Peace Lutheran Church
An Inspiration for Today. A Foundation for Tomorrow.
PeaceKids Links
Mission Statement
"Offering quality Christian education and care for everyone who enters our center by providing a safe, enriching environment in which children can thrive."
Our Purpose
PeaceKids Learning Center and Preschool exists to provide clean, safe and loving care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families, regardless of income or socio-economic status. Realizing that choosing a quality childcare facility is an important and difficult decision, we strive to provide financial, spiritual and emotional support for families.
Handbook
Family Handbook
PeaceKids Learning Center & Preschool
805 West Olrich Street
Rogers, AR 72756
Phone: 479-621-LOVE
Fax: 479-636-3603
Roseann Bowlin, Director
Cristal Varner, Assistant Director
Allison Fusillo, Financial Administrator
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
7 am - 6 pm
A United Way Sponsored Agency
Welcome
Welcome to PeaceKids Learning Center &
Preschool! We are honored that you have chosen our facility to meet your
childcare needs. We understand that your child is a precious gift from
God and we pledge to provide safe, nurturing, and quality care for your
child when you need to be away. We feel strongly that quality childcare
is a partnership between parents and caregivers. This handbook is
designed to answer your questions and inform you of our policies and
procedures. Please read it carefully, sign the acknowledgement form, and
keep the handbook for future reference.
Mission Statement
We offer quality Christian education and care
for everyone who enters our center by providing a safe, enriching
environment in which children can thrive.
Purpose
We realize that choosing a quality childcare
facility is an important and difficult decision. We use a variety of
resources to provide financial, spiritual, and emotional support to our
families. Peace Lutheran Church supports PeaceKids Learning Center &
Preschool (PKLC) in offering a positive and Christian solution to the
childcare dilemma.
Philosophy
It is the philosophy of PKLC to offer
opportunities for children to reach important milestones in growth and
development through developmentally appropriate practices and
personalized loving care in a clean and safe environment. As warm,
positive relationships with adults develop, children begin to gain a
sense of trust in the world and a feeling of competence. Children in our
care learn about the love of God and how much he cares for us. We
believe this is an extension of our intentional, Christ-centered
ministry. It is an outreach to all families, regardless of race,
religion, national origin, ability, sex, or socio-economic status.
History & Organization of PeaceKids
Peace Lutheran Childcare Center opened in
June of 1994. The church began planning for the Center in 1987, when the
current facilities were built. In January 1993, a Childcare Task Force
was appointed. They did extensive research, conducted public meetings
and came to the conclusion that a childcare center was warranted and
made the recommendation to open this facility.
Men of Peace built the play yard and the Women of the ELCA held a shower
to equip what was to become the Peace Lutheran Child Care Center. Many
continue to donate their time, efforts and money to build this ministry.
The church’s motivation is to provide quality, affordable, faith-based
childcare for the community.
In January 2004, we changed our name to PeaceKids Learning Center &
Preschool. We felt that the name of our facility should better reflect
what we offer.
Hours of Operation
PKLC hours of operation are from 7 am - 6 pm.
We are open 11 hours per day in order to accommodate a variety of work
schedules for parents. However, attending childcare for 11 hours per day
consistently in not healthy for children and we encourage parents to
evaluate their overall family schedule to ensure that children get
enough interaction with them. We usually open our doors a few minutes
early to allow staff to enter and to allow parents time for transitions
with children. Teachers will be ready to accept children into care at 7
am. We ask that you DO NOT leave the classroom until 7 am.
Arrival & Departure
Parents and staff are asked to use the
Northeast doors, labeled childcare center to enter the building. You are
REQUIRED to have an access code to enter the building. The security box
is located on the right wall just inside the outer doors:
• Press START
• Enter your CODE
• Press OPEN
• A door bell will chime when it is time to enter
(Please keep in mind that it may take a few moments to open, do not yank
on the door.)
Your child’s attendance is recorded by you when you enter your access
code into the computer located just outside of the office. Be sure to
“clock” your child in/out EVERYDAY to correctly record attendance for
your child. We use this attendance record in the event of an emergency
when we need to know how many children are in care. Office staff is
always willing to assist you with this process; please let them know if
you have any questions.
