Willows Child Learning Centers, Inc. PARENT HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................................................ -1- PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................................ -2- PROGRAM ...................................................................................................................................... -3- ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION ................................................................................................. -5- HOURS OF OPERATION ............................................................................................................. -6- VISITATION TO THE CENTERS ................................................................................................ -7- ATTENDANCE AND RELEASE OF CHILDREN .................................................................... -8- PARENT CONFERENCES AND PROGRAMS ......................................................................... -9- ILLNESSES, EMERGENCIES, AND MEDICATIONS ............................................................. -10- IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................... -11- TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS .................................................................................. -12- PERSONAL BELONGINGS ......................................................................................................... -13- MEALS AND SNACKS ................................................................................................................. -14- SWIMMING .................................................................................................................................... -15- DISCIPLINE .................................................................................................................................... -16- CHILD ABUSE ............................................................................................................................... -17- QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ................................................................................................. -18- EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................... -19- MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................ -20- CURRENT FINANCIAL POLICIES ............................................................................................ -21-

Willows Child Learning Centers, Inc. PHILOSOPHY The Willows Child Learning Centers provide that all children will be guided and cared for in a loving and nurturing environment by experienced early childhood professionals who will encourage each child to reach their maximum potential. The Centers are founded on the premise that all children should be allowed to grow and develop at their own pace within their given age group. This includes the areas of intellectual and motoric development as well as social and emotional growth and maturation. Each child’s developmental advancement will be encouraged through varied independent as well as teacher-guided learning and play activities.

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Willows Child Learning Centers, Inc. PARENT HANDBOOK The Willows Child Learning Centers began in September, 1969, with the opening of Willows/Arapaho-Hills at 5301 S. Lowell Boulevard. Willows Child Learning Center, which is also the business office, was completed in January 1977, and is located at 6865 S. Quebec St. Willows/Olde-Mill Child Learning Center was completed in September, 1987, and is located at 6894 S. Homestead Pkwy. Efforts are continuously made to add to the facilities, staff and materials of each center in an attempt to perfect the education and care provided for young children. This handbook is provided for your information as a parent concerning the Willows’ program and school policies. Parents should call their Center’s director should they need more information. PURPOSE Each center provides full day child care, pre-school, kindergarten, before and after school care for elementary children, a summer elementary program, and summer swimming lessons. The Centers are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services for the following numbers of children 2 ½ through 12: Willows/Arapaho-Hills…………….122 Willows Child Learning Center….....160 Willows/Olde-Mill…………………..163 Morning pre-school is provided for all age groups and afternoon pre-school is provided at the Willows center for 3,4, and 5-year olds. Kindergarten is a full day program for children who are five by September 15th. Before and after school care and transportation are provided for elementary children who are in grades one through five. A full day summer program is also provided for this group.

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PROGRAM

It is the intent of the Willows Child Learning Centers to provide the best in early development and learning through a loving, stimulating environment for every child. To this end children are placed in classrooms with teams of teachers according to age groupings. Within an age group children are divided into small groups and belong to a certain teacher on the basis of an individual evaluation which reveals the child’s developmental level. Evaluation results are always shared in parent-teacher conferences. The Yellow Room is for 2-½ and young three-year-old children at a ratio of 8:1; the Orange Room is for older three and young four-year-old children at ratio of 10:1; Green Room is for pre-kindergarten children with a ratio of 12:1; Blue Room is for kindergarten at a ratio of 15:1. Pre-school daily schedules are divided into three major activity times:

1. Directed teaching time during which a teacher provides activities for their group of children at their ability level in such areas as language, fine motor, colors, shapes, numbers, letters and sounds.

2. Gross-motor and music activities which involve basic body movement, singing, rhythm instruments and musical games.

3. Center time that provides for child-chosen activities in art, music science, dramatic play, manipulatives, listening, library, blocks and accessories, indoor large muscle and water or sand play. Social and emotional growth and understanding permeate all activities at all levels.

