Revised 7/24/2012

LSS Child Care Parent Handbook

Providing Quality Child Care for Children

Our Locations:

LSS Child’s First LSS Waukesha Center 612 North Randall Ave 100 East Broadway

Janesville, WI 53545 Waukesha, WI 53186 608-752-0743 262-547-1317

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Table of Contents

I. Welcome ………………………………………………………… Page 3

II. Admission Policy………………………………………………… Page 4

III. Schedules, Attendance & Absences……………………………… Page 6

IV. Fees……………………………………………………………….. Page 7

V. Arrival & Departure……………………………………………….Page 8

VI. Discharge of Enrolled Children……………………………………Page 9

VII. Guidance & Discipline Policy……………………………………..Page 10

VIII. Nutrition Policy……………………………………………………Page 12

IX. Daily Program……………………………………………………. Page 13

X. Children’s Clothing & Personal Belongings………………………Page 16

XI. Health Care……………………………………………………….. Page 16

XII. Parent Communication…………………………………………….Page 19

XIII. Child Abuse Reporting & Training………………………………..Page 20

XIV. Emergency Procedures…………………………………………….Page 20

XV. Child Custody…………………………………………………….. Page 21

XVI. Staff Development…………………………………………………Page 22

XVII. Signature Sheet…………………………………………………….Page 25

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I. Welcome to LSS Child Care Centers Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc. provides quality full-day, state-licensed child care programs at three locations. The Centers provide services for children without regard to race, creed, religion, or national origin. Children with special needs are always welcome. If a child’s special needs require a higher level of care, the Centers will establish an individualized rate necessary to cover the cost of care. LSS staff is committed to providing a quality and caring program for your child. The programs are set up to provide opportunities for your child to develop intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally to reach their fullest potential. Classroom activities are both planned and spontaneous. Basic concepts are introduced and reviewed with the children that will strengthen their individual skills. The LSS Child Care Centers believe that parents are an integral part of their child’s growth and development, therefore we encourage parents to stop by anytime to observe their children in our various programs. Although each of our programs has unique qualities to them, each of them provides quality care for your child. Below you will find an overview of each of our locations. Please note that each Center reserves the right to amend hours of service should there be a decrease or increase in demand for services. Parents affected by this will receive adequate notice. LSS Child’s First– 612 Randall Ave., Janesville, WI 53545, (608) 752-0743 This location is open from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Center is licensed for 67 children ranging from six weeks to 12 years of age. In collaboration with the Janesville School District, we provide a P4J program, for children four years of age by September 1 of each school year. This site provides day off of school care and summer child care for school age children. LSS Waukesha Center – 100 East Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186, (262) 547-1317 This location is open from 6:30 am until 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Center is licensed for 33 children ranging from six weeks through 12 years of age. In collaboration with the Waukesha School District, we provide a 4 year old Kindergarten program. This site provides before and afterschool care, day off of school care, and summer child care for school age children.

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Administrative Structure-Lutheran Social Services The Child Care Programs are programs of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc. The Centers follow the following administrative structure: Program Manager Program Supervisors Program Coordinator/ Center Director Teaching Staff

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher. If you have further concerns, please see the Program Coordinator. If the concern continues after this please contact the Program Manager or Supervisor. Copies of the Center rules and regulations and Center policies are available onsite or online at www.lsswis.org.

II. Admission Policies

Enrollment Choices There are three choices for enrollment at LSS Child Care Centers:

Full-Time Enrollment – child is enrolled five, full-days per week Part-Time Enrollment – less than five full-days per week, may not fluctuate days from week-to-week Drop-In Care – A drop-in day may not be substituted for a normally scheduled day.

This service is only available if space permits. The Child Care Centers strive to provide a high quality experience for children and families. Operating with full classrooms allows us the dollars necessary to pay our staff and maintain a quality program.

Pre-Admission Requirements The following enrollment forms, along with the registration fee are required prior to the first day of attendance. No slots are held for children without the non-refundable registration fee. They should be completed by a parent/guardian, and family physician: Intake Form for children under the age of two Enrollment Form Health History and Emergency Form Physical Form needs to be signed by your child’s physician and must be updated as

requested Immunization Form needs to be updated as immunizations are received A Legal Custody Form, if applicable Medication Request Form, if applicable Signed receipt of parent handbook An auto withdrawal form from you bank, for all payments. DPI Food Program Paperwork

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Children’s Records You, as the parent or legal guardian of a child have the right at any time to request to see your child’s personal file. Their file will include all required licensing paperwork any records received from outside sources, incident reports, medication intake forms, and any other pertinent information regarding the care of your child. In addition to your child’s individual records, licensing requires centers to have a medical log book, in which staff enters any injuries, medication given your child, or other out of the ordinary events that occur at the center or with a child. Entries are checked bi-annually by the program coordinator or supervisor. Enrollment As the needs of children differ, we encourage all families to tour the center prior to enrolling their child. What may be a good fit for one child, may not be for another, and by observing the staff and children in your child’s prospective classroom you will be able to determine if our program best meets your child’s needs. Enrollment in the program is based on space availability and teacher to child ratio, as provided by state requirements. Open slots are filled on a first come, first serve basis, with full-time applicants taking precedence over part-time. If a classroom is at capacity, a waiting list will be established for each classroom. When a family enrolls their child(ren) at the centers they may access the parent handbook at www.lsswis.org or one will be made available if needed. Any questions about the policies or procedures in the handbook should be brought to the attention of the Program Coordinator. In addition, a copy of the Parent Handbook/Policies is available in the office for further review by families. Waiting List If a parent/guardian wishes to enroll their child in our program and the classroom is full, they can request to have their child placed on a waiting list. The family will be notified when an opening occurs. Priority on the waiting list may be determined by: Siblings currently enrolled at the Centers Request of a full-time schedule versus a part-time schedule

If you wish to be placed on the waiting list the following information will need to be provided to the center: Parents Name Child’s name and birth date Phone Number Anticipated start date Anticipated schedule and times

If you are on the waiting list and are contacted that a slot is available, you will have 48-hours to come into the centers, pay the registration fee, and pick up the necessary paperwork. If this is not completed the slot will be given to the next person on the list.

