1
Dear Parents,
Thank you for entrusting your child’s care to Wee Pals Childcare and Preschool Center. We are grateful for your confidence and belief in our abilities. When you are a parent it becomes clear just how important the quality of child care is to the overall development of your child. Many families have many different reasons why they need child care… work, school, volunteering, etc… Whatever your reason, you can be assured that your child is safe and secure with us.
Recent research shows us that the early childhood years are the most important years in our lives. A well-rounded, safe, nurturing experience during that time forms the basis for how we learn and adapt the rest of our life. Time spent at a child care center plays an important part in that development.
We are proud to offer the following elements to our program:
Pre-school based curriculum
Ongoing communication with parents, i.e. quarterly newsletter, weekly
posting of curriculum, parent-teacher conferences, infant and toddler
daily communication sheets
USDA Food Program
Professionally trained teaching staff
Summer Enrichment Program
Field Trips and special events
Wee Pals is founded on the cooperative efforts of the children, staff, and the parents. To contribute toward the successful operation of Wee Pals, we ask for parent awareness of, and cooperation with, the following policies. If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, thank you for your trust.
Sincerely,
Marilee Pfarr, Executive Director
Office Phone: (507)451-8355
Email:
Website: www.weepalschildcarecenter.org
Parent Handbook Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4-5
Mission Statement
Philosophy
Who We Serve
History
Licensing and Site Information……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………..6-7
Licensing
Ratios
Days and hours of Operation
Utilization of Space
Personnel
Confidentiality
Admissions and Operations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………….8-12
Programs
Program Goals and Objectives
Eligibility
Enrollment
Annual Review Fee
Rates and Payment Policies
Tax Information
Transportation
Daily Arrival
Departures
Liability
Behavior Guidance
Permanent Withdrawal
Privacy/Personal Information
Publicity
Non Profit Status
Special Needs
Health and Safety………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...13-16
Nutrition
Insurance
Evacuation and Emergency Shelter
Blizzards
Accidents and Injuries
Emergencies
Medication
Illness
Exclusion of Sick Children
Communicable Disease
Pets
Hand Washing
Parent Communication and Involvement……………………………………………………………………………………….…….....17
General Communication
Visitation
Conferences
Special Concern or Grievance
Parent/Family Volunteer Time
Program Assessment
Curriculum and Schedule……………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………...18-19
Program Progression
Curriculum
Schedule and Routine
Extra Activities
Special Events
Birthdays
Patriotic Parade
Annual Winter Holiday Program
Field Trips
Items To Send With Your Child………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………20-21
Appropriate Clothing/Footwear
Extra Clothing
Outdoor Clothing
Accessories
Food From Home
Toys From Home
Nap Time
Abuse Reporting…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………..22-23
INTRODUCTION
WEE PALS MISSION STATEMENT
OUR MISSION, as a non-profit corporation, is to provide high-quality child care focusing on child development through a stimulating environment, age-appropriate activities, and opportunities for children to learn about themselves, others and their world.
In accomplishing our mission, we seek:
To encourage the children to develop respect for themselves
and for others
To provide affectionate and approving care
To use consistent and positive discipline which encourages the
children to learn constructive behavior
To provide a learning environment in which the children can
succeed in their developmental goals
To continually train staff to understand early child development
and to model appropriate behavior
To work in partnership with the families of the children
Wee Pals does not discriminate regardless of Race, Color, National
Origin, Sex, or Physical ability.
PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of Wee Pals is based on the idea that children continuously learn by acting upon, and interacting with the world around them. The process of learning occurs naturally and within a nurturing and stimulating environment. We will provide a program specifically based on individual needs and developmental levels.
WHO WE SERVE
Wee Pals Childcare Center serves infants age 6 weeks through school age children up to grade 4 on a full time, part time, and drop in basis. Wee Pals has a fully integrated preschool and kindergarten readiness program. Wee Pals also has a kindergarten program in the afternoon for those children that attend morning kindergarten through the Owatonna Public Schools.
