OPERATING SCHEDULE  
The Family Tree Child Care Center and the School Age program is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Please refer to your program manual for specific schedule requirements.  
  
HOLIDAY CLOSING

ADMISSION

Admission to The Family Tree is on-going, or as space permits. School year registration takes place in August and summer registration takes place in May.  Placement for the year is determined by the age of the child when enrollment takes place.  Applicants will be considered for placement based on the following criteria.

1 - students currently enrolled
2 - siblings of students currently enrolled
3 - clients on The Family Tree’s waiting list  

WAITING LIST POLICY  

Applicants who wish to have their name placed on The Family Tree’s waiting list must submit a completed enrollment form. No registration fee is required at this time. Admission will be granted on the basis of availability. Clients will be notified by phone when space becomes available.  Enrollment must begin within 2 weeks or the space will be forfeited and the client’s name will be removed from the waiting list unless otherwise directed.

ENROLLMENT

Initial Visit - at which time parents and children may view the facility and meet the Director to discuss The Family Tree’s policies and philosophy.  An application and deposit may be left at this time.
Intake Appointment - when application is accepted, an appointment will be made to review specific program information. Parents will receive a handbook containing The Family Tree’s policies, a copy of the Office for Children’s Parental Rights, and all applicable enrollment forms. Registration Fee, Tuition deposit and first weeks tuition must be made at this time. 

Shortly before a child begins, the parent and child are invited to spend time observing the Program so they will have an opportunity to meet their teacher and other children. It is a good time to learn where important things like bathrooms, personal storage and equipment are located. The following forms are submitted during this visit:
·         child information form
·         emergency contact information
·         medical release and Authorization and Consent form (child release authorization)
·         Transportation Plan authorization
·         multiple permission slip  

The child must also have a complete health record lead screening documentation and immunization form on file. School Age health and immunization forms must be on file at the public school that they are attending.The first week tuition must be submitted prior to the first week of attendance. Parents are welcome to visit at any time. Conferences may be scheduled if needed. The Director reserves the right to make the final determination to accept and place a child.  

REGISTRATION   

ALL PROGRAMS - A $25.00 registration fee, per child, is required when enrollment form is submitted. The registration fee is only refunded if applicant is not accepted. Registration forms are updated annually, a new $25.00 fee will be charged each year during  Fall enrollment.      

DEPOSIT  

ALL PROGRAMS EXCEPT PART-TIME SCHOOL AGE - A one-time fee equivalent to two weeks tuition or $100.00 is required upon enrollment.  A three week notification must be given in writing (termination papers, filled out by office) when leaving the Program or deposit (s) will be forfeited. 

PART-TIME SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM - A full one week deposit of $30.00, per child,  is required for all part-time and drop-in children.  This deposit is a non-refundable deposit and is applied toward your last week of service.  A three week notification must be given in writing (termination papers, filled out by office) when leaving the Program or deposit (s) will be forfeited.  

TUITION  

The Family Tree accepts checks, money orders, and cash.   Tuition at The Family Tree is pre-paid. Payments are due on Thursday  prior to your child’s scheduled week of attendance. We will accept payments no later than the Friday evening. Any payments received after Friday will be considered late and a $10.00 late fee will be applied to tuition.  Chronic lateness will be grounds for termination. See Fee Schedules (pages 5 and 6) for current rates. A 2% discount may be taken when paying monthly if paid prior to the 1^st day of the month. The monthly discount pertains only to the tuition and not the extended hours.  It is the responsibility of the client to take the discount. The discount can not be accrued.  

FAMILY DISCOUNT  

Families with two or more children enrolled full-time in any Family Tree Program will be allowed a 25% discount on the tuition of the oldest child enrolled. 

EXTENDED HOURS   

Extended hours (7-9 a.m., 12-1 p.m., 5-6 p.m.) will be provided on an as needed basis.  Advanced notice must be given if your child is not regularly scheduled to attend during these hours or a late fee of $1.00 per minute will be assessed after 6:00pm. Extended hours should be pre-paid and included in tuition payment for the following week.  Unexpected need for extended hours is to be paid at the time of use. Cash is acceptable. 

