Little Apostles Preschool and Kindergarten · 2019-09-18 · Little Apostles Preschool and Kindergarten Parent Handbook 2018 - 2019 St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church 1897 West

Little Apostles Preschool and Kindergarten

Parent Handbook

2018 - 2019

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church 1897 West Main Street

Lewisville, Texas 75067 (972) 219-7260 School Office (972) 436-2322 alternate emergency #

[email protected] littleapostlespreschool.org

www.facebook.com/LittleApostles

Revised 07/02/18 Page 1

Welcome to Little Apostles Preschool and Kindergarten

Dear Little Apostles Parents, I would like to take a moment and welcome your family to Little Apostles Preschool and Kindergarten, and familiarize you with our school. Little Apostles believes that children learn best through direct, hands-on experiences with people and materials; they discover the world around them by exploring and through creative play choices. Little Apostles provides a loving Catholic environment where children construct their knowledge by touching, tasting, smelling, watching, listening, thinking, and doing. Children grow and learn through opportunities to interact and explore, to develop social skills, creative expression, language enrichment, physical development, independence skills, and respect of diversity. Sincerely, Ana Paula Solia Director


HOURS OF OPERATION

Little Apostles Preschool & Kindergarten

Open: Monday-Thursday: 9 AM-2 PM – Kindergarten: 8:30 AM-2 PM Friday: 9 AM-1 PM – Kindergarten: 8:30 AM-1 PM Early Drop-off every day from 8:15 AM

Tuesday, September 4, 2018-Thursday, May 23, 2019 Calendar

Little Apostles Preschool will follow the Lewisville Independent School District calendar to determine dates for holidays and other days off. In addition, we will be closed on the following days associated with Roman Catholic Holy Days and Diocesan staff development:

November 1 April 19 and 22

Severe Weather Little Apostle Preschool will close on regularly scheduled school days when the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) determines that closure is advisable due to weather conditions. For updates on school and church closings check the parish Web site or Channel 5 News. You may also phone the main parish number, 972-436-9581. The automated attendant will indicate closing. • Little Apostles will not open if LISD has a delayed start time. • If LISD has early release, Little Apostles will close immediately upon parent

notification.


EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

1. If the emergency environment is confined to the immediate area of the child care facility, e.g. fire or toxic fumes, and the children cannot stay on the premises, the children will be brought to Saint Philip the Apostle Worship Center by foot where they will remain accompanied by caregivers while family/guardian/emergency contacts are notified of the situation and arrangements are made for either the transporting home or care taking for the remainder of the day.

1A. In the event of exposure to toxic materials or gases and a physical examination is

recommended, children will be transported by appropriate measure to the closest hospital or medical facility where they will be examined and family/guardian/ emergency contacts will be notified.

2. If the emergency is more widespread and encompasses a larger area such as a

neighborhood or several homes, due to a non-confined environmental threat, e.g. toxic fumes from a spill, floodwaters, brush fires, etc., and the children cannot remain in the area, the children will be brought to Garden Ridge Church of Christ, located at the corner of Garden Ridge and Main Street, by car where they will remain accompanied by caregiver(s) while family/guardian/emergency contacts are notified and arrangements for either transportation home or a continuation of care is made.

EMERGENCY TAKE SHELTER PROCEDURES

Little Apostles Preschool is committed to providing a safe environment for our students, staff and visitors. In case of an emergency situation due to weather or other area-wide emergency, Little Apostles Preschool has detailed plans in place to provide emergency shelter. The Little Apostles Preschool staff and children regularly practice fire drills and emergency drills in order to be prepared for a quick response. A decision to evacuate or to keep students at school will be made by the Director based upon instructions and guideline provided by the National Weather Service or appropriate local authorities. What you can do:

• Be sure your child’s records are up to date including emergency contact information. • Tune into local television channels including 4 (KDFW), 5 (KXAS), 8 (WFAA), and 11 (KTVT),

along with radio stations 820AM (WBAP), 1080AM (KRLD), 100.7FM (KWRD), and 103.7FM (KVIL), for any news, updates or official notifications.

• Remember, in case of a tornado warning, shelter-in-place, or lock down situation, students will not be released until an “all clear” is given.


Emergency*: What to Expect: Tornado or Severe Storm Watch

If a ‘Watch’ is in place at time of dismissal, children will be released as usual

Tornado Warning or Shelter-in-Place

Students, visitors and staff will be moved to designated shelter areas. No students will be released until warnings are canceled by local authority and/or the Director. When the Warning ends and the severe weather has moved out of the area, normal activities will resume. If the Warning occurs at dismissal time, children will not be released until the Warning ends.

