Church of the Palms-Presbyterian

"Be a Part of Our Heart!"

Early Childhood Center Handbook 
2008-2009


Lorrie Young, Director               		 Liz D'Elia, Assistant Director

Carol Stephen, Office Coordinator

3224 Bee Ridge Road   Sarasota, FL   34239
Phone 921- 7892   Fax 923-9594



	Dear Parents,

   	   We welcome you to the Early Childhood Center. It is our hope that your whole family will enjoy the program 
	and the friends you will make here. This handbook describes our program, goals, policies, and a variety of details 
	that go into making each school day as happy and successful as possible. Please study it and keep it for reference, 
	as it will answer many of your questions.
	   The Early Childhood Center is operated by the Church of the Palms because of the Christian concern of this 
	congregation for the Sarasota community.  It is well documented that quality childcare is a critical need in our 
	society and this Center is a mission of the Church of the Palms. An attitude of Christian love is evident and an
	influence in the daily operation.
	   Church of the Palms Pre-School began in 1961 to fill a need for a Christian approach to basic education.  
	In 1982, the full-time childcare component was opened for children of working parents.
	   It is the philosophy of the Early Childhood Center to welcome families of all faiths, creed, and ethnic origins 
	to the program. It is our commitment to offer a safe, caring, and stimulating environment in which children can 
	explore and learn by experiencing creative hands on and age-appropriate activities presented by a qualified 
	professional staff. Furthermore, it is our goal to establish an organized facility with open communication 
	between the administration, staff, and parents, which will support a positive environment for all.
	   Once again, welcome to the program. Your involvement with us as a partner in your child’s education is greatly 
	anticipated. We look forward to watching your child grow and learn and invite you to be an active participant 
	in that process while they are here in our program.

				Sincerely,

				The Administration, Staff, and Associates of the ECC 






Table of Contents

Policies
           
	Enrollment				
	Payment Procedure
	Document Request
	Withdrawal Procedure                     
	Tuition Assistance			
	Dismissal				
	Vacation							
	Sign In and Out
	Parking		        
	Security
	Opening and Closing			
	Emergency Closing			
	Emergency Evacuations
	Safety			
	Accident and Injury			
	Insurance				
	Confidentiality			
	Suspected Child Abuse			
	Grievance Procedure			


Health and Hygiene
				
	Prevention of Illness
	Management of Illness
	Guidelines/Readmission
	Medication				
	Hygiene Practices			
	Diapers/Soiled Clothing		
	Toilet Training			
	Allergies				


Program
	Program Philosophy
	Staff to Child Ratios			
	Program Activities and Goals		
	Infant					
	Toddlers and Twos			
	Three’s and Fours			
	Chapel					
	Computer Enrichment			
	Lunch Bunch			
	Field Trips
	Children's Photos				
	Assessment of Development		
	Special Needs				
	Behavioral Management			
	Chronic Disruptive Behavior		
	Quiet/Nap Time				
	Toys and Personal Belongings		
	Proper Attire/Extra Clothing		
	Nutrition					
	Birthday’s					


Parent Involvement and Communication
	Parent Education	
	Daily Reports				
	Lesson Plans				
	Conferences				
	Volunteers				
	Room Parent				
	Special Events
				
		 






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Policies
   Please thoroughly read this parent handbook and acquaint yourself with our policies and procedures. 
Parents will be required to sign receipt of, and compliance with, the guidelines established in this material. 



Enrollment Procedures

   Consideration for enrollment is done without regard to race, religion, gender, or national origin. Children 
with disabilities will be accepted where they can be reasonably accommodated and do not pose a threat to the 
health and safety of themselves, other children and/or staff. Furthermore, their admittance may not require 
a fundamental change to the existing program be made.

   Our program retains the right to refuse enrollment of any child if the safety, security, health, or general
well-being of the center is compromised. At any time during enrollment, parents may be asked to make alternative 
arrangements for any child whose behavior adversely affects the well being of others.

   

Following the guidelines of Sarasota County Schools, a child must meet the age requirement of each room by 
September 1st.
The child must be in good health at the time of registration, and submit a current physical 
exam (yellow form) and an official Florida certification of immunization (blue form) prior to the child’s first 
day of school.
A non-refundable registration fee, a completed enrollment form, and the first week’s tuition 
is due on or before the first day of your child’s attendance.



Payment Procedure
  Tuition payment, as indicated on the signed enrollment form, is binding. Payments are made in the ECC office 
prior to receipt of care; parents of children in the Full-day program who are paying weekly, must submit payment 
to the office by Friday for upcoming week.  Both cash and checks are accepted, if parents are paying with check 
please make payable to the ECC or Early Childhood Center. If the director does not grant a written extension in advance, 
late payment will result in a charge of $5.00 a week. Continued late payment or non-payment will result in 
exclusion from the Center. There are no refunds or days missed, as operating expenses do not change when a child 
is absent.