LATE POLICY   

A late fee of $1.00 per minute per family will be assessed if the child is left at The Family Tree after closing. Payment must be made at that time to the staff. Please use this option only as an exception. Chronic lateness may result in termination. Any child left after 6:15 p.m. will warrant the following steps:

1 - at 6:15 p.m. the staff notifies the Director and attempts to call the parents      Release Authorization and Consent form. 3 - if the staff are unable to contact parents or any authorized adults by 6:30 p.m., the staff
     will bring the child to the main center to meet with the Director. Messages about the

OTHER FEES 

Checks returned for insufficient funds will be subject to a charge of $5.00 per return.   Checks returned to our bank will be charged $10.00 plus original amount of check. After receiving three returned checks, we accept only cash.  

SICK POLICY   

Tuition must be paid for a full week regardless of attendance in order to retain placement.  Partial tuition reimbursement for extended illness (two or more consecutive weeks) will be at the discretion of the Director. A doctor’s note must be obtained stating type of illness and length of absence in order to be considered for partial reimbursement.

VACATION POLICY 

Families will be allowed one week vacation per year for which no tuition will be expected.  Tuition is only free if taking a full week off.  Two weeks advance written notice must be given to the Director or Administrative Assistant. Payment for week returning from vacation is still expected the Wednesday before returning to Program.  Checks can be mailed to us if out of town, and must be received no later than Thursday.   

SNOW DAY POLICY 

The Family Tree will only have a 2-hour delayed opening if North Middlesex School District is CLOSED.  The Family Tree reserves the right to close due to sever weather conditions.  The safety of children and staff are considered when closing decision is made.  The closing will be posted on Channel 7.   

ARRIVAL – DEPARTURE   

The Child Care Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The School Age Program is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We offer a before/after Kindergarten program. The School Age Programs are open all hours of operation during non-school days.  Please accompany your child inside to the Program in the morning to assure contact with the staff and sign him/her in on the attendance sheet.  Upon departure, please sign your child out as well.

Parents must call the Program if their child will be absent.
Main Center 433-8965   

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE 

Children will be released only to those persons listed on the Authorization and Consent Form.  Identification will be required of any person picking up the child. The Director/Lead Teacher should be notified in advance, in writing, if someone other than the parent is to pick up your child. In the event of a discrepancy, the child will be detained until the Director/Lead Teacher can contact the parent by telephone. Temporary changes for the child’s release cannot be authorized over the telephone.   

TRANSPORTATION 

School Age Program - Parents provide transportation to and from the School Age Program unless transported by school bus.  Staff will supervise children to and from bus stops and escort them into the Program. The Family Tree accepts responsibility for children only after parents or authorized adults including school bus driver, make contact with staff.  The Program allows children to walk to and from the Program unsupervised, only after an individual transportation plan is designed and is authorized by the parents and the Director.

Parents are required to inform The Family Tree when children will be arriving late or not attending.  Parents are also responsible for informing the child’s school of their transportation needs in regards to pick up, drop off, and schedule changes to The Family Tree.

All children enrolled in additional activities to the School Age Program must have release forms signed before children can be released.   All children are required to have parental consent forms signed and on file before participating in any field trip.

Child Care Center - From time to time, children in the Twos and Preschool groups will participate in a local field trip. All destinations will be carefully chosen and will not be further than 45 minutes from the Child Care Center.

All children are required to have parental consent forms signed and on file before participating in any field trip.

All Programs - Children will be transported to and from field trips in insured vehicles owned by the Director, parent volunteers, or a contracted bus service. Transportation provided by a contracted bus service will meet all Registry of Motor Vehicles requirements and have at least the minimum liability insurance.  The number of children transported in private vehicles shall not exceed the number of operable seat belts.  Child car seats may be used upon request.  First aid kits will be present in all vehicles used for field trips.

In the event of an emergency, on-site transportation will be provided by local medical personnel or by the Director. If the situation is less serious and does not require an ambulance, a parent will be contacted and should make arrangements to meet the Director at the designated facility immediately.  The staff will remain with the child until parent (s) arrive.

In the event a vehicle becomes disabled while on a field trip, the Director will immediately make arrangements for alternate transportation.  Children will not be left unattended at any time.  The vehicle will stay with the Program on field trips unless otherwise arranged, and then prearranged emergency pick up will be available by phone. Emergency information and first aid kits will be on hand for each field trip.  

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE   

All teachers at The Family Tree will manage behavior in their areas/classrooms in a non-punitive, age appropriate manner. Staff will have ongoing training in the areas of discipline and behavior management.  All staff is oriented to the Program’s philosophy and policies by the Director.