Winter Storm If a winter storm begins during school hours, parents, guardians or other contact persons may pick up children. If LISD closes early, students must be picked up as soon as possible.

LISD closure or late arrival

If a decision is made to open late or to close LISD schools, Little Apostles Preschool will be closed for the day.

Evacuation If it is necessary to evacuate children from the building or move to another location, a system is in place to safely care for and reunite children with parents. Photo ID will be required to pick up children.

Lock Down No entry or exit from the building will be allowed. Students will be released at the discretion of the Director and/or local law enforcement

*As issued by the National Weather Service or other official authority. Your child’s safety is our first concern. Please feel free to contact the office with any questions or clarification. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.


ENROLLMENT Enrollment

Enrollment is based on yearly registration. A child’s placement in the class or with a specific teacher is based upon his/her age as of September 1 of that school year and upon the discretion of the Director. No child shall be denied enrollment based upon race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, or learning differences. Any changes to enrollment procedures and policies will be made in writing to the parents.

Documentation Requirements

• Complete all information on the Enrollment Card • Please give the office your health insurance information • Sign the Parent Handbook Acknowledgement • Immunization Records and Health Statement

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church

Supporting Rate Policy For Little Apostles Preschool

Little Apostles Preschool is supported by St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. The tuition and fees do not cover all the costs involved. Therefore, contributions made to the church are vital to the financial success of the preschool. All families from the community are welcome into preschool; however, because of the above, priority is given to contributing parish families. Reduced tuition is offered to parents or legal guardians of students who support the parish with a minimum of $275 trackable donations during a calendar year. Trackable donations are defined as checks, envelopes, credit cards, or bank drafts (ACH). To receive supporting rates for the current school year, a family must have contributed a minimum of $275 in trackable donations by December 31 of the prior calendar year as determined by the accounting office. Parents or legal guardians of students who did not donate the minimum of $275 by the end of the calendar year will pay the non-supporting tuition rate for the next school year.


Immunization Records All students must have a current immunization record on file before they can be allowed to attend class. Documentation acceptable for our records must be generated by a physician or other health care professional following the guidelines for the Texas Department of State Health Services. You can refer to their website at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/ Immunization record must include the child’s birthdate and the month day and year the child received each vaccination. Immunization records should be updated at each well-child visit to your child’s doctor.

Health Statement

A current health statement must be on file before the student can be allowed to attend class. Items included on the form are: • A list of any allergies – both food and medication • Any medical conditions of concern • Verification that the child has had a physical exam within the last year and is able

to participate in school activities Vision and Hearing Screening

All children enrolled in programs who are four years of age by September 1 of each school year, and first-time enrollees who are four years of age or older at the time of enrollment, must undergo a vision and hearing screening. A copy of this screening must be submitted to the office. This screening may be completed by your child’s physician or a licensed screener.

Withdrawal

Written notice must be received by the Preschool Director a minimum of two weeks prior to withdrawal. Additional fees may be incurred if minimum notice is not received. No refunds or credits will be made for any fees or payments already collected.


Re-enrollment Tuition rates are reviewed and subject to change on a yearly basis. No refunds will be made for days missed due to family vacations, illness, early release or emergency days off, or closings related to the LISD. You may re-enroll into our program if space is available. Please understand that we often have a waitlist for our classes and that re-enrollment may not always be possible. If you have withdrawn your child, and choose to re-enroll in the same school year, a $50 re-enrollment fee is required.


FEES AND TUITION

Annual Enrollment and Supply Fees Non-refundable fees due at the time of the enrollment (per child)

• $100 enrollment fee • Supply fee: 2 day--$100 3 day--$150 5 day--$200

Tuition

Tuition rates are reviewed and subject to change on a yearly basis. No refunds will be made for days missed due to family vacations, illness, early release or emergency days off, or closings related to the LISD.

Payments

A total of nine tuition payments are due for each school year. The first tuition payment for September was due on May 15th. The additional eight payments for the school year will be due by the 15th of the prior month for which the tuition is due (September through April). As a courtesy, statements will be mailed/e-mailed at the beginning of each month. Tuition may be paid through your personal online banking, at the preschool front desk (drop off box) or by U.S. mail. Only checks or money orders are accepted. NO CASH PAYMENTS will be accepted. If payment is due during a school holiday, or when the preschool is closed, tuition may be mailed, given to the church office receptionist, or dropped in the locked key box that is secured to the wall by the parish office doors in the administration wing of the Ministry Center.

