Welcome to the Child Development Centers!

Billing Procedures

Full tuition payment is due on Monday (or the first day of care) for each week that your child is scheduled to attend and for any additional unscheduled hours they are in attendance. Advance tuition may be paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. At the end of each week, CDC will issue an invoice to parents stating the amount due for the upcoming week.

Delinquent Accounts

We expect all invoices to be paid on time. However, if payment is not received, the billing office will attempt to contact you directly to arrange payment. A payment plan must be agreed upon between the family and the billing office before the account will be considered in good standing for childcare services to be restarted.
After three weekly invoices have been sent to your last known address and/or email with no payment made, CDC reserves the right to charge a $50.00 collection fee and turn your account over to a collection agency in addition to the termination of childcare services.
For information about assistance programs that will help cover the cost of child care tuition or a payment plan, please speak with the program director.

Enrollment Fee

Upon enrollment, parents are required to submit a non-refundable enrollment fee. This fee is used to offset the administrative expenses incurred in processing enrollment applications. This fee may not be used towards tuition.

Late Drop-Off and Late Pick-Up

Parents are expected to abide by the care schedule, including drop-off and pick-up times set forth in the Childcare Contract.
If the parent knows they are going to drop-off or pick up later than the scheduled time on the Childcare Contract, the parent needs to notify the program director as soon as it becomes known and make special arrangements for that day.
A late pick-up fee of $20.00 per 15 minutes past 6:00pm will be added to the child’s weekly tuition. The CDC reserves the right to terminate enrollment if the parent is late more than two times picking up the child. Acknowledgment of Updated Drop-off and Pick-up Policy is included in the enrollment packet.

Payments

Childcare tuition fees can be made using Tuition Express. You will find a form to sign up for this program in our enrollment packet. Payments may also be made with cash, credit, or debit card, check or money order.
If payment is not received on or before 6:00p.m. on Monday the week of services rendered, a $20.00 late fee will be added to the outstanding balance.

Multiple Child Discount

A 10% discount is given on the lowest tuition to one older sibling already enrolled in the CDC. If a family has more than two children enrolled, each additional child will receive a 10% discount on their tuition.

Returned Checks/Insufficient Funds

If a check is returned for insufficient funds, or there is no account found, CDC will issue a written notice to the parent for immediate payment, in addition to the applicable processing fee, civil damages and costs allowed by Michigan law as outlined below.
The parent will be responsible for the following as provided by Michigan law:

• If the full amount of the check is paid within 7 business days, after the date the notice was served, the parent will pay the full amount of the check plus a returned check fee of $25.00.
• If the amount is not paid as described above, the parent will be liable for the following:
  • The full amount of the check and $250.00 for civil damages.

School Age Summer Tuition Policy

For school-age summer tuition rates please contact your program director. Field trip fees may be assessed in addition to weekly tuition fees.

Tuition Increase

All fees and tuition are subject to change without notice. However, we will make every effort to provide a 30-day notice of any increase in tuition.

Vacation Planning, Time Away, and Absences

A holding fee of half of your fixed weekly rate per child will be charged for vacations. A vacation is considered to be five consecutive days. There is no charge for any additional consecutive vacation weeks. The holding fee will only reserve your space in the program for a maximum of 3 months. Please note that your fixed weekly tuition rate will be charged for all other weeks.

Types of Care

Full or part time care is available. Age and developmental readiness are the two primary determiners for placement within the center. As children grow, mature, and develop, they are moved to the next developmentally appropriate classroom.
With the individualized attention that is given to each infant, we strive to follow their home schedule for feeding and sleeping.
Toddlers may be grouped differently depending on developmental levels and current enrollments; however, in each grouping our emphasis is on helping children explore their exciting environment with large and small group as well as individualized activities. Preschoolers have specialized programs, which have been designed to foster the development and mastery of early skills necessary for kindergarten preparation. School age children have their own before 6 and after school program, in addition to a summer program designed for fun and enrichment.

Center Operations

Changes to the Parent Handbook

The CDC expressly reserves the right to change the parent handbook upon thirty days’ written notice to parents.

