Parent Information 2009-2010
(the following information is found further down on this page)
Welcome Letter..................... 3
Hours............ 3
Location....... 3
Meals............ 4
Nutrition...... 4
What To Bring/Leave.............. 4
Tuition and payment............. 5
Calendar & Attendance........ 5
Sign-in/Sign-out..................... 5
Child Abuse... 5
Smoking, Drinking, Drugs...... 5
Discipline... 5 -6
Toileting....... 6
Off-Site Field Trips............... 6
Lead Staff, Teaching Assistants, Substitutes, Volunteers 6-7
NonDiscrimination................. 7
Special Needs/Inclusion........ 8
Hand Washing........................ 8
Illness Policy....................... 8
First Aid....... 9
Immunizations....................... 9
Medication Management....... 9
Emergency Procedures....... 10
Disaster Plan summary....... 11
Outdoor Curriculum........... 12
Attachments (TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED):
FEE CONTRACT 08-09................ A
ENROLLMENT APPLICATION....... B
CONTACT INFORMATION............ C
MEDICAL ....... D
PERMISSIONS.. E
USDA ELIGIBILTY FORM (REQUIRED).................... F
USDA LETTER TO PARENTS........ G
IMMUNIZATIONS....................... H
CENTER ACTIVITIES................... I
RULES AND BEHAVIORS............. J
Hours
Full Day Preschool and Child Care ages 30 months through 5 years
Monday – Friday 7:00am-5:30 pm
We recommend that children arrive by 9:00am and stay until at least 3:30pm to be able to participate in all aspects of the program. This time frame ensures that the children will be able to attend structured learning blocks, meals, free-time play and field trips. We take care of all food and rest needs for the children during the day.
Please be on time to pick up the children so that staff can go home and enjoy dinner with their personal family too. The center closes at 5:30 so please arrive by 5:25pm to gather your child and belongings.
Conveniently located on the bottom floor of the Jefferson County Recreation Center Building at 620 Tyler Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Reference map located on PTNSH.com/directions.
Meals Provided
8am-9am breakfast
12:00 lunch
3:00 snack
5:00 snack
Nutrition
The Neighborhood Schoolhouse believes strongly in serving organic and non-genetically modified foods whenever possible. We always use organic milk, flour, oats, cereal and eggs. When organic foods are not served, healthy, whole grain and reduced fat, sodium and sugar will be evaluated. Drinking water is always available. It is well documented in professional journals and books that children are often tested with dangerously high levels of pesticides and a greater tolerance to antibiotic medical treatment due to additives of all types in the food they eat. Nutrition and diet also significantly contribute to behavioral difficulties such as ADHD and other learning disabilities. We believe that children benefit physically and emotionally when fed quality food daily.
Although Neighborhood Schoolhouse cannot at this time claim to be “Certified Organic” since that is a formal process that must be pursued, we can identify our program practices as utilizing organic methods of growing and composting food, which also includes a no-pesticide policy. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not used to grow food.
We would prefer that all parents become familiar with the menu schedule outlined by Neighborhood Schoolhouse and not provide separate food from home. We are required to follow extremely specific nutritional guidelines for your child. Any food from home must, by law, also meet these guidelines. We have been very successful in modifying our menu to accommodate for vegetarian preferences but not vegan diets. If you would like to discuss and document special diet needs for your child, we would be happy to do so and do our best to incorporate any changes into our regular menu. We have individual planning forms and allergy forms available as needed.
Please do not bring the following or similar items to the Schoolhouse: Sugar cereal, donuts, candy, soda, cookies, and other treats unless it has been discussed with a teacher ahead of time to use as birthday and holiday celebration.
What to Bring
- A bag or pack with a change of clothes and enough room to store a jacket.
- A water bottle (not sippy cup) with a closing, leak-proof top that stays at the Neighborhood Schoolhouse and will survive the dishwasher. We suggest going to ecocanteen.com
- A mug, utensils, plate, bowl – the more unique the better and please avoid plastic!
- Slippers and a sweater for indoor wear.
- A child-size pillow and sleeping bag or roll with a top and a bottom is required.
- Enrollment forms: registration, medical info, contacts, food program forms, individual care plan if applicable, permissions, and immunizations.
