Dear Parents,

Welcome to Building Blocks Academy of Garfield! This Parent Handbook includes everything you need to know about our center, including goals, policies, procedures, and educational philosophies.

Should you have any comments or questions about any of this information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

Thank you so much for allowing us to join with you in providing for the care and education of your child. We look forward to serving you.

Sincerely,

The Staff at Building Blocks Academy

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Table of Contents

Welcome to Building Blocks Academy…………………………………………………………………………………………………….1

Basic Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...3

Center Philosophy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

Letter to Parents……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Tuition Contract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5

Tuition Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Fee Policies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Signing In/Out…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7

Release Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7

Late Pick-Up Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7

Discipline Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8

Health Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9-10

Administration of Medication………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Medication Permission Information………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Medication Permission Form…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12

Return to Center Form……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....13

What Children Should Bring to Center……………………………………………………………………………………………………14

Toilet Training……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

Daily/Weekly Reports……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15

Progress Reports……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15

Vacation Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15

Extra Activities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16

Birthday Celebrations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16

Promotions to next class……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16

Walking/Field Trips……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16

Walking Trip Permission Form………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17

Other Forms and Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18-20

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Popcorn and Peanut Free……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21

Building Blocks Academy offers:

Flexible and Extended Hours Nutritious Snack Options Care for Children from ages 2 ½ to 6 years of age A Well Rounded Educational Curriculum, with Hands On and Student-Centered Learning

Activities built in Extra-Curricular Activities A 12-Month Program Certified Staff Small Classrooms offering individualized attention A 10% Sibling Discount Contingency Care—We are here for you when other arrangements are unavailable, and you

need extra hours of childcare. Affordable Rates, and Financial Assistance Options Evening care available, at least one day per month from 6-9 p.m.

We are conveniently located in the heart of Garfield, NJ on Lanza Avenue, across from the Garfield Middle School. We are in close proximity to Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park, Hackensack, Clifton, Fair Lawn, Paramus, Maywood, Lodi, Hasbrouck Heights, Rutherford, Wallington, and Little Ferry.

Building Blocks Academy’s Philosophy

We strongly believe that all children deserve the opportunity to be well-rounded in their development. We recognize the importance of each and every area of development. We understand that all children learn differently, and strive to incorporate differentiated teaching styles and techniques to ensure successful learning for each individual student. We realize the importance of student-centered learning as it promotes independence, responsibility, and self-assurance. We offer a safe and nurturing environment, where children feel free and comfortable to facilitate their cognitive, social, emotional, language, and motor development. Focusing on all areas of development, differentiated teaching strategies with a special focus on student-centered learning, and fostering a safe learning environment allows students to build a strong foundation for their future learning experiences.

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Building Blocks Academy Letter to Parents

Dear Parents:We are so excited to welcome your child into our program. We understand that this may be a first experience for many children, and their first time away from their parents. We know this adjustment can be a difficult one. But we promise to try to make the change as easy and enjoyable as possible for both children and parents. More than anything, we want your children to look forward to coming to school each and every day. We promise to be there for your child, and make them feel as comfortable as possible. We understand the importance of building relationships with their classmates and teachers, and providing an interesting and developmentally appropriate curriculum to help make their childcare experience memorable. We offer:A wide range of enriching activities to meet the needs of each and every child in the center

Developmentally appropriate materials and equipment

Lesson plans that build on children’s social, cognitive, and emotional skills

Plenty of opportunities for parents to visit and participate in classroom activities with their child

Individualized attention, care, and assistance

Our staff is composed of highly trained, experienced professionals who help instruct, nurture, motivate, and inspire our students. Please review the Parent Handbook to ensure the process runs smoothly. Feel free to direct any questions you may have to the center director.

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Tuition Contract

Upon enrollment of your child, a Parent Agreement for Child Care Hours must be completed. The contract, located below, will indicate the number of days and hours your child will attend the center, arrival and departure times each day, and the tuition amount that will be paid each week. The center will strictly enforce adherence to your contracted hours in order for us to maintain appropriate state mandated teacher to child ratios and ensure quality care and attention is provided for all children.

