Mother’s Day Out Program 2011-2012 Parent Handbook
A weekday ministry of Grassy Valley Baptist Church
10637 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922
865-693-1741 or 865-237-5787
Dear Parents,
Welcome to Grassy Valley Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out Program. This is our 1st year offering a Mother’s Day Out program at Grassy Valley Baptist Church. We are a nonprofit Christian program and are a ministry of Grassy Valley Baptist Church. We exist to serve our church families and other families throughout the community. We desire to glorify God by telling children from the earliest age about Jesus and teaching them the truths of God’s Word. Our goal is to educate children socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually—through a curriculum of age appropriate activities.
God has given parents and teachers the responsibility of nurturing the children that He has blessed them with. Since a child learns primarily through play until the age of 6, we will provide him/her with lots of interesting activities that will aid in social, fine and gross motor skills. Our curriculum offers nurturing in all areas of growth, and it are our prayer that God will be glorified in all that is taught.
We are eager to promote an exciting learning adventure for your child. The following information contains the policies and procedures of our program. These policies closely, if not completely, comply with the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services laws and Grassy Valley Baptist Church policies. We are considered to be a Mother’s Day Out Program and are not required to be licensed by the Department of Human Services.
The teacher ratio is determined by state licensing requirements and lowered according to our policies.
Relax and enjoy your day while we love, learn, and grow with your child.
In Christ,
Grassy Valley Mother’s Day Out Staff
Financial Information
Days:
Tuesday and Thursday Fall-Spring
Tuesday or Thursday Fall-Spring
Hours:
9:00 am-2:00 pm
Teacher/Child Ratios:
Ones 1:5
Twos 1:7
Threes 1:8
Fours 1:8
Registration Fees:
$50 one child
$90 two children
Supply Fees:
$30 per year per child
(Due with registration fee)
Fee Schedule:
Tuesday or Thursday $75 per month
Tuesday and Thursday $150.00 per month
($20 discount will be given for the second child)
August 2011 tuition and May 2012 tuition is due on the first day of school. The total is $300 for Tuesday and Thursday or $150 for Tuesday or Thursday. If you have to withdraw early, you will be refunded May’s tuition providing you give us a two-week notice.
Grassy Valley Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out Program
Policies and Procedures
Admission
A non-refundable Registration Fee reserves a place in class from initial enrollment time until your first day of school. We will accept any child regardless of race, color, religion or nationality. We do not discriminate in our administration of policies. All medical, registration, immunization, and handbook forms must be turned in on or before the first day of class. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Licensing
A Mother’s Day Out is not required by law to be licensed by the state of Tennessee. A program can be open all five days and not be licensed as long as the children only come two days or less each week. Tennessee Code 71-3-503 (2005) (7).
Special Needs
It is our privilege to accept children with special needs as long as they can function within an average classroom setting.
Classroom Curriculum
We use a variety of curriculum in the classroom. Wee Learn Curriculum and Scholastic Curriculum are two that are used most. All children will have a monthly theme lesson and Bible verse that corresponds. Our older classes will be introduced to number and letter recognition, phonics, and kindergarten readiness skills. We also use various resources in the planning and implementation of our curriculum.
Teacher Child Ratios
The number of children per class depends on the age of the children in the classroom. However, two teachers will be assigned to each class at all times even the ratio exceeds one more. This Specific child ratios are listed on page 3.
Parent/Teacher Communication
You can expect a monthly newsletter from your child’s teacher as well as from the director. Please read it thoroughly to note upcoming events or any changes in schedule. The bulletin board in the lobby will highlight monthly reminders. Conferences are available after any school day. Please see the director to schedule one. Child should address their teachers with Mr. or Mrs. and their first name. (Such as Mrs. Cassie) This teaches respect and helps prepare them for school.
Financial Assistance
It is our desire to help any family with financial assistance if the funds are available to do so. Substantiation of financial need is required. A financial aid form must be filled out and reviewed by the director. All aid is kept confidential.