What to Leave at Home
- Sugar cereal, donuts, candy, soda, cookies, and other treats - thanks
- Please refrain from bringing personal toys to school. Preschool children are challenged to gain skills in sharing, problem solving and cooperative strategies. Its best that they use items that are not owned by individuals. Explain to your child that they will be reunited with their favorite toys when they get home.
Tuition/Payment
Tuition is determined by semester schedule and broken down into monthly payments payable in advance before the first day of each month. Do not wait for a bill before making payments. A financial contract will be agreed upon by the parents and the director.
DSHS childcare subsidies are accepted!
In order to staff the Neighborhood Schoolhouse and provide a quality program and environment for your child to attend, we must have prompt and consistent attention to the tuition and payment schedule. Please make checks payable to Neighborhood Schoolhouse and send by US Post or hand deliver to Clyde or Rebecca Lovett before the FIRST DAY OF EACH MONTH or other date by arrangement.
Calendar and Attendance:
This program is a year round program. There are 3 sessions Fall/Winter, Winter/Spring, and Summer. A calendar will be provided indicating holidays and special days. While your child is enrolled, payment is due according to your contract schedule regardless of whether your child is in attendance. DSHS clients only receive 5 absences each month. After those absences have been used, you will be asked to pay the daily rate to keep your placement until a new month begins.
Your schedule is your payment agreement until a new contract is signed. Payment is due according to your contract schedule regardless of whether your child is in attendance. School will be closed for major holidays. A semester schedule will be posted.
Sign-in/sign-out
People picking up the child must sign in and sign out using their FULL NAME and signature along with the date. - The Neighborhood Schoolhouse is responsible to ensure this by State law. We will attempt to make it as user friendly as possible by having a clip board, pen and pre-printed sheets at the entrance/exit.
• Child Abuse & Neglect Reports: 1-800-609-8764
Neighborhood Schoolhouse is a mandated reporter of child abuse. Suspected abuse and neglect will be reported to DSHS. Signs of child abuse will be recorded on an Incident Report Form and kept in a separate confidential file. (also see this policy in the comprehensive Health Plan available upon request).
No smoking, alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted on Neighborhood Schoolhouse property. Staff and parents are expected to remain smoke-free, clean and sober whenever children are present. Incident reports will be filed documenting any situations in which parents are suspected of using substances or behaving erratically.
Discipline
Conflict is a pathway to better understanding the people in our life. Conflict is inevitable and all people, including children, have issues to work through in relationships. Ultimately it is best to prevent negative conflict before it occurs. Our primary goal is to guide children through positive conflict steps so they can begin to learn the steps to solving their own problems and learn to negotiate with others.
NSH staff advocates problem solving through dialogue (respectful speaking and listening), and cooperative learning. We use behavior management techniques as needed and appropriate for each child. These may include: verbal problem solving with coaching, scripting, distraction, brief separation, drawing of problems or apologies, positive reinforcement of positive behavior, incentives, modeling and role-play, logical consequences.
If a child is physically and emotionally out of control and risking harm to self and others, staff trained in appropriate restraint techniques may “hold” the child until he or she is able to regain self-control. In these cases, an incident report will be filed and solutions will be discussed with a parent. Children whose behavior is habitually disruptive and detracts from the safety and / or educational environment of the program, despite teacher and parent communication, may be dismissed from the school for the day or longer without refund.
Toileting
Children attending the Neighborhood Schoolhouse must have a prior and comprehensive introduction to toilet training at home. Children are at all different stages in this developmental skill and the modeling the children give to one another will be affirming. Most children quickly learn to toilet independently by following the behavior of their classmates and following a timed routine.
We are not equipped to change diapers, however, we can assist your child in toilet training by: having regular toileting times for everyone, reminding, assisting with pull-ups, positively reinforcing their successes, and supervising cleaning behaviors.
Lead Staff Members
Rebecca Lovett, owner/director, has a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration extensive experience and training in Early Childhood Education. Rebecca created the Crestone (Colorado) Community Children’s Choir, co-creator of the Crestone Community Soccer Program and co-founder of YIP! (Youth in Performance) theater troupe. Rebecca also has vast professional experience in preschool music program development, behavior management, preschool classroom teaching and parent education. She also has five children ranging in age from 6 to 19 years. The Neighborhood Schoolhouse is a culminating and constantly evolving project that reflects her passion, personality and value system.