  Payments for children in our Part-day program are due the 1st of each month for the upcoming month. 
If the director has not granted a written extension in advance, late payment will result in a charge of $25.00. 
Continued late payment or non-payment will result in exclusion from the Center. There are no refunds for days 
missed, as operating expenses do not change when a child is absent.  Billings are not sent out weekly to parents unless 
the account is in arrears. Canceled checks may be used for tax purposes; however, receipts are available upon request.  
There is a fee of $20.00 for returned checks.  If a second check is returned, future payments will need to be paid 
with cash or a money order.


Withdrawal Procedure
   Parents must give at least two (2) weeks advance notice of termination of the child’s enrollment in our Full-day program 
and four (4) weeks notice in our Part-day program. This notice is required in writing and is to be turned in to the office staff. 
Tuition is charged for the last weeks of care regardless of child’s attendance.


Document Request
   Parents needing attendance records for court issues are required to submit a written request to the office 
four (4) weeks prior to the needed date. A charge of $45 will be applied upon each request and must be 
received with documentation.

Tuition Assistance
   The Church of the Palms Mission Committee provides, as part of its mission, Scholarships for families who 
qualify based on income. Information/ applications are available in the ECC office explaining the procedure.
		  

Dismissal 
   The ECC reserves the right to cancel enrollment of a child for the following reasons:

Non–payment or late payments of fees.
Disregarding the rules of the center as outlined in the parent agreement.
Child has special needs that we cannot adequately meet with our current staffing patterns.
Physical and/or verbal abuse of staff or children by parent or child.
Non-compliance with immunization and exclusion due to illness.


Vacation 
   The ECC does not provide non-payment vacation days. If a family vacation is scheduled when the Center 
is open, two choices are available to parents:

Continue payment of fees to reserve the child’s space for their return to the center or,
Provide a two (2) week written termination notice, with child’s name being placed on the waiting list for 
placement back into the Center at a future date. This option does not guarantee that a spot will be available 
when the child returns from vacation.


Sign-In/Sign-Out
   For the safety of children in our program, children must be signed in and out by parents, or a person 
specifically authorized and listed on the child’s enrollment form. The attendance sheets are in the classroom. 
Children will not be released to anyone without proper authorization and identification. Telephone 
arrangements, which alter the written pickup arrangements, will not be accepted. In case of custody issues, 
a court document will need to be supplied in order to negate parental pickup. At pick up time please check 
your child’s cubby for notes and/or other personal items. Children may not be left unattended for any 
reason. Parents are requested to supervise their child’s departure both in the building and parking areas.


Parking
   The parking area for the program is located to the south of the church and playground. Parking spaces 
marked handicapped and for the trash collector are clearly marked No Parking. Parents are asked to be 
considerate in both of these situations. Parking in the fenced area outside of Nelson or parking behind cars 
in front of the playground is prohibited and will hamper the ability of emergency vehicles to get through in 
case of an urgent situation. When parking, please do not leave young children in the car unattended and under 
no circumstances leave the car running. Both of these issues are state laws which the program supports in 
order to keep children safe. The speed limit in the parking area is 5 mph, the few minutes you may save driving 
faster than this is not worth the accident fast driving may cause.


Security
   The entrance to the ECC is located at the south end of the building. Parents are asked to use the office 
exit when exiting also. Under no circumstances should the hallway doors be opened for entry. 


Opening and Closing
   Operating hours in the ECC are:
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday to Friday, for our Full-day program and 
9:00 AM – 12:00/1:30/2:00 PM, for our Part-day program 
Children need to arrive promptly if they are to benefit from the program.
Children will not be accepted into the classroom after 9:30 AM.  If your child 
has a doctor's appointment for a non-illness related issue, please contact the office
the day prior of the visit to establish drop off arrangements.  Children must arrive
by 11:00 AM if arriving late due to a well child checkup.	

   Children will be picked up by 5:30 PM in the Full-day program and 12:00/1:30/2:00PM in the Part-day 
program. If this policy is not adhered to, the following procedure will be used: a late fee of $1.00 per minute 
for every minute the child remains in the Center beyond the designated closure.  If no additional names are 
available or persons listed cannot be reached by 6:00 PM, the Director will take appropriate action calling the 
Sarasota County Police Department and or the Florida Department of Children and Families. Action of this nature 
will also result in the child’s termination of care.  Continued late pick-up will
result in termination of services.


Emergency Closures
   Should the occasion arise that it be deemed necessary to close for an emergency such as a hurricane or other 
natural disaster, the following procedure will be followed:

The Director will make the decision using the public schools as a guideline,
Parents will be notified by phone,
Notices will be placed on the doors of the building,
There will be no refund in tuition for any emergency.
It is  your responsibility as a parent to keep child’s emergency contact information current. The ECC 	
cannot be responsible and disclaims liability for injuries or damages resulting form a delay caused by 
outdated o missing emergency information in child’s file. 