Payments
Tuition is due by the 8th of each month. Payment is considered late after the 18th and a $10 late fee is assessed. Delinquent accounts can result in dismissal from the program. Please make all payments to Grassy Valley Baptist Church in check form and write your child’s name in the memo section. (Example: Daniel Smith) Each month the director will make copies of checks to serve as receipts. We will not send out monthly reminders concerning tuition. A box is located on the director’s desk. Please place all checks in the box on or before the 8th of each month. Please see the director if you are paying in cash.
Insufficient Funds
The first time your check is returned we will run the check through the bank account again and you will owe $20 fee on next month fees. If your check is returned a second time or it is a second occurrence, a $20 fee will be added and the tuition and fee will need to be paid by money order or cash immediately. Subsequent tuition thereafter must be paid by money order or cash.
Late Pick-Up Fees
Our program ends at 2:00. If you are more than 10 minutes late, a $10 late fee will be added to your next month’s tuition.
Withdrawal From Program
We require a two week notice in writing if you leave the program for any reason. If you give a two week notice, we will gladly refund May’s tuition to you.
Schedule
As a general rule, we follow the Knox County school schedule. There may be a few exceptions, but they will always be given to you in writing or you will receive a phone call by your child’s teacher.
Arrival
Teachers will receive children at 9:00 a.m. each day. The teachers need every minute before then to prepare for your child’s day. The classroom door will open at 9:00 to welcome children. You will need to sign your child in along with emergency numbers where you can be reached during the day. Please have your child here as close to 9:00 as possible. Children miss out on class time when they arrive late.
Dismissal
Our program ends at 2:00. Please present your child’s security card and sign your child out. Children are to remain with the parents through the hallway and all the way out to the car for safety reasons. To help us avoid any potential dangerous situations, please bring any younger siblings into the building with you when picking up your child. We do not provide supervision in the parking lot.
Termination
We strive to work with each child to succeed in the classroom. Any one of the following reasons will necessitate removal of a child from the classroom: 1. excessive disruptive behavior where the safety of others is at stake (ex. habitual biting). 2. a child requiring constant one-in-one attention from the teacher, taking attention from the other children in her care. 3. a two-week unexplained absence when the teacher and/or director is unable to reach the family and tuition is over-due. 4. tuition is over a month past-due.
Snow Closings
We follow the Knox County school schedule. If Knox County closes, we close, too. If school begins one hour late, we will start at 10:00. If school start two hours late, we will start at 11:00. We have two days built into the schedule. We must miss more than two days of school for the tuition rate to be lowered for that month. Any days missed after two days, will be made up on an alternative day. (probably a Friday)
Illness Closings
If the program closes due to a contagious disease, your child’s teacher will notify you as soon as possible. If Knox County schools close for any illnesses, we do, also.
Illness at School
If a child should become ill during school hours a parent will contacted immediately. The child must be picked up with 30 minutes and will be removed from the class immediately and will stay with the director until a parent arrives.
Illnesses
For your child to progress he/she needs to attend regularly. Unfortunately, there will be times when your child will need alternative care.
These are the following conditions:
- Fever of 99.1 or over, listlessness, sore throat, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea (more than once in an hour), rash, bad cough, green or yellow discharge from the nose, or any communicable disease.
- If your child has a yucky nose, he must be on antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school and a note from the doctor stating he’s not contagious.
- If your child has allergies, we must have a doctor’s note stating that condition and that your child is not contagious. Remember, if you have taken your child to the doctor and he is prescribed antibiotics, he must take them for a full 24 hours before returning.
- A child must be fever free and not had vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before they can return.
Medication
We are not allowed to give your child any medication while in our care unless it is an emergency. Some examples include: asthma, severe allergy, prescribed ADHD drug, or seizure meds. We must have written permission and directions from the doctor to administer this medication. It must also be in the original bottle. Antibiotics, antihistamines, cough medicines, fever or pain reducers cannot be given out by us at any time for any reason. All medications must be kept in a locked place in the director’s office. Do not leave medication in your child’s backpack.
Absences
If your child is going to be absent, please call the director as soon as possible at 693-1741. This helps teachers plan for the day and we become concerned when someone is missing. Also, no discount can be given for absents because teachers are paid the same regardless of the amount of the children there.