BUILDING BLOCKS ACADEMY PARENTING AGREEMENT FOR CHILDCARE HOURS

My child will attend the center for (please circle) part-time full-time care.

He/she will receive ____ hours of childcare per week. This will include (please circle all that apply)

Monday from ____:_______ to ____:_______

Tuesday from ____:_______ to ____:_______

Wednesday from ____:_______ to ____:_______

Thursday from ____:_______ to ____:_______

Friday from ____:_______ to ____:_______

My child, ________________________________, will be in ____________________ classroom.

This agreement may be re-negotiated at the request of a parent or director of Building Blocks Academy.

____________________________________ ________________________________Name of Parent Name of Child

____________________________________ ________________________________Signature of Parent Signature of Center Director

_____________________________________ ________________________________Date Date

Total Tuition Amount for Each Week of Care for My Child: $___________ *I agree to pay the above amount in full each week, along with any additional fees incurred for extra activities, hours, or care provided. Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _________________

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Tuition Policy

Tuition is charged on a weekly basis and is due on the first day of attendance each week. Late payments will incur a $10.00 fee. Please keep in mind that there is NO refund or credits given for illness or absence. There will also be no refunds or credits given for vacation days, snow days, holiday, or other school closings. *Please see school calendar for closings.* There will be a $35.00 fee for all returned checks.

*All checks and money orders are to be made payable to Building Blocks Academy.

*Tuition must be paid prior to services rendered.

*Families are responsible for payment of tuition each and every week. No refunds or credits will be given for illness or absence.

*The center reserves the right to dismiss any child whose tuition account is in arrears. Additional late fees will apply.

All new applicants shall provide the following prior to the first day of your child’s attendance:

1. A completed application2. A nonrefundable registration fee of $100, per child3. The first week of tuition

The application, registration fee, and first week of tuition will hold a space for your child at Building Block’s Academy for fourteen days. These fees are NONREFUNDABLE.

*If there is a change in plans and you will not be sending your child to our center, you will receive the first week of tuition back if your child has not been in attendance and started in our program. The registration fee is nonrefundable.

*Tuition amounts are subject to change.*

Cancellation of enrollment:

We require one month (30 days) notice in writing if you are planning to remove your child from our program.

Late Fees:

The center closes at 6 p.m. A $5.00 late fee will be charged for care provided for every 10 minutes after the contracted hours. Fees are payable during the week that they are incurred.

Sibling Discounts:

Families who are enrolling two or more siblings will receive a discount for fulltime care. The sibling discount rate is as follows:

Siblings will receive a 10% discount for the second child, and every child after that who is enrolled in our center. Registration fees are not discounted and a separate registration fee and application must be filled out for each child who will be attending.

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Sign In and Sign Out Policy and ProceduresChildren must be signed in and out each day.

Each time a child is dropped off at our center, their parent/guardian must sign the child in and document the drop off time.

Each time a child is picked up at our center, the parent/guardian must sign the child out and document the pick-up time.

Individuals who are picking up children MUST be included on our Authorization for Pick Up Form. No child will be permitted to leave the center without a parent/guardian who is listed on the form.

*These rules are in place to ensure the safety of each and every child. *

Release Policy

Children will only be released to those persons who are authorized by the parent/guardian IN WRITING. Proof of identity may be required upon request.

In a Divorce or Separation Situation, the following will apply:

In order for the non-custodial parent to visit the center or remove the child from the center, we must receive a written letter of consent from the custodial parent for each occurrence. A copy of a court order must be on file in order for the center to enforce the custodial parent’s wishes for a non-custodial parent to be denied access or limited access to the child.

According to state regulations, a child will not be released to a parent or person(s) authorized by the parent(s) if in the judgment of a staff member, the individual appears to be physically or emotionally impaired to the extent that the child would be placed at risk of harm if released to the individual. If this determination is made, the following will occur:

The staff member will attempt to contact the child’s other parent or an alternate person who is authorized by the parent to pick up the child.

The staff member shall contact the director.

