel that the outcome of an act will result in physical or verbal abuse. Children are not told to "sit out" and "time out" is not used. Positive reinforcement is always encouraged, and children are told what they are doing well.

THE FOLLOWING ARE PROHIBITED:

• Corporal punishment, including spanking.

• Verbal or physical abuse, humiliation, neglect, or abusive treatment.

• Speaking to a child in a manner or tone that is disrespectful, sarcastic, demeaning or threatening;

• Withholding food, drink or sleep.

• Force feeding children.

• Disciplining a child for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet; forcing a child to remain in soiled clothing or forcing the child to remain on the toilet, or using any other unusual or excessive practices

for toileting.

 

Biting Behavior in Young Children:

The Child Care recognizes that biting is a normal stage of development that some young children go through.  It is something they will outgrow in time.  Young children who bite, bite for reasons, all of them are normal and developmentally understood.

 

Common Reasons Why Children Bite:

Teething, exploring, stress, frustration, imitating behavior, personal space is violated or crowded, lack of vocabulary, sign of affection, to obtain attention.

 

Classroom Strategies Used To Minimize Incidents of Biting:

We “shadow” the child who has exhibited biting behavior.  We carefully observe the child who has bitten to

determine if there is a pattern of when the biting behavior occurs.  We comfort the child who has been bitten and firmly let the child who bit know that "biting hurts." and we offer an object to bite such as a teething ring or cold cloth.

 

Action Taken When A Biting Incident Occurs:

 

• The child who was bitten is comforted.

• The child who bit is firmly told that “biting hurts” while we continue to comfort and focus on the child who was bitten.

• The bitten area is washed thoroughly with soap and water and inspected for broken skin.

• If the skin is broken, an administrator will notify both sets of parents and will be advised to call their pediatricians; open wounds on the face or hands are the most vulnerable to infection.

• An injury/incident report is written for each of the children involved.

• An ongoing dialog is kept with parents and staff on classroom and home strategies being used to address and curb the biting behavior.

• Relevant articles are made available to parents and staff.

 

Clothing:

Please label all items with your child’s FIRST and LAST name, thank you

 

The activities at the Child care can be messy.   Please dress your children in play clothes.  Although we do use smocks and roll up sleeves, we cannot guarantee that children's clothing will not get stained or soiled.  We assume that you will send your child in clothes that allow your child to participate fully in our play-based program and that you understand that clothes may get stained or soiled.  Clothing should be clearly labeled with your child's first and last name, thank you.

Part of each day is spent outdoors, weather permitting.  Please dress your child accordingly.

Appropriate and safe footwear is required for outdoor play.  If your child wants to wear other shoes to child care, please make sure that he/she has a pair of sneakers to change into for outdoor play. Flip flops are not safe for outdoor play and are therefore not permitted; children must wear sneakers for outdoor play; in summer, fully-closed water shoes with solid rubber, non-skid sole are permissible; if there are questions about the suitability of footwear, please verify with your classroom Teachers.

During the cold weather please make sure your child has boots, (that slip on and off easily), a warm coat, snow pants, a hat, mittens, and slippers for after snow play.

Each child should have a complete set of extra clothing to be kept at the child care including underwear and socks.  All clothing should be clearly labeled with your child's name (socks too, please). We cannot be responsible for lost articles.

Accessories and Jewelry:

Children’s accessories and jewelry are extremely attractive to young children’s eyes, fingers, and mouths.  We ask parents cooperation to be safety conscious when choosing accessories that their children wear to the child cares.  Small objects like barrettes and earrings can be choking hazards and necklaces can pose strangulation hazards. Therefore, we do not permit the following type of jewelry:

• Dangly earrings (small, snug-fitting pierced studs are permitted);

• Necklaces of any kind;

• Bracelets with beads or charms (rubber, cloth or thread bracelets are permitted as long as they do not contain attachments or charms).

 

Comfort Items:

If it will help your child feel more at home during the day, we welcome comfort items such as his/her favorite pacifier, doll, stuffed animal, books or items that contribute to our activities are always welcome. These items need to be small enough to fit within each child’s individual cubby space.  If you have any questions about what to bring please speak to your child's teacher.

Confidentiality of Children’s Records:

To ensure the confidentiality of your child and family, staff members receive a confidentiality policy in their Employee Handbook that is reviewed upon hire. It states:

“Records of the children are confidential, may not leave the Child care, and should not be discussed with other parents or in front of other children. Confidential information includes but is not limited to: children, their families, employment, payroll, fiscal, and management information.

Access to confidential data, including children’s records, is permitted only when authorized and only to perform assigned tasks. The information contained in a child’s record is confidential.  This includes all written and verbal communication, which pertains to the child and/or his/her family.  It includes but is not limited to addresses, telephone numbers, progress reports, learning disabilities, financial information, behavior issues, attendance, etc.