Anji Scalf is currently pursuing an Early Childhood Education degree and has a Bachelors degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Environmental Science with a Minor in French. Anji interned at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu - writing her thesis on environmental education while developing curriculum and youth oriented programs an interactive educational exhibits about the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands and Pacific Ocean Basin. While she attended UHM she was the Wardrobe Supervisor for Kennedy Theater, working with Pacific and Asian traditional clothing. In the Fall Anji is the Head Coach of the Port Townsend High School girl's swim team. She is passionate about providing life skills, compassion, and nurturing along with complete and interest driven educational opportunities for children. She believes learning should be challenging, exciting, and enjoys
opportunities to introduce information about the natural world, arts, culture, and play to her students.
Clyde Lovett is involved mostly in administrative aspects of Neighborhood Schoolhouse. Clyde has a diverse professional background. He was a licensed sailboat yacht captain, instructor and consultant for 17 years, and sailed around the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He has been a licensed electrician, a published writer and currently an advertising and magazine publisher, photographer, website designer/independent business owner. He founded the Crestone, Colorado AYSO soccer league; coaches t-ball and baseball in Port Townsend and is father of five. You may see him involved in activities with the children or receive an email from him about billing. He is the quintessential "man of many hats."
Volunteers
Parents are required to participate in some way with the Neighborhood Schoolhouse program. Your participation allows us to work with the children independently or in small groups. It allows us to schedule field trips off-site. With your help we can keep costs reasonable and quality high. Your presence helps to build a community within the Neighborhood Schoolhouse so that your child feels comfortable in a home away from home. Your volunteer efforts also help to share your talents and skills with your child and friends in a group context that makes it easy for your child to learn from you.
We will schedule times or tasks around your availability. Please plan to spend a minimum of one hour each week on a consistent basis. We will organize sign-up sheets for class times, field trips weekly chores and tasks. You can spend time with the children or we can find many things for you to help with outside the classroom. If your work prohibits weekday times, we can send things home. Your child’s world here is such a large component of their life.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Neighborhood Schoolhouse embraces the opportunity to expand our program and our community through inclusion.
The Neighborhood Schoolhouse does not discriminate on the basis of individual and family diversity. The many ways in which people are different may include and not be limited to: race and ethnicity, gender, religion, political views, sexual orientation, developmental disability or age.
The Neighborhood Schoolhouse encourages and promotes an environment that shares individual and group differences with the knowledge that these differences enrich our lives and advocate understanding, compassion, learning and peaceful relations. We advocate problem solving through dialogue (respectful speaking and listening), and cooperative learning. It is our hope that throughout the program; in theme, action, celebration, discussion, presentation and participation we live and teach this philosophy.
No specific religious practice is taught or followed at Neighborhood Schoolhouse. Activities are generally secular or earth stewardship based and strive to teach basic values which are spiritual in nature; e.g. truthfulness, compassion, and respect for others. Integrated into our philosophy of “Best Practices” is the view that all belief systems are respected and that the children will be exposed to a variety of beliefs and cultures.
Native American, Buddhist, Christian, Baha’i. Information, education, presentations, and celebrations led by parents or staff is encouraged. It is our view that it is unnecessary and undesirable to highlight differences, make comparisons or to pass judgment about specific religious belief systems.
Special Needs/Inclusion
Our center is committed to meeting the needs of all children. This includes children with special health care needs such as asthma and allergies, as well as children with emotional or behavior issues or chronic illness and disability. Inclusion of children with special needs enriches the child care experience and all staff, families and children benefit.
Hand Washing
1. Staff will wash their hands:
- Upon arrival at the child care center and at the end of the day
- Before handling foods, cooking activities, eating & serving food.
- After toileting self, children and diaper changing.
- After handling or coming in contact with body fluids such as mucus, blood, saliva, or urine.
- Before and after administering medication
- Upon coming in from outside
- After attending to an ill child
- No smoking is permitted on the premises while children are in attendance
- After handling and caring for pets
2. Children will be directed or helped with hand washing:
- Upon arrival at the child care center.
- Before meals or cooking activities.
- After toileting.
- After outdoor play.
- After coming in contact with body fluids.