Toddlers will begin to learn self-control by observing the natural consequences of their behavior. Teachers will quickly intervene if a problem does occur and redirect the child to a more appropriate activity. Language is utilized to help Toddlers begin to identify their feelings and learn to deal with them in a socially acceptable manner.

Preschoolers will be encouraged to learn problem-solving skills and become self-correcting. They will be given the opportunity to choose alternatives that will enable them to participate in a socially acceptable manner without reinforcing their negative behavior.  For example, if a child is having difficulty sitting quietly during a story, he/she will be asked to do a puzzle or draw a picture until they feel they are ready to rejoin the group.  Teachers will assist in pointing out logical consequences to both positive and negative behavior.

School age children will be encouraged to learn problem-solving skills and become self-correcting.  Staff will assist children in creative problem solving by helping children to choose alternatives that will enable them to participate in a socially acceptable manner without reinforcing their negative behavior. Teachers will assist in pointing out logical consequences to both positive and negative behavior, and give children choices in solving problems. Staff will use positive enforcement while supervising children, encouraging them to cooperate and continue using appropriate behaviors.

Children will be redirected to an alternate activity if their behavior continues to be inappropriate. An example is when a child is doing something that could hurt others, themselves, or destroying property and choosing not to use problem-solving techniques.  Teachers will continue to be an active listener and support the child with conflict resolution.  Parents will be notified of the behavior management strategies used and receive an incident report.   Individual behavior management plans will be implemented.  

If a child’s behavior is unmanageable within a group setting, parents will be consulted and an individual behavior plan implemented.  For school age children, if a child’s behavior is unmanageable within a group setting, and the child refuses to cooperate with staff and will not follow the ground rules, parents will be called by the Director and the child will need to be picked up immediately.    

No child shall be subject to abuse or neglect, cruel, unusual, severe, or corporal punishment, including:
·          any type of physical hitting inflicted in any manner upon the body,
·          punishments which subject a child to verbal abuse, ridicule, or humiliation,
·          denial or food, rest or bathroom facilities, punishment for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet, or 
         punishment related to eating or not eating food.    

All staff employed by The Family Tree are selected with the greatest of care.  All staff meet Office for Children qualifications.

All staff who have unmonitored contact with children are required to provide evidence of a C.O.R.I. report.  The staff are trained in emergency first aid and CPR. The staff are professional and committed to quality care of your children. 

SUSPENSION 

A child may be suspended if he/she uses any techniques to hurt another person in The Family Tree Program and/or will not cooperate with staff.  The Director will contact the parent immediately, and a meeting with the child, the parent, and the Site Coordinator and Director will take place before the child will be allowed to return to the Program. An individual behavior management plan/contract will be written, addressing the behaviors that need to be changed.   

TERMINATION   

Parents are responsible for giving a three-week written notice to the director in order to use their non-refundable deposit toward their last weeks of service.  The Family Tree will fill out appropriate termination papers (for deposit application). 

When a child is terminated from any Family Tree Program, whether initiated by the Program or the parents, the staff will prepare the child for termination from the Program in a manner consistent with the child’s ability to understand, and will provide information and referrals for other services to the parents, upon request from the parents.

The Family Tree reserves the right to discontinue service to a family if financial commitments are not met or if it becomes apparent that the Program is not equipped to meet the psychological or developmental needs of the child. 

Written notification will be given to the parents to allow for ample time to find alternative care. The staff/director will make every effort to resolve any problems prior to termination.   

Documentation will be provided upon request prior to suspension or termination.  Parents and children are given advance notification when suspension will take place based on child’s behavior.    

SOCIAL SERVICE REFERRAL   

If a child is in need of assistance in addition to what the teachers can provide on a daily basis, the Lead Teacher will notify the Director.  The Director will hold a conference with the parent (s) to provide information about appropriate social service agencies which can meet the child’s and/or family’s needs. The center will make every effort to lead parents in the correct direction for assistance.  The director/staff will also assist in any additional services. The parent/teacher/director will work together as a team to document any concerns.  The parents will be notified immediately when concerns arise.    

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PROCEDURE   

All staff are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect.  They are required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect.