Late Fees

A $25 dollar late fee, per student, will be automatically applied to your account if tuition or fees due are not received by the due date. If tuition payments or fees due are not received by the end of the school day of the last day of the month prior to the current month of enrollment, your child will forfeit placement in our program immediately.


Non-Sufficient Funds Fees

It is the policy of Saint Philip the Apostle that all NSF checks be replaced and all fees incurred reimbursed. If a second NSF check is received, then all future tuition and fees must be paid by money order or cashier’s check.

Tardy Pickup Fees

All students should be picked up promptly at 2 PM, Monday-Thursday and 1 PM on Friday. A tardy pickup fee of $15.00 per 10 minute interval or part thereof, shall apply. As a kindness to parents, this fee will be applied on the third infraction and any tardies following. Habitual lateness may result in forfeited placement in our program. A statement of late pickup fee will be sent home and payment will be expected immediately.

Early Drop-off Fees Early drop-off is offered every day beginning at 8:15 AM. Reservations are not required, but are preferred to ensure space is available. Please call 972-219-7260. A daily $5 fee will be applied and charged to the monthly Statement. Payment for this additional service is due by the invoiced due date. This is an additional fee that applies only to the children who are using the service. During these 45 minutes, the children will be in the Movement Room, participating in free play activities. The curriculum activities are from 9 AM to 2 PM, Monday-Thursday (Preschool) 8:30 AM to 2 PM (Kindergarten) and 9 AM to 1 PM Friday 8:30 AM to 1 PM (Kindergarten) while the children are in their own classrooms. Early Drop Off fees will be waived for siblings of families with Kindergarten enrollment.


SAFETY AND SECURITY Entrance/Exit

Please enter and exit through the Main Street door only. The other doors are for fire, emergency, or authorized use only. Any unauthorized use will be considered a violation of our safety procedures. If you need to go to the parish office, please go around to the Ministry Center main entrance.

Visitors

Parents and other visitors are welcome in our school center. Appointments are not necessary, but can be made with individual teachers and/or the Director. Visitors must sign in at the school front desk and wear a visitor tag. Any outside guest without a visitor tag will be referred to the office and/or the Director.

Volunteers We encourage parents to take an active interest in their child’s school experience. If you have interests and/or talents that could benefit us, please do not hesitate to contact the teachers and/or Director. All volunteers working with children must complete the Safe Environment training session, “Keeping Children and Youth Safe,” as required by the Diocese of Fort Worth. This includes a background check; both must be completed before working with children in our school.

Procedures for Release of Children and Information Children can be released only to persons authorized in writing on the enrollment form filed in the school office. Any change in drop-off or pick up must be accompanied by a signed note from a parent. Persons who pick up children will be asked to show a picture I.D. to verify their identity. Any last minute change in pick up arrangements done by telephone must be authorized by the Director. In the case of non-custodial parents, or restrictive or restraint orders, a copy of custody, visitation, or other relevant legal papers must be on file in the office. By law, biological parents may pick up their child unless these documents are on file.

All information shall be kept in complete confidence. Little Apostles Preschool will only release records and other information with written authorization of the parent/legal guardian or under court order.


Signing In and Out Students will be accepted at the classroom door between 8:55 - 9:10 AM-Preschool, 8:25 – 8:30 AM-Kindergarten. Parents should sign in their child each day and list any alternate phone numbers (cell phone, etc.) where they may be reached during that day. Any student arriving after 9:10 AM-Preschool, 8:30 AM-Kindergarten should be signed in by a parent at the front desk and will be escorted by a staff member to the child’s classroom. Students using the early drop-off will be accepted at 8:15 AM. Parents should use the same sign in procedure at the Nursery that is used for classroom drop-off. Regular dismissal is 2 PM Monday-Thursday, 1 PM Friday. All students should be picked up promptly. A tardy pickup fee of $15 per 10 minute interval, or part thereof, shall apply. Habitual lateness may result in removal from the program. A statement of late pickup fees will be sent home and payment will be expected immediately.

Any parent picking up their child early should request that student from the front office, so as not to interrupt the routine of other children in the classroom. Children needing to be picked up early from school should be signed out at the front desk no later than 1:40 PM, Monday-Thursday, 12:40 PM, Friday. Our staff will not be able to leave the front area after this for security reasons. Please respect the other families waiting for their children to be released.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten Attendance Kindergarten students are required to be in class by 8:30 AM. Any absences must have an excused letter approved by the Director. Excessive tardiness will be reviewed by the Director. Kindergarten Dress Code Students are required to wear a red polo shirt with the Little Apostles Logo. Little Apostles will supply one shirt per student. Additional shirts may be ordered through our office. Students will also be required to wear khaki pants, shorts, or skorts.