Diseases and Lice
All parents will be informed if there is a communicable disease outbreak or a lice outbreak. A letter or phone call will be made within 2 days if this occurs. The facility will be treated based on guidelines from DHS.
Immunization forms
All immunization records and proof of recent physical examine (within 6 months) must be on file in the office before a child may attend school. A doctor must sign the records. All records should be on the yellow daycare form provided by your physician or the health department. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hepatitis A and B, Influenza type B, Pneumococcal vaccine, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella are all required based on DHS guidelines. If DHS changes the requirements then the changes will be sent home and proof of immunization will be required with 6 weeks.
Child or Emergency Information
If your personal or emergency information changes during the year, please pick up an application update from the office, fill it out, and turn it in to the office.
Impaired Parents
If a parent or guardian arrives to pick up a child and is impaired (due to alcohol or substance abuse), we will keep the child with us until arrangements can be made for someone else to pick up the child.
Verbal or Physical Abuse
Any parental or physical abuse directed toward staff will not be tolerated in the program.
Security
For the safety of your children, the doors will be locked from 9:15 to 1:45. If you arrive during those times, you will need to call 237-5787 or knock on entrance door. Parents are welcome to observe their child during the day. If a parent is in the classroom, a visitor badge will be issued. As a security precaution, parents are not allowed to assume duties of the teacher while in the classroom.
Class Security
Each teacher will have a sheet for you to daily sign your child in and out. In addition, you will be issued 2 security cards with your child’s name on them. You must present your card every time you pick up your child. If someone else, such as spouse or friend, will be picking up your child, he/she must present a security card and sign your child out. We will not allow your child to leave with anyone who does not have a security card for that child. We would rather inconvenience someone than allow your child to leave with anyone for whom you have not given written permission. In case of emergency, the director can authorize verbal consent from the parent.
Lunches
Pack a lunch with anything your child likes to eat that does not have to be refrigerated or heated. Finger foods are best. Please DO NOT SEND GRAPE, PURPLE, or RED DRINKS (due to stain problems), carbonated beverages, hard candy or gum to school. Please send spoons when needed. If you forget your child’s lunch, please do not stop by a fast-food restaurant and purchase a hot meal, as this will make for a room full of unhappy children smelling a treat that is not for them.
Snack
We will provide a healthy snack everyday with water. Such as fruit, graham crackers, goldfish, crackers, etc. If your child has an allergy to a certain food, please let the teacher know immediately.
Birthdays
If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, please notify your child’s teacher in advance. Cookies and juice boxes are a classroom favorite. If you are having a party somewhere else, please mail your invitations unless you plan to invite the whole class. Only mylar balloons are allowed in the classroom. If you want to hand out invitations in class you must invite the entire class. This is so no child feels left out by anyone.
Personal toys
We strongly discourage bringing personal toys to school. It is hard to share toys with the other children. If your child needs a toy or item for security or it is a designated Show and Tell day, we understand. We will keep it in a safe place until you return. Please leave toys such as guns, holsters, bullets, knives, ghosts, beasts, war toys, and such items at home. These toys don’t do well in a big group setting, as they tend to invite aggressive behavior.
Appropriate dress
We encourage you to dress your child in washable play clothes. A change of clothes including underwear and socks need to come to school each day. We strive to play outside anytime the weather is above 40 degrees and not raining. Keep that in mind when dressing your child for the day. Layers are good since it is easier to take off something rather than put on something you don’t have. Rubber soled shoes are required as we play in the gym on cold or rainy days. Remove all drawstrings from jackets for safety reasons. LABEL ALL ITEMS THAT COME TO SCHOOL.
Room mothers
Teachers love to have extra help in the classroom. It may be going on field trips, collecting supplies, etc. Check with your child’s teacher to see where you can help.
Biting Policy
While children bite for many reasons and it is normal for young children, continual biting is not allowed in the program. If a child bites more than three times in one month, the parent will be asked to sit in the classroom with the child or the child will be asked to take a break for two weeks. If the child continues to bite, the child will be asked to sit out for one month. The last step is removal from the program at the director’s discretion.