Beginning Care for Your Child
Prior to enrollment you will be given a
guided tour of our facility and the chance to meet your child’s
teachers/caregivers. Each classroom has a specific list of items that
will be needed for care. You will be notified as to what your child will
need. We ask that you plan to come in for a visit the day before you
plan to start. We use this time to introduce your child to their new
classmates, become familiar with the routine, and get a comfortable
feeling with their new surroundings.. Bring with you the items that they
need for care to set up their new cubby and give you a chance to find
out if there is anything else that you need. Take this time to talk to
the teacher/caregiver about your child’s general routine, likes,
dislikes, and abilities and any other useful information. If you are not
available to come in the day before care starts, we recommend you allow
at lest 30 minutes of “settling in” time on your first day.
Open Door Policy
Parents are welcome anytime at PKLC. You may
come in to visit your child whenever you feel the need to do so. We
encourage you to participate in the daily activities such as art
projects, story time, game time, and even feeding your infant. You are
also welcome to join us anytime for lunch with your child. We ask that
you call ahead so that a plate can be prepared for you since no outside
foods are allowed into class. We do ask that all visitors WASH HANDS
WHEN ENTERING THE CLASSROOM.
Enrollment Process
All enrollment forms must be completed
PRIOR to leaving your child in our care. We require a non-refundable
enrollment fee of $75 per family to be paid at the time of enrollment.
The following is a checklist that can assist you in ensuring everything
is complete. You may also be given a specific classroom list of items
needed.
• Completed enrollment form
• Completed authorized pick-up list
• Complete food program enrollment forms
• Handbook acknowledge form, signed
• Discipline policy acknowledge form, signed
• Field trip permission form, signed
• Photo release statement (to use photos in publications), signed
• Sunscreen use permission form, signed
• Copy of up-to-date immunization record
• Copy of birth certificate or hospital record
Child Safety & Security
Your child’s safety is of utmost concern to
us. In the event an unfamiliar person arrives at the Center either
within the secured area or on the playground, our policy is to call the
police to prevent a removal of a child without parental knowledge. We
will call parents to verify who is picking up the child. We will not
release a child to an unfamiliar adult who cannot produce picture
identification, when we have not been notified by the parents that
someone other than persons on the authorized pick-up list will get the
child.
Authorized Pick-Up Information
The authorized pick up list contains the
names of the persons allowed to pick up your child from care. These are
the ONLY persons who will be allowed to take your child from our
facility. Be aware that, meaning no offense to anyone, we WILL ask for
photo identification for any person whom we do not recognize. The name
on the identification card MUST exactly match the name on the list. We
do this to ensure the safety and security of the children in our care.
We understand that occasionally there may be a time of emergency that
you or anyone on you list will be able to pick your child up. If this
happens, please notify the office staff by telephone immediately so that
we can notify the classroom staff who will be picking your child up.
In the event your child is ill or injured, we will attempt to first call
every number on file for you. If we are not able to contact you, we will
attempt to call the people on your emergency contact list. In very rare
cases and ONLY if we are not able to reach anyone after an hour of
trying, we will seek the advice of DHHS as to what to do.
Program Description
Our belief is that children will learn the
most through play and positive social interactions. We provide
developmentally appropriate activities and opportunities to explore in a
nurturing, positive and safe environment. We use a theme-based
curriculum for all ages with the concept of building skills throughout
classroom progression. It is our belief that children are inactive
during television viewing. Therefore, we limit the use of videos in our
program to rare occasions when weather does not permit outside play and
on special Friday fun days. All classrooms are limited to one 30-minute
video that has been pre-approved by Administration to ensure quality and
Christian values.
Classroom Demographics
Caterpillars: We accept up to ten
infants who are 6 weeks old to actively mobile. We maintain a ratio of
3.3 infants to 1 caregiver during normal operating circumstances. We
have 2 full-time and 1 part-time caregivers for this classroom. The
focus of this class is on helping the child feel secure and loved and to
build a sense of trust in their environment and for those who care for
them. We accomplish this not only by providing care for their basic
needs (feeding, diapering, etc) but also for helping them develop their
social skills by holding, rocking, singing, and talking to them.
Opportunities for stimulation abound as we have a variety of equipment
for them to enjoy. We also provide for ample amounts of “tummy-time” for
infants to develop their fine motor skills. Infants progress into the
next classroom when they become actively mobile, meaning they are
crawling around the room. The Caterpillars class is a NO SHOES ZONE. We
ask that you remove your shoes upon entering the room to reduce the risk
of introducing harmful contaminants into an environment where the
children spend a large portion of their day on the floor.