Child Release Policy

It is mandatory that every child has a Child Information Card on file, which identifies all people, in addition to the parents, who are authorized to pick up your child. Children will only be released to individuals listed on this card with proper identification. If a proper I.D. is not presented, the child will not be released to that individual.

Classroom Ratios and Group Sizes

The CDC follows Michigan LARA Licensing Rules for childcare centers in each room or welldefined space. For the ratio of childcare staff members to children, please see table below.

Curriculum and Program Evaluation

All CDCs use The Creative Curriculum to guide and teach the children. The Creative Curriculum grows and changes along with the research developments in the early childhood field thus allowing the curriculum to maintain effectiveness. Ongoing training is provided to all staff throughout the year and may result in the pre-planned closing of the centers.
Each classroom’s instructional staff will be observed and given feedback at least twice per year by an evaluator that is familiar with The Creative Curriculum. Results will be used to plan staff trainings, revise management practices, seek additional resources and improve the quality of the program.
Each CDC will complete a self-assessment and receive a score from the Great Start to Quality program. The rating will be awarded and will be available for viewing on the Great Start website, www.greatstarttoquality.org.

Custody Order

In cases where an enrolled child is the subject of a court matter; custody order, restraining order, or protection from abuse order, the CDC must be provided with a certified copy of the most recent order and all amendments thereto. The orders of the court will be strictly followed. In the absence of a court order on file with the CDC, both parents shall be afforded equal access to their child as stipulated by law. The CDC cannot, without a court order, limit the access of one parent by request of the other parent, regardless of the reason.

Fire and Tornado Drills

Recognizing the need to be prepared for all emergencies, fire and tornado drills are routinely practiced at each site so children will know how and when to leave the building and what to do in case of an emergency. Emergency exit routes and procedures are posted in each room.

Holidays and Center Closings

All CDCs are closed on the following six national holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the center will be closed on Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the center will be closed on Monday.
We make every effort to provide parents with consistent care. The CDCs will NOT routinely close when public schools are closed due to weather. However, when the weather is extremely hazardous, or there is some other emergency and we do need to close, we will make every attempt to contact all parents or list information about the closings on WWMT.
Occasionally, the CDCs will close for professional development trainings or deep cleaning when necessary. The fixed tuition rate will not be adjusted for holiday closures, training, cleanings, illnesses, or absences. In the event that the CDC is closed for more than two consecutive business days, the parent is relieved of any financial obligation to pay for those days in excess of two business days.

Inappropriate Parent Conduct

Parents must be aware that adults serve as role models for children. The CDC is responsible for protecting all children in its care and providing a safe workplace for its staff members. Therefore, it is critical that while on CDC property, parents and their guests conduct themselves in a professional and rational manner at all times. The CDC reserves the right to immediately terminate the Childcare Agreement if the parent behaves in any inappropriate manner.
Safe driving habits are of great concern. Parents and staff must always approach the center at a slow rate of speed. With parents dropping-off and picking-up children throughout the day, the possibility that a small child could be in the parking area or driveway must always be remembered. ALWAYS USE EXTREME CARE WHEN APPROACHING THE CENTER.
The following actions are grounds for immediate dismissal (please note this is not an exhaustive list of inappropriate behaviors):

• Acts of violence, including assault and battery
• Harassment or threats against the staff, other parents or children
• Possession of illegal substances or firearms
• Verbal or physical abuse of a child or staff
• Use of profanity
• Indecent exposure

Kindergarten Transition

The CDC locations will be doing various things throughout the school year to help our students and families connect to their future Kindergarten schools.

Licensing Information

All childcare centers in Michigan must maintain a licensing notebook which includes all licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports and all related corrective action plans (CAPs). The notebook must include all reports issued and CAPs developed on and after May 27th, 2010. The notebook is available to parents for review during regular business hours.

Lost and Found

Although we cannot be responsible for lost items, it is a good idea to mark all personal items that your child brings into the CDC. When unlabeled items of clothing or other personal items are left, CDC staff will place the items in the Lost and Found area. Parents will want to check this area as soon as they discover that an item is missing. At the end of each season, the CDC will donate any items that are not claimed to a local collection organization.

