Parent Handbook tlb after 3 - Three Little Birds JC · TLB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ... We keep your

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Parent Handbook t lb after 3

20 1 9-2020 69 1 WEST S IDE AVENUE

JERSEY C ITY, NJ 07304

P: 20 1 .984.0555 www.threel i ttleb irdsjc . com

WELCOME Hello! We are delighted you’ve chosen three little birds for your child! We welcome you to our nest of amazing families and teaching professionals dedicated to fostering a warm, safe, nurturing and creative environment for your children, where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. Caring for your child is a responsibility we take very seriously. It is our purpose to provide a loving atmosphere that emphasizes development of the whole child—mind, body and spirit. This handbook will provide clarity and familiarize you with TLB’s programs, enrollment procedures, and operating guidelines. As TLB continues to grow, our guidelines and expectations will adapt. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. Warmly, Jenn O’ Malley Nicole Alexander Owner & Director Director of Programming and Curriculum [email protected] [email protected] M ISS ION three little birds mission is to serve families through our high-quality, creative and fun programs. Our play is our work.

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SCHOOL PH ILOSOPHY “It 's the things we p lay with and the people who help us p lay

that make a great difference in our l ives.” Fred Rogers

At three little birds West Side we are dedicated to providing exceptional play-based, thematic education. Our students experience the joy of real play-based, thematic education. It’s not just about what they are learning but also about how they learn. We really listen to our students, and nurture and encourage their play. By doing this, we are helping to create strong, confident, creative members and future leaders of our community. Our curriculum is not something that is rigid. It is playful, flexible and open-ended. It continues to grow as our students and teachers live and work it. Our teachers set up the creative environment with opportunities for students to touch, listen, see, experiment, discuss and role-play the many aspects of an idea. This gives us the opportunity to explore, expand and bring real meaning to the questions of our students.

Goals: • To foster children’s natural creativity and innate love of learning • To build a solid foundation in all academic disciplines and creative arts • To provide a safe, loving, and engaging environment • To instill trust and a sense of community belonging • To help children learn compassion and respect for others as they build an awareness of the

world around them • To provide a plethora of stimulating, hands-on materials and plenty of opportunities for self-

exploration and socialization • To play, explore, and connect with the world outside our windows—especially in our

“backyard”, Lincoln Park • To continue the fun in TLB after 3, our after school program and specialty classes

CODE OF CONDUCT It is expected that everyone act in a respectful and courteous manner when interacting and communicating with all members of three little birds, including our staff and our families. ENROLLMENT CHECKL I ST When submitting your paperwork, the following should be included: ! Registration Form ! Annual Registration Fee $30 ! Parent Handbook Signoffs pages 18-20 ! Custodial Document (if applicable) ! Emergency Medical Authorization Form page 21 ! Copy of insurance card ! If your child has allergies: Allergy Action Plan with medications pages 22 and 23 ! Children 2.5-5years: New Jersey State Law requires that we have your child’s current Universal Health Records and Immunization Records signed by your physician on file. Flu shots are due by December 31st, 2019. We require you to submit these prior to your child starting aftercare. No exceptions.

! Children 5 years & up: New Jersey State Law requires that parents fill out the Medical Declaration Statement which is on page 14 and a copy of up-to-date immunizations. We require you to submit these prior to your child starting aftercare. No exceptions.

ALL paperwork is required BEFORE your child begins our program at three little birds.

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GR IEVANCE PROCEDURE Concerns should be addressed to either Jenn or Nicole. We will research the grievance/situation and work towards reaching a favorable outcome for all parties involved. The grievance will be followed up in writing, documenting all pertinent information. CONF IDENT IAL ITY & PR IVACY All information and documentation concerning you and your child is held in the strictest confidence. Children’s files containing confidential information are accessible only to program staff who need the information in order to care for the children. Each child’s records are also available to his/her parent or guardian at any time. New Jersey State Licensing personnel, New Jersey Health Department personnel, or police officers may have access to this information upon request. We do not share information about one family or child with another family or child. ANT I-D I SCR IM INAT ION & SPEC IAL NEEDS TLB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic level under any circumstances, including our policies of accepting children into our care or employing staff. Children with special needs participate in our program under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities act (ADA). TLB is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). MANDATED REPORTERS All TLB staff members are obligated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the State of New Jersey’s Central Registry Hotline. Staff receives specific training on how to recognize the signs of child abuse/neglect and the reporting process. If parents have any questions or concerns they may contact the Department of Children and Families at 1-855-463-6323. TLB AFTER 3 PROGRAM: ages 2 .5 yrs – 8 th grade Our after school program keeps the fun going after the bell rings. Our program runs from 3-6:30pm. This includes homework power hour, outside time in Lincoln Park and indoor playtime in our super fun playrooms. We also have add-on specialty classes. We pick-up from LCCS and St. Aloysius Schools. Please add three little birds to your pickup permission form. Your child will also need a pair of indoor shoes, which they can leave here. It will make their afterschool time more comfortable and keep our rooms nice and clean. They must be closed toe and rubber soled. OUTDOOR PLAY At TLB we see time spent outdoors as necessary because the more children play outdoors, the better they eat, sleep and feel. The stimuli which nature provides is unparalleled; children are fascinated by listening to birds and watching the movements of dragonflies and falling leaves. Air circulation, temperature change, the playfulness of sunlight and shadow are all strong stimuli—nature is the ultimate sensory experience! All of our students will be heading outdoors regardless of the weather and temperature (with the exception of thunder/lightening, excessive rain/snow, frigid temperatures, heat waves) so please make sure that your child is prepared for the elements. Below is a suggested list of what to wear: Rainy Days—waterproof, hooded raincoat and rain pants or rain suit and waterproof boots Cold and/or Snowy Day—snow pants or suit, hat, mittens, thick socks, boots, sweater, coat All other days—close-toed, rubber-soled shoes and comfortable layered clothing depending on the weather/temperature