Emergency Evacuations
   Evacuation drills are held regularly. If you are in the program at the time of a drill or an emergency, you are 
asked to follow our procedures and evacuate the building immediately. During these drills or in an emergency 
the doors to the program will be locked and children will not be released to parents until all children have safely 
been accounted for at the designated area for the drill. Children will not be released to parents until the drill 
has completed and staff have accounted for all children. In a fire drill/emergency all classrooms have designated 
primary and secondary paths to use in exit as well as a designated meeting place in the church courtyard. If a fire 
exercise is in progress, please follow the staff and children to the courtyard. In weather emergencies each class 
will relocate to a designated area outside of their classroom to “duck and cover” until the drill or weather threat 
has ended. In actual emergency situations that affect the structure/utilities of the building, the children will be 
relocated to a safe area on campus and parents will be requested by phone to immediately pick up children. If a 
parent can not be reached emergency contacts listed on the enrollment form will be called. If it becomes necessary 
for the children to be relocated to an area off campus, they will be transported by foot or church bus/van to 
the church annex at 4104 South Lockwood Ridge Road. The same procedure will be used to contact parents.  


Safety
   Pursuant to Chapter 790.001, Florida Statutes and Church of the Palms policies, no fire arms 
or weapons shall be allowed within the ECC or other church buildings.  Parents that carry weapons 
relating to their jobs are asked to make provisions for them before entering the program.


Accident and Injury
   If a minor injury occurs while a child is at the Center, the Director or a designated person will call 
the parent and follow his/her instruction. If parents cannot be reached, emergency contact/s listed on the 
enrollment form will be called to act on their behalf. An ACCIDENT REPORT will be filled and signed by the 
teacher, director, and parent. The form will be kept in the child’s file. A copy for the parent will be 
made upon request.  In case of extreme emergency, a child’s physician and/or the paramedics will be called first. Parents 
will be notified as soon as emergency care is arranged. In all instances, the safety and well being of the 
children is the utmost priority.


Insurance
   Children are covered by a group insurance policy only for accidents that occur on church property or on 
field trips sponsored by the Early Childhood Center. This is a secondary insurance to be used to supplement 
the family policy. 


Confidentiality 
  The ECC respects the right of each family to privacy and confidentiality regarding issues that affect 
their child. These rights are also protected by state statute and regulatory rules. If your child is involved 
in an altercation or injury please do not ask the staff to provide information about other parties involved. 
Furthermore, information that you provide to our staff in confidence will be kept in the same manner.


Suspected Child Abuse
   Staff of the Early Childhood Program is mandated by state statutes to report any and all suspected cases 
of child abuse or neglect. 	
	
   Furthermore, allegations of mistreatment that implicates a staff member need to be brought to the attention 
of the Director immediately. An immediate investigation of the claim will ensue. Depending on the findings, the 
following actions will be taken:

Written warning, probation, and training.
Transfer to another area of ECC until investigation is completed.
Immediate termination Notification to Department of Children and Families and Law Enforcement.
	

Grievance Procedures
   Parents are encouraged to problem solve grievances in an informal fashion with the individual/s directly 	
involved. If a problem arises within the classroom that cannot be resolved, parents should approach the Director 
with a description of the concern. If at this time there is no resolution, the parents should submit a signed 
and dated complaint to the Director. The Director, parent, and staff member will attempt to work out the problem. 
The director will provide the involved parties with a written plan of action within five (5) working days. If 
the grievance is not resolved within five (5) working days of the Director’s response, the parent may submit 
a written copy of the grievance to the ECC Pastoral Liaison for review. If necessary, the ECC Committee 
chair will review the grievance and make the final decision.
	


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Health and Hygiene



Prevention of Illness
   For the health and safety of all children you will be required to supply the program with the Child’s 
Health Examination form and Certification of Immunizations prior to the first day of school. Parents who 
request immunizations be waived, must complete the State Religious Exemption form. A copy of this exemption 
form will be kept in child’s file. 

   Please call the Center if a child has measles, mumps, pink eye, chicken pox, head lice, impetigo, or any 
other communicable diseases. A doctor’s note may be required to return to the Center but does not override 
the need for a child to stay home for one school day after symptoms are noted.


Management of Illness
   The Early Childhood Center is not equipped or staffed to provide care for sick children. Children are to 
be kept home if they are ill or unable to participate in the normal daily activities. If a child stays home 
due to illness, please telephone the Center by 9:00 AM. This information helps identify similar symptoms 
in other children. It is program policy to exclude children who: have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, 
or illnesses that require special attention by staff (diarrhea, vomiting, eye discharge, persistent running 
nose and/or cough). 	

   Parents are advised of any unusual conditions detected or the occurrence of communicable diseases in ECC. 
For the protection of all children and staff, we asked that you notify the program within 24 hours after you 
child has developed a known or suspected communicable disease, or if any member of the immediate household has 
a communicable disease. It is important for parents to inform the staff immediately, when a child is diagnosed 
as having a communicable disease, serious illness, or injury.   
 