We have monthly social studies/ science units in which components such as music, art, videos, special speakers and literature are used to teach the theme.

Children who need all day care enjoy pre-school in the morning and enter the day-care program at noon; the day-care program involves a nap and supervised play activities until pick-up time The kindergarten daily schedule is a full-day program with learning periods for language, reading and writing activities, mathematics, social awareness, science, music, and art. Play periods and a short rest are also part of the day.

Elementary children are transported to their elementary schools in the morning and back to the centers in the afternoon. The elementary summer program involves maintenance of reading interest, activity times related to academics, mini-courses providing craft instruction in small groups, swimming lessons, weekly field trips, camping experiences and social awareness.

Outdoor play is a part of each day’s activities. If the weather is above freezing (32 F), -3-

and it is not actually raining or snowing, please send your child prepared to play outside. If our temperatures exceed 95 we will limit outside play to thirty minutes at a time. Fortunately, our playgrounds have shaded areas to protect us from the summer heat. Water fountains are also available on the playgrounds for the children to use as they wish. Sunscreen, which is provided by the parent, may also be applied at your request. Through the above activities, performed in a positive atmosphere, we propose to help each child to continuously grow in self-esteem and develop a healthy self-concept.

All children entering Willows Child Learning Centers must be toilet trained, except in special needs cases which must be reviewed by the Director and the child’s physician to see if the center can provide appropriate care. Although all children are required to be toilet trained, we do realize there may be an occasional accident. In this case, children will be changed with the assistance of a teacher, but encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves.

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ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION Any child will be admitted and lovingly cared for regardless of his race, creed or color. The Centers will accept any handicapped child for whom they feel they can provide a program. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, parents should make inquiries and set up a conference time regarding the admission of a special needs child. Children with learning disabilities are accepted at the Centers as well as those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). A parent wishing admission to the Center should place their child’s name, address, birthdate, and phone number on the waiting list well in advance of anticipated registration. Placing a name on the waiting list involves no obligation to enroll. Children who are presently enrolled and their siblings are given first choice in enrollments for a new session. Thereafter, people are called from the waiting list in the order that their name appears. After the waiting list is consumed, anyone may enroll. Annual summer and fall enrollments begin the last week of February and continue until enrollment is complete. Occasionally, pre-school spaces are available during the school year. Enrollment is not automatic from session to session. New families who are contemplating registration of their child are required to tour a Center and to be interviewed by the Center’s director in charge of registration. The Centers reserve the right to deny admission to any child whom they feel they cannot aid. A child may be admitted on a probationary basis. It is our intent to help every child who enters our doors, but some times this is simply not possible. We will make every attempt to refer and collaborate with psychologists, Child Find, physicians, and other professionals to assist a child in growing healthy physically, emotionally, and socially. However, a child may also be asked to leave a Center if his behavior is so disruptive that he endangers the well being or emotional health of other children and staff. Prior to any dismissal occurring the following steps will be taken:

1. Behavioral observations will be documented in writing. 2. A conference will be held involving the teacher(s) and parents. 3. A plan will be created by the teachers and parents. 4. An evaluation will be made regarding progress. 5. Determination of status of enrollment.

Children are expected to abide by the Core Beliefs and rules of the school, which provide for the safety, respect and well being of all. A two-week WRITTEN notice is required if anyone wishes to drop permanently from school. It is assumed that a child will be dropping at the end of a session if he does not sign up for the next session. 5

HOURS OF OPERATION The Centers are open from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Day –care children may come anytime during the above hours. Other program times are: AM Pre-school 8:30 – 11:15 am Pre-kindergarten 8:30 – 11:25 am Kindergarten 8:30 – 3:30

Elementary before and after school As necessary Swimming lessons By arrangement

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VISITATION TO THE CENTERS

Parents are encouraged to visit the Centers at any time they find it convenient. An appointment is not necessary. We do encourage parents to wait however, until their child has had an opportunity to successfully adjust to their new school setting before visiting since this can cause undue stress on a child. An invitation to lunch exists on any day also, but we would appreciate being informed by 9:00 A.M. so we will have plenty of food prepared. Other visitors are welcome to the Centers, but they must identify themselves and their purpose, and they must remain with a staff member throughout their stay. No stranger is allowed to wander through the Centers on his/her own. All visitors must sign in at the front desk and their presence must be known to the Director or his/her substitute.

