Meramec Valley

Meramec Valley

Early Childhood Center

Parent Handbook

2017-2018

2001 W. Osage St. Pacific, MO 63069

Phone 636-271-1464 or 1466

Fax 636-271-1456

Tina Pittman, Early Childhood Director

Cheryl Mueller, Early Childhood Secretary

Dear Parents:

Welcome to Meramec Valley Early Childhood Center. The staff and I are pleased to have your child at the Center. We are excited about the 2017-2018 school year and we are looking forward to getting to know your family. Preschool is an exciting time for everyone! We are very lucky to have the opportunity to teach your child.

Small children are naturally curious and eager to learn. Our goal at MVECC is to develop those natural curiosities into foundations for life-long learning. We provide a safe, nurturing atmosphere where your child, through guided explorations, imagination, and self-discovery, can grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.

Our curriculum is developed using the Missouri Early Learning Standards. It is child-centered and built around theme related units, holidays and other special events. High interest, age-appropriate activities encourage cooperation and positive self-concepts.

MVECC operates in accordance with the Meramec Valley R-III School District policies and procedures. As a district, MVR-III chooses to operate this facility in alignment with the Missouri Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care’s stringent requirements for the care of preschool aged children.

We invite you to inquire about other programs and events offered in the district. Parents as Teachers (PAT), developmental screenings, and parent education programs are available to the community through the Meramec Valley Community School.

Our staff wants to thank you for choosing MVECC for your child. We encourage you to visit the Center often and promise to work closely with you to provide the best care possible for your child.

Thank you, again, and welcome to Meramec Valley Early Childhood Center.

Sincerely,

Tina Pittman

Director

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Policy AC

Meramec Valley R-III School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in the admission, access to, treatment, and employment in its programs and activities.

As per Board of Education policy adopted on June 18, 2008, applicants for admission and employment, students, parents of students, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with Meramec Valley R-III School District are hereby notified that this District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission, access to, treatment, and employment in its programs and activities.

Any person having inquiries concerning Meramec Valley R-III School District’s compliance with nondiscrimination laws is directed to contact Dr. Jeremy Way, Assistant Superintendent,126 North Payne, Pacific, MO 63069 (636-271-1400). These non-discrimination laws include Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Assistant Superintendent is the person who has been designated to coordinate the District’s efforts to comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, regarding the District’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Return Check Collection Procedures

Policy DI

The MVR-III District contracts with Global Check Recovery. All checks returned non-sufficient funds will be electronically debited for redeposit for the face value of the check. When payment is made by check, you enter into a contractual agreement that obligates and holds you responsible for any and all penalties, costs and incidental damages allowable under law, but not limited to, return check charges, state surcharges, interest, collection costs, legal expenses and attorney fees. Expenses may also be debited by way of paper draft from your checking account. Should you opt not to accept this agreement, you may do so by calling (866)524-3339. As a result of refusal, your checks will no longer be accepted. The district will then accept only cash, cashier checks, or money orders. The school district administration reserves the right to refuse checks as a result of repeat returned checks.

2001 W. Osage

Pacific, MO 63069

(636) 271-1464 (636) 271-1466

(636) 271-1456 FAX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Parent Letter2

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION3

Return Check Collection Procedures3

Table of Contents4

2017-2018 Calendar5

Meramec Valley Early Childhood Center6

Mission6

Staffing6

Hours of Operation6

Inclement Weather Policy 6

Enrollment 7

Enrollment Forms and Procedures7

Registration7

Annual Registration Fees7

Tuition Deposit8

Tuition and Payment Procedures8

State Aide Procedures9

Absences9

Vacations 9

Income Tax 9

Daily Schedule9

Arrival and Departure Policies10

Late Fees10

Health Policies11

Student Medication Policy 12

Meals and Snacks 13

Parties and Birthdays13

Discipline 13

Withdrawal and Discharge Policies13

Fund Raisers 14

Personal Items and Clothing14

Daily Reports14

Childhood Immunization Exemption Letter 15

District Food Protocol16

Children Learn What They Live 17

Hang Up & Hug18

Parent Acknowledgment of Handbook 19

MERAMEC VALLEY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

The Meramec Valley Early Childhood Center houses three of the early childhood programs offered to the community through the Meramec Valley RIII School District. The Daycare with PreschoolProgram is for children whose parents are seeking daycare in an early childhood educational environment. This program is available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Extended Half-Day Program serves children enrolled in the Community School Preschool program. The Center also offers a Preschool Program available daily from 8:30-11:30.

All of these programs offer parents the opportunity to enroll their children in a developmentally appropriate environment rich in educational learning experiences. We invite you to visit our facility or call the office for more information.