Pets and Visiting Animals

There may be some instances where staff introduces an animal to the classroom as a class pet. If there is an allergy, or fear of a specific animal, please inform your child’s teacher.

Pest Policy

The CDC will notify you in advance (at least 48 hours) of any pesticide application. Notifications will be given in two ways: We will post a letter and we will put one in your child’s locker, cubby, or mailbox. The notification will contain the name of the product applied, the reason for the application, the location of the application, the date the product will be applied, and the information for the company applying the product. If you ever have questions regarding pesticides, you can contact the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.

Photography

Photographs of the children in our programs may be taken from time to time and could appear in social media, newspapers, magazines, brochures, advertising and/or educational training materials. Permission for photographs of your child to be used is included in the enrollment packet.

Signing Children In and Out Using Procare

Once you enroll your child in the CDC, you will be given directions on how to use the Procare system to sign your child in and out of the center each day. This is necessary for you to do every single time you bring your child to the center. The CDCs partner with DHS Child Care Assistance Program through the state of Michigan and the requirements for this program are that EVERY family in our facility must check their child in and out through our Procare System.
Every time you check your child in and out it records the time with the account holder's (your) initials. The state of Michigan counts these initials as your signature that you have dropped your child off in our care or picked your child up from our facility. CDC staff members are not allowed to clock your child in or out of the system. For billing and state accounting information, it is very important that this is done every day.
If you do not comply with this on a regular basis, the following procedures will be put into place:

• You will be given a written warning stating our procedures and how to operate the system to make sure that everything is working correctly.
• You will be given a second written warning.
• You will be charged the full rate of tuition for the day, regardless of the hours your child attends.

Smoking

For the safety of all employees and children, smoking and vaping is prohibited within 25 feet of any CDC property. Parents and staff are prohibited from smoking in the building and on CDC grounds.

Sunscreen, Diaper Cream, and Insect Repellant

The State of Michigan licensing laws require that topical non-prescription medication including but not limited to, sunscreen, insect repellent, and diaper cream requires annual written parental permission to be used

Waitlists

If a CDC is full for a specific age, you may ask to be put on a waiting list.
Children are given priority for placement based on these guidelines:

• Currently enrolled children seeking schedule changes
• Siblings of currently enrolled children
• All others interested

You will be contacted by the program director when a spot becomes available for your child.

Transportation Policy

The CDCs don’t provide transportation; therefore, parents will be responsible to ensure their child is safely brought to and picked up from the CDC.

Sunscreen, Diaper Cream, and Insect Repellant

The State of Michigan licensing laws require that topical non-prescription medication including but not limited to, sunscreen, insect repellent, and diaper cream requires annual written parental permission to be used

Waitlists

If a CDC is full for a specific age, you may ask to be put on a waiting list.
Children are given priority for placement based on these guidelines:

• Currently enrolled children seeking schedule changes
• Siblings of currently enrolled children
• All others interested

You will be contacted by the program director when a spot becomes available for your child.

Transportation Policy

The CDCs don’t provide transportation; therefore, parents will be responsible to ensure their child is safely brought to and picked up from the CDC.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

Building Security and Access

The CDCs are open for business from 6am -6pm and can be accessed by using a 4- digit code given to the family at the time of enrollment. (Center hours may vary slightly.) Due to security reasons, we ask that this code be used only by the immediate family. If someone is picking up your child that doesn’t normally pick up, please have them ring the bell to be let in by a staff member. They must present a valid form of identification and have prior arrangements made by you.

Using Procare

To ensure the safety of your child, you (or a staff member if you are unable to enter the building) are required to sign your child in and out upon arrival and departure. The signin computer is located in the lobby of each CDC. The program director will give you instructions on how to do this using the Procare system.
During drop-offs, please bring your child into the center and escort them into the classroom, ensuring that they are under staff supervision before you leave. If you require assistance for any reason, please call the office as you enter the parking lot so a staff member can accompany your child to/from the car.
Students can only be released to adults (18 and older) who have been designated by you in writing on the Child Information Card. It is your responsibility to notify the center any time the child will be picked up by a person not authorized on the Child Information Card. Staff members will require picture identification from anyone they do not recognize.
In the Childcare Contract we ask for a schedule of care which includes the drop-off & pick-up times for your child. Any changes to this schedule require a Schedule Change Form (located in the center’s lobby) to be filled out by Tuesday of each week and turned into the program director for the following week. If a schedule change form is not turned in by Tuesday, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate the new schedule for that week.