HEALTH Illness

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services requires that no child be admitted to class if one or more of the following exists:

1. noticeably sick 2. running a fever (greater than 100.4) 3. uncontrolled diarrhea 4. two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours 5. rash with fever 6. mouth sores with drooling 7. behavior changes that signify a child may be ill 8. child has been diagnosed with communicable disease

No child/employee with an absence due to a communicable disease can be readmitted to class without medical documentation from a health care provider to indicate the child is no longer contagious. Due to the safety and health concerns of other students please inform the office as soon as possible if your child has been diagnosed or shows symptoms of a communicable disease. Your child’s personal information will be kept confidential. By reporting this information you will be helpful in protecting the other students in our program. These diseases, which include but are not limited to, measles, mumps, scarlet fever, chicken pox, etc., may be reported, as is required by the state, to the local health department. A child/employee must be fever-free (without aid of medication) for 24 hours before returning to school. Please observe these guidelines for the health and safety of other children and staff in our school. If a child becomes ill while at school, the Director or designee will contact the parent to pick up the child. Parents are expected to arrive to care for their child as soon as possible or arrange care within 1 hour, or standard late fees may apply.

Medication


No medications shall be administered at any time. Exceptions will be made, with doctor’s authorization and doctor’s directions, for emergency medications (i.e., for allergic reactions, asthma attacks, use of EpiPen), or life-dependent medication only.

Medical Emergencies

In case of a critical illness or injury while the child is at school, the physician named by the parents on the “Emergency Release Form” will be called if the parents cannot be reached immediately. Emergency Medical Services (911) will be called first if the Director makes that judgment. If necessary, and considered reasonable by EMS, the child will be taken to the emergency room specified as “the hospital of preference.” For this reason, it is imperative that the school have the necessary information and authorization for medical care for each child enrolled. Parents will promptly be notified of any serious injury, and incident reports are kept on file in the office.

PLAN OF CARE

Infant Feeding Plan

Little Apostles Preschool will respect and support each family to develop a feeding plan based on an individual infant’s needs including bottle feeding, breast feeding and introducing solid foods. Parents and caregivers are responsible for providing bottles, formula and solid foods as is appropriate for the individual child. Please properly label all items. A place is available for breast feeding mothers as well as storage for expressed breast milk to be fed during care at Little Apostles. As an infant grows and needs change, the child’s individual feeding plan will be reviewed with caregivers and adjusted accordingly.

Health-related Needs

Each student at high risk for anaphylaxis or allergic reaction, including any student with a history of serious reaction to an allergen or who has a chronic respiratory illness such as asthma, will have a Plan of Care on hand. Please note: Any employee that attempts to administer emergency medication as emergency care will not be held liable for damages for an act performed in administering the care unless the act is willfully or wantonly negligent.


Other Special Needs

Little Apostles will accept and will make reasonable accommodations for students with a variety of special needs. It is important that parents inform the Director of any special needs their child may have. By doing so, the appropriate school team can work with the family to develop a Plan of Care that will assist all parties in making the best choices for the child. If reasonable accommodations cannot be made within the Little Apostles’ program, it may be necessary for Little Apostles to terminate the enrollment of the child. This will be at the discretion of the Director. If reasonable accommodations cannot be made, Little Apostles will help families find outside resources to assist them, whenever possible.


GENERAL GUIDELINES AND POLICIES Lunches

Children should bring a lunch from home each day. Please label all items with your child’s name. Little Apostles Preschool does not provide meals and is not responsible for the nutritional value of your child’s meal. Parents should ensure that perishable foods are appropriately packed with lunches. No breakable containers. Any lunch not eaten will be left in the lunch kit to be taken home. Preparing simple, kid-friendly lunches that your child can manage on his own will help with this. Food cannot be heated or kept in the refrigerator at Little Apostles. Please cut all grapes, hot dogs and other appropriate foods lengthwise, so as to reduce the possibility of choking or obstruction of airways. All children will be encouraged, but not forced, to eat. Candy, popcorn and carbonated drinks should not be included in your child’s lunch.