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III. Schedules, Attendance, and Absences Schedules At the time of enrolling your child, you will need to provide the center with your child’s days and hours of need. At that time you will be provided with the center’s current fee schedule, which will enable you to determine your child’s weekly fee. Staffing and billing is based on children’s schedules; therefore children may not be dropped off earlier than their scheduled drop off time or picked up after their scheduled drop off time, without prior approval from the Program Coordinator/Center Director. A request in a permanent change in a child’s schedule must be given to the office two weeks in advance of the change. If a request is being made to increase number of days, this will be granted based on space availability. Attendance Children’s attendance will be recorded each day in the child’s classroom. Parents and teachers will communicate at time of drop-off and pick-up. Parents should communicate any schedule changes in drop-off or pick-up times for the day. Absences Families will be charged for all absences, including illness unless vacation coupons are used. When a child is going to be absent, a parent should call the Center by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. If a child is scheduled to attend the center, and does not attend on a scheduled day without proper notification from the family, the coordinator or the child’s teacher will contact the family to find out the child’s whereabouts and document this contact. A child with more than three consecutive absences not called in may lose their child care slot. Vacation Lutheran Social Services policy is to charge for all days that your child is scheduled to attend the center regardless if they are present or not. You will also be charged for all agency legal holidays that fall on your child’s normally scheduled day of attendance. In January and July of each year you will receive one weeks worth of vacation coupons equal to the number of days your child attends the center in one week (for example if your child attends five days you will receive five coupons, four days, four coupons etc.). Please put these coupons somewhere where you will not lose them, as new ones will not be issued. These coupons can be used for any of your child’s scheduled days that he/she are not in attendance at the center and for which you would like to receive credit. For example, these coupons can be used for legal holidays, vacation days, or sick days that you wish not to pay for. All coupons must be used in the year that they are issued and can’t be carried over from year to year. The coupons received in the first half of the year can be saved and used in the second half as well. Once you have submitted and received credit for all your vacation coupons you will have to pay for all days your child is scheduled at the center.

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Summer Care or Other Time Off If your child will not be using the program for an extended period of time (during the summer, when parent is on maternity leave, etc.), notice needs to be given two weeks in advance and your child will need to either use at least 50% of their normal usage or pay for at least 50% of their normal rate. If a parent does not want to pay, they may withdraw their child. There is no guarantee that there will be space available at a later date. Holidays Regular fees are charged on these holidays that the Center is closed: New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Good Friday Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve Day Christmas Day Fees are charged so staff can have a paid holiday off to spend time with their families.

Weather Emergency If the school district, in the city in which your child care center is located, is closed for the day due to snow or icy road conditions, LSS Child Care Centers will be closed as well. If the district closes due to temperature the center will remain open. If we close because of inclement weather, a credit for that day will be issued to your child’s account. It the school district closes early due to inclement weather, we will contact all families and ask that they pick up their child within one hour of receiving the call. The Program Supervisor or Manager has the discretion to close a center early if they deem there is a safety issue. All families will be personally contacted and children must be picked up within the hour. These policies are in effect to ensure the safety of our families and staff.

IV. Fees All Parents will be given a tuition agreement, with their weekly fee, upon enrollment, which must be signed and returned to the office. There is an biannual material fee for all children six-weeks through five years of age. There is a summer registration fee for the School Age Program and a school year registration fee for Preschool, and Before and After School Care. Additional fees to cover the cost of buses and admission will be assessed for field trips. These fees are in addition to tuition. Tuition Fees will be paid by auto pay.

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Self-Pay All auto withdrawals will be submitted to your bank during the week that they cover. There will be a minimum fee of $30.00 charged for all returned auto pays. These fees could be higher if fees incurred by us are higher. If we receive notification of a returned auto pay, you will be notified immediately and a payment plan will be discussed. Third-Party Payments (i.e.W-2, Respite, Kids With Special Health Care Needs, etc.) If your child’s payment source is through a third-party, you will be responsible for all fees that are incurred and not paid by that funding source. These outstanding fees must be paid within during the payment plan discussed with the coordinator. W-2 policies state that they will terminate services immediately if your child misses more than one week of scheduled days. In addition, if your child misses more than a week they will stop payment of services from the first day that your child misses.

