POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

OUR PHILOSOPHYThe Early Learning Center has designed a program to stimulate,

nurture, and meet the developmental needs of three and four year olds. Our staff will be aware of and sensitive to children’s varying abilities and learning styles. We have created a learning environment that will allow children to have fun while learning.

Our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten programs provide children with foundations for learning with opportunities for choice, experimentation, creativity, and problem solving. Learning centers are used to encourage independence, responsibility, exploration, and promote self-esteem and self-worth.

It is our belief that children need hand-on experiences and get-on-the-floor teachers, warmth and attention, enthusiasm and encouragement. Our curriculum focuses on the critical skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond.

ADMISSION AND ENROLLMENTThe Early Learning Center admits children of any race, religion, color, disability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at the school.

The following forms are required by the center and must be completed prior to the opening of school:*registration form*proof of immunization*physical exam record (completed by physician)*copy of birth certificate*registration fees- Three year old program $75.00, non-refundable Four year old and Pre-Kindergarten $100.00, non-refundable*emergency medical treatment signed*policies and procedures agreement signed*parental agreement

RATES AND FEES

Three-year-old Preschool Program

School day 8:15 – 2:45 $25.00 per day

Half day 8:15 – 11:30 $20.00 per day

The three year old program offers a three day (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) program or a five day option, as well as a half-day program.

Payments for the three year old preschool may be made weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or paid in full in advance. Payments are due in advance of services, for example; the first day of the week, the first day of a new month, etc.A late fee of $10.00 will apply to late payments.

Withdrawal from the program requires a two-week notice.

** Early Learning Center payments are due throughout the school year. All contracted days must be paid regardless of sickness, absentees, inclement weather days, or holidays. The only time that you will not have to pay will be when school is closed. When a parent/grandparent chaperones a field trip the day is still considered a school day.

Four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten program

School year tuition $5,000.00Registration fee $100.00 (non-refundable)

The Pre-Kindergarten program operates on a five day program. Payment for the four year old program is due in full by June 30th. Parents may pay in full or participate in the school’s bank plan. (ask the office for information on the bank plan)

DISCIPLINE

Classroom rules and limits shall be age appropriate and understandable to the child. Discipline will be fair and consistent.

Only acceptable methods of discipline will be permitted at the Early Learning Center and will include “time-out”. In time-out a child is removed from the source of the problem after communication and reasoning has failed to correct unacceptable behaviors. Positive redirection and/or removal from the source of the problem have been found, in most cases, to be sufficient.

Discipline will not in anyway be related to food, rest, or toileting. The B.A. Early Learning Center prohibits any form of verbal or physical punishment.

The Center reserves the privilege of dismissing any child if after entering he/she seems unable to participate in group experiences or is a threat to the safety of others. Parents may also terminate enrollment but must give two weeks prior notification.

PARENT PARTICIPATIONThe Early Learning Center encourages parent involvement. Parents

are welcome to take an active part in our programs. There are opportunities for parents to help in the classrooms, chaperone field trips, and volunteer to coordinate special events. Parents and/or family members are also welcome to help celebrate birthdays and holidays in the classroom.

Conferences are scheduled twice per year to discuss your child’s accomplishments and progress. Teachers are available for additional conferences if the need arises. We welcome comments, questions, or suggestions.

MEALS AND SNACKSThe Center will provide a nutritional lunch and two snacks daily. The

food is prepared by the school’s cafeteria staff and meets the nutritional guidelines set forth by the Child Care Food Program of the USDA.

Mealtimes provide opportunities for the children to learn to make good food choices and enjoy a variety of nutritious food in a pleasant atmosphere.

Please notify the Center if your child cannot eat certain foods due to allergies, religious beliefs, etc. If your child requires a special diet due to medical reasons, a physician’s note on file may be required.

Monthly menus and snack lists will be posted in the classrooms and are available upon request.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICESProper hand washing routines will be practiced by children and staff

daily.Toys will be bleached on a regular basis to prevent spread of illness.Fire and tornado drills will be conducted at least once a month and

recorded. Evacuation plans are posted in the classrooms. A complete Emergency Response Plan has been prepared and is available in the preschool and pre-kindergarten classrooms.

Staff members will do their very best to prevent accidents and injuries. In the event of an injury, first aid will be administered and a report will be prepared. Parents will receive a copy of the report. Staff members maintain a current First Aid and CPR certificate.

Children will NOT be released to anyone except those authorized to pick up the child on the enrollment form. Identification may be required. In the event you wish another adult pick up your child, written permission in advance or a phone call will be required.

In the event that a parent or guardian fails to pick up a child from the center at the end of the day, staff members will make every effort to contact someone from the emergency contact list. If staff members are unable to contact anyone, Child Protective Services will be notified.

Playground safety is important. Staff members will monitor play for safety and equipment will be inspected daily.

Virginia law requires that childcare facilities report suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

A child that exhibits signs and symptoms of illness may be separated from the class until he/she can be picked up. Your child will not be allowed to attend preschool if he/she exhibits any symptoms for exclusion within a 24-hour period.

Symptoms for exclusion:*fever of 100 degrees or higher*diarrhea*vomiting on two or more occasions within 24 hour period*a draining rash*eye discharge or pinkeye*lice or nits (We have a NO NITS policy)*thrush*any communicable disease*too tired or ill to participate in normal activities

Exposure to any communicable illness will be posted.

Parents/Guardians agree to inform the Center within 24 hours or the next business day after his/her child or any member of the immediate household has developed a reportable communicable disease as defined by the State Board of Health, except for life-threatening diseases which must be reported immediately.

MEDICATIONSWritten parental consent is required in order to administer any

medication. The center requires specific written instructions on authorization forms available at the Center.

TRANSPORTATION/FIELD TRIPSChildren enrolled in the Early Learning Center may ride the bus to

and from school each day. Those children who live outside existing routes may meet buses at the central points. Students that ride the bus will be expected to have a parent/guardian VISIBLE to the bus driver before the bus driver will let the child off the bus.

Brunswick Academy Association is responsible for all children riding the school bus to and from school. The Early Learning Center is responsible for the preschoolers once they arrive at school.

If you choose to bring your child to school, please park in the lower school parking lot and walk your child to the classroom. Parents/Guardians are required to sign children in and out.

Field trips are a part of our early childhood curriculum and offer a variety of opportunities to explore and learn. Written permission will be required for all field trips.

CLOTHINGWashable play clothes are best suited for preschoolers. Flip-flops or

open-toed shoes should not be worn to school because of possible accidents on the playground. Sturdy shoes are encouraged.

Please label all sweaters, jackets, coats, backpacks, etc.Each child needs to bring a complete extra set of clothing in case of

accidents or spills. As seasons change, we will ask you to update this set of extra clothes.

CHILDREN’S SUPPLIESYour child will need a book bag or backpack to transport his/her

artwork, schoolwork and notes back and forth. Backpacks will be checked in the mornings.

Preschoolers will rest each day and the Center will provide a cot. Please send a blanket, something special to sleep with, etc. Rest time linens will be sent home on Fridays to be washed.

Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home. Special items are requested by the teacher, such as show and tell, will be allowed.

We ask that each family donate a box of tissues, a roll of paper towels, a box of 5 ounce cups, and a container or refill pack of wipes. The Center will provide school supplies, such as paper, crayons, markers, glue, etc.

DAILY SCHEDULEA copy of your child’s daily schedule will be sent home when school

begins. Also, teachers will provide a calendar of events, weekly activities, and newsletters to keep you informed.