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TECHNOLOGY USE & INTERACT IVE MED IA At TLB, we strongly encourage hands-on, multi-modal play with tangible materials. However, with the rise of technology use in our culture, we believe when used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media can be effective tools in supporting learning and development. Examples of technology use may include capturing photos of block buildings or artwork that the children have created, watching short video clips to enhance a learning topic, video taping dramatic play scenarios or performances to replay for the children, internet research, exploring digital storytelling, recording stories about children's drawings/paintings, and more. As per AAP recommendations, we limit technology usage in school to less than a half hour per day. Our tlb after 3 students may watch an appropriate aged movie on half days. SOC IAL MED IA At TLB, we value communication with our families. We communicate through our Brightwheel app, as well as our Facebook page and Instagram accounts (@threelittlebirdsjc and @threelittlebirdsjc.westside). Families are given the option to sign a photo release as part of our registration process, which allows us to take photos/videos of the children and their crafts or artwork. *** Parents are prohibited the social media posting of photographs or videos of any child other than their own. Staff is also prohibited the social media posting of photographs or videos of any student on their personal social media pages. Please report any breaches of our policy to the Director. WHAT TO BR ING

• Afternoon snack. Our afterschool children are very hungry after school. Please provide a healthy afterschool snack. TLB is nut free.

• Container of water — The State of New Jersey requires that cups MUST be labeled with your child’s name. Many afterschool children come without water bottles so please pack one for them.

• One complete change of clothing (including extra underwear and socks) in individual gallon-size Ziploc bag labeled with your child’s name. We can leave them here or you can keep them in their backpacks. Accidents happen and clothes also get wet/muddy outside so please make sure to pack extra clothes.

• Outside clothing appropriate for weather (raincoats, hats, mittens, boots, snow pants, etc.) • Inside shoes—MUST be closed-toed and rubber-soled (no slippers or sandals). Inside shoes can

remain here.

CH ILDREN’S ATT IRE We ask that children come dressed in comfortable clothing that they can play in! If they are in a dance or gymnastic class, please pack clothes they can easily move in and sneakers for those classes. If the children need help getting changed, we will help them. BABYS ITT ING Our teachers are not available to babysit after hours. We do have a list of recommended babysitters. Please email the Director if you need a recommendation. METHODS of COMMUN ICAT ION & PARENTAL NOT IF ICAT ION When communicating with our staff, your first point of contact is through Brightwheel. This is the BEST way to reach us. We can't always get to the phone so Brightwheel us and we will get back to you quickly. If you can't reach us, please give us a call at 201-984-0555. Our Directors’ emails are on the first page if you need to reach out via email. Please do not use our personal cell phones or emails to text, call or email.

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Brightwheel TLB uses Brightwheel, a mobile communication app/platform for educators and parents. Brightwheel has developed an app that our teachers can use for daily record keeping and communicating with parents. This saves teachers time filling out paperwork, allowing them to focus on what is truly important: caring for the children. We keep your child’s information in their profile so that we can reach you or your emergency contacts at any time. You will get important updates, emergency closures, messages and reminders via Brightwheel. Through the use of Brightwheel, we are able to foster the connection between three little birds and home for every family. Phone We will call parents to notify you of a head injury/bump, bite that breaks the skin, fall from a height greater than their own, or an injury that requires professional medical attention. Email We will email and/or Brightwheel message parents requests for supplies, records or meetings. Parents can always contact the Director via email or Brightwheel message at any time. MANAG ING CH ILDREN’S BEHAV IORS At TLB we practice positive discipline and believe in respect for every child. Instead of assuming that children are thinking reasonably when they are breaking the rules, we understand that they are usually acting on impulses that don’t make sense to them either. Children depend on us as trustworthy adults to be their back-up and tune in, not turn away in judgment. TLB staff will implement positive, respectful discipline in our classrooms in the following ways:

• Asking open-ended questions to support a child in realizing his/her own actions and behaviors and how this actions affect others.

