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Educating and Nurturing Infants through Kindergarten |
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General Program Information
Birthdays These are special days here at Bethlehem. Classroom teachers vary in their ways of celebrating each child on “their” day. Parents may bring a low sugar treat such as muffins to celebrate the occasion; birthday plates, napkins, and/or cups are also welcome and help enhance the festivities. We ask that you please keep the decorative paper goods simple and non-media related. Please let the teachers know in advance of any plans you may have. Unless you are inviting the entire class, we ask that birthday invitations be mailed, or parents contacted by phone. (call the office for this information.) In this way, hurt feelings will be avoided.
Ordering Children’s Books Inexpensive paperback books, records, tapes, and posters will be available for purchase during the year through See Saw and Firefly book clubs. Order forms will be sent home and should be returned to your child’s classroom upon completion.
Extra-Curricular Activities Roberta Fuller operates the Gymnastic program. This activity is available to all B.C.C. children for an additional fee. Further information is available in the participating classrooms.
Show and Tell Each classroom has their own policy concerning show and tell. Please check with the individual classroom teachers for details.
Snacks Morning and afternoon snacks are provided by the Center. Families may also sign up for a snack day. An additional snack is provided to children staying later than 5:00 p.m.
CubbiesYour child’s cubby should be emptied at the end of the day except for the change of clothes.
Toys From Home We realize that many young children have a blanket, a rag doll, or one single toy that provides them with comfort and security, these are important items that may be brought to school on a daily basis. All other toys need to remain at home. We are not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items brought from home. This includes: toys, jewelry, purses, etc.
Field Trips Field trips are reserved for our Penguin and Kindergarten children. We always post notices with sign-up sheets at least one week prior to any off-site trips, and we never take the children without parent permission. Parents are urged to drive, and assist as volunteers. Parents who offer to drive must have a valid driver’s license, and copies of driving records and proof of insurance on file in our office. Every child must have their own seat belt. When field trips are scheduled for days that a child does not regularly attend, he/she may participate by enjoying the trip with his/her parent assisting as a teachers aide. This service may then be considered as payment. ** Teacher guided walks on church property are not considered a field trip.**
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First Day At Bethlehem
The most helpful attitude a parent can have about starting school is one of matter-of-factness and honesty. Discuss going to preschool with your child beforehand. Also, set up a time to visit the preschool with your child so that he/she will know what it looks like, where he/she will eat, rest, play, potty, and so on. We all experience a “fear of the unknown.” You might also tour the room with your child and meet his/her new friends and teachers. You might explain to your child what you will be doing while you are away from the center and assure him/her that you will return when it is time. Talking about the fun things your child will get to do often helps the transition go smoother. On the first day, plan for an extra few minutes before departure so that if either of you feels insecure, you will have time to stay. Exploring the different activities together can help your child decide what he/she wants to do. Please don’t worry if your child is upset or cries, we understand. This is not unusual. This is a big step for your child, and after a few days, he/she will settle into the routine. **Parents may call the Center for reassurance at any time.** We encourage you to send your child in rugged, washable, clothes because we will be painting and enjoying messy projects. All clothes, jackets, sweaters, hats, etc. should be labeled with your child’s name. We have laundry markers for your use. We are not responsible for lost or damaged clothing\. What To Bring
Extra change of labeled clothes . This should include underwear, socks, pants, a shirt and a sweater, jacket, or sweatshirt. We prefer to have these stored in a cloth or paper bag in your child’s cubby Rain boots should be brought to school upon teacher notification.
2. Bring a lunch if this is part of your child’s day at Bethlehem. We encourage parents’ to pack lunches in simple lunch boxes, baskets, or bags. Please, no super-hero’s.
3. Diapers and Wipes if appropriate.
4. Crib size fitted sheet, a small blanket (if your child will be napping), and a small cuddly “friend” (if desired). Please label all items. 12 x 12 pillows only please due to storage.
Swimsuit or shorts and a small towel for wading pool play if your child is at Bethlehem in the afternoons during the hot months.
6. Emergency food bag- If the children we unable to leave the center due to an earthquake or other disaster, this food would be used along with other Center food. We ask that you bring a small bottle of water and food enough for one meal with an expiration date of at least nine months. Put your child’s name on his/her bag. Bags will be stored in individual classroom.
