EXPLORE, LEARN, GROW!

Family HandbookSt. Paul’s

Child Development Center225 W. Griggs

Las Cruces, NM 88001preschool@stpaulslascruces.com

Phone: 575-541-3175

2015-2016

Table of ContentsContact Information……………………………………………………………… 3Program Information…………………………………………………………….. 4

Mission Statement…………………………………………………………. 4Program Goals……………………………………………………………... 4Philosophy…………………………………………………………………. 5License……………………………………………………………………… 5Staff Information…………………………………………………………… 5Program Calendar and Professional Development Days………… 5

Family Involvement…………………………………………………………… 6Becoming Involved………………………………………………………… 6Communication……………………………………………………………. 6Conferences/Home Visits………………………………………………….. 6Family Concerns…………………………………………………………… 6

Daily Operations…………………………………………………………………... 7 Curriculum…………………………………………………………………. 7

Arrival and Departure……………………………………………………… 7Absences……………………………………………………………………. 8Daily Schedule……………………………………………………………… 8Field Trips………………………………………………………………….. 9Meals and Snacks…………………………………………………………... 9Clothing…………………………………………………………………….. 9Birthdays and Holidays……………………………………………………. 10Show and Tell..................................................................... 10

Policies and Procedures…………………………………………………………... 10Enrollment Procedures…………………………………………………….. 10

Tuition and Fees……………………………………………………………. 11Late Pick-up fee.................................................................. 11Withdrawing from the Program……………………………………………. 11

Health and Safety…………………………………………………………………. 11Illness…………………………………………………………………................... 12Medication…………………………………………………………………. 12Injury Response……………………………………………………………........ 13

Missing Child Policy…………………………………………………………….. 13Confidentiality……………………………………………………………………. 13

Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect………………………………………... 14Severe Weather Policy…………………………………………………………. 14

Disaster Preparedness Plan………………………………………………… 15

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Contact Information

DirectorSt. Paul’s Child Development Center

225 W. GriggsEmail Address: preschool@stpaulslascruces.com

stpaulscdc3175@gmail.comPhone: 575- 541-3175

St Paul’s United Methodist Church Website (includes link to CDC):www.stpaulslascruces.com

St Paul’s Church StaffDr. Eduardo (Eddie) Rivera ~ Senior Pastor ~ 526-6689

Dr. Paul Duerksen ~ Pastoral Assistant ~ 541-3181Barbara McDonald ~ Church Secretary ~ 541-3179

Mark Ewing ~ Church Administrator ~ 541-3169Xavier and Chris Ann Torres ~ Director of Family Ministries ~ 541-3182

Dr. Doug Weeks ~ Minister of Music ~ 541-3189 Sherri Fredrickson ~ Director of Communications ~ 541-

~ CDC Director ~ 541-3175

You are welcome to worship with us!8:15 - Early Gospel Worship

9:30 - Sunday School for all ages9:30 - Contemporary Service - "Fusion"

10:45 - Traditional Worship (Nursery care is available for all services)

Your family is always welcome to attend our regularly scheduled events!Parents Night Out: Every Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. FREE

First Friday Fun Night: 1st Friday of every month; $10/child; $30/family5:30-9 pm. Bring dinner for your child. Reservations required.

Sunday School - EVERY Sunday, 9:30 a.m.Wednesday Night Live – 5 p.m. Dinner, 6 p.m. Classes/Bible Studies/Children’s Choirs

If you are interested in becoming a member of St Paul's UMC, please contact Pastor Paul Duerksen. "Next Step" classes are offered monthly to help you learn more about St Paul's.

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Program Information

The Vision of St Paul's Child Development Center is to provide a high quality care and preschool education program for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, and offer support and encouragement to families, through the church.

Mission Statement

The Mission of St Paul's Child Development Center is to provide a safe, loving, play-based Christian environment, through which children ages 6 weeks to 5 years can EXPLORE the world, LEARN with their hands, and GROW in faith!