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ATTENDANCE AND RELEASE OF CHILDREN All children who attend the Centers must be signed in and out at the front desk by the parent or other person giving responsibility to the Centers. The Centers will not assume responsibility for any child who is not brought into the building by a responsible adult and who is not properly signed in. Children may be released only to persons for whom the Centers have written permission from the parents or guardian. This written permission may be given to us in any one of three ways; (1) by signed note, (2) by writing on the spiral notebook at the reception desk or (3) by listing a semi-permanent group of people on the pick-up form (purple). If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child, the child will not be allowed to leave. If an unknown, but authorized, person attempts to pick up a child, identification will be required. If we are suspicious of any person picking up a child or if aggression is used, the police will be called. . If we believe a person picking up a child is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, law enforcement will be contacted if we feel the parent or child is in danger. Law enforcement will definitely be called if an impaired person is driving a vehicle, with or without a child. The Centers cannot legally deny release of any child to a natural parent unless we have a written court order regarding this

Any parent who expects to be late in picking up their child should contact the school regarding such. If a child is left after 6:00pm without parent contact, Arapahoe County Human Services may be contacted to determine what further action is necessary. 8

PARENT CONFERENCES AND PROGRAMS Parents are invited to formal conferences by their child’s teacher(s) in early fall and late spring at which time the child’s evaluation and progress will be discussed. Parents and teachers should request a conference at any time it is necessary. The teachers welcome “minute conferences” any time before 8:30 a.m. or after the school session ends. An open house is held each September for all parents at which time the Centers’ programs are presented and discussed in detail. This meeting is also an excellent time to meet the staff. In the spring, the children present a program for their parent’s enjoyment that consists of music and drama from their class. Building a strong partnership between parents and staff is always our goal at the Willows. We attempt to reach this goal by consistent communication, and parental involvement within the school. Child guidance is a critical component to the building of a child’s self-concept. As a Love and Logic school, all staff members are trained, and re-trained, in this method. Raising responsible children in a loving manner is always a challenge for tired parents and we understand that. As part of the building block, parents are encouraged to take advantage of “Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun”, an early childhood parenting program by Love and Logic, which is offered each year at the Willows. With on-site Love and Logic facilitators, Maria Bivens and Jan Spencer, we welcome parenting questions at any time.

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ILLNESSES, EMERGENCIES AND MEDICATIONS Children who are ill with a fever over 100 degrees, rash, nausea, diarrhea, or other communicable disease may not attend school. If a child becomes ill at school, he will be immediately isolated from other children. Their parents or other emergency person will be called to come and take them home. Sick children need to be home for their own well being for at least 24 hours after they are symptom free. A sick child may not remain at any Center.

Only medication that is prescribed by a doctor may be given at the Centers. The child’s physician must fill out a form ordering medication to be administered at school, as well as the parent filling out a permission form for such medication at the front desk. A form will be notated as each dosage is given. If a doctor prescribes an over-the-counter medication, we must also have a copy of the prescription order. No aspirin or Tylenol will be given unless a doctor prescribes it for pain (arthritis, broken bones, braces, etc.). Medication should be left with the receptionist at the front desk where it is either stored in the office or is refrigerated in a special container. Inhalers and Epi-Pens are stored in a convenient place in the office for quick access. Medications considered “controlled substances”, such as Ritalin, etc., will be counted and locked away in the office. Medication will only be administered by school personnel who have been trained in a C.O.R.R.A. approved medication administration class.