If Building Blocks Academy is unable to make alternate arrangements, the staff member shall call the Division of Youth and Family Services 24 Hour Child Abuse Hotline to seek assistance in caring for the child.

Late Pick-Up

Staff members will contact the Director when the child’s parent/guardian is late.

The staff will try to contact parents or authorized persons to pick up the child.

One hour or more after closing time, if all other attempts for releasing the child to his/her parent/guardian have failed, and the staff members can not continue to supervise the child at the center, the staff member shall call the Division of Youth and Family Services 24 Hour Child Abuse Hotline. This action may be taken to seek assistance in caring for the child until the parent(s) are able to pick up the child. Children will be supervised by staff members at all times.

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Discipline Policy

It is the responsibility of our teachers to guide and redirect children in order to help them learn to cooperate with their peers and ensure positive, educational experiences to enhance their growth and development. In order to accomplish this, we:

*Provide a variety of different activities*Avoid overcrowding by limiting the number of children in each area in order to allow for sufficient materials and opportunities for constructive interactions. *Use positive language with the children, giving praise and providing them with encouragement for appropriate behavior. *If group behavior is a problem, the children will be redirected to other activities, or a different setting. During this time, children will always be supervised. *Remind a child that the behavior they are exhibiting is not appropriate, and guide them back on track.

If a child continues to exhibit inappropriate behaviors, other measures will be taken. In order, they include:

1. To make the child aware of his/her behavior and given the opportunity to correct it on their own.

2. Teachers will provide children with encouragement to think of more appropriate methods he/she can utilize to solve their issue. The child will be given the option to discontinue their behavior, or will be redirected to a new area or activity.

3. When their behavior is corrected, they will be given the opportunity to return to the activity or area.

If continued negative behavior is present, the Staff member or Director may feel as though a parent conference is necessary in order to discuss different ways to improve their behavior and work with the child. We will make every effort to work with you and your child to come up with a solution. However, If the health, safety, and welfare of the child and/or that of another child is at risk, the child could ultimately be dismissed from the program.

Keep in mind that we try every effort to be as consistent as possible with our classroom rules so that children will know what is expected of them. We find that this helps the children in a big way and leads to their success in developing self-control and self-confidence.

*Please note that no form of hitting, abusive language, corporal punishment, ridicule, harsh, humiliating, or frightening treatment will be tolerated by any member of our staff. It is against our philosophy and illegal. These behaviors are unacceptable and will not be allowed to take place.

Expulsion Policy

While we will do everything in our power to work with families in order to resolve issues before enforcing this policy, there are some instances in which we may feel the need to expel a child from our program, either on a short term or permanent basis. Prior to expulsion, parent(s) will be notified, indicating any issues. Every effort will be made by the center to correct the problem. If continued issues occur and the center finds that they can no longer accommodate the child, a parent will be asked to

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remove him/her. Parents will be given a minimum of one week’s time to make other arrangements for the care of their child.

Sent Home Policy

*Children who Exhibit Symptoms and Conditions such as those below will be sent home. If a child manifests any of these symptoms, they should remain at home for a minimum of 24 hours, unless a doctor’s note is provided, or under special circumstances discussed with the director. *

~Stiff neck

~A temperature of or above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit

~bleeding or weeping skin lesions that are uncovered

~Diarrhea, characterized by two or more abnormally loose stools

~Severe discomfort or pain

~Severe and consistent coughing

~Sore Throat

~Infected and untreated skin patches or rashes (excluding diaper rash) that lasts more than one day

~Reddened eyes, accompanied by discharge

~Yellow tinted skin or eyes

~Swollen joints or lymph nodes

~Blood in urine

~Difficulty breathing

~Two or more instances of vomiting

If any child manifests any of the above symptoms, he/she will be removed from his/her classroom to an area away from other children to ensure everyone’s safety and health. The child will remain in this area until they can be picked up or cared for elsewhere. No child should be pushed beyond their limit when they are not feeling at their best. School routines, procedures, and noise levels can sometimes just be too much when a child is feeling under the weather.