   If the administration or teacher determines a child is ill, they will be moved to the office to wait for pickup. 
Parents are obligated to pick up your child ASAP due to the health issue and the business of the office. In cases 
in which the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact number(s) listed by the parents will be called. 
The child will be released to that person listed on the enrollment form if a parent is unable to pick child up. 

   In case of extreme emergency, a child’s physician and/or the paramedics will be called first. Parents will 
be notified as soon as emergency care is arranged. In all instances, the safety and well being of the children
is the utmost priority.

   The ultimate responsibility for the health and well being of the child is with the parents. In consideration 
of other children and the Center staff, failure to cooperate with this requirement may result in the termination
of the child’s enrollment.


Guidelines for Management and Readmission
   Please note our programs compliance with the following health procedures necessary for the health and safety 
of the staff and children enrolled in our Center. These procedures comply with 	the Florida Department 
of Children and Families. 	
	
   Children with the following symptoms must be kept home for one school day after symptoms occur. They may not 
return to school until they have been out for one day and are symptom free without medication.                        
              	
Fever (100 degrees or higher.)
Diarrhea (more than one (1) abnormally loose stool within a 24 hour period) 
Vomiting 
Severe or Uncontrollable Cough
Difficult or Rapid Breathing
Yellowish Skin or Eyes (may be sign of hepatitis)
Discharge, Tears or Redness of Eyes (Conjunctivitis)
Mouth Sores with Drooling, Open Skin Lesions
Unusual Spots or Rashes
Headache and Stiff Neck
Sore Throat or Trouble Swallowing 
Severe Itching of Body or Scalp 
Unusual Cranky, Less Active Behavior
Discolored Urine
Loss of Appetite
Gray, White, or Frothy Stool.
Infected Skin Patches
Uncontrollable runny nose, clear or yellow discharge


Medication 
   If your child is placed on a medication due to illness they will be excluded from the center for one full 
school day after the first dose is given. This allows the medicine to take effect and reduces the chance 
of spreading the infection to other children and/or staff as well as decreases the risk of a child having 
a reaction to a medication while at the center. Our staff will not administer medication (over the counter 
or prescription) unless it is to deter a life-threatening situation such as: a drug to intervene an allergic 
reaction (i.e. Benadryl), asthmatic episode (i.e. Epinephrine auto injector), a behavior-modifying drug 
(i.e. Ritalin), or an approved ointment to curtail a diaper rash (if ointment makes rash worse parent will 
be contacted for doctor assessment). NO medication may be left in classroom; all medication is stored in 
office and must be accompanied by a doctor’s authorization and instructions. If it is necessary to administer 
medication due to an emergency situation, parents will be called to come to the Center to assess child’s health. 
The ECC has the right to refuse or discontinue administration of any product if (1) an adverse reaction 
results, (2) the product expires, (3) clearly defined doctor instructions are not received, or if it is
not in the best interest of the child.


Hygiene Practices
   Our staff and children comply with the hand washing rules as designated by the Department of Health 
and Centers for Disease Control. Hand washing is practiced after toilet use, before and after meals 
and snacks, after coming in from outside and other times during the day as needed. 


Diapers and Soiled Clothing
   Our infant program requires the use of disposable diapers in order to lessen the escape of stool 
and urine and minimize the spread of infection. Parents are responsible for supplying the disposable 
diapers and wipes. State Statute and Centers for Disease Control require clothing soiled with bodily 
fluids (stool, urine, blood, vomit) be placed without rinsing, in a sealed bag. Parents are asked to 
pick up at the end of the day. Items left will be disposed of.


Toilet Training
   Once families have introduced toilet training at home, our staff will support your efforts to help  
your child in becoming toilet trained. Feel free to talk with your child’s teacher about their potential 
readiness. Children moving up into our 3-year old programs must be diaper and pull-up free and able to 
communicate their personal needs.


Allergies
   All allergies must be documented on the child’s enrollment form. Please bring this information to the 
attention of the administration and staff as well. Food allergies that necessitate a change of any menu item 	
require written documentation from a physician. The safety of your child is our utmost concern and we will 	
make every effort to accommodate your child’s special needs.



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Program



Program Philosophy
   It is the philosophy of the Early Childhood Center to welcome families of all faiths, creed, 
and ethnic origins to the program. It is our commitment to offer a safe, caring, and stimulating environment
in which children can explore and learn by experiencing creative hands on and age-appropriate activities 
presented by a qualified professional staff. Furthermore, it is our goal to establish an organized facility
with open communication between the administration, staff, and parents, which will support a positive
environment for all.  Parents are invited to offer suggestions at any time and will have an opportunity to 
evaluate the program in a written format annually.

  Our staff supports the theory that children learn through play. If learning is relevant for children they 
are more likely to persist with a task and to be motivated to learn. The classrooms are arranged to facilitate
independence and help develop children into self-confident, caring and capable individuals. Classrooms are set 
up into learning centers in order to encourage children to make choices and learn independently while having 
limits set, more by room arrangement than teacher direction. These centers create an area in which children are
introduced to the fundamentals building blocks for reading, writing, mathematics, and social skills. 