- Before and after water table play
A child who is ill will be isolated, supervised and made comfortable until a parent/guardian or emergency contact person has been reached. Children with any of the following symptoms will not be permitted to remain in care.
- Fever of 100°F under arm (axilary) or higher AND who also have one or more of the following:
• diarrhea • earache • show signs of irritability or confusion • sore throat • rash
- Vomiting on 2 or more occasions within the past 24 hours.
- Diarrhea – 3 or more watery stools within a 24 hour period or 1 bloody stool.
- Draining rash - open or oozing sores, unless properly covered, or 24 hours has passed since starting antibiotic treatment.
- Eye discharge or pinkeye.
- Fatigue that prevents participation in regular activities.
- Lice or scabies
Neighborhood Schoolhouse will notify parent/guardian in writing, either by letter or posting notice in a visible location, when their children have been exposed to a communicable disease
Children can be readmitted:
- after medical diagnosis to rule out bacterial or viral infection or 24 hours, or physician recommendation, on antibiotic treatment and
- when the child can participate in the program with reasonable comfort.
Staff Health:
- All staff must document a negative tuberculin skin test by the MANTOUX method or chest x-ray, taken within the two years prior to employment.
Staff who have a communicable disease are expected to remain at home until the period of communicability has passed. Such staff should follow the same procedure listed under procedure to excluding ill children listed above.
First Aid
When children are in our care, staff with current training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid is always available. Training documentation is kept in the employee notebook. Our first aid kit(s) is kept near the medication on the top shelf of bathroom closet and checked monthly. A fully stocked first aid kit will be taken on all field trips.
Parents will receive the following documents from the Neighborhood Schoolhouse concerning immunization: Certificate of Immunization Status which also includes a Statement of Exemption if applicable. We keep on file the Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) to show the Department of Health and the Division of Child Care and Early Learning (DCCEL) that we are in compliance with licensing standards.
Prescription medication must be in the original container and must have the original pharmacist label giving child’s full name, name of medication, dosage, frequency, and duration. A Health Care Provider’s written consent must be obtained to add medication to food or liquid. A licensed Health Care Provider’s consent may be given in 3 different ways:
- The provider’s name is on the original pharmacist’s label (along with the child’s name, name of the medication, dosage, frequency (can NOT be given “as needed”), duration and expiration date); or
- The provider signs a note or prescription that includes the information required on the pharmacist’s label; or
- The provider signs a completed Medication Authorization Form.
Chronic conditions (such as asthma), the parent/legal guardian written consent must be renewed monthly. An individual care plan must be provided that lists symptoms or conditions under which the medication will be given. If needed medication (asthma) may be given only when the health professional lists specific symptoms and stop/start times and days on the consent form. A three-day emergency supply of medication is requested for chronic illness and for medications taken at home.
Non-prescription medications must have the manufacturer’s original label. Medications will only be given at the dose and frequency as stated on the label. The child must be of the minimum age and body weight given on the label. If the child is not of the minimum age (under age 2 not served at the Neighborhood Schoolhouse) or body weight stated on the label, or if the medication is to be given at a different dose or frequency than the label specifies, then a doctor’s order is required. OTC medication we may give include: antihistamines, non Asprin fever reducers and pain relievers, non narcotic cough suppressants, anti-itch ointments, sunscreen, vitamins. For sunscreen and diaper ointment, the written consent may cover an extended time period of up to 6 months. These and all topical medication will be administered after proper hand washing procedures and with the use of disposable gloves to prevent cross contamination. For all other medications the written consent may only cover the course of the illness.
- Staff trained in first aid will take appropriate steps and refer to The Red Cross Skills Card and manual (near first aid kit and medications in bathroom) as needed. Laminated Skills Cards are posted in kitchen.
- At staff discretion, minor injuries such as cuts and bruises will be reported to the parent by telephone.
- If a physician is required, the child will be treated under the illness policy and procedure and parent/guardian or emergency contact will be notified.
- Incident reports will be completed by staff and parents will be asked to sign their full signature and date at the time of pick-up.
- Staff calls 911.
- Staff provides firstaid as needed using the Red Cross manual and training as guide.
- A staff member and child health file stays with the injured/ill child, including transport to a hospital until a parent or guardian arrives.