Please keep in mind that severe injury, which includes any broken bones, stitches, trauma, or car accident injuries must be spoken about before your child returns to the center so that an immediate and personalized plan of action and care can be put into place to ensure the safety of the child.

If a child has an excludable communicable disease, as specified below, Building Blocks Academy is not permitted to care for them unless a note is provided from the child’s doctor, stating that the child is in no way a risk to others, and/or Building Blocks Academy has contacted the State Department of Health or Local Health Department officials to be sure the child is in no way a risk to others. These excludable communicable diseases include:

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Respiratory Illnesses: chicken pox, German measles, Influenza, Diphtheria, Measles, Meningitis, Haemophilus, Mumps, Meningococcal, tuberculosis, strep throat, and Whooping Cough

Contact Illnesses: Impetigo, Lice, Herpes Simplex, Ringworm, Scabies, and Mononucleosis

Gastro Intestinal Illnesses: Giardia Lamblia, Pinworms, Enterovirus, Hepatitis A, Shigella, and Salmonella

If your child has or contracts an allergy or disease at any time, please inform us so that we can develop a proper plan of action to fit your child’s individual needs in order to ensure his/her safety.

If a child is exposed to a communicable disease, we will send home a notice and post a notice in a prominent location at our center.

In order to determine a child’s general health condition, teachers will be aware of and visually inspect each child upon his/her arrival at the center.

If an accident or illness occurs, the center will take the necessary emergency action and notify the parents/guardians immediately.

Emergency medical treatment will be given based on the needs of the child. If he/she has to be taken to the emergency room, the cost of the visit will be the responsibility of the child’s parent. Each student must have a medical authorization form on file prior to the child attending our center.

If a parent refuses emergency medical care that is recommended by Building Blocks Academy, the center will not be held responsible or liable for any medical complications that may result from accidents or illnesses.

Each and every accident or incident will be properly documented at the center and parents will be notified. A copy of the incident report will be kept on file at the center. Parents can obtain a copy of this report upon request.

For any child who demonstrates unusual behavior or shows signs of possible illness, staff members will report the information to the parents at the time of the child’s departure from the center, OR sooner if deemed necessary by the Director.

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Administration of Medication

If medication is to be given to children, the center must receive written approval and instructions from the child’s parents. The medication form MUST be completed EACH DAY that the child needs medication administered to ensure proper dosage and overall safety of the child.

It is the responsibility of the Director and the Group Teacher to administer medication. No other staff members will be authorized to give medication at any point.

In order to administer prescription medication, the prescription MUST be prescribed in the name of the child, stored in its original prescription container that is labeled with the child’s name and the name of the medication, as well as the date and directions.

Non-prescription medication shall be dispensed in accordance with the recommended dosage as determined by the child’s age and weight, indicated on the label or as authorized in writing by the child’s physician. These non-prescription medications may include antihistamines, decongestants, aspirin and acetaminophens, ointments, and cough suppressants.

Unused medication shall be returned to the parent when it is no longer in use.

Feel free to contact Building Blocks Academy if you have any questions about our policies and procedures regarding illnesses and administration of medication.

Permission for Medication

In accordance with our Health Policy, medication can only be administered to a child upon written approval from the child’s parent/guardian. Please fill out a Medication Permission Form for EACH DAY that your child requires medication administration. Medication forms are always available at our center, and can be found on our website.

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Building Blocks Academy Medication Permission Form

Medication Policy: Medication will only be given to a child with a WRITTEN REQUEST from the parents. Please utilize this form whenever your child requires medication while at our center.

I authorize and request Building Blocks Academy to give my child, _______________________________ the following medication in the amount and times as specified below:

Name of Medication Amount Time to be Given

__________________ _______ _______________

__________________ _______ _______________

__________________ _______ _______________

__________________ _______ _______________

__________________ _______ _______________

__________________ _______ _______________

__________________ _______ _______________

__________________ _______ _______________

Reason for medication: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______________

Director Signature: _______________________________________

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Return to Center Form

In the event that your child is sent home sick, a form is provided for you, indicating the considerations and conditions for your child’s return to the center. We must enforce compliance with our request in order to ensure fairness to all children and staff members.