You are responsible for providing us with a current authorization from your caseworker. If a current authorization is not on file, or your authorization runs out and you do not turn in a new one, you will be responsible for paying for all child care services until a new authorization is received. If you pay for care that the county reimburses us at a later date, a refund will be issued for that amount as long as you are current on all self-pay charges. Late Fees Children are expected to be picked up on or before their scheduled time. Additional fees will be charged if a family continually arrives after their scheduled pick-up time. Please call if you know ahead of time that you will be late. Staff schedules are decided by children schedules. If a child stays later a staff member may have to stay later as well to maintain staff to children ratios. Families scheduled until the center closing time, are expected to be out of the classrooms by that time. A late fee of $1.00 per minute, per child will be charged for all children in their classrooms past closing time. Refunds Registration fees and weekly tuition fees are non-refundable. There is no credit given for days missed due to illness. If the center is unable to provide childcare services due to inclement weather or other unforeseen closures, the family will receive a credit for that day.

V. Arrival and Departure Arrival Upon enrolling your child, you will be asked to provide a schedule of the hours your child will be at the center. Staffing is based upon the number of children scheduled for a particular time, therefore, if your child needs to be dropped off earlier than their scheduled time, this must be pre-approved by the center’s coordinator. If this has not been approved, you will be required to wait with your child until their scheduled drop-off time. All children must be escorted by an individual (16 or older) to their classroom and the staff notified that they are present. If your child is not attending the center on a normally scheduled day please notify the center prior to 8:00 am.

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Departure Upon enrollment at Lutheran Social Service Child Care Centers you will indicate the time you will pick up your child. A child is expected to be picked up by the end of his/her scheduled time. A child will be released only to parent(s) or an authorized individual approved by the child’s parent on the enrollment form. All individuals designated to pick up must be 16 years of age or older. Authorized individuals must show a driver’s license or other picture identification to verify who they are. If your child is at the center past close, the center will try to contact the parents and the emergency contacts listed in your child’s file for fifteen minutes. If we are unable to contact someone to pick up your child, we will contact either the Police Department or Human Services. Families scheduled until close, are expected to be out of the classroom by center closing time. If an individual arrives to pick up a child under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, the Center must release the child, but the Center will immediately contact the police and provide them with a description of the vehicle and an explanation of the situation.

VI. Discharge of Enrolled Children Voluntary Withdrawal A parent may decide to withdraw his/her child’s enrollment from the Center. A two-week written notice of withdrawal to the Program Coordinator is required. Parents will be charged for the full two weeks of fees regardless if their child is in attendance at the Center or not. Pre-paid fees will not be refunded. Involuntary Suspension/Termination In rare instances the Program Supervisor or Manger may determine involuntary suspension or termination of a child is necessary for any of the following reasons:

Behavior/actions by a child that are a safety concern either to the child, the staff, or other

children. Needs of the child cannot be met, as determined by the Program Supervisor, after

consultation with staff and parents. Repeated aggressive behavior by a child toward other children and/or the staff. Failure by a parent to pre-pay fees, submit State required information, submit health and

immunization forms, unwillingness to observe the Center’s policies and guidelines, and/or continued misuse of contracted scheduled hours.

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Discharge Process It is the goal of Lutheran Social Services to work with families to provide the best care we can for all children in the program. For this reason, if we determine that your child is having difficulty in the program, that affects the safety of themselves or others, we will initiate the following procedure in order to determine if our program is a good fit for your child.

1. The center’s staff will document the behaviors or actions of your child that may be harmful to themselves or others, and initially share this with you via the daily intake sheets.

2. A meeting will be set up with the family to discuss ways to best meet your child’s needs. 3. Referrals to appropriate outside agencies may be given to the families. These agencies

may include Birth to Three; W-2; and respite funding. 4. Information obtained from the meeting will be used in order to support the child in the

classroom. 5. If after exhausting all options a child continues to be a danger to themselves or others in

the program, the Program Supervisor has the right to terminate services to the child immediately.

6. If a situation arises where a child is extremely violent, and the risk of them or others being hurt is imminent, a parent will be contacted and required to pick up their child immediately. A meeting will than be set up to determine if the center is the appropriate place for their child to continue to receive services.

VII. Guidance and Discipline Policy The goal of Lutheran Social Service Child Care Centers is to guide children into becoming happy, responsible, and cooperative individuals through a positive, non-threatening environment. Guidance procedures will be used that will help them develop positive self-esteem and an understanding and respect for themselves and others while teaching each child self-control and positive, safe alternatives to undesirable behavior. Guidance Procedures Environment: A place designed for the children, with child-sized furnishings. Basic rules: Keeping our hands to ourselves and taking care of the learning

environment. These rules will be discussed with the children, as well as reasons why such rules are needed.

Curriculum: Developmentally appropriate and based on children’s interests and levels of readiness. We us the Creative Curriculum.

Positive Behavior: Reinforce the positive behaviors. Catch them “being good.” Redirection: Offer a child another activity or toy that would interest the child. This can

eliminate potential difficulty. We might ask a child to help us or send the child to a different place to play.

Positive Reminder: Tell the child what is expected, rather than using “no” or “don’t.” Renewal Time/Time Outs: Occasionally a child needs to be removed from the situation

for a brief time, allowing the child to consider alternative behavior or concerns. A time out may occasionally be used, if a child continually participates in harmful behavior towards themselves or others; needs time away from others due to sensory issues or over

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stimulation; or in the event that the child is destructive in the classroom. A child will be placed in time out for one minute for each year of their age. Time outs are only to be used on children 3 years old or older. Any ongoing situation will be discussed with the parents to ensure a cooperative approach. Please feel free to discuss any questions or concerns. .