Staff to Child Ratios
   The staff to child ratios in our program varies according to the age of the child. At all times the ECC teacher 
to child ratio meets or exceeds the standard as decreed by state statute.  In age groupings where children 
under 1 year of age are included, one staff member shall be responsible for no more than 3.5 children, where 
children from 1 but under 2 years of age are included, one staff member is responsible for 5 children, where 
children from 2 but under 4 years of age are included, one staff member is responsible for 5.5 children, where 
children from 4 but under 6 years of age are included, one staff member is responsible for 11 children. If it is 
necessary due to an emergency staffing situation to temporarily change ratios the program may default to the 
State guidelines temporarily.  These guidelines are as follows; under one, 1:4, under 2 - 1:6, under 3 – 1:11, 
under 4, 1:15, under 5, 1:20.


Program Activities and Goals
A variety of curriculum is available for staff to utilize. Through the use of materials such as, The Creative Curriculum 
and High Scope, teachers construct a plan for the environment in which children will have the opportunity to interact 
with materials, classmates and adults. Weekly, staff plan a daily schedule of activities based on a theme. These 
activities will focus on individual and group skills that meet the developmental needs of the children in the classroom. 
The following information offers a brief description based on age groupings.

INFANTS
   One of the most important considerations is the amount of learning ready to take place. Infants need plenty of 
time, space, and materials to explore.  Staff members help an infant explore his/her environment and are alert 
to the developmental levels and interests of the children and will rotate toys, books, materials and position 
for maximum learning stimulation.  Staff members are also available to provide the hugs and cuddling which are 
so necessary at this young age.  As the infants get older, they are included into toddler activities so they 
can face new challenges and to be prepared to move to the next phase of the program.

   Some signs of readiness for the toddler room are the abilities to walk, drink from a cup, sit on a chair for
meals, and adjust to a once-a-day nap schedule. The new toddlers (and their parents) need to be confident of
themselves and their abilities to function as an independent person within their environment. A certain sense of
social development is also important. Infants will be offered daily opportunity to enhance these skills before
they move on to their new classroom in August. In the Infant Center, each child follows his/her own individual 
schedule for feedings and naps, and diaper checking/ changing. Whenever a child is not eating, sleeping, or being 
changed, he/she will be in our well-equipped play area. In the play areas, teachers conduct developmentally 
appropriate activities with the children and opportunities for affectionate and stimulating play. In order 
to maintain a safe environment for the infants, parents with older siblings are asked to drop the older children 
off at their room first.

   Parents are asked to supply diapers, wipes, (3) changes of clothes, other diapering supplies such as an approved
ointment to curtail a diaper rash (if ointment aggravates rash parent will be contacted for doctor assessment),
formula in bottles, and baby food. If a child is eating table food, ECC provides lunch, morning, and afternoon snacks.
Parents must give breakfast (a solid food such as cereal and milk, fruit, or an egg and toast) and/or the first morning
bottle at home; breakfast will not be served at the Center.

   As infants and toddlers begin to play along side the other children altercations over toys, space, etc. do occur. Even with 
low ratios and constant supervision your child will be an injured party at some time. These accidents will be relayed to you 
in writing or by phone call as needed.  Confidentiality statute will only allow a teacher to offer you information about your 
child. How the situation was handled will be included in the written report. At this age biting does occur and is very scary 
for both children involved. Children who bite do so for a variety of reasons to include; feeding transitions, oral development, 
sensory integrations, stress, and frustration. Immediate staff response to the action will occur in the form of separation, 
conversation about the action, and encouragement of verbalization as well as attention to the injured child. The environment 
will be assessed to determine if the set up is encouraging the issue (enough space, toys, etc.)  Whatever the situation is, our 
program does not have a “three strikes your out rule”. Continuation in the program will count heavily on parents’ cooperation 
with staff in modifying the behavior. This type of action in older ages (2.5 yrs. and up) will be handled in the same manner as 
hitting, kicking etc. Please see behavior modification section for further information.


TODDLERS AND TWOS
   Play for the toddler is largely sensory-motor or play that involves large and small muscles. Older two’s begin
symbolic or make-believe play.  This is a period of rapid overall growth, and interest and activities will change
often.

   The following is a brief developmental description of goals and objectives for children in our toddler program. 
While in this room, children will be encouraged to:

Be interested in and able to use some verbal communication.
Define personal space and limits (no, mine, move, up, down).
Communicate needs (more, juice, hug, all done, outside).
Foster cooperative and pro-social behaviors (please, thank you).
Master simple concepts (up, down, in, out, stop, go).
Develop-social skills (sharing, taking turns).
Develop an awareness of emotions (supporting the child to help establish)
	a. Trust toward other adults and children
	b. His/her independence
	c. A solid sense of self worth
Develop fine and gross motor skills such as stacking, balancing, jumping, climbing, crawling, throwing, 
and using utensils.
Develop cognitive skills (sizes, shapes, animals, sorting).
Develop an attention span that allows participation in group stories, activities, and table games.
Develop self-help skills that allow children to get toys off shelves and to assist in cleaning up.
Develop verbal skills allowing them to ask for help from adults and children or to express their needs.