The procedure to report child abuse and neglect is as follows:

    1 -   Immediately report suspected abuse or neglect of a child to the Director or the Department of  Social Services and submit in writing to Department of Social Services within 48 hours

    2 -  The Director shall immediately report suspected abuse and neglect to the Department of Social Services

    3 -   The Director shall notify Office for Children immediately after filing a 51A report or learning that  a 51A report has been filed alleging abuse or neglect of a child while in the care of the Family Tree Child Care programs or during a program related activity.   

The staff shall cooperate in all investigations of abuse and neglect.  These procedures also include but are not limited to insuring that an allegedly abusive or neglectful staff member does not work directly with children until the Department of Social Services’ investigation is completed and for such time as the Office requires.    

PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS   

Complaints should be made during a specific time to the teacher.  Two attempts at a resolution to the existing problem will be allowed. Open communication between parents and staff will facilitate resolution.  In the event of non-resolution, the Director will be consulted for intervention and resolution.    

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING PARENTAL INPUT 

Parental input for program procedures and program development shall be discussed with the Director and then submitted in writing to The Board of Directors for discussion at the next scheduled Board Meeting. The parent will be notified once a decision is made. Parents input is greatly appreciated.   

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN SERVED 

The Family Tree Child Care Center enrolls children ages 1 month to 5 years of age, on a first come, first serve basis. The Family Tree School Age Program enrolls children 5 years old, and enrolled in kindergarten and is of sufficient age to enter first grade the following year, through 14 years of age, on a first come first serve basis. Children with special needs will be accepted into the program if the child can be integrated into the existing program. This can only be determined after meeting with the child and parents and observing the child in the program to determine his/her abilities, as appropriate.  A special needs plan will be written by the parent (s) and staff on how best to meet the child’s needs.   

CURRICULUM 

Learning Centers - These are areas set up by teachers and students and are changed monthly to fit the theme for the month. Learning centers have activities that are suggested either by written or verbal cues from the teacher or can be developed daily by the children. Materials and equipment in each area is displayed in a manner that promotes individual and independent play. Often, problems are presented for children to solve for creative and cooperative problem solving sessions.

Enrichment Courses (SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM ONLY) - These are usually teacher directed activities (although older children may choose to design and/or teach a course) that are offered at a specific time period, to the public and enrolled Family Tree children. These are special interest course, sometimes taught by a professional person with a particular skill or talent. Participation in these courses is optional and children are free to have free play or join a teacher or other children in ongoing activities. 

Teacher Directed Activities - Teachers often share with children some of their own interests and hobbies by teaching individual or small group activities such as sewing, music appreciation, crafts, games, cooking, etc.  Teachers will plan activities with all age groups able to participate fully.

Independent Activities - Children are allowed to bring toys and personal possessions from home to use independently or to share with others on designated days.   Often, children direct the activities in learning centers based on their own interests and desires.

Self-Help Skills - All children are encouraged to behave independently according to their individual development level. The staff encourage children to problem solve creatively, to learn to accept and appreciate diversity, and negotiate for what they want when it is in conflict with another’s desires.  Staff will assist children in areas of self-help skill development by providing activities that encourage using undeveloped skills. The goal for children of all ages is to promote positive self-esteem and competence.

Monthly Themes - The program has general monthly themes that are established and coordinated center wide from infants to school age, designed to promote developmental skills, and to enrich all children’s understanding of their world.  The themes have educational, social, cultural, and emotional value.

Director and Lead Teachers are responsible for coordinating the themes and distinguishing the concepts to be addressed each month. 

Weekly Curriculum - Each Teacher posts weekly curriculum stating their  activities, projects, and learning centers.  Teachers will solicit input from children in their group, when age appropriate.   

WHAT TO BRING 

Please provide your child with a backpack/diaper bag to carry his/her belongings.  It makes for a much easier departure. 

Every full-time child in the Child Care Center may bring a small, child sized blanket for rest time. All full-time children are required to rest for a minimum of 45 minutes daily.

Children may only bring in small toys from home on the designated share day.  Limited to a size that will fit inside the backpack, but they cannot be stored at the school.  Please keep in mind that teachers will help the children to be careful, but cannot be responsible for loss or damage.  Toy guns and weapons are prohibited. 

CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS 

Our playground is used as an extension of the classroom, and daily programs are conducted outside whenever weather permits. In order for your child to enjoy participation in the program, please have him/her dress for the weather.  If it has just rained, please send boots for the puddles; if it is raining lightly, waterproof outer clothing is needed; if it snows, attach mittens on a long string that can go up one arm, across the neck and down the other arm. In general, durable clothing which can withstand the energetic activity of young children is the best bet.  If the day is extremely cold, send an extra sweater and hat. We will probably be outside for a brief time.  Children need to run around, have some large muscle activity, and get some fresh air. 

Our health care consultant recommends that if the child is well enough to come to school, he/she should be able to play outside as long as he/she stays dry.   Therefore, we ask that you leave a complete set of extra clothing, especially socks, at all times.  Also, if a child is newly toilet trained, it is helpful to keep an extra set of underwear on hand. Please replace the items when they become soiled. PLEASE LABEL ALL CLOTHING WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME.

When buying indoor or outdoor clothing for school, make sure the child can put them on himself/herself. If you are using shoe boots, please send slippers or sneakers so that your child won’t have to keep his/her boots on indoors.

We expect to do a good deal of painting and messy projects, so we suggest clothing than can wash easily. This way your child can enjoy the Program without being concerned about his/her clothes.  PLEASE LABEL ALL CLOTHING WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME.  The teachers are not responsible for lost or damaged articles. 

NUTRITION   

All parents are asked to provide a nutritious lunch daily.  Parents of Infants are required to provide all food/formula/juice on a daily basis.  Monthly snack menus will be posted in classrooms.

The Family Tree will provide a morning and afternoon snack for Toddlers, Preschoolers and School Age. Snacks will consist of juice and crackers, cheese, fruit or vegetables. Milk will be provided for lunch.  Children enrolled for extended hours will be given an opportunity to eat breakfast before 8:00 a.m. or a light snack after 5:00 p.m. These must be sent from home.

The Family Tree will provide milk and a toaster if parents wish to provide breakfast cereals and/or breads.  If a child forgets a lunch, The Family Tree will provide a lunch for a $2.00 fee.

The Family Tree provides two nutritious snacks on full days and one on half days.  Juice and milk, crackers, cheese, fruit or vegetables are served. Special treats from home to celebrate a birthday or other occasion are welcome.  Please consult with your child’s teacher beforehand.   

NOTE *** NOTE *** NOTE

It is important that the parent place all the child’s daily food/equipment/extra clothing in the child’s bin or cubby and refrigerator.  This allows the parent the opportunity to make sure all the child’s necessary equipment is ready and available for the child on a daily basis. This allows the staff to quickly get the needed supplies from that location without spending time searching for needed items. Children’s needs are met much more quickly this way.   

HEALTH CARE AND SAFETY PROCEDURES 

Children may not be left at The Family Tree if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
·          fever greater than 100 degrees
·          Unusually lethargic behavior
·          Vomiting
·          Diarrhea
·          Rash of unknown origin
·          Sore throat
·          Productive cough   

If these symptoms develop during the course of the day, the Director/Lead Teacher will contact the parents to consult on the course of action.  Parents should make arrangements to have the child picked up as soon as possible or to have the child transferred to the Get Well Program. In the meantime, the child is made comfortable in a quiet location away from the other children with direct supervision. 

Readmission is based upon the child’s ability to participate fully in the Program.  If your child has a temperature of 101 degrees or greater, has had 3 or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, he/she will NOT be allowed into the Program for 24 hours from time picked up unless a doctor’s note states the child is well enough to return. 

If an emergency arises, a qualified staff administers first aid care, calls the parent, and if necessary, emergency medical personnel.  Staff will accompany the child to the nearest hospital where emergency treatment is administered. The staff will remain with the child until the parent arrives. In the event neither parent can be reached, the child’s physician will be contacted. 

First aid supplies are kept in the Program supply closet.  An accident report log is kept at the Program, with detailed information on each injury to a child. An incident report is kept in the log, in the child’s file, and a copy given to the parent (s) within 24 hours of any injury.

An allergy list is updated and posted in each classroom along with a first aid kit.  All staff are required to maintain current first aid and infant/child/adult CPR certification.   

MEDICATION   

Prescription medication may be administered by staff upon completion of a Medical Authorization form which can be obtained from any teacher.  All medication must be labeled and in their original containers.

Non-prescription medication can only be administered with a doctor’s signature and renewed on and annual basis.  Parents will be notified prior to administering medication.

School age children with asthma medication can possess and administer their own medication with physician and parental consent. Program staff are to be informed if a child possesses or self administers medication.