Guidance Strategies Watch Children Carefully and Intervene Before a Problem Occurs Observe behavior of the children Distract a child who is in pursuit of another’s toy be scooping the child up, hugging, and

bringing the child to another area with toys the child likes Redirect a child who is aggressive (hitting, biting) to a different activity Remove a toy which continues to cause fights and substitute others the children like Praise or hug the child for positive actions every several minutes. Intervene when a child

is observed being aggressive. Talk about how their actions hurt our friends. Give the child who was hit/bitten comfort and attention. Explain to the child who hits or bites that they are hurting their friends. Provide the child who is a bitter, other items for oral stimulation.

Teachers have completed training in Shaking Baby Syndrome and will follow the guidelines set forth in the training when working with an infant/child whom is crying, fussing, or distraught.

In the event a child becomes inconsolable, staff may contact parents for guidance Change the Environment to Reduce the Chance of Conflict or Frustration The Centers will not overwhelm children with too many toys. The Toys will be rotated

frequently. The staff will arrange one or two “private spaces” for a child who wants to be left alone.

For example, a quiet reading corner with cushions. Provide toys, which are not too complex, nor too simple, of the developmental stages for

the groups. Keep Routines and Expectations Predictable State and restate clear and simple rules State rules positively Limit rules to what is absolutely essential. For example: “Be gentle to my friends,” or

“play nicely with toys.” Maintain familiar rhythms to the day’s activities and use consistent transition cues to

prepare the children for the next event. Set a Good Example and search for the Positives Avoid power struggles by offering win-win choices. Say “Please” and “Thank You.” Use simple social phrases the children can copy. Respond promptly, but not anxiously to a child’s distress by comforting and assisting

with a frustrating task, or rescuing from a harmful situation. Anticipate misbehavior by redirecting the child’s behavior to a similar acceptable

activity. Focus the child’s attention before asking that a task be done.

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Speak in a low, calm voice. Address the children by their names. Offer a positive incentive to a child. Caress, stroke, hug, rub backs, rock, snuggle, and hold children in your lap often. Make required tasks into fun games. Praise positive behaviors, but don’t over praise. Offer a face-saving way out. Explain the consequences of any dangerous behaviors simply, but vividly.

Classroom arrangements, materials, and programming will promote positive behavior and will provide clear guidelines for the children. Note: No corporal punishment is allowed.

VIII. Nutrition Policy (Lunches and Snacks) LSS Waukesha Center provides a breakfast, and afternoon snack, as well as a hot lunch that is in compliance with state licensing standards. Our morning snack is served between 8:30 and 9:00 am, afternoon snack between 2:30 and 3:30 pm, and lunch between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m. If your child arrives at the center after 11:45 a.m., you will need to provide his or her lunch prior to arriving at the center. Infant food schedules are based on individual needs. LSS Child’s First Center provides a breakfast, lunch and a light afternoon snack. Infant’s food schedules are based on individual needs and schedules. Breakfast is served at 8:30am, lunch at 11:30 am, and snack as the children awake from nap but not later than 2:45 pm. Children coming before 7:00 am or staying later than 5:30 pm may bring in their own extra snack and the center will provide milk as needed. LSS Child’s First is a peanut butter free center. Peanut butter will not be served and please do not bring peanut butter into the center as a substitute or for treats. This is to protect our children who have severe allergies to peanuts. All LSS Child Care Centers follow the standards from the DPI Food Program for menu requirements, food guidance, food preparation, and age appropriate menu needs. If your child has special diet needs due to beliefs or food allergies, you will be asked to supplement their diet from home. Any child with special eating needs, g-tubes, swallowing issues, etc. will need to provide the center with an eating plan, signed by a licensed doctor. Menus for breakfast, snack, as well as for lunch (at the centers that serve lunch) will be posted in each child’s classroom a minimum of a week in advance. Any changes in the menu, will be noted on the posted copy. The staff, as well as the children, will eat together in their classrooms. Comfortable table conversations, manners, and family style serving will be used when applicable. Children will be encouraged to try all food items offered.

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School age children will be encouraged to try a variety of foods, and will eat in a group setting with their peers. Lunches from home will be monitored by staff for appropriate nutritional items. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. For Food distribution on Indian Reservations discrimination is also prohibited on the bases of religion and political beliefs. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USCA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice) or (202) 720-6382(TTY). In the Midwest Region please notify the Regional Director, civil Rights/EEO, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., FL 20, Chicago, Il 60604-3591 or cal (312) 353-3353. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

IX. Daily Program With the exception of early morning and late afternoon hours when classrooms are combined, each child is placed in the classroom that best meets his or her developmental needs. Each child is allowed to develop at his/her own rate. Each of our programs use age appropriate Creative Curriculum, Second Step, and/or Woven Word. These are designed to provide educational experiences that will enable each child to reach his or her fullest potential. Every day each child will receive physical contact and individual activities. Children are encouraged to play with a variety of toys and participate in a variety of sensory, language, and motor activities to enrich their learning experiences. The Senior Teacher in each classroom is responsible for the development of the weekly activities based on the WMELS standards and the individual and group needs of the children in their classrooms. Education Program (Infants) Talking, holding, singing, playing patty cake and peek-a-boo, making eye contact, and supplying grasping objects to the infant, all develop important growth patterns. Many activities will allow large muscle development, intellectual stimulation, small muscle development, and creative expressions, including but not limited to, the following: slowly moving arms and legs of baby while talking to them, holding baby up, carrying baby in arms, propping baby up with pillows, talking and singing to baby, providing colorful mobiles and pictures hung where baby can look at them, washable stuffed animals, bright objects that the baby can hold, rubber teethers, bells that ring when baby shakes them, plastic snap beads, and busy boxes. There will be outdoor activities offered such as stroller walks. Each infant will eat and sleep on baby’s own schedule or according to the parents’ wishes. No child will be forced to eat or sleep. SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome Policy All of our staff at LSS Child Care Centers have completed SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome training prior to their first day of working with children. We all know and understand the importance of placing your child to sleep on his/her back and using special care when handling infants. Our center policy states that your child will only be placed on his/her back to sleep. We cannot accommodate requests from a parent to do otherwise, however, we can follow a written recommendation from the child’s physician that may state that your child needs to be placed in an alternate position.