Strategies to fulfill our mission "The 3 C's"CURRICULUM - We will fulfill our mission by using a Christian Curriculum and having weekly chapel, led by the pastoral staff, children's ministry coordinator, CDC director/staff.COMMUNICATION - We will fulfill our mission by developing and sustaining open communication between director/staff/families, through one on one visits, phone, emails, printed and social media.COOPERATION - We will fulfill our mission by building bridges of cooperation between the CDC and St. Paul's Church. The Director and Staff of the CDC will provide opportunities for the congregation to become involved in the ministry of the CDC, through annual reading programs, handy man jobs, sewing projects, donations of supplies, volunteers in the classroom, volunteers at CDC events (annual rummage sale and other fundraisers), etc. In the same way, the Director and Staff of the CDC will encourage and invite CDC families to participate in activities and ministry within the life of the St. Paul's congregation, through printed communication and word of mouth.

Program Goals St Paul’s Child Development Center (CDC) will provide a variety of activities which promote the children’s spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. It is our intent to provide a high quality early care and a play-based child-centered education program where children will:

learn that God made them, loves them, and wants to be their friend forever. see themselves as persons of worth make self-conscious positive choices broaden attitudes about others play and learn with people outside their families practice the rule of love in their relationships become stewards of gifts we have been given discover the natural world use the language of faith in interpreting everyday experiences grow in their own journey for independence practice creativity

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Philosophy The philosophy of St. Paul’s CDC is that of child-centered learning. We believe children learn best through play and active exploration. We consider a cooperative learning environment between teachers, children, and families to be an essential part of academic and personal success. The purpose of education in the church is to make God known to all people, using the Bible as the foundation for teaching.

License We operate under the direction of St Paul’s United Methodist Church and in compliance with the State of New Mexico, Children Youth and Families Department. We are licensed by the State of New Mexico.

Program Director/Assistant to the Director The Director carries the primary responsibility for the center. Her education and experience support her ability to function in this capacity. She will be responsible for staff development and training. In addition, the director (and assistant) will participate in continuing education throughout the year. The director will be at the center at least 30 hours/week. If for some reason she must be away, her assistant or another teacher will be appointed in charge during her absence. The director may be reached at 575-541-3175. The director is a member of St Paul’s United Methodist Church and a member of the Church Staff. The Assistant to the Director will provide administrative and office support, enrollment, scheduling and assisting the Director as needed. She will be available at least 15 hours/week. Full job descriptions are available in the office.

Teachers  All CDC staff will be qualified by education, experience and highest character. Our staff have degrees in Early Childhood Education or the equivalent, OR have completed the NM 45 Hour Entry Level Course for Child Care Workers. All staff participates in required continuing education throughout the year. All teachers are CPR/1st Aid certified. All staff complies with St Paul's United Methodist Church policy that requires that all paid staff or volunteers who work with children complete yearly Safe Sanctuary training, a training to recognize and reduce the risk of child abuse. Our teachers work to enable each child to develop his/her full potential, to be a responsible, caring, creative, spontaneous, happy and independent person. The value of each individual as a child of God is affirmed through the attitudes and actions of the teachers through a caring and safe atmosphere.      Our teachers are very dedicated and hardworking and when they are at the center their full attention is given to the children. As such, we need to respect their personal time at home with their families. We ask that parents do not text or call their child’s teacher before or after school hours. You may, however, send them an e-mail.

Program Calendar The CDC follows the Las Cruces Public Schools’ traditional calendar with the exception of their Professional Development days and parent- teacher conferences. Generally, we remain open on these days. In the event that the CDC Staff has their own professional development days on a regular school day, you will be notified at least one month in advance so that you can make other childcare arrangements. We encourage you to talk with other families and collaborate on childcare arrangements for CDC professional development days. There is a calendar posted in the Big Room (next to the front door) indicating the specific days we are closed. Our last full day of the school year is the same as that of LCPS. Our summer program runs for 4 weeks in June and 4 weeks in July.

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Family Involvement Family members are always welcome at St. Paul’s Child Development Center! It is our goal to support families in their role as their child’s first teacher. Parents are welcome to visit their child’s class at anytime. We encourage you to share your talents and interests. There are many ways in which families can share or participate at our center. Family members may serve as chaperones on field trips, read or tell stories to the class, help with a class project, share your occupation, and even serve on the CDC Advisory Board. If you would like to volunteer in any capacity, please talk with the director or your child’s teacher. We believe collaboration and communication between families and teachers is an important part of a child’s education. We want to be partners with you!