Please see below:

Communications Form

_____________________________ was sent home today on __/__/____ due to:

[ ] a temperature of ______

[ ] Vomiting

[ ] Diarrhea

[ ] Rash

[ ] Other _________________________________________

Approximate Time(s): _______________________________

Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If your child’s temperature rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or if fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or rash lasts more than twenty-four (24) hours, please consult your child’s physician. Building Blocks Academy policy requires that children return to the center only if they have been symptom free for at least 24 hours and have no fever without medication. Our policy is in place to allow your child to recover completely, and keep the spread of infection to a minimum.

Your child may return to the center [ ] with [ ] without a doctor’s note in ___ days.

Notes: _______________________________________________________________________________

Thank You.

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Children’s Necessities for Each Day

*Please clearly mark your child’s name on each of his/her belongings. *

All children will need:

One snack if your child will attend the center for three hours or less; One snack and lunch if your child will attend the center for four or more hours; Two snacks and lunch if your child will attend the center full time. Please refer to our daily schedule for specific snack/meal times. Please send a beverage each day. *Please note that due to allergies, children are NOT allowed to share food.*

One change of clothing, which will include a shirt, pants, underwear, and socks. Be sure to keep this outfit current based on weather conditions and appropriate size.

A sheet, blanket, and pillow for naptime. These articles will be taken home at the end of the week to be laundered.

Diapers, pampers, or pull ups for the week.

Outerwear appropriate for the weather. This will include warm jackets, boots, scarves, mittens, hats, sweaters, lighter jackets, etc. The children play outdoors every day with the exception of extreme temperatures.

Sunscreen, a towel, and water clothes/shoes during the summer months.

If your child is potty training or newly potty trained (within the last six months), please make sure you bring two full sets of clothing, and three to four pairs of underwear.

*We strongly recommend that children who are in the process of potty training wear simple outfits with elastic waistbands. Please try to avoid one piece outfits, buckles, onesies, belts, and zippers.

Please DO NOT allow children to bring the following items. For safety reasons and to ensure all personal items do not get misplaced, they will be taken away and placed in their cubbies or with the Director for safe keeping until they are picked up at the end of the day.

*water toys*toys with small pieces*toy guns*candy, chocolate, or gum*money*dangerous or sharp objects*toys from home (unless requested by the teacher, or used for comfort during nap time)

All personal items that come to the center should be clearly LABELED with your child’s name on them.

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Some Notes About Toilet TrainingWhile all children develop at his/her own pace, they are generally ready to begin between 18 months and two years of age. Most children will be able to achieve daytime control between the ages of two and three. But this will vary greatly based on the child. Here are some things to look for to determine if your child is ready to begin toilet training!

If your child shows four or more of the following behaviors, he/she may be ready for toilet training:

Having regular bowel movements Waking up dry from a nap Pausing and making sounds or grimaces while having a bowel movement Staying dry for more than two hours in the daytime Being aware that urine and feces come from his/her body Complaining when wet or soiled Generally liking to be clean and tidy Wanting to imitate adults and be “grown up” Verbalizing when he/she is having a bowel movement

Please remember to never punish a child for his/her loss of control. Anticipate gradual, rather than instant success and never punish, shame, or scold your child for a setback in toilet training. Stay patient and be understanding, as it is a trying time for toddlers.

Building Blocks Academy considers a child completely toilet trained after they have been in underwear for four consecutive weeks with NO accidents.

Daily/Weekly Reports

A daily/weekly report will inform you about your child’s behavior, eating, and sleeping habits, as well as his/her mood and toileting habits. These reports allow us to communicate with you regularly about your child. You may receive either daily or written reports on your child’s habits, depending on behavior for that week.

Progress Reports

Every child will be developmentally assessed in January and June by the Director. This assessment will be used as an educational tool to let the parents know their child’s progression. It will focus on the child’s strengths, weaknesses, as well as the areas that are of most interest to them. The assessments are used for instruction, grouping, and promotion to the next classroom. You may request a copy of the assessment at the end of January and June, as well as a conference to go over your child’s progress.