The Willows’ has a Child Care Health Consultant who is available to provide information to our staff regarding medications, illnesses, and children’s health care concerns and procedures. She will also be overseeing health care plans for children with special health situations (i.e. allergies, diabetes, asthma, etc.). These procedures are in compliance with section 12-38-132, CRS of the “ Nurse Practice Act”. A child who becomes injured will be given first aid by a staff member(s). All staff members are required to have First Aid/CPR training. If the injury poses an emergency, the paramedics will be called. Every attempt to contact the parents will be made. If the parents cannot be contacted a child might be taken to his doctor or to an emergency room if the injury seems to warrant such treatment. If these measures are necessary, the payment will be the responsibility of the parents.

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IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS Colorado school immunization law requires a certificate of immunization or alternate certificate of immunization be on file at our school on or before a child’s first day of attendance. We do accept non-immunized children provided a signed waiver is presented by their first day of school. This waiver must be signed by the parent and the child’s physician. It is important to note however, that if you exempt your child from immunizations, they will be asked to stay at home if we have a case of an immunization preventable illness. The tuition for lost time will not be refunded. A physical exam is required of all children each year until the age of 7, at which time a physical exam is required every 2 years, A currently dated medical form, signed by a health professional, must be on file for each enrolled child and updated as necessary. Failure to do so may constitute loss of enrollment.

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TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS Transportation is not provided to and from the Centers and home. However, vans are used to provide transportation from the Centers to elementary school for elementary students. Center transportation is also provided for all students who are 5 years or older for field trips. Children who are younger than 5, will not be able to go on field trips that require transportation. The Willows vans are capable of holding a maximum of 13 children and 2 teachers. All drivers have been trained in the Smith System of Defensive Driving and hold current First Aid and CPR certificates. In the event of a break down or accident involving the van, the center will be contacted immediately and a different van sent to pick up the children. Depending on the situation, children will be moved to a safe place, or remain on the van and under the care of the teachers. In the case of an accident, parents will be contacted. The Center’s vans are equipped with radios and/or telephones for immediate contact with the Centers. Each child will be fastened securely in a seat belt before the van is moved. Vehicle safety rules will be followed at all times. Written parental permission is required for excursions outside the Centers. Permission slips are sent home for each field trip and must be returned prior to the trip or the child will not be allowed to go on the trip. If a child arrives at school late and misses his/her class trip, they will be placed with another class until their own class returns. Permission for emergency medical care is carried for each child on every field trip. Parents may decline to allow their child to participate in a field trip for personal reasons. 12

PERSONAL BELONGINGS All children are provided with a cubbie in their home room in which to store school papers and personal possessions. We recommend that children not bring personal toys or other valuables, including jewelry and money to school. This avoids much heartbreak when items become lost or broken. The Centers are well-supplied with toys and activities for the children to use while they are here. Children are encouraged to wear clothing that is appropriate for playground activity. Sturdy shoes are especially important; slide–on shoes with no backs and flip-flops are examples of shoes that may not be worn on the playground. We expect children to be properly dressed for all weather conditions. Our children do play outside each day if the temperature is above freezing and it is not actually raining or snowing. Wet or muddy boots must be removed in the reception area so the Centers’ carpets will remain clean for the children to play upon. It is not unusual for clothing and personal items to be lost at school. Therefore, we ask that all clothing that may be removed be clearly labeled with the child’s name. In the summer, please be certain that all swimsuits, underclothing and towels are clearly labeled.

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MEALS AND SNACKS

Snacks are served to all children in the Centers at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Day-care and kindergarten children receive a nutritionally balanced lunch each day. When possible the Centers will provide special food for children with allergies and unusual physical conditions. It is necessary that the Centers and parents be in close communication concerning special needs. Children will be asked to sample each item on a given menu. Teachers eat with the children and provide assistance where needed. A non-sectarian grace may be spoken before meals and snacks. Pre-school children are always welcome to stay for lunch after a morning session. The cost is listed on the fee schedule. These special lunches must be arranged for by 9:00 a.m. of the day the lunch is needed by speaking to the receptionist or by calling the school.