   During these years language skills begin to develop at a variety of rates. While some children begin to talk 
early others may not develop as quickly. Parents will be notified if a teacher feels a child’s language skills are 
lagging too far behind. The use of pacifiers in this age grouping is kept to the time when children are on their 
cots and or during times of emotional upset. Constant use of a pacifier can interfere with the child’s’ ability 
to communicate. When a pacifier is used, it must be clearly labeled and kept in a zip lock bag inside the child’s 
cubby when not in use. Pacifiers found lying in the room while be picked up for sanitization and returned 
to the appropriate cubby. 


THREES AND FOURS
   The curriculum for the both part time and full time programs is based on a developmental approach to 
establishing an understanding of reading readiness, numbers, mathematics, discovery, social studies, art 
and musical activities. Social and emotional growth is equally emphasized. Because each child is unique, 
every attempt is made to allow for individualized development in the cognitive, creative, social/emotional
and physical domains. Through the use of manipulative and “hands on” activities the child is introduced to 
skills which will enable him/her to move smoothly into the more formal public/private kindergarten setting. 
We strongly encourage parent reinforcement of our activities and appreciate any additional ideas or 
sharing experiences.

   Teachers use a thematic approach and introduce many and varied subjects to the children through cooking,
art, stories, songs, drama, and various "hands on” activities. While our main emphasis is educational, 
we do all of this in a nurturing Christian environment.


Fine and Gross Motor Skills - Many activities will be used to develop small and large motor skills such as:
- Pre-writing skills
- Puzzles
- Running and jumping
- Painting
- Catching and throwing balls and beanbags

Language Skills - Language skills will be designed to help the child:
- Be able to speak in complete sentences.
- Describe objects or pictures
- Enlarge his/her vocabulary
- Repeat songs or story lines
- Understand and follow directions
- Predict outcomes
- Identify opposites and rhyming words
- Contribute to small group discussions
	
Discriminatory - The children will work on developing discriminatory abilities such as:
- Distinguishing and reproducing sounds
- Classifying by color, shape, function, etc.
- Matching numerals and letters
- Identifying living and non-living objects
	  
Mathematics - Our math activities will encompass:
- Counting and matching – one to one
- Identifying and constructing sets
- Recognition of shapes, curves, and straight lines 
- Understanding quantitative concepts such as:  big/little, long/short, more/less, empty/full, etc… 
- Associating numerals with corresponding sets.


Chapel
   Once a week the children in our program, ages 3-4 years old, will be attending chapel. The 2’s will begin 
to attend once they have become comfortable with their new classroom environment and show readiness 
to “venture out” to other activities. The Chapel curriculum targets developmental skills such as sharing,
listening, helping others and honesty.  Lessons address the social, emotional, intellectual and physical 
tasks associated with preschoolers.  Carry over classroom activities, as well as, family activities are 
available to extend and reinforce their Chapel experience.


Computer Enrichment Program
   An enrichment program is offered for enrolled children aged 2 ½ to 4 years of age. This program 
includes a variety of activities to encourage computer, listening, and discovery skills and allows 
the children some time outside of their classroom working in a small group situation with the 
Enrichment Teacher. 


Part Time Preschool Lunch Bunch
   Extended care is available until 2:00 PM for children enrolled in the three year old 9 - 12 program.  
This activity is offered at a separate cost, receipt of payment and sign-up are required in the office 
prior to attendance. Children who attend participate in daily learning opportunities that will challenge 
their mind, body, and spirit. Diverse activities involving cultural awareness, scientific exploration and 
artistic expression are planned to let the imagination soar.  These special presentations as well as the 
encouragement of social and independence skills make this an invaluable experience.


Field Trips
   Field Trips are an important part of a child’s education. Not only do they introduce children to their
community, they give children a chance to learn first hand how 	things work. Four-year olds in our program 
will be experiencing field trips throughout the year in several ways. A Church of the Palms vehicle may 
provide transportation for field trips.  All vehicles are equipped with required safety restraints. In house 
field trips will bring an activity directly into the classroom setting and enhance the concepts the children 
are currently learning. Parent volunteers are sometimes needed to assist in the field trip by following 
the bus/walking with the children to the destination and being responsible for a specific group of children 
while at the field trip sight. As discussed in our volunteer section, siblings are not permitted to attend this 
type of function. Your undivided attention to the children in your group will help to make a special day 
memorable for your child and their friends. 