• Helping to build problem-solving skills that can later aid a child in working out conflicts or other hurdles.

• Enforcing clear expectations that are thoroughly explained to children • Creating consistent ground rules for each classroom with the children’s input and participation • Use of redirection to change the focus of a child’s behavior • Reinforcement of desired behaviors • Consistent use of logical consequences for undesired behaviors • Offering limited choices instead of making demands • Using encouraging, meaningful language—not comparisons or criticism • Actively listening to, accepting and acknowledging the feelings of children • Giving children the words they can use to express themselves when they decide they are

ready • Helping children to notice the feelings and needs of others • Providing support and assisting children in negotiating when a conflict arises • Giving children the option to “take a breather” in order to regain control of their bodies and

re-enter play • Providing alternate activities and acceptable ways to release strong feelings • Providing individualized attention to help children deal with unique situations • Anticipating and preventing potential conflicts • Setting limits in a compassionate manner

Positive and respectful discipline is NOT:

• Disciplining children for failing to eat, sleep or soiling themselves • Hitting, “popping”, shaking or using any other form of corporal punishment • Using emotional punishment including abusive language, ridicule, or harsh, humiliating or

frightening treatment of any kind

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• Withholding food, emotional response, stimulation or opportunities for rest/sleep • Requiring a child to remain inactive, silent or alone for an inappropriate length of time

Our focus is to help children when they can’t help themselves. We accept and acknowledge the feelings of children without judgment, so that children can trust us as their empathic leaders and see themselves as good people. Gentle discipline takes time, patience, repetition, and a willingness to change the way you view and deal with children’s behavior. It is worth the effort because positive, respectful discipline is effective. Our goal is for children to acknowledge the need to manage their emotions and impulses and foster healthy development of self-regulation. FAM ILY EXPECTAT IONS When you are visiting with us, please be respectful of the environment and the process. We ask that you:

• Remain in the lobby as we help your child get ready to leave. This allows your child and the teacher to remain focused on getting ready and remembering all items. This also helps the teacher keep the classroom environment calm and clean.

• Speak softly and at the child’s level • If a child is playing or concentrating on something, please allow him/her to do so • Use positive and encouraging language • Model appropriate behavior (i.e. please do not sit on tables, text or accept phone calls, yell

across the room, etc.) • If you have a question for a teacher, please ask it when the teacher is not responsible for the

class • Teachers can only discuss your child with you; teachers will not discuss other children with you • Most importantly, have fun! • Adult outside shoes need to be removed before entering the classrooms.

NUT-FREE POL ICY TLB is a Nut-Free community. Nut allergies can be life threatening, and children with these allergies may react to even tiny traces on another child’s hands. Please double check ingredients in your child’s food. Granola and snack bars may contain nuts so read the labels thoroughly. Note any known allergies/food preferences on the enrollment form and provide all emergency medication required with documentation and action plans from your child’s pediatrician and/or allergist. MEALS/SNACK Families will provide all snacks consumed at TLB. Please provide the appropriate utensils needed. Due to severe allergies, please check labels and refrain from sending nuts or nut products. STROLLERS/Scooters/b ikes The Fire Department does not allow us to keep strollers/scooters/bikes inside the building since they make exiting the building in an emergency more difficult. You may leave your stroller/scooter/bike in our courtyard. You can lock your items to the gate or place them on the side of the ramp. We are not responsible for the security of these items in case of loss or theft. Please note the space is uncovered and exposed to the elements.

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TOYS & OTHER ITEMS FROM HOME Toys and other items from home are hard to share and may be lost at school. Please keep them at home. Thank you for your support and understanding. Bu i ld ing s ecur i ty pol i cy The TLB team needs to know who is in the building at all times. For the safety of our children, please do not let anyone in the front door even if you know them. If a TLB team member is not in the lobby, please direct adults to ring the bell. Only the TLB team is authorized to open the door. Please share this policy with your babysitters and family members.

D ISM ISSAL POL ICY Please ring the bell when you arrive. PRESS DOWN HARD ON THE BELL, YOU WILL HEAR IT RING. For the safety of our children, please do not let anyone in the front door even if you know them. If a TLB team member is not in the lobby, please direct those adults to ring the bell. Only the TLB team is authorized to open the door. Children will be released only to their parents/legal guardians or to people specified by their legal guardians. In case of an emergency, TLB will contact parents/guardians first, followed by those individuals specified on your child’s enrollment form. If someone else is picking up your child we need written permission and a photo to confirm the person’s identity against their photo ID. It is important that you inform us immediately of any changes in your emergency contact information. All changes must be made in writing, and be dated and signed. For the safety of the children, TLB staff is required to ask for government issued photo ID from any person not recognized at the time of pick up. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but please realize that this is for the best protection of your child. Please sign out your children in the Arrival/Dismissal log. TLB closes at 6:30pm sharp. Plan to arrive PRIOR TO 6:30PM to allow sufficient time to be out of the building by 6:30pm. Late fee charges will be added to the following month’s tuition bill. The late fee structure is as follows:

• $5.00 for every 5 minutes starting at 6:30pm. • $10.00 for every 5 minutes starting at 6:45pm.