- Staff member contacts back-up staff for support to ensure all children are safe and supervised.
- A detailed incident report will be completed by staff member.
- Follow-up, both verbal and written, by director is required until incident is resolved.
- Serious injury/hospitalization will be reported to DSHS Division of Childcare Licensor Martha Standley or other official at 360.565.2272.
If parent or guardian cannot be contacted:
Emergency contact information and authorization shall be kept current. See Important Contact Information Form. Staff will coordinate with the medical personnel and emergency contact person listed to ensure care for the child until a parent/guardian can be reached.
Disaster Plan Summary
Dear Neighborhood Schoolhouse Parents:
Posted in a notebook available to you at the school is the “Crisis/Disaster Response Handbook”. With the implementation of this handbook you can rest assured we will do everything we can to protect your child in the event of a crisis or disaster. With any disaster or crisis, your cooperation is necessary for the following:
- Encourage and explain to your child why the best place for them is at the
childcare center.
- Explain that if you are unable to pick them up quickly, the child care staff will
care for them until you or your emergency contact comes to get them.
- Please do not telephone the childcare center. Telephone lines will be needed for
emergency communications for the first 4 hours.
- Listen to KRKO or KOMO radio for updates.
- Provide an emergency/comfort kit for your child.
- Include an out-of-state contact number with your kit.
- Provide a 72-hour supply of any medication or medical supplies/equipment that
your child may need.
The child care staff will care for your child until you or your designee are able to reach them. Be sure to keep your child’s emergency release card updated. Children will only be released to those specified by you on their card. We will also utilize the phone numbers on the emergency release card should we need to re-locate to our alternate site.
The Jefferson County Recreation Center is a designated by Red Cross as an Emergency Shelter in the event of an emergency. If the Recreation building is deemed unsafe the Neighborhood Schoolhouse will travel by foot or bus to The Port Townsend Public Library.
During a disaster, communication may become challenging. Often it is easier to contact an out-of-area phone number than a local or cell number. Our facility is establishing an out-of-area number to relay information throughout a disaster. Please put this number in a convenient and accessible place so that you are able to get information about your child should local calling become challenging. Our out-of-area contact is: 617-484-1264 and website: PTNSH.com
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the disaster plans and policies established for our child care facility. If you have not already been given this information, it is provided for your review at the school.
Center: 360.379.9070 Cell: 360.316.9536
Rebecca Lovett, Director
Outdoor Curriculum /Health Policy
The Neighborhood Schoolhouse has an earth science component to its curriculum. Our gardening/science program has the following objectives:
- To connect children to the environment through science education, problem solving and team building.
- To address the problems of poor nutrition and inactivity.
- Helping children to learn about and develop a consciousness of caring and responsibility for the environment.
- To provide a food source.
- To provide aesthetic value
As part of our daily science program, the children are, under supervision, involved in the planting, analysis, caring of, harvesting and consumption of flowers, fruit and vegetables. Safety and health/ cleanliness are of utmost importance to us. Therefore, the following procedures have been set to ensure these values and to optimize the learning experience:
The NO pesticide and NO chemical fertilizer policy – Pesticides and chemical fertilizers will not be added to the soil or plants. Organic methods of growth promotion will be utilized, i.e. Fertilizers containing nitrogen and calcium and other nutrients, mulch, organic compost, or soil enhancing crops (alfalfa, clover).
The origin of the soil on the property is unknown, however, it is in a residential area, maintained by the county and clean of any known contaminants.
Compost Procedure – Wire, open-ended cages confine compost materials into a
structured pile. When turning is necessary, the cage is lifted, moved and the materials are returned to the cage. Compost ingredients include grass, leaves, straw, cutting and stems and kitchen scraps from fruits and vegetables. The following is NOT composted to prevent the spread of disease: human or animal remains, parts or excretions of any kind. Also, not composted are branches, woody stems or noxious weeds.
Kitchen scraps that are uncontaminated by human/animal products and fats are kept in a covered container below the kitchen sink. The container is emptied, washed with soap and replaced frequently during the week.
After any lesson and activity working with plants and soil, the children will be directed to wash their hands according to proper hand washing procedures.
Sand – Sand on the property that children play in and with will be frequently raked/sifted, covered and replaced when needed |