PEANUT-SAFE SCHOOL

Several students in our school have serious peanut allergies. A child with a serious peanut allergy can suffer a reaction merely by touching a peanut-containing food. Therefore, we have the following safety guidelines in effect:

• Do not send any peanuts, peanut butter, or foods containing peanuts or peanut products to school.

• Read all food labels and do not send foods with the following warnings: o this product may contain peanuts o this product processed in a facility that may contain peanuts o any similar label

• Do not enclose candy or other treats with holiday cards. • Birthdays will be acknowledged by the school team by means other than food treats. • If your child ate peanut butter for breakfast, we would greatly appreciate you making

sure that his/her hands are washed with soap and water before leaving for school. Water alone does not do the trick!

Snack

Morning snacks should be brought from home every day. Water is always available.


Birthdays

Each child’s birthday is an important event to recognize his/her importance as a unique person who is growing and learning. Each child will be recognized in a special and appropriate way by the teacher.

Each child’s picture will be taken and placed on our monthly birthday wall. July through September birthdays will be celebrated in September. May through June birthdays will be celebrated in May.

If you would like, you are welcome to join your child’s class during the normal snack time to help recognize and celebrate your child. Some ideas you may consider include:

• Send or bring in party plates, cups, and/or napkins to be used during snack time.

• Donate a book to your child’s classroom. Inscribe it with your child’s name or picture.

• Make a monetary donation to the church or school in your child’s name.

Please discuss any other plans or ideas with the Director at least one week in advance. Party invitations can only be handed out if each child in the class receives one. Otherwise, please deliver the invitations outside of school.

Cell Phones

It is requested that cell phones not be used during drop-off and pickup times. Your children are precious people, and deserve your undivided attention when saying good-bye or hello. Both are extremely important times of the day for your child to transition, please show them their value.

Hang up and say, “Hello!”


Clothing

Children should be dressed comfortably for messy, active play. It is requested for safety that you do not send your child to school in opened-toe shoes, sandals, Crocs, slip-on shoes with no heel, boots with pointed toes (cowboy boots), or any type of hard, slick-soled shoes. You may be requested to return home for proper shoes. As the weather changes, please be sure to send your child with appropriate outdoor clothing. We do try to go out to play as much as possible. Even if the ground is wet, classes may go for a walk. All outdoor clothing must be clearly marked with the child’s name. Jackets with drawstrings and children wearing earrings pose serious risk and caution is advised. Little Apostles can not be responsible for injuries caused by improper clothing or shoes. All children should have a complete change of clothes with them each day in their bag or backpack. Again, please label each piece and put them together in a gallon Ziploc bag with your child’s name on the outside of the bag. This provides the teacher with easy access in case of an accident. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged clothing.

Pre-k Mass Attendance Pre-k students will be required to wear a blue polo shirt with the logo when attending Mass. Little Apostles will supply one shirt per student. Additional shirts may be ordered through our office. Students will also be required to wear khaki pants, shorts, or skorts.

Infants/Toddlers

Please clearly mark diaper bags on the outside and each item in the bag with your child’s name. This is especially important since many children bring items that are exactly alike. We must insist on this to prevent giving your baby the wrong food or bottle. Please place your child’s labeled lunch all together in a baggie or lunch kit inside the diaper bag. Please do not send Tylenol, ointments, etc. in the diaper bag. These are considered medication and proper policies must be followed.

Diaper Creams/Ointments

Written consent must be given if you want teachers to apply diaper ointment or creams. Permission is implied thereafter if ointments or creams are included in the


child’s diaper bag or backpack. Ointments and creams must be clearly marked with the child’s name and directions for use must be clear.

Toilet Learning

We ask that ALL families please work toward successful toilet learning by the time your 3-year-old enters the program. Our caregivers will gladly support you and your child in this significant process. Please dress all children who are not using the toilet independently in clothing that will easily accommodate diaper changing. Please send enough diapers or pull-ups for each day with child’s first name and last name initial on each one (disposable only).

Water Activities

In the springtime, weather permitting, Little Apostles Preschool celebrates the warm weather with a Splash Day. Water play may include but is not limited to sprinklers, squirting activities, and painting with water. Children are encouraged to wear sun screen, water shoes, swim suit, and swim diapers (when applicable). Each teacher will send home additional information or requirements to make this a special fun day for all.

Questions/Concerns/Review of Documents

School notes and information will be sent home in a blue folder and/or e-mailed each day. Parents will be notified in writing of any changes or additions to policies. DO NOT send any payments or money in the blue folder. All payments must be made according to the payment policy under Fees and Tuition. Any parent wishing to review policies, procedures, copies of documented inspections, or minimum standards may contact the school office to make an appointment with the Director.