Discipline Our program provides a supportive environment in which children begin to learn and practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors as individuals, and as a group. The staff believes in a positive approach to discipline. In guiding a child in developing self control, the staff gives special consideration to reinforcing the child’s self-esteem through positive affirmation of each child’s unique qualities. Redirection and use of “our words” are most often emphasized. For the mobile infant and toddler, redirection, distraction, or removal from the area will often modify the behavior.
A few basic rules we have at Bethlehem are: 1. A child may not hurt another child 2. A child may not hurt himself/herself 3. A child may not damage or destroy another person’s, or Bethlehem’s property 4. A child may not intentionally do what he/she has been asked not to do 5. A child may not avoid doing what he/she has been asked to do
Breaking one of these rules may call for a short period of “time-out”. The time out is intended to give the child a chance to regain self-control, not as punishment. Sometimes a child simply needs a few moments to slow down. Often children act from an emotional stance, and they need adult direction to assist them with their self- control. Under no circumstance will a child be yelled at, hit, pushed, or threatened nor will any other method of corporal punishment be used.
Procedure for working with continuing behavior issues: If a child has been documented with behavior issues, we will request a Parent-Teacher Conference. A strategy will be agreed upon. An evaluation from the director and teachers involved will follow within a week. If the behavior has not improved, we will ask the parents to provide an outside source to observe and provide further strategies. If after another week, this has shown to be unsuccessful, the child will be dismissed. We reserve the right to suspend or expel immediately any child that we determine to be harmful to any child or staff member and/or who continually breaks the basic discipline guidelines.
Health, Safety & Nutrition Health Policies/Exclusion Guidelines: Parents, please check your child for good health each day before bringing him/her to the Center. A child that does not feel well enough to participate comfortably in the programs activities needs to remain at home. A child with an infectious disease or any of the following symptoms must also remain at home: green mucous from the nose, read throat, spots on the throat, earache, swollen neck glands, fever, unexplained rash or skin eruptions, vomiting, diarrhea, tonsillitis, or if the child acts listless, drowsy, has a flushed face, glassy or bleary eyes, complains of a headache or shows any behavior that is noticeably unusual. Parents will be called if the staff cannot adequately care for a sick child without compromising the care of the other children. A child must be free from all symptoms for 24 hours before returning to the Center. STAFF MAY REQUEST A CLEARANCE FROM A PHYSICAN PRIOR TO READMITTING A CHILD TO THE PROGRAM. If there is a difference of opinion between childcare staff and a family physician as to the appropriateness of the child’s attendance at the center, the Director/Asst. Director/Site Director will make a final decision based on discussions with the physician and teachers. Parents will be called if a child becomes ill at school. The child will be isolated until the parent or substitute adult picks him/her up. We will notify you of any communicable disease at the Center. We will also notify you of various health services available during the year.
Medication Policy: It is our policy not to give a child any type of medication. You are welcome to store prescription medication at the Center and come during the day to administer it. Special arrangements may be made to accommodate a child who has a chronic illness. The medication will be administered on an as needed or daily basis if the parent is unable to come to the center. Medical notes must be completed and all medications will be kept in a locked cupboard or container within the appropriate classroom,.
Sunscreen Policy: Applying water-proof sunscreen to your child in the morning is encouraged. If sunscreen needs to be applied later in the day, we will need a Dr’s prescription. Due to toxicity of sunscreen and possible allergic reactions, the sunscreen along with the Dr.’s prescription need to be given to your child’s teacher. Please label the sunscreen with your child’s name.
Allergies: Please make sure the staff knows of any allergies that you child may have; i.e. food allergies, bee stings, medications, animals, etc. Please also let the staff know if your child has hay-fever or seasonal allergies.
Eyeglasses: If your child needs to wear eyeglasses at the center, the staff will make every effort to encourage your child to keep them on and take care of them. However, we cannot be responsible for lost or damaged glasses.
Vision & Hearing Screening: During the year the Sonoma County Assistance League will offer vision and hearing screenings to four and five year olds. Referrals for other types of screenings are available from the Director.
Safety: We will administer simple first aid, and we will report any unusual mishaps immediately or at pick up time with a “boo-boo” report. Children must always be within sight of a teacher or a parent at Bethlehem indoors or outside.