Children’s Photos
   Pictures of the children are taken and used for classroom projects on an ongoing basis. The center 
also uses pictures on the ECC website and from time to time in church newsletters. Parents are asked 
to authorize the use of their child’s picture by checking the appropriate box on the enrollment sheet. 
If this box is not checked your child’s photograph will not be used for classroom or publicity issues.


Assessment of Development
   Teachers will be observing your child throughout the year to assess their development, physically, 
emotionally, socially, cognitively, and creatively. Conferences can be held at any time if either
parent or teacher requests one.  A formal conference is held annually in February. Classroom observation 
or written evaluations of children performed by non-ECC staff needs to 	be arranged with the Director 
before their occurrence. If our staff feels an outside assessment or observation form they have been 
asked to fill out will not benefit the child, we will offer an alternative that will allow us to show 
the child’s strengths and challenges in a positive manner. 


Special Needs – Developmental Delays
   The ECC teaching staff is trained in early childhood growth and development. While recognizing the 
wide range of “normal” development, occasionally a child will show a significant delay in social, emotional, 
communication or motor skills, necessitating involvement of the parents and outside agencies.  Every
reasonable effort will be made to accommodate a child’s special needs; however, individual situations 
will be considered on a case by case basis. Parents will be asked to withdraw their child from the Center 
if they are not willing to assist in alleviating dangerous and/or unacceptable situations, and/or seek 
professional intervention when appropriate. 


Behavioral Management
   We believe in positive re-enforcement of a child’s good behavior. Usually, redirection and/or reasoning 
with a child will resolve a case of unacceptable behavior. Children are encouraged to use their words 
to solve conflict whenever possible. If there is an occasion when a child needs to be separated from 
the group to divert his/her attention, this time period will be very limited and allow the child to relax 
and then rejoin the group. The teacher may elect to speak with parents if follow-up is necessary. 
We ask you support us in role modeling positive behavior with the children in our program. Use of
inappropriate language and or discipline measures while at the ECC is not acceptable. 


Chronic Disruptive Behavior
We will make every effort to work with the parents of children having difficulties in child care. However, 
we are here to serve and protect all of our children. Situations involving a child who is displaying chronic 
disruptive behavior, which has been determined to be upsetting to the physical or emotional well being of 
him/her or another child, will be documented on a behavior form.  If the behavior can not be modified the 
following action will take place.

Initial Conference - The Director will request the parent(s) of the child having difficulties to attend 
a meeting in order to discuss the situation and possible intervention strategies. The problem will be defined
in a behavior plan. The parents will take an active role in creating approaches toward solving the problem.

Second Consultation - If the initial behavior plan for helping the child is ineffective, the parent(s) 
will again be asked to meet with the teacher and Director. Another attempt will be made to identify the problem, 
outline  new   approaches, review outside intervention  opportunities, and discuss the consequences if progress 
is not made.

Suspension/Removal - When goals established in behavior plan have not been met, the child may be suspended 
from childcare indefinitely. The childcare Director may immediately suspend a child displaying behavior that 
is harmful to  him/herself  or others. A parent may be called and asked to take the child home immediately at 
any time the child exhibits uncontrollable behavior that cannot be modified by the childcare staff. Suspension 
from the childcare program may vary from  a few hours to an indefinite period.


Quiet/Nap Time
   Children participating in our full day program require some portion of the day to rest and relax. While 
infants start the year off in cribs, children aged 1-3 rest on assigned cots each day after lunch. All children 
are given the opportunity to sleep. Older children who may not require as much sleep will be provided quiet 
activities as long as they do not disturb their sleeping friends. If repetitive disruption occurs, a conference 
with parents will be requested in order to create a plan for rest time in the classrom.  Rest time items need to 
be small enough to store in the cubby or on the cot and need to be things that will not cause injury while resting 
or make noise that will disturb sleeping children.  Blankets or other washable items brought for rest time 
must be taken home on Fridays for washing. Children in Pre-K 4's will have a short relaxation time after lunch. 
Assigned mats and quiet opportunities will be available to these children. Students in the Part-Day program that 
attend until 2:00 do not rest on cots, but do have a short book time after lunch. Part–day parents in the 3 and 
4 year old programs who will be picking up children during quiet time are required to exit the building 
quickly and quietly after picking up children because the full time children in our school are sleeping 
at that time. Parents need to be with their children at all times, allowing children to run ahead is 
an extreme safety issue as well as an activity that is disrupting to the sleeping children.


Toys and Personal Belongings
   Candy, gum, and toys from home will not be allowed. Toys from home create problems when they are not shared
and children are unhappy if a toy is lost or broken. Books or other items of interest may be brought to share if
arranged with teacher. Please make sure items are labeled with child’s name. The center will not be responsible
for lost or misplaced items.


Proper Attire/Extra Clothing
   Parents are required to provide a change of clothes (1 or more depending on age of the child). Proper attire: 
tennis shoes and loose fitting, comfortable clothing is required. Children will be painting, cooking, participating 
in science experiments, playing on the playground, and participating in other sometimes-messy experiences. Children
should be allowed to fully participate and have freedom of expression. Dressy clothes and dress shoes are not
appropriate. Sandals, “jellies,” shoes with cleats, and cowboy boots are not safe on the playground and in many 
of the movement exercises. Jewelry can also be unsafe or lost/damaged during play. 