Parent Conferences Teachers and the Director are available for parent conferences upon request during the regular school hours.


Discipline Discipline must be:

1. Individualized and consistent for each child; 2. Appropriate to the child’s level of understanding; and 3. Directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control.

A caregiver may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction, which include at least the following:

1. Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior;

2. Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements;

3. Redirecting behavior using positive statements; and 4. Using brief supervised separation or time away from the group, when

appropriate for the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.

There must be NO harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child. The following types of discipline and guidance are prohibited:

1. Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment; 2. Punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training; 3. Pinching, shaking, or biting a child; 4. Hitting a child with a hand or instrument; 5. Putting anything in or on a child’s mouth; 6. Humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child; 7. Subjecting a child to harsh, abusive or profane language; 8. Placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom, or closet with the door

closed; and 9. Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods

of time for the child’s age.

Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Chapters 746, Subchapters L, Discipline and Guidance


Reporting Abuse and Neglect

The law requires any person who believes that a child or person 65 years or older or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited to report the circumstances to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Abuse Hotline. A person making a report is immune from civil or criminal liability, and the name of the person making the report is kept confidential. Any person who suspects abuse and does not report it can be held liable for a Class-A misdemeanor. Additional reporting requirements apply to teachers and other professionals. A professional must report suspected abuse or neglect of a child within 48 hours of suspecting the child has been or may be abused or neglected. [TFC 261.101 (b)}* A professional cannot delegate this duty to another person to make the report. Reporting suspected child abuse makes it possible to protect the child and for a family to get help. For life-threatening or emergency situations, call your local law enforcement agency or 911 immediately, and then make a report to DFPS. There are two options for reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. By Phone: Call the Abuse Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free 1-

800-252-5400 from anywhere in the US to report abuse or neglect that occurred in Texas.

By Secure Internet Web Site: From your internet browser, go to https://www.txabusehotline.org. When you get to the Web site, there will be directions to the links to report abuse or neglect against children or to report abuse against elderly or disabled adults. Recent improvements to the site include a registration page, ability for the user to print the report, left side navigation, and spell check. If you have trouble or questions about making a report on the Web Site, call (512) 929-6784 or 1-800-252-5400 for help. (You MUST include the “s” in “https://” to access the site.)


Types of Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation

What is Abuse?

• Abuse is mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a child or person 65 years or older or an adult with disabilities, or failure to prevent such injury.

What is Neglect?

• Neglect of a child includes (1) failure to provide a child with food, clothing, shelter and/or medical care; and/ or (2) leaving a child in a situation where the child is at risk of harm.

• Neglect of a person 65 years or older or an adult with disabilities results in starvation, dehydration, over- or under-medication, unsanitary living conditions, and lack of heat, running water, electricity, medical care, and personal hygiene.

What is Exploitation? • Exploitation is misusing the resources of a person 65 years or older or an

adult with disabilities for personal or monetary benefit. This includes taking Social Security or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) checks, abusing a joint checking account, and taking property and other resources.

Information that is helpful to have on hand when filing an abuse report includes (if known):

• The name, age, and address of the child or person 65 years or older or an adult with disabilities.

• Your name and contact information. • A brief description of the situation and the child or vulnerable adult. • Current injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems. • Parents’ names and names of siblings in the home (for a child). • Names of relatives in or outside the home and name of perpetrator (for an

adult). • Explain how you know about the situation.

* Texas Family Code Chapter 261.101 (b)


Gang Free Zone

Under the Texas Penal Code, any area within 1000 feet of a child-care center is a gang free zone, where criminal offenses related to organized criminal activity are subject to harsher penalty. Little Apostles Preschool is a GANG FREE ZONE.

For further information please contact your licensing representative or your local licensing office.


Important Phone Numbers

Little Apostles Preschool Director and School Office 972-219-7260 Alternative Emergency 972-436-2322 Fax 972-436-5302 Saint Philip the Apostle Parish Office 972-436-9581 Child Abuse Hotline 800-252-5400 Texas Department of Family Protective Services 940-381-3400 www.dfps.state.tx.us 800-582-6036


Little Apostles Preschool

Saint Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church Parent Acknowledgement

This is to acknowledge that Little Apostles Preschool has provided me with a Parent Handbook containing policies, procedures and discipline guidelines. I have read the handbook and agree to follow the contents within. Student Name(s) (please list all enrolled children here) Parent Signature Date