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SWIMMING

One of the special features of the Willows is our summer swimming program. The pools were built especially for children, are 2 1/2’ to 6’ deep and are inspected by the Tri-County Health Department on a regular basis. It is expected that all pre-schoolers will be able to touch the bottom of the pool. The pool temperature is kept at 85 degrees, which encourages the young child to be more relaxed. All children who are enrolled in a summer session enjoy a swimming lesson taught by qualified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors each day that they are in school. If a child is in a Center all day, he also may participate in a recreational swimming time. There is no extra charge for swimming for children enrolled in summer school since swimming is part of the regular summer program. Pool ratios of 10:1 are maintained during free swim time and ratios of 5:1 or less during lesson times depending on the age and ability. Swimming lessons are available in four-week sessions for children who are not enrolled in the regular summer school session. Lessons are thirty minutes long Monday through Friday and are taught in small groups. Swimming lessons, which are missed because of inclement weather or by a child’s illness, will not be made up. Full tuition for special swimming lessons is due on the first day of each session. Prior to the first day, parents may take a tour of the pool area and speak with the Director regarding swimming rules. Parent visitation days are an important part of the swimming program. These days are scheduled throughout the summer and posted at the beginning of the session.

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DISCIPLINE A. The State of Colorado has set the following disciplinary policy pursuant with section 7.702.67 of the Colorado State Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations regarding Child Care Centers.

1. The director will not use, nor permit an employee or other child to use, corporal or

other harsh punishment, including, but not limited to, pinching, shaking, spanking, punching, rough handling, hair pulling or any humiliating or frightening method of discipline to control the actions of any child or group of children.

2. Punishment will not be associated with rest or toileting. 3. Children will not be subjected to threats or coercion, including, but not limited to,

forced feeding, threats of loss or denial of food, or other punishment for refusal to eat.

4. Separation, when used as discipline, will be brief and appropriate for the child’s age. The child will be within sight of an adult in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated area. No child will be isolated in a locked, closed room or closet.

5. Verbal abuse or derogatory remarks about the child, his family, or his race, religion, or cultural background will not be used or permitted.

B. The Willows Centers have adopted the philosophy of Love and Logic® as the preferred method of guiding children with the following core beliefs:

1. Every attempt should be made to maintain the dignity of both the child and the adult.

2. Misbehavior should be handled with logical, natural consequences rather than punishments.

3. Children should be guided to solve their own problems through creative thinking, and allowed to live with their decisions.

4. All those involved in a situation should be allowed to tell their side of the story so decisions can be made fairly.

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CHILD ABUSE The Center’s staff members are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. In the case of either suspected abuse or neglect, a Center’s director will make the report. To protect your children all staff members who work with children are required by law to be fingerprinted and to be checked against the Central Registry of Human Services. Anyone with a history of child abuse cannot work in a Center. If abuse is suspected by either the school or the parents, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services should be contacted at 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Suite 007, Aurora, Colorado, 80012, Phone: 303-636-1750

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QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS We encourage parents to direct any questions or concerns they may have to their child’s teacher. If the problem is larger than what can be handled in the classroom, the director is always available to help. If you feel licensing is being violated, Colorado Department of Human Services may be contacted at 1575 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203, or called at 303-866-5958. We truly want to provide a safe and happy environment for your children, and are constantly rechecking ourselves.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