Wiggleworms: We accept up to 8 infants mobile to 12 months. We
maintain a ratio of 4 infants to 1 caregiver under normal operating
circumstances. We have 2 full-time caregivers for this classroom. The
focus of this class is on the rapidly developing motor skills. We offer
a variety of ways for children to strengthen their muscles and develop
some control over their body. Children typically begin to walk while in
this classroom. At the appropriate time and with parental permission, we
begin to introduce “table foods” and a cup with a lid so children can
start developing self-feeding skills at their own pace. Infants in this
class enjoy individually planned activities and a variety of
opportunities for self-directed activities. Infants progress into the
next classroom when they turn 12 months old and as space is available.
The Wiggleworms class is a NO SHOES ZONE. We ask that you remove your
shoes upon entering the room to reduce the risk of introducing harmful
contaminants into an environment where the children spend a large
portion of their day on the floor.
Ladybugs: We accept up to 8 toddlers 12-18 months. We maintain a
ratio of 4 toddlers to 1 caregiver under normal operating circumstances.
We have 2 full-time caregivers for this classroom. These toddlers are
active little ones spending much of their day exploring the physical
world around them. For this reason we plan for large blocks of
unstructured play so the children can explore the materials in their
classroom. The toddlers are given opportunities to climb, run, jump, and
dance. They participate in several short circle times throughout their
day developing their language skills. They have planned art activities
for them to create. Toddlers progress into the next classroom when they
turn 18 months, however in some cases children are not developmentally
ready to move into the next classroom and they will be allowed to remain
in the Ladybugs classroom until they are.
Butterflies: We accept up to 14 toddlers 18-24 months. We
maintain a ratio of 4 toddlers to 1 teacher under normal operating
circumstances. We have 3 full-time caregivers for this classroom. The
toddlers in this classroom build on the skills they learned in the
Ladybugs’ class. They have a daily circle time, participate in art
activities, play outdoors, and experience free play in centers. They
develop social skills by eating as a group, walking outdoors as a group
and learning to sit with their friends during circle time. A planned
program of activities is provided for our learning centers which enhance
independent and group learning of various concepts and skills. This
classroom focuses on exposing children to their alphabet, numbers,
shapes, and colors. They also begin to learn simple words in Spanish.
The Butterfly’s work on various fine motor skills such as holding their
own spoon, working puzzles and coloring with crayons.
We accept up to 24 children 24-40 months of age. The classes are divided
into 2 rooms and children go into the room that best suits their
developmental needs. The children are assessed where they are
developmentally and are placed into whichever class will be better for
what they need to learn. Typically, children are ready to be in the
“older” classroom around the age of 32 months. These classrooms work on
their toilet-training skills so they share a restroom that is between
the rooms with a door in both classes.
Bumblebees: We maintain a ratio of 4 children to 1 teacher under
normal operating circumstances. We have 3 full-time teachers for this
classroom. The children in this classroom build on the skills they
learned in the Butterfly’s class. They have a daily circle time,
participate in art and sensory activities, play outdoors, and experience
free play in centers. They develop their social skills by eating as a
group, walking outdoors as a group, learning to sit with their friends
during circle time as well as learning to use words to express their
feelings as opposed to actions. A planned program of activities is
provided for our learning centers which enhance independent and group
learning of various concepts and skills. This classroom focuses on
memorizing the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors. They have a daily
Spanish flashcard lesson. The Bumblebees work on various fine motor
skills such as stacking large blocks, lacing large beads, and coloring
with crayons.
Dragonflies: We maintain a ratio of 6 children to 1 teacher under
normal operating circumstances. We have 2 full-time caregivers for this
classroom. The children in this classroom build on the skills they
learned in the Bumblebee’s class. They have a daily circle time,
participate in art and sensory activities, play outdoors, and experience
free play in centers. They develop their social skills by eating as a
group, walking outdoors as a group, learning to sit with their friends
during circle time as well as learning to use words to express their
feelings as opposed to actions. A planned program of activities is
provided for our learning centers which enhance independent and group
learning of various concepts and skills. This classroom focuses on
mastering and recognizing the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors.
They have a daily Spanish flashcard lesson. The Dragonflies work on
various fine motor skills such as stacking small blocks, putting
together Legos, cutting with scissors.