POL ICY ON THE RELEASE OF CH ILDREN Children will only be released to their parent/legal guardian, authorized pick-up person, or emergency contact(s). If a non-custodial parent has been denied access, or granted limited access, to a child by a court order, the center shall secure documentation to that effect, maintain a copy on file, and comply with the terms of the court order. If a child is not picked up by 6:30pm, TLB will ensure that:

• The child is supervised at all times • That we will attempt to contact the parents or person authorized to pick-up • A TLB staff member will stay with the child until arrangements are made and the child is safely

picked up by a parent/guardian/person authorized to pick up If a parent/guardian/authorized person appears to be emotionally or physically impaired that (at the discretion of the Director) we feel the child would be placed at risk or harm if released, TLB will ensure that:

• The child may not be released to such an impaired individual • That we will attempt to contact the child’s other parent or person authorized to pick-up

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• A TLB staff member will stay with the child until other arrangements are made and the child is safely picked up by a parent/guardian/person authorized to pick up

• If necessary and we are unable to make alternative arrangements, a staff member will call the State Central Registry Hotline at (877) NJ ABUSE to seek assistance

EMERGENCY MED ICAL TREATMENT PROCEDURE If a child is in need of emergency medical attention, the Director/teacher will first call 911, and then they will notify the parents while CPR or first aid is being administered to the child. For the following situations, 911 will be called:

• Major head injury • Seizure • Airway obstruction • Cessation of breathing • Profuse bleeding/open wound, exposed body part, broken bone

Parents will always be contacted if there is a concern. TLB staff is CPR and First Aid trained and certified. Please fill out your insurance information and emergency medical authorization form located on page 21. HEALTH POL ICY Parents and child care providers share the responsibility for maintaining health and preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Our program is active and varied and your child needs to be able to participate fully. If your child is unable to participate in all activities (including outdoor play), they may be sent home at the discretion of the Director. HAND-WASH ING Children will wash their hands upon arrival. This is a NJ State licensing requirement. It is also the best way to prevent the spread of illness. Children are also required to wash their hands before/after eating, after coming in from the outdoors, and after using the toilet, AND if they’ve had their hands in their mouth or nose, etc. POL ICY ON MANAGEMENT OF COMMUN ICABLE D I S EASES/ ILLNESS POL ICY Each child must have on file:

• Children under 5 yrs. old: A recent Universal Child Health Record (completed by his/her pediatrician)

• Children over 5 yrs. old: Medical Declaration Statement for children ages 5 yrs. and up. This form is located on page 14.

• An updated copy of their immunizations We must have these prior to admission. If your child is not vaccinated, you must present a written medical exemption (signed by your physician) or religious exemption that will be kept in your child’s file. In accordance with N.J.A.C 8:57-4.3 (d) and 4.4 (d) a school or preschool may exclude children with religious or medical exemptions during a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak or threatened outbreak as determined by the Commissioner of the Department of Health, or his/her designee. According to NJ State licensing requirements, all students under the age of 5 must have their flu shots by December 31st. Please bring in an updated immunization record after this or any other immunizations during the course of the year. We ask that if your child shows any of the following symptoms, he/she should not attend school or the after care program. Tlb staff will complete an illness log when your child is asked to be picked up due to illness. Due to NJ state regulations and because children who don’t feel well can have a very hard

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time in group settings, we require that a child be picked up within one hour of notification of any of the following symptoms:

• Cold with yellow/green nasal discharge • Temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or above • Severe pain or discomfort • Acute diarrhea (2 or more episodes, non-food related) • Vomiting • Yellow eyes or jaundice skin • Red eyes with discharge • Unexplained rash • Difficult rapid breathing or severe coughing • Sore throat or visibly enlarged lymph nodes • Mouth sores with drooling • Infestations such as lice, scabies, pinworm or ringworm

In the absence of any of these symptoms, the Director retains discretionary ability to send a child home that is exhibiting any type of severe illness-related discomfort. We will always call to let you know if your child appears under the weather or has a low-grade fever. TABLE OF EXCLUDABLE COMMUN ICABLE D I S EASES Respiratory Illnesses Chicken Pox German Measles* Hemophilus Influenza* Measles* Meningococcus* Mumps* Strep Throat Tuberculosis Whooping Cough

Gastro-Intestinal Illnesses Guardia Lamblia Hepatitis A* Salmonella* Shigella HFMD Fifth disease Conjunctivitis (bacterial or viral)