Vacation Policy

If your child is going to be absent due to vacation, please inform the group teacher so that he/she is aware of the reason for your child’s absence(s). To assure your child’s placement, Tuition Fees must still apply.

Please take note of the School Calendar. Our program runs all year long.

Extra Activities

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~Building Blocks Academy of Garfield will have pizza for lunch on Wednesdays, each week. The fee is $3 per week. If you would like your child to participate in this weekly lunch program, please include this amount in an envelope with your child’s name and the date clearly printed. These fees can be paid weekly or monthly. ~Monthly activities, including an evening movie session from 6pm to 9pm will include dinner, a movie, and craft for each child. The cost of attendance will be $45 per child, and a discounted rate of $20 for each additional sibling. Dinner, a movie showing, and craft items will be provided for each child in attendance.~Other special events will take place throughout the year, and include special guests and activities. Information will be periodically sent home with each child, including information about these events.

Birthday Celebrations

Building Blocks Academy invites all children to celebrate their birthdays with us! We do ask that you notify us in advance so that we can assist you in the planning for your child’s special day. Acceptable party snacks include cupcakes, pretzels, cookies, ice cream, cake, doughnuts, and juice, and you are welcome to bring party supplies—including special plates, napkins, cups, and a few mild decorations as well. *Please note that we are a PEANUT FREE school. All items that are brought must have “Peanut Free” clearly marked on the package.

Goodie bags are acceptable, but please do not give any candy, gum, chocolate, nuts, or toys with small parts. Some suggestions are blowers and noise makers, small activity books, stickers, crayons, pretzels, raisins, and fruit snacks.

We want to help you make this day as special as possible! So if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

Promotions to the Next Class

When the Director or Group Teacher feels that a child is ready to move on to the next level, a developmental assessment will be completed. A child does not have to master every skill in order to advance. We assess each child individually and use this assessment as well as teacher observations as the determining factors for promotion. The child will then be gradually introduced to the next group. ALL PROMOTIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR BEFORE BEING FINALIZED.

Field Trips

All field trips that exceed a half mile roundtrip must have a signed Field Trip Form by the child’s parent/guardian. All field trips must be approved by the Director.

Walking Trips

For walks that are less than a half mile roundtrip, every child must have a signed Walking Trip Permission Slip. This will include daily walks to the nearby playground.

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Building Blocks AcademyWalking Trip Permission Slip

I hereby give permission for my child, _____________________, to take walking trips with Building Blocks Academy. This includes daily walks to the nearby playground. I understand that no such trip will be taken unless a safe ratio of adults to children exists. No walking trip will exceed half a mile roundtrip.

__________________________ __________________Signature Date

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We have provided you with this Information to Parents Document, which contains our philosophy, center policies, and our obligation to you including: complying with all licensing and state standards and our requirement to report all suspected child abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the State Child Abuse Hotline at 1 – 877- NJ ABUSE. We have notified you of your right to visit and observe our center without prior permission, and provided other information and highlights about our center.Please review this information carefully, and feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Thank you,Dina CapobiancoDirector of Building Blocks Academy

Please complete and return this form to the center prior to your child’s enrollment. [Please Print]Name of Child: __________________________________________________Name of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________________

I have received and read the copy of the Information to Parents document. I understand and agree to all policies and procedures that have been provided to me.

_______________________________________________ ____________Signature Date

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Please tell us a little about your family so that we can better serve you!

Name of Child: ______________________________________ Date of Birth: _____________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Parental Status

___ Single ___ Married ___ Separated ___ Divorced

Siblings:

1. Name: ________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________2. Name: ________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________3. Name: ________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________4. Name: ________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________

Other Household/Family Members:Name Relationship Age

___________________________________ ______________ ___________

Health History of Child:

Please check off all that apply

___ Frequent Colds

___ Vomits Frequently/Easily

___ Run Fevers Often

___ Has Had a Serious Accident

Explain:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(p. 2) Name of Child: ______________________

Allergies:

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Does your child have any allergies? Please list them here______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