History and role in the community
Wee Pals Childcare and Preschool center was the first center-based childcare in Steele County. Founded in 1970, Wee Pals was originally licensed for 20 children ages 3-5 and operated out of the basement of a church. By 1975, the center license grew to 50 children ages 3-5 and moved into Grandall Hall in the former State School Building on the West Hills campus. In 1985, the center moved to Merrill Hall and expanded its services to toddlers and school age children. The center added infant care in 1989. Wee Pals is licensed for 105 children, however the target capacity is 84 children.
Wee Pals is known for its rich history of providing quality childcare and preschool programs for families in Steele County. The onsite preschool is convenient for parents; there is no need to leave work to transport children to an off site pre-school program. The preschool curriculum focuses on developmental skills for each age group, progressing to kindergarten readiness skills. Public school teachers comment that children leaving Wee Pals are well prepared for kindergarten.
Wee Pals is committed to strengthening children and Families. Wee Pals partners with other organizations in the community to create strong early childhood initiatives.
LICENSING AND SITE INFORMATION
LICENSING
Wee Pals Childcare and Preschool Center is licensed annually by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. We serve families without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sex or source of assistance.
Wee Pals Childcare and Preschool Center is mandated to follow the procedures outlined in the Minnesota Department of Human Services Division of Licensing DHS Rule 3 (Child Care Centers), parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0170. A copy is on file in the office.
RATIOS
Our teacher to child ratio is equal to or better than the state requirements listed below:
Infants 1:4
Toddlers 1:7
Preschool 1:10
School Age 1:15
DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
Wee Pals is open from 6:30am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday all year except specific holidays, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and other possible holiday related days.
UTILIZATION OF SPACE
Wee Pals is located in the historic Merrill Building of the West Hills campus. Wee Pals occupies:
Main Floor: Six Program Rooms and the Office space
Lower Level: Kitchen and Cafeteria, Gross Motor Room, Storage
Playground area in the rear of the building
PERSONNEL
Staff is qualified teachers, assistant teachers, and child care aides. Lead teachers have Bachelor degrees with strong experience in early childhood care and education. Assistant teachers have post secondary education and experience in early childhood care and education. Child care aides have a strong passion for working with children and are currently in high school or have graduated with a high school diploma or GED. All staff members are required to participate in on-going training designed to ensure consistency with our mission and pro-gram goals.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Please maintain confidentiality of identity when talking with your child’s activities and place of care. We expect the same of parents that we do our staff; that conversations outside the center not identify children and families to others
ADMISSIONS AND OPERATIONS
Programs: Wee Pals’ licensed capacity is 10 Infants,18 Toddlers, 65 Preschool, and 37 School Age children in the following programs:
Infant Program
Ages 6 weeks—17 months
Staff/Child Ratio 1 to 3/4 / Our staff provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for babies in our care. We excel at communicating with parents on each baby’s individual needs. Our staff helps each infant to learn by interacting with the world around him/her.
The Yellow Room
Preschool Transition Program
Ages:18 months - 33 months
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to 7 / This is a transition period for young toddlers and younger preschoolers. The children are becoming more independent and more social, but they still need a lot of staff attention and individual time. This is also an exciting time where children begin to learn shapes, letters, counting, and more.
The Green Room
Preschool Program
Ages: 33 months - 46 months
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to 9/10 / Children in the Green Room continue to build on their preschool skills. Our teachers emphasize decision making, independence, and more accountability by the children. The children are much better able to interact, choose their own play area, accomplish a task, and pick up their areas before moving on to the next activity.
The Rainbow Room
School Readiness Program
Ages: 46 months - 1st day of Kindergarten
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to 9/10 / In the Rainbow Room we focus on preparing children for the next chapter in their educational careers—Kindergarten! Children will work with more advanced materials, learn to read books, complete worksheets, and participate in other activities that leave them well prepared for elementary school the following year.
The Big Pals Room
School Age Program for
Children in 1st - 4th Grade
Staff/Child Ratio: 1 to 10/15 / The School-Age program operates before and after school, and full days when school is not in session. Our Big Pals teacher will reinforce areas where children may have difficulties in school. Especially throughout the summer, there are many fun activities planned daily!
PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Program Goals
To provide safe, healthy, and nurturing care in an environment conducive to the
development of each child.
To provide a program for the development, implementation and evaluation of each
child’s cognitive, social, language, and motor skills activities.
To provide an environment for staff and parents to continue to learn about the needs
and behavior of individual children.
To provide a supportive environment for parents.
Care giving Objectives
In order to meet the program’s philosophy and goals, the following care giving objectives have been established:
Care for each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Care giving routines will be consistent so the child can develop trust in the caregiver
and the program environment.
Warmth, affection, and caring will be offered so children will know they are special
and individual.
Every experience a child has will be considered a learning experience.
Parents will be informed daily of their child’s activities. They are welcome to observe
the program and to share ideas.
ELIGIBILITY
All children 6 weeks of age through 4th grade will be considered for admission. Wee Pals does not discriminate against children or parents for admission, regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex. Children’s names may be placed in a waiting list and admitted as vacancies occur.
ENROLLMENT
Pre-Admission: Before a child starts, a visit is required to acquaint parents and child with the new surroundings and staff. This is a time to discuss any questions or concerns with the Director, and to receive forms for enrollment, along with informational material.
Enrollment Forms: The following must be submitted to the office prior to attendance: (1) Emergency and Authorization form, (2) Enrollment forms, (3) Immunization form, and (4) Registration fee.
Registration Fee: For new families entering the program, there is a registration fee for each child due with enrollment forms.
Health Summary: A health summary form signed by a physician is required within 30 days of initial enrollment. This form is included in the enrollment pack-age. A new health summary is required whenever a child moves into a new age/ rate category in our program.
ANNUAL REVIEW FEE
For families already enrolled, there is an Annual Review Fee due by September 15 each year. If a family enrolls after June 1, the Annual Review Fee will be waived for that year only.
RATES AND PAYMENT POLICIES
Rates for each room are detailed on the Rate Sheet which can be picked up in the office. Rate changes generally occur January 1st, but changes may occur at any time upon a 30-day written notice.
Payments are always due the Monday of the week of care. A late fee will be assessed if payment is not received by the following day. Payment is expected for all 52 weeks minus one week of vacation for full time families. Vacation slips must be approved prior to use of non-paid days (may be used when your child is sick).
Wee Pals observes the following holidays; New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas and 1 other floating holiday.
We are happy to work with families who have third party assistance in payment of their child care costs. It is the responsibility of the families to maintain current contracts with their counties and to pay the difference in tuition fees received from the county and what Wee Pals charges.
TAX INFORMATION
Taxpayers wishing to claim the child tax credit or dependent care exclusion through Flexible Savings Account (FSA) should ask the director to prepare for them a statement of fees paid in the tax year. We are a tax-exempt, non-profit entity. The Federal ID number for Wee Pals is 41-0966862.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from Wee Pals must be provided or arranged by the parents. Wee Pals will assist parents with arrangements for busing school age children.
DAILY ARRIVAL
Our doors open at 6:30am. Parents are required to undress their child (coat, snow pants, boots, etc.), bring their child into the room, and acknowledge their child’s arrival to staff. (TBC and Yellow Room Parents: Please allow enough time to fill out your child’s daily report for staff).
Medicine, treats, and/or special items should be brought to the office. Parents should notify the Wee Pals office and their child’s teacher if their child will arrive earlier or later than usual, or will not attend on a given day.
DEPARTURES
Parents must make contact with their child’s teacher before leaving the premises. Wee Pals staff will not allow a child to leave with anyone other than the parent unless written authorization has been completed by or with the office staff and left in the office. Any person being given permission to pick up a child must identify himself or herself in the office, sign the non-parental departure slip, and take the slip to get the child.
LIABILITY
Wee Pals assumes responsibility for the welfare of a child between drop off (check in) and pick up (sign out). Our liability begins when a child is signed in and staff is notified of the child’s arrival. Our liability ends when a child is signed out and taken from our staff. (Exception being when a child participates in an-other activity during our program hours, such as: Owatonna Park and Rec. activities.) We will not assume liability during the time they are scheduled into and participating in another activity.