Contact Illnesses Impetigo Lice Scabies

*Reportable diseases, as specified in N.J.A.C. 10:122-7, 10(a). If your child is exposed to any communicable disease at school, you will be notified in writing. R ETURN ING TO TLB AFTER I LLNESS Before a child can return to TLB after any of the above, all of the following that apply must be true:

• The child’s health is improved, meaning free of the above symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of cold/fever-reducing medication during those 24 hours

• If the child was suffering from a communicable disease, the child is no longer in the contagious stage of that disease (a health care providers note is required)

• The child has been on antibiotics for more than 24 hours in case of bacterial infections • The child has been treated for and is free of lice, scabies, pinworm or ringworm

MED IC INE D I STR IBUT ION: PRESCR IPT ION & OTC 1. Whenever possible, it is best that medication be given at home. Dosing of medication can

frequently be done so that the child receives medication prior to coming to school, and again when returning home and/or at bedtime. We encourage all parents to discuss this possibility with your child’s health care provider.

2. When a child is ill due to a communicable disease that requires medication as treatment, the health care provider may require that the child be on a particular medication for 24 hours before returning to school. This is for the protection of the child who is ill as well as the other children and teachers in school.

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3. Medication will ONLY be given when ordered by the child’s health care provider and with written consent of the child’s parent/guardian. We need a permission form from your child’s health care provider that clearly lists specific reasons and times that such medication can be given. A “Permission to Give Medication in School” form is located below on pg. 17 and will hereafter be referred to as Permission Form. All information on the Permission Form must be completed before the medication can be given. The medication given in our school will be administered by a staff member who is designated by the Director, who will have been informed of the child’s health needs related to the medication and will have had training in the safe administration of medication We need the proper dosing items to administer medication. Please always give the first dose of a medication to your child at home and with sufficient time before the child returns to school to observe their response to the medication given. Information exchange between the parent/guardian and staff about medication that a child is receiving should be shared when the child is brought to and picked-up from school. Parents/guardians should share with the staff any problems, observations, or suggestions that they may have in giving medication to their child at home, and likewise with the staff from school to the parent/guardian.

4. “As needed” medications may be given only when the child’s health care provider completes a Permission Form that lists specific reasons and times when such medication can be given.

5. Medication, in its original container, must have a child-resistant safety cap, and be labeled with the appropriate information as follows:

" Prescription medication must have the original pharmacist label that includes the pharmacist’s phone number, the child’s full name, name of the health care provider prescribing the medication, name and expiration date of the medication, the date it was prescribed or updated, and dosage, route, frequency, and any special instructions for its administration and/or storage. It is suggested that the parent/guardian ask the pharmacist to provide the medication in two containers, one for home and one for use in school.

" Over-the-counter (OTC) medication must have the child’s full name on the container, and the manufacturer’s original label with dosage, route, frequency, and any special instructions for administration and storage, and expiration date must be clearly visible.

" Any OTC without instructions for administration specific to the age of the child receiving the medication must have a completed Permission Form from the health care provider prior to being given in our school.

6. Examples of over-the-counter medications that may be given include: " Antihistamines " Decongestants " Non-aspirin fever reducers/pain relievers " Cough suppressants " Topical ointments, such as diaper cream, sunscreen or bug spray.

7. Appropriate measuring devices must be given to school in order to administer medicines properly.

8. Confidentiality related to medications and their administration will be safeguarded by the Director and staff. Parents/guardians may request to see/review their child’s medication records maintained at school at any time.

9. For the child who receives a particular medication on a long-term daily basis, the staff will advise the parent/guardian one week prior to the medication needing to be refilled so that needed doses of medication are not missed.

10. Unused or expired mediation will be returned to the parent/guardian when it is no longer needed or able to be used by the child.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

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During an emergency situation, our goal will be to stay calm and help the children feel safe by keeping their daily routine as normal as possible. If the routine needs to be changed, the change will be explained to the children in a brief, comforting and honest way. We will provide the children with monthly lessons on the emergency procedures so that when it is time for a drill or real emergency, the children feel comfortable with our school action plan. Procedures and recommendations for different situations are as follows: Building Evacuation (Fire Drills) State licensing regulations require monthly fire drills. Our primary meeting place is the steps of St. Aloysius Catholic Church located next door to TLB. If we are required to evacuate further, we will meet at The Gallo Center located in the Hudson County Parks Office behind the Lincoln Park playground. Please make sure your emergency contact information is always up to date. Lockdown (Safety Drills) If a lockdown situation occurs, the children will stay in their classroom ‘Safe Place’ or be ‘evacuated’ to the 2nd floor. There is enough food and water for all of the children for 72 hours. The school will attempt to communicate with parents by phone or email. Please note, when we practice this drill it is called a ‘Safety Drill’. We practice this 2 times per year. Evacuation Sites • Primary Location Front Steps of Saint Aloysius Catholic Church