Social Guidance and Discipline:

Behavior Management

At the CDCs, we recognize that positive discipline teaches and encourages the healthy development of a child’s self-esteem. The CDCs do not allow the use of corporal or physical punishment by teachers. Instead, teachers employ positive discipline techniques.
Beginning social rules include:

• We listen to our teacher.
• We follow directions.
• We share.
• We take turns.
• We ask for help
• We raise our hand when we want to speak in group settings.
• We respect other’s belongings.
• We keep our hands to ourselves.
• We use appropriate language.

We help children learn these practices by following these guiding principles; offer individual attention, sequenced experiences, and arrangement of liberal use of success and praise. Employees will always seek to use positive reinforcement of appropriate 12 behaviors. Children delight in seeing our smiles and hearing encouraging words, and will most often respond with continued appropriate behavior.
When a child’s behavior becomes inappropriate or the child is unable to gain control of their actions, every attempt is made to handle the situation with positive discipline such as, but not limited to:

• Clarifying the rule for the child.
• Showing appropriate behavior by example.
• Offering the words needed to help children solve their problems; helping them verbalize what they want.
• For small problems, we ignore, redirect, and offer alternative activities to eliminate conflict.

If a child is still unable to gain control of their actions, if a child is less than three years old and additional redirection is necessary, the child will be guided to a different area or activity.
For children over three years of age who need additional encouragement and redirection in controlling their behavior, the following multi- step process is followed:

• The child is moved directly next to the teacher, reminded of the rule, told what inappropriate behavior is, and an appropriate behavior that should replace it.
• The child is moved outside of the immediate group, but their participation in the activity is still expected and encouraged. They will again be reminded of the rule that they are having trouble following.
• The child will be talked to about the importance of rules and why they must be followed. Small instances of “rule following” are sought after and the child is quickly rewarded for acceptable behaviors.
• “Taking space” is used, which consists of moving the child to a peaceful, quiet area in the room where they are required to sit quietly for one minute per year of age. The child will remain facing the group to continue observing appropriate behaviors. Prior to rejoining the group, the child and the adult will have a conversation about the behavior that caused them to “take space”.

For any child who shows a pattern of inappropriate behavior or conduct, we will work with that child and family to develop a plan to decrease those behaviors. Once the CDC staff has begun working with the family and child, the goal is to see the negative behaviors decrease. If behaviors don’t improve, we may, with parental permission, involve additional assistance from outside resources. If, after these interventions, the behaviors have not decreased, we will, for the safety and well-being of all of the children in our care, have to dis-enroll the child from the facility.
if, at any time during the child’s 13 enrollment, we feel that a child’s behavior causes a significant threat to the safety and well-being of other children and/or staff, we will be forced to disenroll the child from the CDC without notice or any attempts towards a behavior modification.
There are specific methods of discipline that will never be used at any CDC. Children will never be intentionally humiliated, shamed, frightened or struck. We will never deprive a child of meals, rest, or toilet use. With this in mind, please know that all CDC staff work diligently to help children develop appropriate social behavior.

Biting

Biting is a natural part of a child’s development. It is a behavior that usually appears between the ages of one and three years old. While biting is common and natural, it can be very serious. It is our job to look out for the safety and well-being of all children in our care.
It is nearly impossible to write a biting policy that is fair to all involved. Our policy ensures that we try to work with the biting child to minimize biting.

When a Child Bites

• The biting child is stopped and told, “Stop biting, biting hurts.” in a firm voice. Teacher will remain calm and not show anger or frustration towards the child.
• The biting child is removed from the situation.
• Appropriate first aid will be provided to the child who was bitten. The bite will be washed with soap and water and a cold compress will be applied to reduce swelling and pain. A bandage will be applied if necessary.
• Teacher will fill out an Incident Report and a Health Report.