Nutrition
  For children in our Full-day program, the ECC provides two snacks everyday (milk, juice, crackers, peanut butter,
nuts, fruit or other nutritious foods). A nutritious lunch is also served family style. Lunches from home will not 
be accepted in the full-time program. The menus are posted and will be made available to 
parents at the beginning of each month. If a child has a food allergy, you will be asked to review 
and sign off on snack and lunch menus. Breakfast must be eaten at home. Children will not be permitted 
to finish breakfast in the classroom.

   For children in our Part-day program, A the ECC provides a morning snack (milk, juice, crackers, peanut butter, 
nuts, fruit or other nutritious foods). If a child has a food allergy, we will provide an alternate food item only 
if we receive written instruction from the child’s physician. Children staying until 2:00 PM need to have lunch 
packed in a lunch bag or box labeled with the child’s first and last name. Sodas and candy may not be included. 
Food should be stored in appropriate containers. Teachers do no have microwaves or refrigerators available to heat 
or store snacks.


Birthdays
   Birthday celebrations must be arranged with the child’s teacher in advance and take place during the normal 
PM snack time. If you choose to provide a snack, please consider that cookies, fruit, Jell-O Jigglers or ice cream cups 
make good "treats” that are not too high in sugar content. Non-food items such as napkins, cups, or hats also compliment 
the normal snack time in a fun way. Latex balloons are not permitted in the program due to the chocking hazard 
they may create. Birthday invitations to private parties may not be put in cubbies unless all children are invited.
Parent Involvement and Communication



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Parent Involvement and Communication


Parent Education 
   Parent information boards are located outside of every classroom as well as in the hall way outside of the office. 
On the classroom board you will find individual lesson plans and info relating directly to your child’s class. In both 
locations you will find the daily menus, information about communicable illnesses, parent newsletters, and special 
events. It is imperative that you read these boards daily in order to better understand the activities may affect your 
child and family. Aside posting on the boards, monthly program newsletters and lunch menus are sent home each month.



Daily Reports
   Communication between parents and staff is a vital piece of our assisting your child in our program. 
We appreciate your sharing information about your child’s life that could impact their days at the ECC. 
We welcome your questions and comments about our program.

   In our Full-day program, a written Daily report will be sent home for children ages infant - two. 
This report will outline their day, activities, meals, bathroom/diapering, sleep time and general 
information about their frame of mind. For all older classrooms, both Full-day and Part-day a note will 
be posted on the parent board to inform you how the child spent the day. Specific concerns will be 
passed on to you by the staff individually. 


Weekly Lesson Plans
   Lesson Plans are posted in every classroom on the parent board. Plans outline daily activities and 
relate to the specific needs of age group. Teachers work from a thematic approach offering hands on 
opportunity for learning. Parents can be an active partner in their child’s education by familiarizing 
themselves with the plan and leaving some time each day to explore with their child the activities they 
have participated in.

Conferences
   Conferences can be held at anytime if either parent or teacher requests one. A formal conference is 
held annually in February and will supply the parent with information about where their child is developmentally.


Volunteers
   Parents are encouraged to volunteer time working with teachers during regular classroom hours. Time spent 
in the classroom can nurture a child’s perception of the valuable connection between home and school. Please 
keep in mind that at times your presence may be upsetting for your child. If this is the case please contact 
your child’s teacher or administration for ideas about what other things you might be able to do to help out.

   Volunteers other than parents are always welcome and provide valuable hands, helping either in the office, 
or in classrooms. Due to state regulations, siblings may not accompany parents who are volunteering. All 
volunteers (parent or otherwise) must sign in the office upon arrival.


Room Parents
   At the start of each school year, The ECC Committee recruits one parent from each classroom to be the
classroom liaison for the year. This individual works with the committee to organize parent participation 
in the classroom in relation to teacher recognition, fundraisers, and any other things that might come up 
throughout the year. This responsibility does not involve the traditional elementary school room parent jobs 
such as cutting, copying, and grading. Parents will receive information about this opportunity at orientation. 


Special Events
   Through out the school year, a variety of fun activities will be occurring that will create opportunities 
for your involvement. Most of these activities take 30-60 minutes in our Full-day program and 60-90 minutes 	
in our Part-day program. Some of the activities will involve your whole family while others are limited to 	
mom, dad, or a special adult friend of the child. Please keep in mind that the many activities that will be
available for four (4) year olds are not developmentally appropriate for younger children. Consequently the 
participation level of each age group will be individualized in the most appropriate manner. Whether it is 
attending a picnic, sharing a morning bagel, or sharing a covered dish with families at an End of the Year 
Celebration, it takes all of you to make these events memorable for the children. 

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Designed by Coleen Cox 2002-2009