691 West Side Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07304 (201) 433.6365

• Secondary Location Gallo Center @ Hudson County Park Office Lincoln Park (behind playground) Jersey City, NJ 07304 (201) 915.1388 (201) 915.1391

NO SMOK ING There is no smoking inside or in the vicinity of the building including our front steps, front walkway, and side ramp. Please do not smoke in the vicinity of the children and dispose of cigarettes properly. OFF ICE OF L ICENS ING INFORMAT ION TO PARENTS In keeping with New Jersey’s Child Care Center Licensing Requirements, we are obliged to provide you, as the parent of a child enrolled at our center, with this informational statement. The statement highlights, among other things: your right to visit and observe at TLB at any time without having to secure prior permission; TLB’s obligation to be licensed and to comply with licensing standards; and the obligation of all citizens to report suspected child abuse/neglect/exploitation to the State Central Registry Hotline at (877) 652-2873. This statement is attached at the end of this handbook on pages 15 and 16. If you have any questions after reading this statement, please feel free to contact us. EXPULS ION POL ICY Unfortunately, there are sometimes reasons we have to withdraw a child from our program, either on a short term or permanent basis. We want you to know that we will do everything possible in order to

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prevent this policy from being enforced. The following are reasons that we may have to dismiss or suspend a child from TLB: Immediate Causes

• The child is at risk of causing serious injury to other children or himself/herself • Parent threatens physical or intimidating actions towards TLB staff members • Parent exhibits verbal abuse to TLB staff in front of children

Parental Actions for Child’s Expulsion • Failure to pay/habitual lateness in payments • Failure to complete required forms (including health forms) • Habitual tardiness when picking up a child • Verbal abuse to TLB staff, other parents, or children

Child’s Actions for Expulsion • Child is unable to adjust after a reasonable amount of time • Uncontrollable tantrums/angry outbursts • Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to TLB staff or other children • Excessive biting

Proactive Actions to Prevent Expulsion • TLB Staff will try to redirect child from the undesired behavior • TLB Staff will reassess the classroom environment, appropriateness of activities, supervision • TLB Staff will always use positive methods and respectful, encouraging language while

disciplining children • TLB Staff will reinforce positive behaviors • TLB Staff will consistently apply logical consequences for undesired behaviors • A child will be actively listened to • A child will be given the time he/she needs to regain control • A child’s disruptive behavior will be documented and maintained in confidentiality • Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified verbally in a timely manner • Parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive a written log of the pattern of behavior that may lead to

expulsion • The Director, classroom staff and parent(s)/guardian(s) will have conferences to discuss how

to foster positive behaviors • The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given articles, literature or other resources regarding methods

of fostering positive behavior outside of day care/school If necessary:

• TLB will recommend an evaluation by a professional consultant on the premises • TLB will recommend an evaluation by a local school district child study team

Schedule of Expulsion • If the remedial actions above have not worked, the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be

advised verbally and in writing about the child’s or parent’s behavior warranting an expulsion. An expulsion action is meant to be a period of time so that the parent(s)/guardian(s) may work on the child’s behavior or to come to an agreement with TLB.

• The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed regarding the length of the expulsion period. • The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed about the expected behavioral changes required

in order for the child or parent to return to TLB. • The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given a specific expulsion date that allows the parent(s)

sufficient time to seek alternate child care (approximately one to two weeks notice depending on risk to other children’s welfare or safety). Failure of the child/parent to satisfy the terms of the plan may result in permanent expulsion from TLB.

A Child Will Not Be Expelled: If a child’s parent(s):

• Made a complaint to the Office of Licensing regarding TLB’s alleged violations of licensing requirements

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• Reported abuse or neglect occurring at TLB • Questioned TLB regarding policies and procedures • Without giving the parent sufficient time to make other child care arrangements

INCLEMENT WEATHER In case of inclement weather or other emergency, notification of school closings will be sent via Brightwheel. TLB does not make up any closings. TU IT ION POL IC I E S AND SCHEDULED PROGRAM CLOSURES TLB will be closed for scheduled holidays, staff development days and early closings as noted on the tlb after 3 flyer. The dates are outlined on the tlb after 3 flyer and below. If any schedule changes occur, we will Brightwheel message our families. Please note that there are no make-up days if school is closed. There are no deductions made from tuition payments for non-attendance for any reason and/or scheduled school closings. Our monthly charges are based on yearly dates and half days. The months’ fees are then averaged for the year. Some months might be 3 weeks of aftercare and other months might be 4 or 5 weeks. Months with less weeks or days of aftercare are not discounted. Monthly tuition payments are due on the first of each month. You will be charged a late fee of $25 if tuition is received after that date. You will be charged a fee of $25 for each unsuccessful payment transaction, including, without limitation, returned checks and/or declined credit cards. Tuition payments can be made by cash, check/money order (made out to three little birds, LLC) or credit card (except American Express). A 3% processing fee will be added to all payments made by credit card. An Automatic Payment Option (APO) is available if paying by credit card. APO tuition payments are withdrawn by the 5th day of each month. All families are required to have an active credit card on file even if you will be paying with cash or check. We do require that you give us 60 days advanced notice if you will be leaving the program. You will still be required to pay the fees for those months which include the 60 days. Coordinating school calendars can get confusing! If you have any questions, please Brightwheel us. Starts September 9th and ends June 16th!