CommunicationSt. Paul’s CDC encourages open communication between families and staff. There are many

opportunities in which teachers and families can communicate with each other regarding the children and other aspects of the program. There is a family bulletin board located just outside the Big Room on the left, where menus, upcoming events, and other important information are posted. Teachers also communicate classroom information and updates in a variety of ways: via e-mail, weekly/monthly newsletters, as well as Facebook and “Shutterfly”. We want you to feel comfortable contacting us with any suggestions or ideas. We also welcome frequent conversations with you. If you have an important issue to discuss that may take the teacher or director’s full attention away from the children, we ask that you schedule an appointment.

Conferences Families will be contacted by their child’s teacher the week prior to the start of a new school year in August to make an appointment for a parent/teacher conference. This is a time for parents to meet the teacher, learn about the year ahead, ask questions, and fill out any remaining forms needed in their child’s file. Teachers may ask for individualized conferences at other times throughout the year. In addition, parents should feel free to request a conference with your child’s teacher and/or the director as desired. Appointments will be arranged.

Family ConcernsIt is our hope that St. Paul’s CDC staff and families can share openly any concerns or questions

that may arise. To better facilitate this process, we ask that you observe the following steps: 1. As soon as you have a concern about your child or your child’s classroom, please schedule an

immediate appointment with the classroom teacher(s) to discuss it. At that time, clarify your concerns with the teacher(s) so they can help you and your child.

2. If, after a conference with the teachers, the concern is not resolved, please make an appointment with the director. Based on the results of that meeting, a plan of action will be developed with the family members, teachers, and director to resolve the concern in the best interest of the child.

3. If you have a concern about the program, please schedule an appointment with the director to discuss it. At that time, clarify your concerns with the director so she can resolve the issue as effectively as possible.

4. In either case, if the situation is still not resolved to your satisfaction, please request that your concerns be taken to the Staff Parrish Relations Committee (SPRC) The CDC director will then forward your concerns to the committee for their input and suggestions. The director will let you know

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what was discussed and decided. The SPRC decision is final.

Daily OperationsCurriculum St Paul's CDC uses a faith based curriculum. Our teachers use the curricula to guide them in developing intentional lesson plans and implementing developmentally appropriate practices. Developmentally appropriate practice ensures that developmental goals and activities are suited to the child’s learning and development and yet challenging enough to promote progress in an environment where children are safe and valued, and where their physical needs are met. Our curriculum provides a range of age-appropriate activities, from infant to Pre-K, designed to lay a foundation for understanding God, Jesus, the Bible, the church, self, family, others, and the natural world. Each thematic unit offers plenty of hands-on age appropriate activities for use in the learning centers—-dramatic play, blocks, music, manipulatives and puzzles, math, science, sensory and art. This curriculum supports our philosophy that children learn best through play, and the variety of suggested activities and practices support the learning domains – physical, social emotional, approaches towards learning, language and communication, and emergent literacy.

Our staff also uses the state approved Early Learning Guidelines as the basis for setting goals for learning in the classroom. It helps the teachers formulate their lesson plans, set individual goals for children, track their development, and be able to explain to parents what their child is learning. The teachers observe and document the children’s progress to create an individual portfolio for each child. These portfolios are kept in the classroom and are available to parents at all times. They help parents have a clearer understanding of just what their child is learning and can do! They are passed on with your child to the next classroom, so that at the end of your child’s time at St Paul’s you will have a portfolio of documentation and memories of many of the things your child has learned and accomplished during their time with us.

The CDC curriculum along with the Early learning Guidelines incorporate goals and objectives for all stages of development provides opportunities for children to learn through play, and includes ongoing, appropriate assessment of children’s development and learning. We strive to support children’s academic progress while respecting the way they grow and develop.

Arrival and Departure

Children must be escorted from the car to their classroom by the parent and must check in and out with the teacher. No child will enter or leave the building unless he/she is escorted by an adult. Extra caution is encouraged when crossing the street to the parking lot and in the parking lot. Traffic is heavy during opening and closing hours.