MISSION

Families are the greatest contributors to the development of children. It is the mission of the Meramec Valley Early Childhood Center to support families of young children by providing quality early childhood programs and supportive services that provide the foundations for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical development of each child.

STAFFING

Our staff creates a safe and nurturing environment for your children. Under the state licensing guidelines, the staff/child ratio is 1:10. Teachers and staff assistants attend a minimum of 12 hours of child-related training each year. As of July 1, 2017, MVECC staff will be certified by Missouri Department of Social Services including the completion of CPR, AED and first aid training. Staff will continue professional development each year to maintain this certification. A school nurse is available when necessary. All staff members are screened through the Division of Family Services inJefferson City for records of child abuse or neglect.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Meramec Valley Early Childhood Center is open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Preschool hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Center follows the Meramec Valley School District calendar. The Early Childhood Center will remain open for its regular hours on days the Meramec Valley R-III School District has half days or early release days.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

There will be occasions when the Meramec Valley RIII School District will close due to inclement weather; the Early Childhood Center will close as well. In the event it becomes necessary to close the district, or dismiss early, due to severe weather, a telephone call through School Messenger will be made and an announcement will be on the following television and radio stations and will be announced as “Meramec Valley R-3 School District.” If school is dismissed early, MVECC students will need to be picked up by 4 p.m.

Channel 2 (FOX)92.3 WIL-FM

Channel 4 (KMOX)101.7 KLPW-FM

Channel 5 (KSDK)1220 KLPW-AM

104.5 KSLQ-FM

Tuition will be credited on the days that the district is closed all day due to inclement weather.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment in the Meramec Valley Early Childhood’s daycare and/or preschool programs is open to all children between the ages of three and five years old. Children must be completely potty-trained. Priority enrollment will be given in the following order:

• Full-time students
• Siblings of currently enrolled children
• Children of Meramec Valley R-III School District Employees
• Residents of the Meramec Valley R-III School District
• Non-residents

Enrollment takes place on an on-going basis as space becomes available.

ENROLLMENT FORMS AND PROCEDURES

The following forms and information will be needed to enroll your child in the Early Childhood Center. The forms are available in the office.

1. Enrollment Form
2. Medical Examination Form (to be filled out by doctor)
3. Immunization Records
4. Free/Reduced Lunch Form
5. Medical Permission Form
6. Student Custody Form
7. Birth Certificate

The enrollment form and immunization record MUST BE ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY. Please make sure that the forms are completely filled out. Please remember to provide the secretary with updated information at all times. Medication Permission Forms are available in the office. If requested information is incomplete or not returned within two weeks from the first day of attendance, services will be terminated.

REGISTRATION

If you would like your child to attend MVECC, contact our office for the appropriate enrollment forms. A non-refundable registration fee is required at the time of registration. (Charges listed below.) If space is not available at the time of registration, completion of the enrollment forms places your child on a wait list. You will be notified as soon as space becomes available at which time the registration fee is due to secure your child’s placement. Before your child starts the program, you are invited to schedule an enrollment visit with the office. This visit gives you and your child the opportunity to see the classrooms and tour the facility. The preschool/daycare program is a five-day, full-time program. Parents may, however, choose to enroll their children part-time for three or four days. Please note that part-time enrollment is permitted as space allows. Part-time children follow the same registration and enrollment procedures and pay the same fees as the full-time children.

ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES

Families with children enrolled in MVECC must complete the registration process for each new session. To insure placement in the program, families are encouraged to register. Early registration for the Summer Session for currently enrolled students is available through April. Early registration for the Fall Session is available through June. A non-refundable registration fee is required at the time of registration.

Summer Registration FeesJune, July, August$25.00

Fall Registration FeesSeptember-May$50.00

TUITION DEPOSIT

MVECC requires a tuition deposit of $100.00 for each family enrolled. (This is not an annual fee.) At the end of the child’s enrollment period, Meramec Valley School District will return the deposit with an itemized list of any charges for which any portion of the deposit was kept. Charges would include any unpaid fees or charges. Parents must notify the office one month prior to the date of their child’s withdrawal. In the event the family is relocating, a forwarding address must accompany the written notice.

TUITION AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES

Tuition costs are set by the Meramec Valley Board of Education and are subject to change. The Early Childhood Center offers three programs for children 3 years and potty-trained through the start of kindergarten. There is a discount of $3.00 per day for additional children.

Daycare 6:00AM-6:00PM

Daycare with PreschoolAdditional Child

3-5 yr. Olds - $28.00 per day3-5 yr. Olds - $25.00 per day

Extended Half Day

This program is available for families whose children attend the Community School Preschooland need daycare. Children enrolled in this program may attend the Center all day on days Community School is closed.