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Toddler Program Programming in these rooms is a transition to preschool programming. Much of the learning at this age is done through play and exploration. They do follow a schedule but it is more relaxed than the preschool programs in order to allow the children time to learn through play. Lesson plans are posted. Preschool Program/Child Care The children in our three and older rooms follow the Creative Curriculum, Second Step, and/or Woven Word which prepares them for kindergarten. Lesson plans are located in each of the classrooms. 4K Future for Waukesha (Waukesha Center) LSS Waukesha Center is contracted with the Waukesha School District to provide 4 year old kindergarten to students who reside in the Waukesha School District and turn four years old on or before September 1 of each school year. This program will take place at designated times on site with a DPI certified teacher. The subjects that will be covered include: science, language, math, art, large motor, music and social emotional activities.

P4J Program (Childs First Center) LSS Child’s First Center is contracted with the Janesville School District to provide P4J to our students who turn four years old on or before September 1 of each school year. The program will take place at designated times on site with a DPI certified teacher, if enrollment numbers are met. The subjects that will be covered through the school include: science, language, math, art, large motor activities, music, diversity, social emotional activities, and many others throughout the school year. A snack will be provided by families on a rotating basis. A schedule of the day and activities for the month will be posed in the classroom. Before and Afterschool Programming A loosely structured before and afterschool program is held at each of these locations. Prior to the start of the school day the children have a variety of quiet, free-choice of activities for them. After school, the children receive a light snack upon arrival, and than space is made available for them to work on homework, or participate in a variety of activities. Transportation of the children to their respective schools is the responsibility of the parents. Staff will assist in getting the children on and off of the bus at the child care centers. Summer School Age Programs (all sites) A full day summer school age program is available for children from five years of age (who have completed Kindergarten) through 12 years. The programming at these locations is based on weekly themes, in which developmentally appropriate crafts, stories, large and fine motor activities, as well as field trips are included. Scheduling is flexible and parents may sign their children up for the whole summer or any part of it.

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Lutheran Social Services provides the children the opportunity to study and learn about a variety of different cultural and religious holidays that include but are not limited to: Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Easter, Martin Luther King Day, and Thanksgiving. CPR/AED All staff at the child care locations are CPR/AED certified within six months of hire and are required to keep current with this certification. Daily Intake Sheet Children under the age of two will receive a written report for food and milk intake, diapering, sleeping, and activities. Also included will be any other pertinent information. Communication with parents will be done daily with a daily intake sheet or talking with parents at arrival or departure times. Conferences will be held twice a year. Diapering Diapers are checked at least every two hours and changed if necessary. Soiled diapers will be changed promptly. Lotion and ointments are applied after the child’s parent correctly fills out a medication form. Rest Periods A child, who attends for more than four hours, will participate in quiet/rest time. A sleeping bag or blanket should be brought from home. The sleeping bag or blanket should be taken home weekly to be laundered. All sleeping materials must be labeled with the child’s name. A flexible scheduled rest time will be set by the Centers, as the rest times vary between the different age groups. According to state guidelines, children are required to have a quiet time up to the age of five years. If a child does not fall asleep after a half an hour, they can get up and do a quiet activity. Outdoor Time/Play Space Outdoor time will be a part of the daily schedule, weather permitting. All of our child care centers have fenced in playground areas for the children to play in. The children will be provided a variety of activities including climb on toys, sand toys, ride on toys, as well as other outdoor play items. A child under the age of two will not be taken outdoors if the wind chill falls below 20 degrees. Children over the age of two will not be taken outdoors when the wind chill is zero or below. During extremely hot weather, children’s outside time will be limited for their safety and water will be provided. If a parent feels a child is too ill to go outside, the child is probably too ill to be at the Centers. Cultural Diversity The children will be exposed to cultural diversity through play and activities. Many holidays will be talked about and the rooms will be decorated to enhance the learning.

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Photographs Parents may sign a blanket release at time of enrollment, for photographs taken by the staff or by local newspapers, etc. of the children attending the Centers during special projects or programs. Pets If your child has an allergy to pets, please inform the staff and the Program Supervisor upon enrollment. Parents will be notified by staff of any pet kept in the classroom. Field Trips Field trips will be allowed, and any need for transportation will be contracted with local vendors. There will not be any motorized field trips for children under the age of two, for safety reasons. Children may take walks off the center premises from time to time, but routes are communicated to someone in the building and phones are taken in case of an emergency. Any time a field trip that requires transportation is planned; parents will be notified in writing and be required to fill in a field trip permission slip. Staff will carry a binder with children’s emergency information with them on all field trips. The binder will also include the daily sign in sheet, which the staff to use in counting the number of children getting on and off of the bus in order to ensure no child is left behind.