No child will be released to an unauthorized person. Permission must be given in writing to the Director for any change from the usual person authorized to pick up the child. Any individual on the authorized pick-up list picking up a child for the first time will be required to show identification.

When picking up your child, please take a few moments to check the Family Information Board in the hallway, your child’s cubby, and file folder outside his/her classroom for any important announcements and/or items that are ready to go home.

If you, or another designated adult arrive to pick up your child and the staff feels that you or the other adult appear to be intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the staff will assist you in finding alternate transportation from the program. It is our responsibility to always act in the best

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interest of you and your child. If you insist upon removing your child from the program and appear to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the staff present will call the police and file an incident report with the program.

AbsencesWe ask that you please notify us as by 9:00 am either by phone, 541-3175 or through our e-mail

preschool@stpaulslascruces.com, when your child will be absent, or arrive to school later than their usual time. There are no refunds for the days your child is absent, but if space is available we are willing to work with you to make up the days your child misses. Prior arrangements will need to be made with both the teacher and the director. If a child misses more than five consecutive days and we have not heard from the child’s family, we will assume that the family has withdrawn from the program and we will offer their space to the next child on our waiting list. Please remember that our tuition agreement requires a two week notice before withdrawing a child. You will owe tuition for two weeks, beginning the first day of your child’s five consecutive absences.

Daily Schedule St. Paul’s CDC’s regular day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children may attend preschool only (9 – 1:30) or for a whole day (as early at 7:30 to as late as 4:30). Each classroom at St. Paul’s has an individualized daily schedule similar to the one below, that includes: morning meeting or circle time, whole group activities, independent exploration of the integrated curriculum areas such as science, math, block area, creative art, writing and literacy, and outside exploration.

Sample Schedule

7:30- early arrival8:00 – Early arrivals go to classrooms OR outside, weather permitting

9:00 - Preschool begins9:10 - Morning Meeting/Circle time

9:30 – Snack time 10:00 – 12:00 Exploration and Discovery Play

11:30 – 12:30 – staggered Lunch schedule 12:30 – 1:15 Exploration and Discovery Play/Outside (naptime for toddlers)

1:15 – Closing Meeting for 3’s and 4’s1:30– Some children go home; naps/rest time for extended care kids

3:00 – Snack time3:30 – 4:30 Organized large group activity/outdoor play

Individual class schedules are posted in the classroom and a copy is made available to parents. Each classroom has at least ½ hour of outside play time in the morning and after lunch. Once a week the children attend chapel from 11:00 – 11:20. They enjoy a time of singing and an object lesson shared by the pastors and other members of the church staff. Water play is also an important part of our schedule. Water play is done inside the classroom in shallow tubs or in sand and water tables and in warmer weather, outside w/ sprinklers, hoses, watering cans, and small wading pools.

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Field Trips We occasionally like to offer special outdoor/physical activities on the grassy area in front of the church. We also take walking trips around the church and nature walks around the immediate area of our site. God’s Garden is a special place in an in St Paul’s inner courtyard. The children go there often in the spring, summer and fall to plant and tend the garden. If we are leaving the St Paul’s campus, you will be notified beforehand. If we plan an offsite field trip, (to Farmer’s Market, Natural History Museum, the Rio Grande Theatre, COAS Bookstore, Pioneer Park, etc.), you will be given a separate permission form to sign. If you prefer that your child not take part in these walking trips, please indicate this on the permission form and we will make appropriate arrangements. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any field trip or walk that we take off site!

Meals and Snacks St. Paul’s CDC offers 2 nutritious snacks during the day: one mid-morning, and a second one mid-afternoon if your child stays until 4:30 pm. Snacks will include at least two food groups determined by the USDA Food Pyramid. Menus are posted in the kitchen, outside your child’s classroom, and on the parent information bulletin board in the hallway. Please inform us upon registration of any allergies or dietary restrictions your child may have so we can plan alternative snacks for your child when necessary. Children are required to bring a lunch from home. Teachers are available to assist children and heat up lunches as needed. In keeping with family-style dining, all teachers sit with the children during mealtimes and participate in mealtime conversation. Children are also encouraged to use self-help skills during lunch and snack times by serving themselves with child sized utensils, pouring their own drink, and assisting each other as much as possible. Lunch and snack times offer wonderful opportunities for children to learn self help skills, manners and social skills as they interact with their peers and teachers. On birthdays or other special occasions parents are welcome to bring or send a special snack for your child’s class. Though cake and cookies are always appealing, please also consider alternative less-sugary snacks!