It is still very important to find out why the behavior is occurring. Teachers will work with parents to gather information about why the child is exhibiting this behavior. In the case of ongoing or severe biting behavior, the teachers will collaborate with the parent to develop the best possible plan of action. Each biting child will be dealt with on an individual basis. If the biting behavior continues after all of the above has been followed, the parent may be asked to permanently remove the child from the CDC.
To ensure the safety of all children within our program we will be following these guidelines regarding biting:

1. Any child under the age of 2 who bites more than 3 times in a day will be sent home for the day.
2. Any child ages 2-5 who bites more than 2 times in a day will be sent home for the day.
3. Any child ages 5-12 who bites more than 1 time in a day will be sent home for the day.

School Age Code of Conduct

To ensure that everyone has a positive experience while participating in our CDC school age summer program, students are to follow all rules and regulations outlined in the School Age Code of Conduct. Students are expected to behave in a disciplined, responsible, and respectful manner. Failure to follow these rules and regulations will subject the students to immediate disciplinary action via the School Age Code of Conduct that is signed upon enrollment.

Health Policies

Blood and Bodily Fluids

Bodily fluids are considered to be vomit, diarrhea and blood. CDC staff will take the necessary steps to prevent exposure to these substances. All staff will receive Blood Borne Pathogens training upon hire, is required yearly thereafter.

Child and Staff Handwashing

Children and staff shall thoroughly wash their hands at the following times:

• Arrival time
• Prior to handling food and before eating
• After toileting
• After playing outside
• After coughing into hands
• After blowing nose

Procedures for handwashing shall be posted in food preparation areas and toilet rooms according to Childcare Center Licensing Rule R400.5902c.
Our hand washing procedures are as follows:

1. Turn on the water.
2. Use one full squirt of soap.
3. Begin scrubbing the front and back of your hands as well as underneath your fingernails.
4. Continue scrubbing under warm running water for at least 20 seconds.c
5. Dry your hands with paper towel.
6. Use paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.

Coughing and Sneezing

Children are taught the proper way to cough or sneeze to avoid the spread of germs. The following are ways we teach children to cover a cough or sneeze:

• Cough/Sneeze into a tissue and throw it away then wash your hands.
• Cough/Sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

Illnesses

Please notify the program director as soon as possible if your child is not attending due to illness.
No child will be allowed care if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Fever (100°F or higher) within the past 24 hours
• Rash
• Persistent cough
• Vomiting (within the past 24 hours)
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Eye discharge (Pink eye)

Should your child develop one of these symptoms while at the center, you will be contacted immediately. If the CDC is unable to reach you, we will call the emergency contact numbers listed on the child’s Emergency Card. Arrangements must be made to pick the child up within one hour of being notified. (Parents are encouraged to plan ahead for illness by enlisting the help of a neighbor, good friend or relative who might be able to provide care when sickness occurs.)
If your child has been prescribed an antibiotic, they must be taking that antibiotic for 24 hours before they can return to the CDC. Certain communicable diseases may require a doctor’s authorization to return to the center. See your center director if you have questions about communicable diseases.
The CDC will take the necessary precautions to contain and prevent the spread of contagious illnesses or diseases. However, the CDC cannot guarantee that contagious illnesses or diseases will be completely contained or will not be spread to other children. Parents must recognize that while in our care, it is possible that their child may be exposed to contagious illnesses or diseases. CDCs have a health care plan containing information on hand washing, diapering, sanitation and illness procedures that is available in the office for your review.

Sanitizing Equipment

All tableware, utensils, food contact surfaces and food service equipment shall be thoroughly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use with an approved sanitizing solution. Toys and equipment will be sanitized regularly to adhere to Michigan child care center licensing rules and regulations.
The CDC ensures that all toys are routinely sanitized using a 3-Step sanitizing process. When a child puts a toy in their mouth or touches a toy after coughing or sneezing, the toy is put into a dirty toy bucket. All toys in the bucket are sanitized at the end of the 16 day. In addition to the sanitizing process, toys are sprayed with an approved sanitizing solution and allowed to drip-dry during nap time and at the end of every day.