X. Children’s Clothing and Personal Belongings

Children’s Clothing All children are required to have an additional set of clothing at the Centers at all times. A child should be dressed comfortably and appropriately. Outdoor clothing should be worn when required by the weather. If children do not have snowsuits, be sure that they have extra changes of clothes when they are wet from the snow. Please label all boots, mittens, hats, scarves, and snow gear. Children’s Personal Belongings The Centers discourage a child from bringing toys from home, unless it is at the request of the teacher for a specific activity. The Centers are not responsible for any toys or items brought from home.

XI. Health Care

Medical Emergencies Observations – Each child, upon arrival at the Centers, will be observed by a staff member for symptoms of illness and injury. For an apparently ill child, we will follow the illness policy (below).

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Minor Medical Emergency – In the event of a minor medical emergency or an accident, the teacher will contact the Program Supervisor. The Center staff will only use soap and water to clean minor scrapes and cuts. A cold pack may be applied to bumps and bruises to slow swelling. Major Medical Emergency – The parents must complete an emergency treatment form upon enrollment. If a child has a major medical emergency, the Center will contact 911 first and then the parents will be called. If a parent cannot be reached the family physician will be called. The Program Supervisor or child’s Teacher will meet the parents at the hospital where the child is being treated. The Center will keep a copy of all accident reports in the child’s personal file. Each report will be provided to the parent within 24-hours. The closest hospital/emergency rooms are as follows: LSS Child’s First and Emmanuel – Mercy Hospital LSS Waukesha Center – Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Offsite Injuries – Whenever the staff leave the child care locations for an off-site trip, they carry emergency numbers, as well as a first aid kit and cell phone with them. If a child is injured while on an off-site trip, the procedures noted above for minor and major medical procedures will be followed. In the event of an off-site major medical emergency the Program Supervisor will be notified by the staff immediately. Illness Policy State Law requires that no child who is ill should be in child care unless they are at a facility, which is licensed for and provides sick child care. If your child becomes ill at the center, you or your emergency contact will be notified immediately and they will need to be picked up within the hour. The child will be isolated as needed from other children but still in the presence of a staff member. All of our centers are cough medicine free centers. Under no circumstances will we administer over the counter cough medication. All medications must be brought to the center in their original containers, with the child’s name on it. The parent must fill in a medication form, and only the dosage on the bottle will be administered to your child. For those over the counter medications that state under a certain age, follow doctors recommendations, we would need a note from your child’s doctor stating your child’s name and the dosage that is to be administered. All medications will be stored in the classroom medication containers, out of the reach of children. In the event, the staff forgets to administer medication at the scheduled time, the parent will be notified immediately in order to determine the proper course of action. No medication may be kept in the child’s backpack or cubbies. The Centers have worked closely with many professionals in the medical field and will adhere to the following guidelines. The Centers also reserves the right to send home children with symptoms other than those listed, if the child is unable to participate in the normal day-to-day activities of the center. In addition, as Doctors have different philosophies as to when children should be kept home from child care, a doctor’s note will not take precedence over our established illness guideline.

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Any child who displays the following symptoms while at home should remain at home until symptom free. If symptoms occur while in child care, the child will be sent home. Fever: A child with a temperature of 101 degrees or greater will be sent home. Children

with fevers are not re-admitted back to child care until the fever is gone for a full 24-hours, which means that the child needs to be off fever reducers (Advil, Motrin, Tylenol etc.) for a full 24-hour period. There are NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY. Note: If your child is sent home on a Monday, the soonest they could return is Wednesday as long as the child was fever free Tuesday.

Diarrhea: If a child has two loose stools the child will be sent home. Children will not be accepted back into the center until they are diarrhea free for 24-hours. If a child returns to the center and still has diarrhea, they will be sent home immediately.

Vomiting: A child may not attend the center if they have vomited in the previous 24-

hours. Eye Drainage: Yellow or green drainage from the eyes. Your child will not be accepted

back into the center until all the drainage is gone or the drainage is clear in color. Unless a doctor’s note is received.

Respiratory Infections: If your child has a respiratory infection of unspecified cause,

and it limits the child’s comfortable participation in activities or results in a need for greater care than can be provided without compromising the health and safety of the other children, they will be sent home.

Cough: If your child has a persistent, chronic, deep, or hacking cough it may be a sign

of infection. We recommend your child should stay home until the cough is gone or a note is received from a doctor stating they are not contagious.

Rashes: If a rash of unknown origin is present, your child may not return to the center

until the rash has disappeared or a doctor has determined the cause of the rash and that it is not contagious. If a doctor is not sure what the rash is, we are unable to be sure that it is not contagious. In the case of an undiagnosed rash, the child must remain out of the center until the rash is gone in order to ensure nothing contagious is spread.

Lice: We are a nit free center. Your child must be nit free prior to returning.

Remember that these policies benefit your child as well as other children. Your cooperation is appreciated and will be rewarded with the assurance that all ill children will be kept at home. Every precaution is taken to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices.

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Communicable Disease- (This list does not include all communicable diseases) Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Child must be discharge free for 24-hours before they can

return. If no discharge is present; the child must be on antibiotics for 24-hours before returning.

Strep Throat: Child can return after 24-hours of being on antibiotic and no other

symptoms. Impetigo: Child can return once lesions have crusted over or until 24-hours after

antibiotic treatment. Fifth’s Disease: Child may return after being symptom free and fever free for 24-hours.