Infants Infants will be fed according to their own schedule. Parents must provide the formula or breast milk for their child. There is a refrigerator in the infant room where we can store the bottles or breast milk. Please label each bottle with your child’s name and a schedule you would like us to follow when feeding your infant. If your child is eating solid food, please send this as well. We are able to store a multi-serving container if this easier for you. As infants become able to serve themselves, we encourage you to send finger foods that they can manage themselves. Parents must supply wipes, diapers or pull-ups for their child. These will be stored in a cubby labeled with your child’s name, and will only be used for your child. We also ask that you supply a change of clothes. PLEASE LABEL ALL OF YOUR CHILD’S BELONGINGS!

Clothing We believe children learn best through hands-on exploration, which often means engaging in messy activities (such as paint and gooey sensory materials). We try our best to make sure the children are covered with smocks during these activities but it is quite possible they will get messy at school so we recommend sending your children in comfortable, easily washable clothing. Please bring a

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complete change of clothes for your child labeled with his/her name.

Footwear is also important for children’s safety. We recommend athletic shoes with Velcro or laces. We do not allow flip flops on the playground. In the event your child wants to wear fancy shoes or flip flops to school you may bring a pair of athletic shoes they can change into for active play. In warmer weather and on “water play” days, sandals with Velcro straps or buckles and water shoes are permitted.

Birthdays and Holidays Birthdays are a special time in our children’s lives. As such, we welcome them to share it with their friends at school. We ask that you inform your child’s teacher of what you would like to do ahead of time so they can plan their schedule for that day. If your child’s birthday falls in the summer and he/she does not attend in the summer, you may pick any day during the school year to be your child’s “school birthday”. As part of St. Paul’s Church, our Child Development Center recognizes and celebrates many holidays. If you celebrate holidays that are different from those traditionally celebrated here, we invite you to come and share experiences from your own tradition. If you have strong feelings about particular holidays, let your teacher or the director know. We try and have an inclusive curriculum that demonstrates respect for everyone's customs and focuses on meaningful ways to celebrate holidays.

Show and Tell We realize that children love to bring toys from home to show their friends, but we request

that they ONLY be brought on designated "Show and Tell Days". There are several reasons for this: 1. We have plenty of wonderful toys here 2) We don't want a personal toy to get broken or lost 3) They sometimes become a distraction in the classroom and make sharing and taking turns difficult. Occasionally each class will designate a certain day for "Show and Tell". Children will be allowed to bring a toy or other object from home to show to their classmates at the appropriate time---usually Circle time. These times offer valuable opportunities for your child to learn communication skills as they show and talk about their toy in a group setting. They also offer opportunities for children to learn about sharing, taking turns, and respecting others' property. When they arrive at school the toy must be stored in their cubby or with the teacher until Show and Tell time. Please remember that "violent" toys* are prohibited and may NEVER be brought to school. * (guns/swords/knives/other toy weapons, action figures that fight or have weapons)***If it helps a child, soft, comfort toys are permitted at nap/rest time, but they will be stored with their mats and gotten out at the appropriate time.***

Policies and ProceduresEnrollment Procedures St. Paul’s Child Development Center is open to St. Paul’s members and community members. St. Paul’s CDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, disability, religion, or sexual orientation for decisions regarding enrollment. At the time of enrollment parents must:

Provide St. Paul’s CDC a copy of the child’s current immunization records Fill out all necessary registration and enrollment forms