Food

Bottles and Baby Food

All bottles and baby food containers must be labeled with the child's first and last name, number of ounces and the date. If the CDC is to provide formula for children between birth and 1 year of age, there will be a separate tuition price and an Infant Formula Waiver that must be filled out.

Daily Meals

Childcare Food Services prepares all food for the CDCs. We serve nutritious and balanced meals in which the use of salt, fats, sugars, coloring and preservatives is kept to a minimum. We provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Whole milk is served to children up to 2 ½ years of age and 1 ½% milk is served to children over 2 ½ years old. If a parent prefers otherwise, a written request from the pediatrician is required. Monthly menus are posted in each center and are also available to take home. Food substitutions will be noted on the day they occur and posted for parents to see in the lobby.

Food Allergies

If a child has any known food allergies, parents should note this on the child’s records. In addition, a food substitution form will be completed and emailed out to all families at the center. We will make every effort to accommodate special diet needs.

Note:

In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the “USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form”, (AD-3027) found online at: http://ascr.usda.gov/complaint filingcust.html *, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washing ton, D.C. 20250- 9410; Fax: (202) 690-7442 or Email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Medications

We must receive written permission prior to dispensing any medication to any child enrolled in the CDCs. A Medication Permission and Instructions Form must be filled out before any medication is administered. Please make sure to fill the form out completely. All medications need to be in the original container. Prescription medicines must have the pharmacy label on the container with the child’s first and last name, dosage, physician’s name and instructions for administering the medicine.

Emergency Procedures

Accidents and Injuries

Should any minor accident or injury occur involving a child, a Health Report Form will be filled out by center staff and presented to the parent at pick-up. This form needs to be signed by a parent and a copy will go in the child’s file.

Serious Accidents, Illnesses or Medical Procedures

Should a medical emergency arise, resulting from either a serious accident or some other cause, the CDC staff will take the following immediate actions:

1. First Aid will be administered on-site.
2. Parents will be contacted.
3. The child’s physician will be called, and the details of the situation will be relayed. The physician will determine whether or not 911 should be called.
4. The child’s teacher or program director will accompany the child to the Emergency Room.

Acknowledgement of this handbook gives permission to the CDC staff to call 911 in the event of a serious emergency. Any costs or charges incurred for 911 emergencies are the sole responsibility of the parent.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

As caregivers, we are mandated by law to immediately report any suspected child abuse or neglect. Under the Child Protection Law, child care providers must contact Children’s Protective Services (CPS) immediately when they suspect child abuse or neglect. Reporting the situation to administration or other staff does not relieve the caregiver of their mandated responsibility to report to CPS.

Parent and Family Communication

Daily Sheets

For children enrolled in the infant, toddler, and two year old programs, a daily “recap” sheet will be completed to tell you about your child’s day. This contains information about toileting, meals, naps, and special activities.

Family Mailboxes

Each family will have a mailbox clearly labeled with your name. Please check this daily! All weekly tuition invoices, newsletters from the program director and teachers, as well as your child’s artwork, or any other important communication from the CDC will be put in these mailboxes.

Newsletters

To keep you informed about center activities, upcoming events, reminders, and general announcements your CDC program director will provide a monthly newsletter.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

The CDCs welcome parents to visit the centers at any time to spend time with your child. During this time, the teachers may not be able to answer specific questions about your child due to their responsibility to the other students in the classroom. However, Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held two times a year; in the Fall and in the Spring. During conferences, your child’s development and any goals you may have for your child will be discussed.

Program Evaluations

The CDCs will conduct an annual program survey in order to gather feedback from enrolled families. The survey is anonymous and is used as a way to provide the center with your comments, compliments, ideas and suggestions. Your participation is highly encouraged.

Volunteer Policy

Before volunteering at any CDC, every volunteer (who has contact with children for at least four hours per week for more than two consecutive weeks) must provide a form 19 stating that they are free from communicable disease and their physical and mental health will not negatively affect the quality of the children’s care. Any volunteer under the direction of the CDC will be required to review and familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures of the CDC.
CDC volunteers must pass the I-CHAT criminal history background check and provide the center with documentation from the state of Michigan with an approved comprehensive background check from LARA.