Fireflies: We maintain a ratio of 5 children to 1 teacher under
normal operating circumstances. We have 2 full-time caregivers for this
classroom. The children in this classroom build on the skills they
learned in the Dragonfly’s class. They have a daily circle time,
participate in art and sensory activities, play outdoors, and experience
free play in centers. They develop their social skills by eating as a
group, walking outdoors as a group, learning to sit with their friends
during circle time as well as learning to use words to express their
feelings as opposed to actions. A planned program of activities is
provided for our learning centers which enhance independent and group
learning of various concepts and skills. This classroom focuses on
mastering recognition of the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors. They
also work on letter sounds, counting individual objects and picking out
colors. The Firefly’s work on various fine motor skills such as cutting
straight lines, using a pencil to write with, and lacing small beads.
This classroom attends chapel every week in the church’s sanctuary to
help introduce concepts of Christianity and work toward memorizing a
monthly memory verse.
Shining Stars: We maintain a ratio of 6.5 children to 1 teacher
under normal operating circumstances. We have 2 full-time teachers in
this classroom. The children in this classroom build on the skills they
learned in the Firefly’s class. They have a daily circle time,
participate in art and sensory activities, play outdoors, and experience
free play in centers. They develop their social skills by eating as a
group, walking outdoors as a group, learning to sit with their friends
during circle time as well as learning to use words to express their
feelings as opposed to actions. A planned program of activities is
provided for our learning centers which enhance independent and group
learning of various concepts and skills. This classroom focuses on
mastering letter sounds, counting individual objects and picking out
colors. They also work on blending sounds, counting objects & matching
to the written number, and following patterns. The Stars work on various
fine and gross motor skills such as skipping, hopping, using pencils to
write specific objects, and using scissors to cut specific lines. This
classroom attends chapel every week in the church’s sanctuary to help
introduce concepts of Christianity and work toward memorizing a monthly
memory verse.
Outside Play Time
Children love to run, jump, climb, and find
many other ways to exert their energy. Outdoor time promotes good health
by breathing fresh air and receiving sunshine. We are required to
provide at minimum of one hour of outdoor playtime everyday. It is the
policy of PKLC to utilize all of that time except under certain specific
conditions.
• wind chill below 30 degrees
• heat index above 90 degrees
• active precipitation
During these times, children will go out for short periods of time
several times during the day. We will apply sunscreen when appropriate,
with your permission, and offer drinks of water as needed. Please be
sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions
and has a coat or jacket if needed.
Holidays
PKLC will be closed for the following
national holidays:
• New Year’s Day - January 1
• Memorial Day - last Monday of May
• Independence Day - July 4
• Labor Day - first Monday of September
• Thanksgiving - fourth Thursday of November
• Christmas Day - December 25
We will close at 4 pm on the following days:
• Thanksgiving Eve
• Christmas Eve
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, we will be closed the preceding
Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, we will be closed the
following Monday. There is no reduction in tuition for these holidays.
Inclement Weather Policy
Recognizing that our parents are dependent on
our services, PKLC will not close for inclement weather. However, if the
Rogers Public Schools are closed PKLC will open at 9:00am. We advertise
this on local news channels (mainly KNWA) and local radio stations. Keep
in mind that we can only accept children for the amount of staff that we
have to legally care for them. It is not our policy to close early when
inclement weather moves in during the day. We feel it is important that
parents are confident that their children are safe and secure until they
can get here.
Tuition
Caterpillars & Wiggleworms - $150 per week
Ladybugs & Butterfly’s - $140 per week
Bumblebees & Dragonfly’s - $130 per week
Firefly’s & Stars - $120 per week
*tuition is due regardless of attendance*
Tuition for the following week of care is due on the Friday before. We
do not send out statements of tuition due. A late fee of $5.00 per day
will be assessed to all accounts that have not paid for the week by
Wednesday at 9 am. Your access code will be deactivated and your child
will not be allowed to attend if you have not paid by Monday of the
following week (you are not allowed to be more than one week behind).
Any variation from this policy must be made in advance with the
Financial Administrator or Director. There will be a $7.00 fee assessed
for returned checks. This is the amount that the bank charges us so, we
pass that cost onto you. If your family has two returned checks, you
will be required to pay with cash or money order ONLY!
Late Pick-Up Policy
All children must be picked up by 6 pm. PKLC
does not have any allowance in the budget for overtime. A $5.00 fee will
be assessed for each five-minute unit after 6 pm per child. If you are
late more than three times, the late fee is doubled and remains doubled
for your family. In the case of emergency, when tardiness is
unavoidable, please notify PKLC staff be telephone. If you are seriously
late, 6:30 pm or later, and we are not able to reach you or any person
on your authorized pick-up list, we will be forced to contact DHHS or
another appropriate authority. If our hours do not fit into your family
schedule and you are consistently late to pick-up your child, you will
be asked to withdraw your child from care.