RSV: RSV is highly contagious. In infants RSV is serious and may require

hospitalization. The child will be excluded until wheezing subsides and symptom free for 24-hours.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Child can return once blisters have crusted over and

with no other symptoms Rotavirus: May return after being symptom free for 24 hours.

Scarlett Fever: Child may return after 24 hours of being on antibiotic and with no other

symptoms. A child with a diagnosed communicable disease may not be admitted nor remain in the Centers during the period when the disease is contagious. The health department will be notified, and there will be a posting regarding the communicable disease diagnosed for all enrolled parents.

XII. Parent Communication

Notices The Center will keep parents informed of all policy revisions, update, and fee rate changes. Parents may receive information by: File with the child’s last name Parent memos Bulletin boards Teacher contact at pick-up or drop-off times.

The Program Supervisor or Teacher shall notify parents of an enrolled child for: A communicable disease that has been diagnosed in the Center An injury, illness, or a minor accident.

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Conferences Conferences will be held twice a year with your child’s teachers. Additional conferences/meetings may be set if there are problems or concerns. Parents may visit the Centers to observe at any time of the day during operational hours. Confidentiality The Centers shall ensure that persons having access to children’s records do not discuss personal information regarding the children, their families and/or friends. A parent, upon request, has access to all records and reports maintained for his or her child. Information is also available under the following conditions to: A person authorized by the parent in writing to receive the information. Any agency requesting information with release at time of request, signed by parent. Agencies authorized under WI Code 48.78

XIII. Child Abuse Reporting and Training Child care workers are mandated reporters in Wisconsin. Any employee or volunteer of the Center who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child seen in the course of professional duties has been abused or neglected as defined in Wisconsin, or has reason to believe that a child has been threatened with abuse or neglect and that abuse or neglect of the child will occur, shall follow the procedures set forth by state regulation. The Centers shall ensure that every employee and volunteer who comes in contact with the children at the Centers has received bi-annual training for the following: Child abuse and neglect laws How to identify children who have been abused or neglected The process for reporting known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect

XIV. Emergency Procedures Weather and Emergency Evacuations- 251.04(2)(i)6 At all times, the Centers attempt to provide for the maximum safety of all children. Monthly tornado drills are done March-October and monthly fire drills are done throughout the year. The Program Supervisor conducts theses drills and documentation is kept and posted on the parent bulletin board. During threatening weather, the necessary safety precautions are put into action. These guidelines are followed: When a tornado warning is issued children will be moved to the safest place in the

building. Parents should not call during a tornado warning. In case of a fire at the Centers, the children will be evacuated immediately, and parents

will be called and are expected to pick up their children immediately.

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In the event a parent cannot be reached, an emergency contact must be on file. In the event that there is another type of emergency (power failure, no water or heat, or national emergency), parents will be notified to pick up their children. If parents are unable to pick up their children, the emergency contact person will be called. Customary temperature at the Centers is between 68 and 80 degrees. Emergency procedures will be initiated for service loss including, but not limited to no heat, no air conditioning, no water, no electricity, plumbing problems, and no telephone. Missing Child In the event a child is missing, the staff will immediately contact the Program Supervisor. A quick search of the premises will be conducted and if the staff are unable to immediately locate the missing child, the local authorities, will be contacted to assist in the search. The parents will be contacted once the local authorities are notified. A written report will be turned in within 24-hours to the licensing agency.

XV. Child Custody If an enrolled child is or becomes the subject of a custody dispute or other child custody proceeding, all copies of child custody court orders, restraining orders, and any other custody related court documents must be on file at the Centers. It is the parent’s responsibility to assure the Center receives complete and accurate files on all such matters. The Center will continue to provide a stable and supportive environment for all parties involved. Center staff will be advised of relevant information, and will be instructed on the appropriate procedures based on court documentation. We are not able to prevent Human Services or other law enforcement agencies from taking your child from the center or meeting with them.

Grievance Policy for Parents of Enrolled Children A grievance shall be defined as any complaint or objection by grievant involving the Centers. A grievance must be processed through steps set forth below:

1. First, talk to the staff person. If not resolved, 2. Second, talk to the lead Teacher. If not resolved, 3. Third, talk to the Program Supervisor. If not resolved, 4. Fourth, talk to the Program Manager. The decision of the manager is final.

Grievance Procedure for Concern Involving the Centers’ Program If a parent is concerned about the Centers’ program, the parent should talk to the Program Supervisor. If the parent than feels that the concern has not been resolved, the parent should then contact the Program Manager. The Managers decision will be final. If this procedures fail, and a parent feels the Centers are violating state licensing regulations, the parent may contact the Department of Health and Family Services.

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XVI. Staff Development Orientation The Centers shall develop and implement a written orientation program for all new employees, substitutes, and regularly scheduled volunteers to complete within their first week at the Centers. Staff will sign a checklist after completing each step of the orientation and the list will be kept in the personnel files. All staff will be infant/child CPR/AED certified within six months of their hire date. The orientation program shall cover a review of all of the following: State Handbook HFS 46 Center’s policies, required HFS 46.04(2)(h) and (i) Training in emergency procedures, including the operation of fire extinguishers, first aid

procedures, evacuation procedures, and child emergency care procedures Job descriptions will be provided and reviewed with all staff. Training in the recognition of childhood illnesses and infectious disease control,

including hand washing procedures and universal precautions for bodily fluid. Activities of the Centers All child abuse and neglect laws and reporting procedures Procedures for ensuring all childcare workers know the children assigned to their care

and their whereabouts at all times Child guidance techniques Methods of addressing the crying or fussing child. Drug Screen Policies for integrating of children with disabilities into the program, based on staff

availability All staff must have background checks completed before their first day of work and every

two years A negative TB test must also be submitted before their first day of work All staff our instructed on the proper usage of gloves, for diaper changing and the

cleaning up of bodily secretions When children are transported on a field trip, staff will carry a sign in sheet with them.