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Pay a non-refundable registration and supply fee (see program director for amount) Tuition is due on the first day of attendance, and the first business day of each month

thereafter, unless other prior arrangements have been made

Tuition and Fees Tuition rates are based on whether your child is enrolled for preschool only (9:00 – 1:30) OR for the whole day (7:30 – 4:30, or any times beyond preschool hours). Church member and sibling rates are available. A non-refundable annual $25 registration fee is due upon registration. This secures your child’s placement in a classroom. A $100 supply fee is charged annually with $50 due in August and $50 due in January. If a family registers mid-year, they will be charged $10 for each month remaining in the school year. The supply fee is used to update the equipment and purchase supplies used throughout the year. Tuition is due on the first of the month and is considered late after the 10th of the month. A $10.00 late fee will be charged to accounts paid after the 10th of the month. The CDC’s monthly tuition is determined by the number of days per week for which your child is registered. This amount will be given to you upon registration and will remain the same every month regardless of illness, school holidays or closures due to inclement weather. IF there is classroom space, you will be given the option to make up the days due to illness, but we do not deduct your tuition amount for the days missed due to illness. We DO NOT ALLOW school holidays/closures to be made up. We give a 25% discount for the month of December because of the length of time we are closed for Christmas. You will be asked to sign an enrollment agreement upon registration, confirming that you will pay this monthly amount throughout the year of enrollment. Enrollment is for the entire school year.

Late Pick-Up Fee The regular hours of operation for St. Paul’s Preschool are 9:00 – 1:30. Full day care is available from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Your child must be picked up by the applicable closing time. If you pick up your child after the designated time, the following late fees must be paid to the director or closing teacher at the time of pick-up or the next morning. If you are running late, as a courtesy please call the center so the director or person in charge may inform the teachers. However, this does NOT exempt you from the late fee. If your child is not signed up for extended care and a one-time emergency/appointment occurs which requires that you pick your child up after 1:30, you may call ahead of time and make arrangements for your child to stay for late care, if space is available, for an extra $10 charge. However, if you do not call ahead of time, you will be charged the regular late pick-up fee as follows:

First 15 minutes after 1:30 or 4:30 = $10

PLUS extra $1/minute after 1:45 or 4:45

+++Occasional EARLY drop-off, prior to 9:00 a.m. is $5. *+++Occasional LATE pick up (after 1:30) is $5. *

+++For part time children, if an emergency arises and you need a one time addition of an extra day (pending available space), the daily charge is $25. *

* All changes to your child’s normal schedule must be pre-approved by the director.

Withdrawing from St. Paul’s Child Development CenterIf you find that you need to withdraw your child from St. Paul’s CDC, you must provide the

director with two weeks advance notice. If notice is not given, you will be charged two weeks tuition.

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St. Paul’s CDC is committed to working with and supporting a variety of families and children. However, there may be a time when a family and our program are not a good fit. If steps taken to remedy a situation are not fruitful and a conference has been unsuccessful, it may be necessary to dis-enroll your child. If we need to dis-enroll your child for any reason, you will be given at least two weeks notice to make alternative arrangements. If you have pre-paid tuition beyond the two week notice period you will be refunded that amount. Health and SafetyIllness The intent of this center is to provide a high quality program for children. In this capacity, it is understood that a marginally ill child should be kept at home, rather than be exposed to other children and to activities which require energy and good health. Therefore, parents are urged to screen their children carefully before bringing them.

Please notify St. Paul’s CDC immediately if your child has contracted a communicable disease such as chicken pox, head lice, ringworm, impetigo, strep throat etc. so we can notify other parents to be on the lookout for symptoms in their child.

If a child should become ill during the day, the child will be removed from the classroom and attempts will be made to contact the parents. If a parent cannot be contacted, a person named on the registration form will be asked to pick up the child.

In an emergency, the emergency number will be used. When necessary, the emergency release provided on the enrollment form will be utilized.

Our policy is that you must keep your child home if he/she has:

Fever-- Fever is defined as having a internal temperature of 101°F or greater or an external temperature of 100.4°F or greater. Your child must be fever free without medication for 24 hours before he/she may return to school.

Sore throat Rash- Undiagnosed rash lasting longer than 3 days except for a mild diaper Rash in a child still in diapers. The child must be seen by a physician

and may return only with a note from the physician. Uncharacteristic irritability or confusion Diarrhea and/or vomiting

2 or more episodes in a 24 hour period The child may return to school when there has been no diarrhea

and/or vomiting for 24 hours. After any illness involving diarrhea, the child will be restricted from participating in swimming pool water activities for 14 days from the last diarrhea episode

If your child exhibits any of the above symptoms while at school, you will be called and you must come to get your child immediately.