Vacation Time
Families are eligible vacation time after
three months of enrollment. One full week of vacation is allowed per
calendar year during which tuition is not required and your child does
not attend. If your child is absent beyond this one week, you will be
charged tuition.
Withdrawal
If you chose to withdraw your child from care
for any reason, you are required to give a two week written notice. If
you do not give a two week notice, your account may still be charged for
that time. Any accounts with balances owed will be sent to a collection
agency to assist with recovering any monies owed to PKLC.
Health
We strictly follow the guidelines set by the
State of Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services concerning
health issues and exclusions. Our health policy is enforced to protect
all children in our care as well as our staff. While it may, at times,
be an inconvenience to you to make other arrangements for care, we want
everyone to have the security of knowing that their child is receiving
the best possible prevention methods to spreading contagious diseases
and illnesses. Parents will be notified if their child becomes ill and
well expect for the child to be picked up within one hour. You will also
be required to sign a Health Report stating the cause for exclusion and
your understanding when your child may return to care. A child MUST be
symptom free for a minimum of 24-hours without the aid of any
medications before they can return whether they have a note from their
physician. There is NO EXCEPTION to this policy! You will be notified if
a child in your child’s classroom has been diagnosed by a medical
professional with any communicable disease or illness. We will also have
an information sheet available in the office for your questions about
any diseases or illnesses. If your child develops a contagious disease
at home; please notify us so that we can inform other parents in your
child’s class.
Reasons for Exclusion
• Fever - a body temperature of 101
degrees or greater-infants six months or younger a temperature of 100
degrees or greater
*NOTE - temperatures are taken under the arm with a digital
thermometer that requires one degree to be added to the
displayed temperature*
• Diahrrea - three or more watery stools in a 24-hour period
• Vomiting - two or more occasions in a 24-hour period
• Rash - ANY body rash that is not OBVIOUSLY associated with
diapering, heat or allergic reactions to food or medication
• Sore Throat - if associated with any fever or swollen glands in
the neck
• Severe Coughing - episodes of coughing which may lead to
repeated gagging, vomiting, or difficulty breathing
• Pink Eye - pink or red eye(s) which may be swollen or with
white or yellow discharge, until treated with antibiotic drops for
24-hours
• Untreated scabies, head lice, or NITS - may return after
treatment and symptom free
• Multiple Sores (inside mouth with drooling) - unless health
care provider determines the condition to be non-infectious
• Ring Worm - may return after evaluation and under treatment by
a health care professional; must be covered
• Impetigo - may return after treatment following instructions
given by health care professional
• Chicken Pox - may not return until the blisters are fully
scabbed and healed; this could take up to two weeks
Communicable Disease Policy
PKLC staff use universal precautions to
prevent the possible transmission of HIV, as well as other communicable
diseases. If you have any concerns about this subject, please discuss
them the Director. We are required that report various communicable
diseases to the Department of Health & Human Services. Please stop by
the office to get a copy of that list for your reference, if needed.
Medication Policy
Children should be healthy and ready to
participate in daily activities. Therefore, it is not our policy to
administer medication to children while in care. However, we realize
that this may not always be possible. For this reason we have set the
following guidelines:
• Because of the huge responsibility involved in administering
medication to children, we strongly recommend that all medications be
given at home or on your break from work
• We will not administer medication that are only prescribed for one or
two doses per day on the prescription label
• Medications that need are prescribed for three or more doses will be
administered ONLY with the proper documentation.
• ALL prescription medication must be in the original container with a
current dated prescription for your child attached, giving dosage amount
and frequency
• ALL over-the-counter medications (including gas drops) must list
dosage amount for your child’s age; a note from your physician is
required if a medication is to exclude children of your child’s age. The
note should be on your physician’s letterhead stating exactly how much
medication to give and how often it is to be given (remember that we
only administer medications that require three or more doses per day).