Upon entering and departing the bus, the staff will count the number of children in their care, and make sure every child signed in is accounted for. If a child is missing, they will immediately return to the buss to locate the missing child.

For the centers that do not always have a second staff person on site, a staff person who is available within five minutes will be noted on the chain of command form for staff to contact in the case of an emergency

All sites will have a medical log available for staff to document injuries, medications, and any other unusual comments – bruises, etc., noted by the child care staff. All entries must be dated and signed by staff entering the information. The program supervisor will be responsible for checking medical logs every six months for patterns etc. They will sign and date when the review the medical logbook.

Staff in each classroom is responsible for the sanitation of toys in their classrooms. This should be done daily in the infant/toddler rooms and every other day in the older children’s rooms.

At times children with special health care needs may be enrolled at the centers. Parents of these children will provide information to the program supervisor, who in turn will

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relay all pertinent information to the staff who care for the child. Information from therapists, social workers, and counselors will also be provided as needed to staff.

Staff Meetings The Centers shall conduct staff meetings monthly to ensure that the staff has the opportunity to receive pertinent information, training, and to address issues. All staff members must attend. Documentation is made that staff meetings have been held and attended. Continuing Education All continuing education credits will be documented in the employee’s personnel file along with copies of all certificates received. All in-house continuing education will be compensated at the customary pay. Any continuing education received outside of the Centers may or may not be reimbursed. In accordance with the state regulations, any childcare worker who works more than 20-hours a week shall participate in at least 25-hours of continuing education each year. The hours are recorded from the start date at the Centers, and shall be completed by the date state on the registry certificate. Any person who works 20 or fewer hours a week in childcare is required to have at least 15-hours of continuing education a year. Types of training acceptable to meet continuing education requirements shall be limited to: Formal courses resulting in credits or continuing education units Workshops, conferences, seminars, lectures, correspondence courses, and home study

classes (limited to five hours a year) Training offered by the day care centers through the use of a guest or staff trainers. Documented observation time in other early childhood programs

Continuing education experiences may be in the area of early childhood education, child development, child guidance, health, first aid, CPR, or nutrition as it pertains to child development, supervision or staff, or the business or administrative aspects of the operation of a day care center, or communication skills. The Center’s Supervisor shall complete at least 10-hours of training in supervision or personnel management within one year of assuming the position, as part of the annual continuing education requirement, if she or he has not previously received that training. The Centers shall document annual training for all food personnel of at least four-hours in kitchen sanitizing, food handling, and nutrition. The regularly assigned childcare teacher and assistant childcare teacher for each group of infants or toddlers shall have a minimum of 10-hours of training in infant and toddler care approved by the DCF within six months of assuming the position. If the training is not part of the required entry-level training under DCF 46.05(1)(d) or (e), it shall be obtained thorough continuing education.

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Personnel All staff, upon hire, will be given a job description. Information with the job description will be reviewed during their orientation and staff will sign a copy of the description to verify they understand all of their responsibilities. As staff schedules may vary from week to week based on attendance, all staff will be given a weekly schedule of the hours they are to work. Staff, upon hire will be provided an employee handbook that covers information on holidays, vacations, sick leaves, leaves of absence, probationary periods, as well as information regarding performance reviews, grievance and disciplinary procedures. If during the course of employment a staff is convicted of a crime, they must share this information with their supervisor immediately, who in turn will notify the appropriate state agencies. Reports The following are reports the Centers need to make to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. The Center shall report the following: Any accident resulting in the death of a child while in the care of the Centers or serious

injury requiring professional medical treatment such as, but not limited to, a broken bone, a burn, a concussion, a wound requiring stitches, or the ingestions of a poison while the child is in the care of the Centers. The report needs to be made within 24-hours of the accident.

Any damage to the premises, which may affect the compliance with HFS46, must be reported within 24-hours of the occurrence.

A change of any program service must be reported at least five days prior to the change. Statistical data required by the department must be reported on forms provided by the

department. The plan of correction for cited violations of ch. 46 or ch. 48, Stats must be reported on a

form provided by DCF, which is approved by the licensing representative and is received by the specified date.

Any convictions, pending charges, or other offenses of the licensee, Center employees, or other persons subject to criminal record check, which could potentially related to the care of the children and the Centers or activities of the Centers must be reported.

A change in the chairperson of the agency’s Board of Directors of the Program Supervisor must be reported within 30-days of the change.

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XVII. Signature Sheet

After reading this handbook, please ask staff to answer any questions you may have, sign The following receipt and return it to the LSS Child Care Office. I, ____________________________________________________ have received the LSS Child Care Center Parent Handbook which includes the center policies. I have read the information in the Handbook and had any questions I had clarified by center staff. I agree to abide by the policies and procedures therein. Child’s Name: ___________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: ________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________________________________