All children are housed in rooms with two remote exits in the event of fire or explosion. The children are trained and practiced in performing fire drills. In the event of a tornado warning the children are brought to an inner room away from glass and taught to get under mats and heavy furniture. In the event of a severe snowstorm, the Willows’ Centers usually will not close to prevent hardships for working parents. However, we may go to a “day-care-only” day in order to provide care for those working parents who require it. If it becomes necessary to close in the event of severe weather, please go to the Willows website for information. In the event of a lock-out, which would be for reasons of danger outside our walls, including active shooter, the children will be brought inside and doors locked. The children will be kept away from windows, roll taken and activities planned. Doors will remain locked until authorities have indicated it is safe to do so. In the event of either an evacuation, (fire, etc.), or lock-out where children need to be brought inside, all children, including any disabled, will be accompanied by a staff member to ensure their safe placement. Front doors are locked during daytime hours. Otherwise, visitors, parents and children will be greeted personally during arrival and dismissal times.

Teachers are constantly monitoring and accounting for the children in their group by doing periodic head counts whether at school or on a field trip. Van rosters and class lists are also maintained to ensure all children are present with the group at all times. If a child were to become missing from a group, all attempts will be make to locate the child as quickly as possible. If needed, the proper authorities (police, forest service personnel, etc.) will be contacted as well as the parents. -19-

MANAGEMENT The Willows’ Centers are operated by the Board of Directors of Willows Child Learning Centers, Inc. and Willows/Olde Mill, Inc., Colorado Corporations that are family owned and operated. The Centers maintain a teaching staff of teachers who are degreed in early childhood or elementary education and a supportive staff of receptionists, cooks, aides, janitors and water safety instructors. Each center is managed by a director and an assistant director. The curriculum, policies and instructional materials are equivalent for each center. -20-

WILLOWS CHILD LEARNING CENTERS, INC. TUITION POLICIES

1. Tuition is payable in ADVANCE on the first school day of the month; if tuition is not paid in full by the

10th a $25.00 late charge will be assessed without exception. Delinquent accounts will be charged $25.00/ month on the 11th of each month, until the account is paid in full. If the 10th falls on a weekend, tuition is due the Friday before.

2. Extra day-care and lunches must be paid for on the day these services are received.

3. A $30.00 fee will be charged for each returned check because of insufficient funds or any other reason. In

addition, a late charge of $25.00 will be added for all replacements made after the 10th of the month.

4. Any delinquent account that is referred to a collection agency or an attorney will be charged an additional 40% of the balance due to defray the costs of collections. Your account will also be reported to the credit bureaus.

5. A one week vacation credit will be allowed tuition free for each child for each 12 month period of

consecutive enrollment. Credit for the vacation week will be figured by the director according to the following: total annual tuition payments divided by 52. Lunches, extra care, and registration/material fees are not included. Vacation credits are not cumulative from year to year. Your 12 month period will begin on the first day of attendance. The child must also be absent for that week and a 2 week notice must be given for all adjustments.

6. The Fall-Winter session is a 36 week program. Tuition is computed for 36 weeks and divided into 9 equal

payments. The summer session is a 12 week program. Tuition is computed for 12 weeks and divided into 3 equal payments.

7. Swimming lessons which are missed because of inclement weather or by child’s absence will not be made

up.

8. If a child is regularly enrolled and is holding a space, tuition will be charged even though child may be absent.

9. The school is open from 7:00am to 6:00pm. A parent will be charged $10.00 for each 15 minutes or portion

of after 6:00pm. This fee is to be paid directly to the staff member on duty, not Willows.

10. A 2 week WRITTEN notice is required if anyone wishes to dis-enroll permanently from school. It is assumed a child will be dis-enrolling at the end of the session if they do not enroll for the next session. If an enrolled child dis-enrolls from school less than 2 weeks prior to the start of a fall or summer session, 2 weeks tuition will be charged and due at time of disenrollment.

11. ALL tuitions requiring a proration, enrolling or dis-enrolling for a partial month September thru May, will

be figured according to the following:

5D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 21 days X days. 4D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 16 days X days. 3D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 12 days X days. 2D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 8 days X days.

The day rate will be multiplied by the potential days of attendance to result in the prorated tuition.

Rev 01-25-16