• We will not dispense multi-symptom medication to your child as this
could unintentionally mask a fever
• When you bring any medication to PKLC, give it to your child’s teacher
and complete the proper forms
• Medication is to always be given to the teacher to be locked up and
NEVER placed in your child’s cubby or bag
Should your child become ill at school, acetaminophen will ONLY be given
as a comfort measure until you arrive to pick up your child. We will get
your permission to administer acetaminophen when we call you to pick up
your child. However, you will also need to sign the permission form in
your enrollment packet for us to be able to administer acetaminophen.
Immunizations
All children must have proper immunizations
that are required for their age group. You will be asked to provide
proof of immunization at the time of enrollment. The childcare office
can provide you with the most current schedule recommended by the
Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services. We ask that you bring in
a current record every time your child receives immunizations to put
into their file. Failure to provide current immunization records within
15 days of enrolling will result in your child being excluded from our
program. Please see the Director if you need a medical exception for
philosophical reasons.
Nutrition
The standards of good nutrition mandate that
we serve healthy meals and model good eating habits. At PKLC, infants
will be fed according to their parents’ wishes. If parents prefer their
infant to be fed on a specific schedule, we will accommodate that to the
best of our abilities. Caregivers will provide feedback about
scheduling. Infants’ needs may change rapidly during this period of
tremendous growth and we will be alert to the indications that they may
need more food/formula. If parents prefer baby to have self-regulated
feeding schedules, our caregivers will spend time and attention learning
your baby’s signals and preferences in order to ensure proper
satisfaction of each child’s needs. We offer Parent’s Choice Milk-Based
infant formula, Rice Cereal, pureed fruits and vegetables and jarred
meat dinners for your use when age appropriate. Breakfast, lunch and an
afternoon snack are provided for all children. We participate in the
State of Arkansas Special Nutrition Program and are therefore, monitored
on the value and quantity of food that we serve. We are proud to say
that approximately 80% of our meals are “home-cooked” and not processed
foods. We provide a monthly menu for you to review so that you are aware
of what we are serving.
Food Allergies
The Special Nutrition Program mandates group
nutritional standards for meals and the following policies apply to all
children who are able to eat “table foods”.
• All children will be served the same meals at the same set time
• Children with food allergies are required to have on file a signed
note from their physician listing the foods which the child is allergic
to
OUTSIDE FOOD & DRINKS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM AT ANYTIME
(This includes food from home and fast food.)
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding of infants in strongly
supported are PKLC. We recognize that this is a highly personal decision
and agree that formula can also be beneficial to infants. However, two
benefits of nursing may be of particular importance to working families:
1) the mother is the only one who can provide breast milk for her baby,
and the knowledge of her importance in the baby’s life may help
alleviate any feeling of guilt or remorse from needing to place the
infant in child care 2) antibodies to a variety of germs and illnesses
are passed from mother to baby when an infant is breastfed. These
antibodies may help prevent or lesson the effects of some illnesses to
which infants in group care are exposed. We choose to cooperate as much
as we are able with any special needs a family may have while
breastfeeding. We provide a private space within our facility for
nursing mothers who wish to come during the day to feed their infant. If
you have made this decision, please speak to your child’s caregiver
about specifics. If you find you have questions or need support, please
speak with the Director, as we have access to resources that can offer
you assistance.
Birthdays & Celebrations
Celebrations are very special to children.
Please talk to you child’s teacher about special days such as your
child’s birthday. If you choose to provide food for a special event,
please do so during snack time. We ask that foods be of nutritional
value, no soda pop, nuts, hard candy or gum will be allowed. Food must
be prepackaged or “store bought”. State licensed facilities are not
allowed to serve “home-made” treats. Sign up sheets will be posted
outside your child’s classroom for special holiday parties. We encourage
every parent to offer to bring at least one item on the list however; we
understand that this is not always possible.
Clothing
Extra clothing is an essential tool for your
child’s care. YOU MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE SET OF EXTRA PLAY CLOTHES
INCLUDING UNDERWEAR TO LEAVE WITH YOUR CHILD. If we do not have an extra
set of clothing for your child and there is a need for them, we will
call you and ask that you bring a set of clothing to use. We will not
leave a child in wet or soiled clothing. We have an extremely limited
supply of extra clothing at the facility and often do not have anything
to use. Please be sure to label all items with your child’s initials to
ensure that they are not misplaced. Shoes should be closed toe making
them appropriate for running, jumping and playing. FLIP-FLOPS & COWBOY
BOOTS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Shoes must be able to comfortably fit your
child’s foot. Please send your child to school completely dressed in
weather appropriate clothing with socks and shoes on EVERYDAY. The
exception to this rule is for infants. Remember that we often plan messy
activities so please do not send your child in clothing that you will be
upset about getting yucky. CLOTHING FOR INFANTS: we ask that you bring
two or more changes of clothing for infants. These clothes are to be
left in your child’s bag which hangs outside the classroom. Shoes are
required for infants who are walking as they may go outdoors.