Employees should recognize that sharing information that may be considered to violate the privacy of children and their families with others who do not have a need to know will be considered a violation of confidentiality that may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

Parents or others authorized in writing by the parents can request their child's record at any time.”

Staff members sign an agreement that they have read and agree to adhere to all the policies in their handbook including the preceding policy.

Child Care Child Care follows the Department of Early Education and Care regulations regarding the confidentiality and distribution of children's records.

The information contained in a child's records is confidential and will not be released to anyone without the written consent of the parents.  Parents may have access to the records of their child.  A copy will be made at no charge.  A permanently written log will be maintained in each child's record indicating any persons to whom information has been released.  The child's parents may add information or comments to the child's record and may also request the deletion or amendment of any information contained in the child's record.

Curriculum

We do all preschool activities, that included

1. Storytime /Circle Time

2. Arts and Craft

3. Outside Play

4. Learning and Fun Projects

Food:

Parents are encouraged to bring food for the Infants from home. Please do not send food or drinks in glass containers. For all other children’s child care will provide two meals and two snacks a day.

As we wish to encourage sound nutrition, we ask that parents send lunches and snacks that are well balanced. This includes grains/bread, protein and/or dairy, and fruits and/or vegetables.

**The child care will not serve popcorn, raw peas, hard pretzels or meat larger than can be swallowed whole to reduce the chance of choking. **

Parents should alert their child's teacher to any food allergies or sensitivities. Please note that Forward Child Care is not a peanut-free or nut-free environment; please note that foods children bring from home and consume at the Child Care may contain nuts and nut products.

Operations During Inclement Weather or Other Emergencies:

We will attempt to open the Child Care despite weather conditions or other emergencies. In rare situations when weather conditions or emergencies cause concern for the safety of children, families, and staff, the Child Care may be closed or may experience a delayed opening.

If the Child Care will close or have a delayed opening, this decision will be made as soon as possible to allow families to prepare. Closures or delayed openings will be communicated in two ways: via email to all enrolled families and via the voicemail greeting on the telephone line (425-777-5246)

If the weather becomes severe after the Child Care has opened for the day, the Child Care may determine that early closure is to ensure the safety of children and staff as they travel home. If the Child Care must close early, parents will be called with as much notice as possible.

Nap Needs:

Infants 2 –  14 months: The Child Care provides and launders the sheets for the cribs and nap mats in the Infant Room.

Infants 2 months to 11 months; Per EEC Safe Sleep policy, must be placed to sleep on their back and may not sleep with a bottle, bolster, blanket, stuffed animal or lovey of any kind in their crib; sleepers and sleep sacks are EEC- acceptable alternatives to blankets if the family chooses to provide either of these items. In keeping with best practice recommendations for Infants in child care settings, the Child Care will not swaddle Infants.

Toddlers and Preschoolers: should bring a nap blanket. Please make sure each is labeled. They should be brought home to launder weekly or as needed.   A comfort toy, doll, or stuffed animal is always welcomed for a nap.

Safe Sleep Policy:

In order to reduce the risk of SIDS, our licensing agency, DEL, has an established policy regarding infant sleep practices and the Forward Child Care Center adhere strictly to this policy for the health and safety of the Infants in our Child Care.

• Children younger than six months of age at the time of enrollment must be under direct visual supervision at all times, including while napping, during the first six weeks they are in care.

• No child under twelve months of age shall be placed in a crib containing pillows, comforters, stuffed animals, or other soft, padded materials. Devices such as wedges or infant positioners will not be used.

Caring for Children with Special Needs:

The Forward Child Care accepts applications for children with special needs. We realize the benefits of supporting children with special needs and attempt to accommodate these children if appropriate and helpful for them; however, FCC can only provide such services as are reasonable and beneficial to the class as a whole and do not cause undue burden to the program, staff and other children. It may be necessary to turn down an application for enrollment or to terminate the continued enrollment of a child with special needs when to do otherwise would jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of the child, the other children in the classroom and/or the staff.

Parent Participation:

Parents are welcome to spend time in the classroom, visit for lunch, or share any talents they have with the children. Parents are always welcome with no notice required but may want to notify the teachers when they plan to visit so that the child and the group can be prepared for the visit.  If your child is having difficulty with separation, please discuss with the teacher’s ways that would make parting easier.  You may decide that extra visits during your child's first few weeks could make it more difficult for him/her to settle and adjust.  Please discuss any concerns you may have with the Teachers.