What occurs when the allergy manifests? ___ Difficulty Breathing ___ Fever ___ Hives/Rash ___ Other (Please Explain) _______________

Developmental History of the Child:

Please check off all that apply for your child

___ Has participated in Group Play Where? ______________________________

___ Right Handed ___ Left Handed

What word does your child use for urination? _________ bowel movements? __________

Does your child need assistance to clean him/herself after utilizing the bathroom? _______________

How would you describe your child’s personality? ____________________________________________

Does your child have any fears that you are aware of? _________________________________________

Please list any other issues/problems that you feel we should be aware of about your child:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________

In order to ensure the safety of everyone who attends our school, Building Bocks Academy of Garfield is a POPCORN, and PEANUT FREE center. Please do not send snacks or treats to school that contain, or are made in a facility that contains nuts, even if your child is not allergic. Below, you will find a list of

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We Are a Peanut and

Popcorn Free School!

resources to assist you in finding some peanut free treats that can be sent for snack or shared with the class for Birthday or Holiday celebrations. Please note however, that this list is provided as a resource and all labels should be checked thoroughly before purchasing. If a child comes to school with a snack/treat item that contains nuts or popcorn, it will be thrown away.

Some alerts that can be found on the back of packages include “May Contain Peanuts,” “Manufactured/Processed in a plant or facility with Peanuts,” or “Contains Peanut Ingredients.” Please read labels carefully and look for labels clearly marked “PEANUT FREE” to ensure that it is a safe snack.

Please keep in mind that ingredient lists and facilities are ever changing, so double check each label before you buy.

While Building Blocks Academy recommends healthy snacks for your children including cheese sticks, fruit, pretzels, goldfish crackers, and Cheerios, we understand that children enjoy cookies and other sweets as well. So below, you will find a guide for “SAFE” options for snack and Holiday/Birthday celebrations. Other varietals are acceptable as well, as long as they do NOT contain peanuts.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read labels, discuss allergies and the importance of “safe snacks” with your children. Your diligence can help to keep a severely allergic child safe in our school.

Examples of Safe Cookies For Sharing at Holiday Parties (& for snack time):

Chips-A-Hoy, Honey Maid Graham Crackers and cookies, Keebler Graham Crackers, Vienna Fingers, Fig Newtons, Nilla Wafers, NutriGrain Bars, Pop Tarts, Rice Krispy Treats (regular), Teddy Grahams, Annie’s grahams and snack mixes, Jet Puffed Marshmallows, Goldfish graham treats, Nabisco Animal Crackers, Keebler Fudge Strips and Scooby Snacks, Regular and Golden Oreos, Pepperidge Farms Milano, Sugar, and Gingerbread Cookies, and Tickle My Tummy brand cookies (found at Whole Foods). Please note: Famous Amos Cookies are NOT PEANUT FREE.*This list is to serve as a guide and may not reflect the most current ingredient list. Always check labels before purchasing.*

Examples of Safe Cakes, Cupcakes, and Other Treats for Sharing at Holiday Parties (& for snack time):

Mini Cupcakes 12 pk from Walmart (MUST SAY PEANUT FREE*), Hostess Brand Twinkies, Cupcakes, HoHo’s, Honey Buns, and Ding Dongs, Entenmann’s Donut Holes, Brownies, and Little Bites (no nut varieties), Sara Lee Devil’s Food Crème Cakes, Brownie Chocolate Chip Cakes, and Golden Fudge Cakes, and other items near the bakery section of your local supermarket with the label “PEANUT FREE” or “DOES NOT CONTAIN PEANUTS.”*This list is to serve as a guide and may not reflect the most current ingredient list. Always check labels before purchasing.*

For your added convenience, here is a list of bakeries in the area that carry Peanut Free Products:Grandma’s Kitchen in Northvale, The Little Daisy Bake Shop in Montclair, Butterflake Bakery in Teaneck, Woodland Bakery in Chattham, Zadies Bake Shop in Fair Lawn, and Mo’ Pweeze Bakery in Hawthorne. *Please confirm with the individual bakery that items are PEANUT FREE.

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