Comfort Items
We understand that children tend to often
need an item of comfort. However, we have to keep in mind what is best
for all the children in our care. Realizing this, we ask that you do not
bring in toys from home. This creates a territorial situation with your
child and their friends. If your child’s class has a “Show & Tell”,
bring an item that can go into the cubby or bag until it is time to
share it with others. Any child, who needs one, may use a pacifier. At
the stage that the pacifier begins to interfere with language or social
skills we will only give them a pacifier at rest time or in times of
extreme stress. Blankets that are carried around by children can often
create a tripping hazard for the child so they will be put away until
naptime. Caregivers will work individually with children on gaining
independence from these comfort items such as blankets, pacifiers, and
babies. At no time will any child be belittled or demeaned because of an
attachment to a comfort item.
Toilet Training
We believe in using a developmental approach
to toilet training. Since the goal of this aspect of development is to
help the child learn self-control, no pressure is used to convince the
child to cooperate. We use only gentle encouragement to help the child
master this task. Punishment is NEVER associated with toilet training.
When you feel your child is ready, please communicate with your child’s
caregiver about your wishes and the progress at home. We will cooperate
with you and keep you informed of the progress made in our care. We
prefer that you not put you child in “real” underwear until they are
successfully dry throughout the day. The decision to send diapers,
pull-ups, or training pants lies with the parents and you should feel
free to communicate your wishes to your child’s caregiver. We do ask
that while in remaining pants, your child should have several changes of
clothes (including socks & shoes), as well as several pairs of training
pants. Children who are actively involved in learning toileting skills
should be sent in easy to manage clothing. Developing independence with
clothing is an important part of toileting, and is usually expected when
children move into preschool programs. Please do not send children two
and older in one-piece outfits, which have a sewn cuff at the ankle or
back enclosures; these are nearly impossible for children to remove. We
ask that you participate in toilet training your child at home as well
as here at school; this must be a team effort to be successful.
Discipline
It is our belief that the purpose of
discipline is to help children learn self-control. Physical punishment
in not allowed and will not be tolerated within our facility. Discipline
will not be associated with food, rest time, toilet training, or
isolation. Labeling a child as “bad” or “naughty” is unacceptable. The
only means of discipline for toddlers will be redirection and positive
reinforcement of acceptable behavior. If a toddler displays unusually
aggressive behavior toward other children we will schedule a conference
with you to discuss a positive guidance plan. In addition, one-minute
times the age of the child for time-out may be used for children over
the age of two when necessary for extreme behavior (Ex: a 2 year old
child will sit in time out for 2 minutes).
Behavior Issues
Young children, especially infants and
toddlers, do not have a concept of hurting others intentionally. They
will, on occasion, hit, kick, scratch, bite and pull hair for a variety
of reasons. Parents are encouraged to promote positive social growth.
Communication between parents and caregivers is essential in this area.
Parents will be notified when their child’s behavior affects other
children in the classroom. if this behavior continues, parents must
schedule a conference with the Director and their child’s caregiver to
coordinate prevention techniques and formulate a positive guidance plan.
We also have as a resource, the Ozark Guidance team of therapists that
come to the center to work with children on a variety of issues. This is
an additional cost to you and is worked out on a case by case basis
through OGC. If you feel like this option is necessary for your child,
please ask for referral information from the Director. Although not a
desirable option, if a solution can not be found, you may be asked to
withdraw your child.
Biting - biting can and will happen in a child care setting –
typically we see this behavior in the children 12-30 month age range. At
this age, children are beginning to develop communication skills.
Sometimes children become frustrated that they cannot communicate their
needs or wants and use skills they do have to communicate, which can
sometimes result in biting behavior. Parents will be notified every time
their child bites another child. If a biting pattern is observed, a
conference to discuss a behavior modification plan will be scheduled
with parents, the teacher from the classroom, and administrators. Our
goal is to work with all families and staff within the classroom to
extinguish the behavior. Techniques we will use include making a point
to react without emotion, redirecting the biter, ignoring the biting
behavior – while giving the child who has been bitten soothing
attention. We base our techniques on research and tips received from the
National Association for the Education of Young Children publications.