½ day coverage on

9/25, 11/13 & 14, 1/17, 2/14, 3/25 & 26, 6/5, 15 & 16

tlb after 3 is closed on

10/14 & 31, 11/27-29, 12/20-1/1, 1/20, 2/17, 4/10-17, 5/22-25, 6/17

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Department of Children and Families Office of Licensing

INFORMATION TO PARENTS Under provisions of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (N.J.A.C. 10:122), every licensed child care center in New Jersey must provide to parents of enrolled children written information on parent visitation rights, State licensing requirements, child abuse/neglect reporting requirements and other child care matters. The center must comply with this requirement by reproducing and distributing to parents this written statement, prepared by the Office of Licensing, Child Care & Youth Residential Licensing, in the Department of Children and Families. In keeping with this requirement, the center must secure every parent’s signature attesting to his/her receipt of the information.

* * * * * Our center is required by the State Child Care Center Licensing law to be licensed by the Office of Licensing (OOL), Child Care & Youth Residential Licensing, in the Department of Children and Families (DCF). A copy of our current license must be posted in a prominent location at our center. Look for it when you’re in the center. To be licensed, our center must comply with the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers (the official licensing regulations). The regulations cover such areas as: physical environment/life- safety; staff qualifications, supervision, and staff/child ratios; program activities and equipment; health, food and nutrition; rest and sleep requirements; parent/community participation; administrative and record keeping requirements; and others. Our center must have on the premises a copy of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers and make it available to interested parents for review. If you would like to review our copy, just ask any staff member. Parents may view a copy of the Manual of Requirements on the DCF website at www.state.nj.us/dcf/providers/licensing/laws/index.html or obtain a copy by sending a check or money order for $5 made payable to the “Treasurer, State of New Jersey”, and mailing it to: NJDCF, Office of Licensing, Publication Fees, PO Box 657, Trenton, NJ 08646-0657. We encourage parents to discuss with us any questions or concerns about the policies and program of the center or the meaning, application or alleged violations of the Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers. We will be happy to arrange a convenient opportunity for you to review and discuss these matters with us. If you suspect our center may be in violation of licensing requirements, you are entitled to report them to the Office of Licensing toll free at 1 (877) 667-9845. Of course, we would appreciate your bringing these concerns to our attention too. Our center must have a policy concerning the release of children to parents or people authorized by parents to be responsible for the child. Please discuss with us your plans for your child’s departure from the center. Our center must have a policy about administering medicine and health care procedures and the management of communicable diseases. Please talk to us about these policies so we can work together to keep our children healthy. Our center must have a policy concerning the expulsion of children from enrollment at the center. Please review this policy so we can work together to keep your child in our center. Parents are entitled to review the center’s copy of the OOL’s Inspection/Violation Reports on the center, which are issued after every State licensing inspection of our center. If there is a licensing complaint investigation, you are also entitled to review the OOL’s Complaint Investigation Summary Report, as well as any letters of enforcement or other actions taken against the center during the current licensing period. Let us know if you wish to review them and we will make them available for your review.

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Our center must cooperate with all DCF inspections/investigations. DCF staff may interview both staff members and children. Our center must post its written statement of philosophy on child discipline in a prominent location and make a copy of it available to parents upon request. We encourage you to review it and to discuss with us any questions you may have about it. Our center must post a listing or diagram of those rooms and areas approved by the OOL for the children’s use. Please talk to us if you have any questions about the center’s space. Our center must offer parents of enrolled children ample opportunity to assist the center in complying with licensing requirements; and to participate in and observe the activities of the center. Parents wishing to participate in the activities or operations of the center should discuss their interest with the center director, who can advise them of what opportunities are available. Parents of enrolled children may visit our center at any time without having to secure prior approval from the director or any staff member. Please feel free to do so when you can. We welcome visits from our parents. Our center must inform parents in advance of every field trip, outing, or special event away from the center, and must obtain prior written consent from parents before taking a child on each such trip. Our center is required to provide reasonable accommodations for children and/or parents with disabilities and to comply with the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), P.L. 1945, c. 169 (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), P.L. 101-336 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). Anyone who believes the center is not in compliance with these laws may contact the Division on Civil Rights in the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety for information about filing an LAD claim at (609) 292-4605 (TTY users may dial 711 to reach the New Jersey Relay Operator and ask for (609) 292-7701), or may contact the United States Department of Justice for information about filing an ADA claim at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Our center is required, at least annually, to review the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), unsafe children’s products list, ensure that items on the list are not at the center, and make the list accessible to staff and parents and/or provide parents with the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov/cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html. Internet access may be available at your local library. For more information call the CPSC at (800) 638-2772. Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that an enrolled child has been or is being subjected to any form of hitting, corporal punishment, abusive language, ridicule, harsh, humiliating or frightening treatment, or any other kind of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation by any adult, whether working at the center or not, is required by State law to report the concern immediately to the State Central Registry Hotline, toll free at (877) NJ ABUSE/ (877) 652-2873. Such reports may be made anonymously. Parents may secure information about child abuse and neglect by contacting: DCF, Office of Communications and Legislation at (609) 292-0422 or go to www.state.nj.us/dcf/ and select Publications.