Clothing and Personal Belongings

Each child is assigned a designated space to store their personal belongings. We ask that you bring at least one change of seasonally appropriate clothing for your child. If your child is potty training, we ask that you bring three sets of seasonally appropriate clothing.
We strongly discourage the practice of bringing other personal items from home into the center. All too often these items are lost or broken, which naturally causes a child to be upset.

Diapers and Toilet Training

Diapers and diaper rash cream must be provided by parents until their child is fully toilet-trained. A notice will be sent home when supplies need to be replenished. If using cloth diapers, you must provide a container for storage of soiled diapers while at the center and also bring in clean cloth diapers each day.
We believe that parents know when it is the right time to begin the process of toilet training their child. Please let us know when you begin potty training at home, and we will work with you to help your child gain success in this important area of development while they are in our care.

Birthdays and Celebrations

Parents are welcome to send in a treat to share with their child’s classmates on birthdays or special occasions. Some classrooms have strict allergy guidelines- please check with your child’s teacher about acceptable food choices in advance.

Rest Time

Infant Sleep Practices

Providing infants with a safe place to grow and learn is very important. We follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide a safe sleep environment and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is “the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation.

Sleep Position

• Infants will be placed flat on their backs to sleep every time unless there is a physician, practitioner or clinician signed sleep position medical waiver up to date on file. In the case of a waiver, a waiver notice will be posted at the infant’s crib without identifying medical information. The waiver must include the reason for waiver, instructions for correct position and expiration of waiver. The full waiver will be kept in the infant’s file.
• Infants will not be placed on their side for sleep.
• Infants will not be placed to sleep in any bouncy seats, swings or on other soft material.
• Devices such as wedges or infant positioners will not be used.
• Infants who use pacifiers will be offered their pacifier when they are placed to sleep, and it will not be put back in should it fall out once they fall asleep.
• While infants will always be placed on their backs to sleep, when an infant can easily turn over from back to front and front to back, they can remain in whatever position they prefer to sleep.

Sleep Environment

No blankets will be used in cribs. Swaddling a child or placing them in the swaddling blankets will not be allowed.

Naps

Children need time to relax, rest, and sleep throughout the day. No child is ever required to sleep before they return to afternoon activities. However, all children are required to rest on their designated cot after lunch. A quiet activity time may follow for those students who are awake to allow the sleeping children to complete naps without interruption. Please bring a small blanket and small pillow (if desired) for naptime. Blankets will be sent home on Fridays for laundering.

Outside

Exercise and fresh air are important to every child’s good health. Unless inclement weather conditions or temperatures below 20 degrees exist, it is required by state licensing laws that your child will spend time every day in outdoor activities.
Please be sure to send your child in weather appropriate clothing. This may include, but is not limited to: rain gear, jacket, sweater, long pants, hat, mittens, boots, snow pants. If a child arrives at the center and does not have the appropriate clothing for the weather, we reserve the right to call the parent and ask that the appropriate clothing be brought immediately.
It is very important that if your child is outside at pick up time, you MUST still sign your child out using Procare AND inform the teacher that you are taking your child for the day.

Suspension, Termination, and Withdrawal

Suspension and Termination

The CDC reserves the right to terminate a child from the program if a child or parent is consistently unable to gain control and persists in aggressive behaviors that pose a constant threat to their peers or any of the CDC staff.
Either parent or the CDC may terminate the childcare agreement upon two weeks written notice to the other party. If the parent does not provide two weeks written notice, they are still required to pay for the final two weeks of care following the notice of termination.
Furthermore, CDCs have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for some actions (listed below). In these cases, students will be immediately dismissed from the program and will not be reimbursed for tuition:

• Bringing any sort of weapon (real or toy) to the center
• Punching, slapping, hitting, kicking, or otherwise physically hurting or touching another person inappropriately
• Running, walking or sneaking out of a staff member's view and hiding from a staff member
• Leaving CDC grounds without permission

Withdrawal

Two weeks’ notice is required before withdrawing a child from any CDC. Accounts must be paid in full before a child is withdrawn – including your child’s tuition for that twoweek period.