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If an antibiotic is prescribed for your child, it must be taken for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Our first priority is the safety, health and well-being of your child. Therefore, because your child comes in contact with many children daily, if/when your child has an illness requiring a visit to the doctor, you must bring a note from the doctor on the day that he/she returns, stating that the child is no longer contagious and can return to school. The doctor may also fax the note to: 526-0863.

Medication

Before any medication, prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC), can be administered, the parent/guardian must complete a Medication Administration form and give it to the child’s teacher or the Director.

If a child requires prescribed medication during school hours the parent/guardian is required to bring the medication to the child’s teacher or the Director in it’s original labeled prescription container with the child’s name clearly marked.

If the medication is an OTC product it must be in the original package/container and clearly labeled with the child’s name, dosage amount and frequency of administration.

The directions on the Medication Administration form or medication bottle/package will be used in administering the medication. If administration instructions on the medication bottle/package and the Medication Administration form are different no medication will be provided until the parent/guardian can be contacted for clarification.

No medication will be given without the approval of the Director. Documentation of administration of medication will be kept at the Child Development Center

and the parent/guardian must sign it each day. Medicines are not to be kept in backpacks, diaper bags, or cubbies. All medications will be kept in a locked container out of reach of the children.

LICE: NO NIT POLICYWe will check each periodically for lice. We recommend that you do this at home weekly, if not nightly. If a child at our center is found with lice the parents will be called and must come immediately to get their child. They child must be treated with a recommended and approved lice shampoo treatment. He/she may return to school ONLY when there are NO NITS---brown or white/ dead or alive.

Injury Response

Minor Injury If a child sustains a minor injury while at St Paul’s CDC, first aid will be provided. An Accident Report form describing the incident and the care given will be completed by the supervising teacher. On the day of the incident the supervising teacher or the teacher on duty at the time the child is picked up will provide the parent/guardian with a copy of the Accident Report and will require the parent/guardian to sign the form. A copy of the parent-signed Accident Form will also be kept in the child’s file at the CDC.

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Major Injury

If a child sustains an injury that requires immediate medical attention beyond the capabilities of the CDC staff, emergency services including ambulance transportation to an emergency facility will be utilized. Attempts will be made to contact the parent/guardian or emergency contact person listed on the Registration Form. However, emergency care will not be delayed while trying to contact the parent/guardian.An Accident Report Form describing the incident and the on-site care given will be completed by the supervising teacher.On the day of the incident, or as soon as possible thereafter, the Director will provide the parent/guardian with a copy of the Accident Report and will require the parent/guardian to sign the form.A copy of the parent-signed Accident Report will also be kept in the child’s file at the CDC.

Missing Child Policy In order to keep each of the children safe, no child is ever left alone and children are accounted for at all times. If a child should become lost, the teachers will ask the other children and staff the whereabouts of the missing child and quickly check all areas of the center, outdoor play area, and St. Paul’s church. If the child is not located, the police will be called immediately, and then the child's parents or emergency contact person will be notified.

Confidentiality All Staff will respect family rights to privacy and confidentiality. A child’s files will only be open to those staff persons needing or providing information for file maintenance, documentation, or services. The discussion of families and case consultation will remain between the teacher and director directly involved with the families. No discussion of families will occur in open space. No discussion of families is permitted outside St. Paul’s CDC. Files are maintained in a secure manner.

Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting Procedures

St. Paul’s CDC staff is required by New Mexico regulations for the licensing of child care facilities to observe the children daily for indications of abuse and/or neglect. Everyone in New Mexico is required by state law (Section 32-1-15, NMSA 1978) to report any incident of suspected child abuse or neglect to the NM Department of Human Services. The staff must also notify the director of the report to Human Services.

Anyone making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is presumed to be acting in good faith and shall be immune, under state law, from liability, civil or criminal, unless that person acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.

Reporting Information is posted on the bulletin board over the sign in table at the front as you walk in and also posted on the Parent Board.