Reporting abuse or neglect:

All Child Care staff are mandated, reporters. They are required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect to either the Child Protected Services (1-800-HARM) or to the licensee’s program administrator. The licensee must have written policies and procedures for reporting and must provide the written policy to you upon enrollment.

If a staff member is in question of having been abusive or neglectful, they shall immediately be removed from working directly with children and will be suspended with pay until investigations by CPS, Child Care Services (CCS) have been completed; in cases where the CCS internal investigation results in termination of the staff member, this decision may precede the completion of the CPS investigations.

**If allegations of abuse and/or neglect are substantiated, corrective action up to and including termination of the staff member will result**

Notification of Injury:

The licensee must notify you immediately of any injury which requires emergency care. The licensee must also notify you, in writing, within 24 hours, if any first aid is administered to your child.

 

 

 HEALTH CARE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

 

Physical Examinations:

A yearly physical examination is required for each child at the center.  In addition, immunization records must be kept current and submitted to the Center upon receiving updates.

Medical Policy:

Criteria regarding signs or symptoms of illness, which will determine whether a child will be included or excluded from the center prior to morning drop off:

• If a child has a temperature of 100.4 * or higher, he/she will be required to stay out of the Center until fever- free for 24 hours without the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).

• A child on antibiotics must be excluded from the center from the time of diagnosis until 24 hours after the first dosage.

Procedures for handling a child who has already been admitted to the Center and exhibits symptoms requiring exclusion until he/she can be taken home:

The child will be kept in a quiet isolated area in the classroom on a resting mat.  All mats and sheets will be cleaned after the child leaves the center.

Policies for when excluded children may return:

We have no separate facilities for long-term care of a sick child, parents are asked to be especially aware of and plan for impending illness.  If a child becomes sick while at the child care, a staff member will contact the parent to ask that the child is taken home.  We will ask parents to take their child home if we feel that he/she needs to see a doctor, if they present with an undiagnosed condition, is contagious, or has a greater need for individual care than staff can provide while providing care for the needs of other children.  At the child care, the child will be made comfortable on a mat in a quiet area away from the other children.  Staff will provide the child with food and beverage as requested.

Some of the common conditions for which a child will be sent home are as follows:

 

1. Temperature

2. Diarrhea

3. Vomiting

4. Impetigo

5. Conjunctivitis

6. Strep Throat

7. Scarlet Fever

8. Chicken Pox

9. Ear Infections

10. Respiratory Infections

11. Head Lice

12. Scabies

13. Hand-foot-mouth disease

 

Emergency Medical Forms:

The State of Washington requires parents to provide the child care with a current immunization record, annual physical exam report and for children between the ages of 9 and 12 months and annually thereafter a Lead screening test result, within 30 days of enrollment.  ALL MEDICAL RECORDS MUST BE UPDATED YEARLY.

In addition, consent forms for authorization of medical treatment, emergency transportation and child release, must be signed by parents and kept in each child's file.  FOR YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY, PLEASE REMEMBER TO NOTIFY THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY OF ANY CHANGES OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS OR ADDRESSES LISTED ON THE CONSENT FORMS.

 

Emergency First Aid Procedures:

All staff is required to have current training in either Red Cross or EEC certified First Aid and CPR.  In cases of minor injury, the staff will administer simple first aid and will notify the parent(s) in writing about injury and treatment.

Emergency Medical Procedures:

Depending on the severity of the emergency, the child care will contact parents or authorized persons. Transportation to the hospital will be by either ambulance or police when the time is of the essence, or if parents are not available.  Should immediate transportation be necessary.

Administration and Storage of Medication:

Prescription OR Non-Prescription Medication for Children: WE WILL NOT GIVE ANY TYPE OF MEDICATION TO YOUR CHILD.

Topical Non-Prescription Medication: Topical non-prescription medications such as sunscreen, diaper cream, petroleum jelly or other ointments may be applied to a child only with written parental authorization via a signed consent form.  This form must be renewed annually.

We request that the Teacher is made aware of any medication that is brought into the child care, even if it is a teething gel.  NO MEDICATION OF ANY KIND SHOULD EVER BE PUT IN A CHILD'S BOTTLE, CUP OR LEFT IN A CHILD'S BAG OR CUBBY.

 

 

Agreement

 

I have read and fully understand this Forward Child Care Handbook. I now agree to enter into this agreement with Tabassum R Babar of Forward Child Care. I understand that the contents of this contract may be changed at any time by Tabassum R Babar providing two weeks written a notice to me. Anytime a change Is made, I will be given a new contract if I intend on continuing at Forward Child Care. I have received an exact copy of this parent handbook for my own records.

Parent Signature ____________ Date ____________

Parent Signature ____________ Date ____________

Provider Signature ____________ Date ____________