As a last resort, if the biting continues to be an issue of safety and
health, the biter’s family may be asked to remove the child from care.
The child may re-enroll into care after biting behavior has diminished.
The child’s spot will not be held open. Parents have the option of
putting the child on the wait list for an open spot.
Accidents / Injuries
The staff at PKLC make every to ensure the
safety of your child. However, accidents do tend to happen. Every injury
is treated with appropriate first aid and “TLC”. You will be informed in
person and in writing of accidents and injuries. Please note that we
have a policy of 24-hours to get the written notification to you. These
reports remain on file in the office, copies are available upon request.
You or your authorized representatives, if you are not available, for
injuries of a more serious nature of involve loss of blood. For extreme
injuries, we will first call 911 to transport your child to the hospital
and then notify you. The Director will accompany every child who
requires hospital transportation and remain with them until a parent or
authorized representative arrive.
Emergency Procedures
In the event a natural disaster occurs and
the PeaceKids/ Peace Lutheran Church Olrich St. location is unavailable,
PeaceKids staff will be available for care of children at the Peace
Lutheran Church Bellview Rd. location at 5891 Bellview Rd.
Staff
We strive to employ a well qualified staff
who have knowledge of child development. We provide training
opportunities, both in and out of the classroom on a variety of issues
related to early childhood care. There is someone present at all times
who is CPR/First Aid certified. All volunteers are subject to the same
requirements as hired staff. All staff members are required to:
• have a complete background check from the Arkansas State Police and
the Child Abuse Registry
• have a yearly TB skin test
• have at least ten hours of training every year
• lead caregivers are required to either have completed or become
enrolled in the Child Development Associate Certification Program within
a year of employment OR have a higher education degree
Under Arkansas Law (Arkansas Statute Ann. 42-807 and 42-818), ALL child
care workers are mandated to report suspected child abuse and/or
neglect. Parents need to be aware that while their child is in our care
he/she is subject to being interviewed or observed by personnel from the
following agencies WITHOUT prior notification:
• the Division of Child Care & Early Childhood Education (licensing)
• the Division of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Special
Investigations
• any Law Enforcement Agency
These interviews will only be done for investigative purposes and/or
determining our compliance with the division’s licensing requirements.
If you have any questions about this policy, please speak with the
Director.
Child Maltreatment Hotline:
1-800-482-5964
Parent / Caregiver Communication
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make
communication a regular part of their daily routine. Daily information
sheets are provided each day to let parents know about their child’s
day. We prepare a monthly newsletter, which you receive at the first of
every month. The newsletter is full of information that is relevant to
your child’s care; please take time to read this as you receive it. We
want to be your partner, so always feel free to talk with your child’s
caregiver or the Director about any issues that may arise. If after you
have spoken to your child’s caregiver, then the Director you are still
not satisfied with the resolution to the issue, you may address issues
to the Board of Directors through you Parent Representative. A complete
list of the Board of Directors including the Parent Representative is
attached to this handbook.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors meets once per month
generally on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. During this meeting the
board addresses policy changes, financial situations, and parent issues.
Parents are encouraged to communicate to the board through the Parent
Representative.
The current roster of Board members follows:
2008-2009
Board of Directors
Eric Meyer
11308 Pembrook Circle
Bentonville, AR 72712
Term expires February 2010
Kris Korinek
9461 Brooks Dr.
Rogers, AR 72756
Term expires February 2010
Lorna Miller
700 Burdine
Lowell, AR 72745
Term expires February 2010
Belinda McCormick
5401 W. Ash
Rogers, AR 72758
Term expires February 2011
Alison Fusillo
PeaceKids Finance Administrator
5 Tudor Lane
Rogers, AR 72758
No term limit
Michele Curtis
842 Chateau Dr
Rogers, AR 72758
Term expires February 2011
Daphne Smith
Peace Lutheran Representative
702 W Central Ave.
Bentonville, AR 72712
No term limit
Sterling Nelson (ex-officio)
Senior Pastor designee
1103 Overlook Dr.
Rogers, AR 72756
No term limit
Roseann Bowlin
Director, PeaceKids Learning Center
15886 Beaver Dr.
Lowell, AR 72745
roseann@peace-church.org
Margie Cordova
Parent Representative
PO Box 2498
Rogers, AR 72756
(479)936-7085
margiecordova1@yahoo.com
No term limit