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PERMISSION TO GIVE MEDICATION in three little birds This form is also to be used if you wish TLB to give over-the-counter medications as described on page 15 and 16 (OTC allergy, pain and fever redusing medications, sunscreen, bug spray…).

(Please use one form per medication.) Child’s name: _____________________________________Birthdate:_______________ Weight:_____________

Medication: _______________________________________Allergies:__________________________________ Include food and/or medication allergies

Dosage: ___________________________________________Route:___________________________________

Time of day medication is to be given: ___________________________________________________________

Purpose of medication: _______________________________________________________________________

Special instructions: _________________________________________________________________________

Possible side effects: _________________________________________________________________________

Start date:____________________________________ End date____________________________________

Signature of Health Care Provider for any prescribed medications as well as OTC allergy and pain/fever reducing medicine: ______________________________________________________

Phone number:___________________________ Date: __________________________________

The following is to be completed by the parent or guardian:

I hereby give permission for my child, ____________________________________________________________, to receive the above medication, according to the listed directions and cautions, from the Director, or the Director designee. I confirm that I have given at least one dose of the medication without any evidence of side effects or adverse reactions. I understand that it is my responsibility to provide the medication in its original container and labeled with my child’s full name. I am also to supply the appropriate measuring device needed to give the accurate dose of the medicine. I authorize the Director or Director Designee to contact the pharmacist or health care provider for more information about this drug, if necessary. I also authorize the Director or the Director’s Designee to contact the health care provider regarding my child’s health, if necessary.

I usually do the following to make giving medication to my child easier:_____________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Amount of medication brought to school: _________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________

Signature of Parent or Guardian: __________________________________________________________________

Date & amount of medication returned to Parent: _________________________________________________

Signature of Director/Director Designee Signature of Parent/Guardian: _____________________________

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Name of Child______________________________________________________________________

Name of Parent(s)___________________________________________________________________

Both parents must sign the handbook sections.

RECE IPT OF THE 20 19-2020 PARENT HANDBOOK My signature below acknowledges that I’ve received a copy of the three little birds Parent Handbook. I’ve thoroughly read and understand the policies and procedures within.

Parent 1 Signature______________________________________Date_______________________________


OFF ICE OF L ICENS ING INFORMAT ION TO PARENTS I have read and received a copy of the Information to Parents statement prepared by the Office of Licensing, Child Care & Youth Residential Licensing, in the Department of Children and Families



EXPULS ION POL ICY I have read and received a copy of the expulsion and suspension policy at three little birds.



D ISC IPL INE POL ICY I have read and received a copy of the positive discipline policy at three little birds.



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POL ICY ON RELEASE OF CH ILDREN I have read and received a copy of the policy on the release of children at three little birds.



POL ICY ON MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICABLE D ISEASES I have read and received a copy of the policy on management of communicable diseases at three little birds.



Health S tatement My child is in good health and can participate in the normal activities of the program. I will sign all necessary medication related forms that require my signature, and particularly in the case of the emergency contact form, will update the information as necessary to safeguard the health and safety of my child. If my child has special health needs, I will have my pediatrician fill out a Care Plan. If my child has allergies, my pediatrician will fill out an allergy action plan and I will provide the necessary medications.



TECHNOLOGY USE & INTERACT IVE MED IA Pol icy

I have read and received a copy of the technology use & interactive media policy at three little birds.



SOC IAL MED IA POL ICY I have read and received a copy of the social media policy at three little birds.



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COMMUNICAT ION & PARENTAL NOT IF ICAT ION mETHODS I have read and received a copy of how three little birds will communicate with me and how I will communicate with three little birds via Brightwheel, email and phone.



BU ILD ING SECUR ITY POL ICY I have read and received a copy of the building security policy of three little birds.



TU IT ION POL ICY I have read and received a copy of the tuition policy of three little birds.


Parent 2 Signature______________________________________Date______________________________

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Documents

Parent Handbook tlb after 3 - Three Little Birds JC · TLB does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ... We keep your