Extended Half-DayAdditional Child

$22.00 per day$19.00 per day

Preschool8:30-11:30

PreschoolAdditional Child

3-5 yr. Olds - $19.00 per day3-5 yr. Olds - $16.00 per day

Tuition is due on the first day of attendance each week.

• Make all checks payable to MVECC.
• All cash payments will be applied to student accounts; therefore, change will not be given.
• Tuition payments should be dropped into the tuition payment box located on the wall outside of the office. Cash payments should be placed in a sealed envelope with child’s name on the front.
• A $25 late fee will be added to tuition weekly for all late payments. If late fees occur more than twice, your child will be dismissed or suspended from the center. If services are suspended, a reenrollment fee will apply and the child may be placed on thecenter’s waiting list before he/she can be reinstated. Children will not be permitted to start a new session until the current account is up-to-date.
• Payments will be posted to your account and will appear on your weekly statement.

Family Services Division

Families that qualify for state aid are responsible for the following things:

• Providing proof of qualification.
• Case worker’s name and telephone number.
• Completing all required paperwork.
• Completing paperwork for FSD to maintain qualification status.
• Making weekly payments.

ABSENCES

PLEASE CALL THE CENTER BY 9:00 A.M. IF YOUR CHILD WILL BE ABSENT.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PAY FOR ALL DAYS THAT YOUR CHILD IS SCHEDULED TO ATTEND, EVEN IF HE/SHE IS ABSENT. If your child is absent for a full week due to chicken pox, or hospitalization you will only be responsible for 50% of the tuition. Children may attend only on the days they are scheduled. If you would like to make temporaryorpermanent changes in your child's schedule, please contact the director. If your child is absent for 5 consecutive days without notification, the student will be dismissed from the program.

VACATION/SICK DAYS

MVECC provides each family with one week of tuition-free vacation/sick days each year. The year begins August 1 and ends July 31. Please note that vacation days may not be carried over from year to year. Vacation notification must be submitted to the director, in writing, at least one week in advance. The ONLY exception will be for the birth of a sibling. If notice is not given, you will be responsible for your child’s tuition. Vacation days will be prorated according to enrollment days.

INCOME TAX

Statements are available in January for income tax purposes and printed upon request only.

DAILY SCHEDULE*

6:00–8:30 a.m. Arrival

During this time children may participate in the following activities:

Learning Centers

Breakfast (8-8:20 a.m.)

8:30–11:30 a.m. Preschool Session

Calendar, Circle Time, Center Time, Language,

Math, Recess, Hand Washing, Story Time, Music

11:15–12:30 Lunch

12:00–2:00 p.m. Nap/Rest Time

2:00-3:30 p.m.Afternoon Session

Center Time, Recess, Snack, Story Time

3:30-6:00Departure

Learning Centers, Special Activities-Teachers will provide each family with a detailed schedule of the daily routine.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE POLICIES

Arrival Procedures

Children enrolled in the daycare/preschool program may arrive any time after 6:00 a.m. Children enrolled in the preschool program should not arrive before 8:20 a.m.

When you arrive at school:

you must announce your arrival via intercom/monitor and wait for a staff

member to let you in. DO NOT allow others to enter as you leave.

• escort your child into the building
• clock your child in before going to the classroom
• always tell the teacher or staff assistant you are leaving thereby placing the

child in his/her care

• say good-bye to your child and encourage him/her to have a good day
• the use of cell phones is strongly discouraged inside the building as they

interfere with child/parent time

Departure Procedures

Children will be released only to their parents/guardian unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Anyone authorized to pick up your child must be listed on the child’s enrollment form. If it is necessary for another authorized adult to pick up your child, please let the office staff know in writing that morning or call the office during the day. Any new pick-up person, authorized or not, will be asked to show identification before a child is released to him/her. Adults authorized to pick-up your child, must have a copy of photo I.D. on file and should be listed on the enrollment form.

We cannot deny a parent access to his/her child unless we have a copy of a current court order stating so. Children will not be released to older brothers or sisters under the age of 16. We will not release a child to a parent if we believe the parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and we reserve the right to notify the police of the situation.

When departing for the day:

 you must announce your arrival via intercom/monitor and wait for a staff

member to let you in

• make sure you have spoken to the teacher or staff assistant before taking your child.
• check your child’s cubby to make sure you collect any items that need to go home.
• clock your child out daily before leaving
• children are expected to follow behavior procedures even when parents are in

the building

the use of cell phones is strongly discouraged inside the building as they

interfere with the child’s opportunity to share his/her day with parents.

LATE FEES

MVECC understands that delays can occur at any time. The center closes at 6:00 p.m. If you are delayed, please contact the office and let them know the estimated time you will be picking up your child. Please note that this arrangement is for emergency situations only.