Potty Training
Potty training is a big step in the life of a child and parent. At Grassy Valley we want to partner with you to make this transition be as smooth as possible. We will help you all we can to help your child develop independence and self-confidence in the bathroom, but we need your help, as well. Listed below are few requests we have of each parent with a child potty- training:
- Please be working with your child at home for at least two weeks before sending him/her to school in big kid pants.
- We prefer diapers over pull-ups in the classroom. We understand that pull-ups are preferable at home, but it takes much longer to change a pull-up than a diaper. This cuts into class time with all of the other students.
- Please send a full set of clothes in your child’s backpack each day. This includes socks and shoes. If your child is just beginning toilet training, more than one set may be needed.
- If your child continues to have accidents over a long period of time, you may be asked to place the child back in diapers for school. This is not something we desire to do, but may be necessary for a while.
Waiting Lists and Next Year Registration
All families on the waiting list will be contacted as vacancies occur according to date placed on the list and space available.
Registration for upcoming school year will begin in March of each year. Children currently enrolled and their siblings will be given priority during the first 2 weeks of pre-registration, then church members, and then the community.
Nap Time
Children in the one year old class will take a nap each class based on a time that meets most families’ normal schedule. Each child will need a nap mat bought, a crib sheet, and blanket for nap time. These items will be stored in class and will be sent home once a month to be washed unless it becomes dirty before then.
Donations
We will gratefully accept donations of toys, books, craft supplies, etc. Please make sure each item is in good condition and give them to the director when you bring them in. Donations can be used as a tax donation and a receipt can be issued if requested.
Child Care Tax Credit
We have had families receive credit for their child care here. We cannot guarantee you will receive a credit on our taxes. (Please see your tax agent.) We are however happy to provide a summary of payments in January of each year to you to use in assisting with your taxes. Please see the director to obtain one.
Holidays
Our desire for the program is to be a Christ centered program. With that in mind we only celebrate major holidays in this format: Halloween-Fall Festival, Christmas- Jesus’ Birthday, and Easter- Christ’s Resurrection.
Discipline
Our objective is to provide consistent positive reinforcement, encouragement, and praise as a way to manage classroom behavior. Such as the red light system, sticker charts, and a prize box. Disruptive classroom situations such as biting, kicking, etc., is unacceptable. Redirecting a child is the first method used in the classroom. Next, we will explain to the child why this behavior is inappropriate. If the behavior continues, the child will be placed in time out. (One minute for each year of life.) After several instances of misbehavior a visit to the director’s office is required. Parents will be notified if persistent, negative behavior continues.
Daily Sheets
Each day your child will come home with a daily sheet. This sheet will have a behavior comment on it, food intake, bathroom uses, comments from the teacher, and reminders on it. This should help answer any questions for the day your may have. Please take time to read it each day with your child and praise them for their good day or talk about ways to have a better day next time.
Parental Responsibilities During Arrival and Departure
Please plan to have your children remain with you when entering and exiting the building. We ask that children be kept with you or an authorized adult at all times.
Please observe the following:
- Watch for small children in the parking lot.
- Do not leave children locked in cars unattended.
- Do not park in handicapped spaces.
- Do not leave purses, etc. in cars.
- Do not leave cars running.
Hints for Success
1. Talk to your child about attending school.
2. Accompany your child to the classroom and reassure him with a hug or kiss. THEN LEAVE! Your reluctance to leave shows the child you are unsure of the environment in which you are leaving him.
3. Realize tears and fears are normal in children. If your child does not settle down and join group play, the teacher will call you.
4. You may call to check on your child or peek in the classroom at any time. Just don’t let him see you.
5. DON’T BE LATE at pick up time. It is scary to be the only child left in the room.
One Final Word
We realize that there are many wonderful preschool programs and the area, and we are honored that you are selecting Grassy Valley Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out Program to be your child’s early learning establishment. We take our responsibility to love, nurture and teach your child seriously. We want to honor our Lord by serving your family. We will be teaching children about God’s love for us, and we hope that your child will come to know Jesus as his or her Savior at a young age.
We invite you to visit our church and would welcome the opportunity to minister to you at Grassy Valley Baptist Church. Thank you in advance for interest in our program. We hope you find this to be a caring and nurturing environment for your child.