Emergency Procedures: B.C.C. has an emergency procedure which will go into effect in the event of an emergency or disaster. Your child will be cared for until you are able to pick him/her up. In the event that the building must be evacuated, there will be notification as to the location of pick up. We have designated the Church Sanctuary, the Parish Hall, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church on St. Francis Rd. as primary alternate sites. If the school is closed due to weather or other emergency, the information will be broadcasted on the local radio. If the school is closed due to an emergency after you have dropped your child off, you must return immediately to pick up your child. if the Center must be closed due to plumbing, heating, or electrical problems, we will notify you by phone to come pick up your child.
Child Abuse Reporting: As Early Childcare Professionals we are MANDATED REPORTERS of suspected child abuse.
Nutrition: Our program teaches proper nutrition according to the basic food groups. We strongly suggest avoiding foods high in sugar. Please keep drinks containing caffeine at home. If foods need to be kept warm, please bring an insulated container. Lunchtime becomes very busy and teachers are not always able to warm food for each child. Teachers will be glad to give you lunchtime ideas. Please do not send gum Parent Involvement Newsletters & Bulletin Boards: Parents are urged to read the current newsletters and the classroom bulletin boards. These are used as further communication.
Special Programs: Please attend our special programs. Whenever a parent gives special effort and attention to the Center, the child’s self-esteem is strengthened.
Conferences: Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled each spring or upon parent request.
Parent Disputes: Resolution may be pursued first through the Director, School Board, and finally the Community Care Licensing agency. Volunteers/Aides: If you wish to become a parent volunteer, you must attend the Parent Volunteer/Aide Orientation Meeting held at the beginning of the school year. We will inform you of the date and time. If there is a need, a parent or substitute adult may work as an aide in exchange for tuition. Aides must also attend the Orientation Meeting, and may not work in the same room as their child(ren). A TB CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED OF ALL PARENTS/AIDES WHO WILL BE WORKING AT THE CENTER.
Communication: Parents may leave notes/messages for teachers in the communication folder which will be provided in each classroom. Teachers may leave return messages for the parents as well.
Parent Library: A parent library is available for your use in the office as well as in each classroom. If you need suggestions on parenting books or quality literature for young children, please ask a staff member for information. We are always happy to help you.
Parent Conduct: One of the most important services we provide the children in our care is a safe environment. A safe environment is more than just equipment in good repair, doors and windows in working order etc. A safe environment is also a place where children can feel secure and where adults coming into the center treat others with respect and consideration. Just as children must remember that sometimes rules of conduct differ between Center and home, so must adults remember that when entering a child care facility. The adults are expected to act in ways that help children feel safe. The following are examples of adult behavior that will help children feel safe while at child care:
* Speaking in a friendly voice refraining from yelling
* Using positive language when speaking with your child, teacher, or other children refraining from threats and never swearing or name calling
* Refraining from using any from of corporal punishment while at the Center even if it used at home, and even if it is your own child
* Informing a teacher if you see a child other than your own misbehaving, and allowing them to intervene
* Not smoking while at the Center either inside or outside
* Not coming to the Center while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
* Allow your child adequate time to finish what he/she is doing and separate from friends. Let your child know that you’ll be leaving in a few minutes and use this time to check his/her cubby and exchange information with the teacher.
When all adults follow these and other common sense rules of conduct, we help create a safe and pleasant atmosphere for the children in our care. (Borrowed from S.R.J.C. Handbook) Newsletters & Bulletin Boards: Parents are urged to read the current newsletters and the classroom bulletin boards. These are used as further communication.
Special Programs: Please attend our special programs. Whenever a parent gives special effort and attention to the Center, the child’s self-esteem is strengthened. Conferences: Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled each spring or upon parent request. Parent Disputes: Resolution may be pursued first through the Director, School Board, and finally the Community Care Licensing agency. Volunteers/Aides: If you wish to become a parent volunteer, you must attend the Parent Volunteer/Aide Orientation Meeting held at the beginning of the school year. We will inform you of the date and time. If there is a need, a parent or substitute adult may work as an aide in exchange for tuition. Aides must also attend the Orientation Meeting, and may not work in the same room as their child(ren). A TB |