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Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Plan for St Paul’s Child Development Center

Severe Weather In the case of severe weather, St. Paul’s Child Development center will follow the Las Cruces Public Schools schedule. Please listen to the radio or television statements or refer to the Las Cruces Public Schools website for announcements at www.lcps.k12.nm.us . If LCPS cancels or goes on a delayed schedule, St. Paul’s CDC will do the same. The CDC will begin at 10 a.m. Teachers will report at 9:45. If unexpected bad weather occurs during the school day we will contact you immediately to pick up your child. If you are unable to pick up your child, please designate someone else for us to contact.

Contact Information in Severe weather or Emergency evacuation – If you are unable to reach us at the CDC office number (541-3175), you may leave a message with Barbara at 541-3179 and one of us will try and contact you within the hour.

Fire DrillsFire drills will be held EVERY month. When the fire alarms sounds, each class must stop what they are doing and quietly and quickly (w/out running) line up at the door of their classroom. With one teacher in the front and one in the back, leave the building at the nearest exit and go immediately to the EAST side of the parking lot, across May Avenue. In the event that a class is on the playground, the teacher will exit the class using either gate. If a class is in the Big Room, they will exit the building using the Big Room door. If a class is in God's Garden they will exit the building through the Fellowship Hall. The last teacher out of the classroom will turn off the lights. Infant teachers will use the evacuation cribs to transport the infants. Teachers will take their clipboard with class roster and emergency contact information with them, along with their emergency backpack. Teachers will take roll and be prepared to give the director a count. When the director sees that all are safely out of the building, she will give the signal to return inside.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION In the event of an emergency evacuation where we cannot safely remain in the building and we need shelter, we will go quickly to Central Elementary School, located on Alameda, between Griggs and Las Cruces St. We will exit the building at the alley door and head north down the alley to Central Elementary parking lot and building.

EVACUATIONIn the event of an emergency at St Paul’s where it is determined law enforcement or church/CDC staff that it is unsafe to remain in the building and need shelter elsewhere, the following procedures will be followed:Central Elementary School to our North will call us if they are advised by the local law enforcement to lock down or evacuate. We will call Central if we are advised to lockdown/evacuate. The CDC director will call Ms Soliz, Central Elementary's Secretary (Office: 527-9496 or Cell: 644-1175) to let her know that we will be coming. A representative from Central and also St Paul's will be at Griggs Avenue and the alley to assist us across the street. If we are unable to return to our building, we will be escorted

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inside Central Elementary School to their library.

Points of evacuation:1. Central Elementary, primary location. (North) 2. Pioneer Park (west) (If Central Elementary is in a state of lockdown or evacuation)3. Cross Main Street and go to downtown mall area (East). Meet at St Genevieve's Memorial

The location of our evacuation is dependent on the type or location of the emergency and the instructions of law enforcement officials. The director will be in communication with them and will relay instructions to the teachers. If we are advised by local law enforcement to lockdown or evacuate, the staff will take the following items with them: emergency backpack, walkie talkie, and cell phone. The director/asst to the director will call parents to notify them of the emergency and when/where they should pick up their children. There will be 3 forms of communication: Personal phone call first, followed by an email and posting on St Paul’s Child Development Center Facebook page.

LOCKDOWN DRILLS will be held 2 times/year (once in late fall and once in spring) Lead Teachers will carry a 2 way radio with them at all times. In the event of an emergency requiring a lockdown or evacuation, the director will communicate with the teachers by way of the 2-way radio. Teachers will lock their classroom doors from the inside. The classrooms will assemble as follows:*3 and 4 year olds (Caterpillars and Butterflies): gather children in a corner away from doors/windows. *Toddlers, 18-30 months gather in back corner closet. Take flashlight since there is no light in the closet.

*2 year olds (Busy Bees) gather in adjoining room. There are no windows. Lock door to adjoining room. *Infants (Guppies) gather in closet off from the kitchen.

*Big room: go one of the bathrooms. Lock door.*Outside: come inside quickly, if it is safe, and go to your room to lock down. If it is not safe to enter

the building go quickly to Central Elementary or one of the other evacuation points as directed.

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