The Child Development Center

Child Development Center Family Handbook

The Child Development Center

Family Handbook

2018 – 2019

Huguenot Road Baptist Church

10525 W. Huguenot Road

N. Chesterfield, Virginia 23235

(804) 272 – 1331

Table of Contents

Welcome…………………………………………………………………………………………2

Purpose of Handbook

School-Home Connection

Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………………3

Philosophy

Goals and Objectives

Letters from the Pastor and Associate Pastor for Children’s Ministries…………………..4

Letter from the CDC Committee Chairman………..…………………………………………5

Letter from CDC Director……………………………………………………………………….6

Child Development Center Director and Church Staff………………………………………7

Snack Ideas and Healthy Habits………………………………………………………………8

Virginia Child Restraint Device Law…………………………………………………………..9

General Characteristics of Preschoolers……………………………………………………10

A Typical Day in Preschool/Learning Centers……………………………………………...11

CDC Policies and Guidelines……………………………………………………………..12-22

Registration and Fees
Health and Wellness
Opening and Closing Dates
Arrival and Departure
Carpool Drop Off and Pickup
Messages
Absences
Holiday and Weather Conditions
Emergency Procedures
Safety and Security
Confidentiality
Clothing and Personal Belongings
School Pictures
Field Trips
Curriculum
Teaching Based on Christian Beliefs
Discipline
Snacks
Lunch Bunch
Communication
Conferences and Evaluations
Resource Parents
Room Parent Network
A Child’s Prayer
Calendar

Welcome

The staff of the Child Development Center is pleased that you have chosen CDC for your child’s preschool. We are eager to work with you to provide high quality care and education for your child. Together, we will support and celebrate your child’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual growth. Welcome to the family!

At CDC, we know a lot about children; we’ve been loving and teaching them for over 40 years! We’re trained to understand how children grow and develop, as well as how to best plan for their learning. However, we realize that no one knows your child like you do. So please share with us your insights, needs and experiences, in order to help make this a true partnership. Working together, we can ensure that your child’s early learning experiences are positive, successful and fun.

Purpose ofHandbook

This handbook provides information about the mission and operations of our preschool. The Child Development operates according to:

the missionof Huguenot Road Baptist Church,

the guidelines and requirements as a Religiously Exempt Child Day Center, following standards as set forth by the Virginia Department of Social Services,

the standards of the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC) of the National Association of Child Care Professionals, and

The philosophy, goals and curriculum of this early childhood program.

School-Home Connection

You are always welcome at CDC, and are encouraged to participate in any part of our program. Examples of family involvement include:

Mission Statement

As a ministry of Huguenot Road Baptist Church, our mission is to serve our community by welcoming and nurturing preschool children and their families. We are an accredited, non-profit preschool, dedicated to excellence in early childhood education by providing young children with experiences that foster joy, growth and a love of learning.

Philosophy

The Child Development Center ministry strives to provide a high quality early childhood program that promotes a safe and nurturing Christian environment for all preschoolers. With the emphasis towards a “hands on” developmentally appropriate approach, each child will be able to develop in the following areas – social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and physical.

Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of the Child Development Center are designed to meet the individual needs of each child through interactive activities. Special emphasis will be placed on fostering and encouraging social and emotional growth and development. Each class through its curriculum will provide many opportunities for a child to accomplish the following:

Gain an understanding of God’s love for each of us
Feel special, accepted, safe, and secure away from home with other adults and children
Experience school as fun, stimulating, and satisfying
Enhance positive self-esteem and confidence by performing tasks independently
Follow simple directions and accept limits
Use equipment safely and observe healthy practices
Express feelings, emotions, and needs in a socially acceptable manner
Observe God’s creation through the natural world
Experience music and movement in a variety of ways
Strengthen skills in listening, speaking, concentration, and problem solving

Dear Parents, Families and Friends of CDC:

On behalf of the CDC Liaison Team, welcome to a new school year!

I wanted to quickly introduce myself and thank you for choosing CDC. Since becoming a member of Huguenot Road Baptist Church 10 years ago, I have had an opportunity to participate in our Children's Ministries in a number of ways. This year I completed my fifth year of teaching fifth grade Sunday school and as you read this, my youngest daughter has just "graduated" my class and is headed toward her first year of middle school. I think back fondly to the time when both of our daughters were students at CDC. I remember the excitement of watching them learn new skills, make new friends, and grow as individuals. I am thankful for the time, energy and love that CDC's teachers poured into our girls while they were here and I know that you will be able to have that same feeling this year with Mrs. Tanja Cottrell and her dedicated staff. I am excited to be more directly involved in our CDC ministry as the CDC Liaison Team's Chair this year.

Our team is here to support the staff, families and students of our great school, as well as foster the relationship between CDC and Huguenot Road Baptist Church. We are made up of an intentional and diverse group of individuals, including parents of current and former students, retired members of CDC staff, and other members of HRBC who bring experiences that include education, administration, finance and ministry. We have been working hard all summer to prepare for what is going to be a fantastic school year. If there is anything you ever wish to share with us, my contact information is below.

Thank you for entrusting CDC with your children. It's going to be a great year!

Sincerely,

Curtis Montgomery

Chair, CDC Liaison Team

Dear Parents and Families of the Child Development Center,

It is my honor to welcome you to the 45th consecutive year of Preschool at the Child Development Center. For many of our families, it is Welcome Back! To our new or first time families, Welcome to the CDC! We look forward to many memory-making years ahead.

Childhood is a time of wonder, exploration and discovery while also a time of tremendous growth for children and often for parents too. By modeling Christian values, we strive to provide a loving, nurturing environment for your children to grow. We are confident the CDC ministry will provide the highest quality preschool program for all our students.

Parents, as a mother and a grandmother, I know the days ahead will be very exciting for each of you. The first days of school, first school friends, first field trips, first school pictures, and the first of lots and lots of treasures coming home from school. Store up these treasures both in your heart as well as in your attic. They will bring you many happy memories in the years ahead.

We are proud to grow the CDC into the 21st Century and beyond. Any school that has a history as long as the CDC will have a time capsule effect when reviewing old handbooks, directories and lesson plans. And yes, even photo albums. It is a testimony to the quality of our program, the love of our teachers, and their passion for teaching your children. As we move into an age of technology, please know we are moving more and more information online to our website. Handbooks will be printed for our new families only; all others will be sent an electronic version which will also be linked to our web page.

Childhood is a Journey! Thank you for choosing the Child Development Center as you launch your child on the journey through their school years.

Many, Many Blessings,

Tanja

Child Development Center

Tanja Cottrell, Director

School 804-272-1331

Cell 980-275-0029

Huguenot Road Baptist Church Staff

Dr. Bob Lee, Pastor

Rev. Matthew Hensley, Associate Pastor for Discipleship

Rev. Phillip Brown, Associate Pastor of Music and Worship

Mrs. Amanda Lott, Associate Pastor for Children’s Ministries

Ms. Kate Honeycutt, Associate Pastor for Student Ministries

Every day, your child should bring a nutritious snack. WE ARE A NUT FREE SCHOOL.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND POPCORN, SWEETS, NUTS OR SNACKS CONTAINING NUTS.
SNACK IDEAS
Fruits Vegetables
ApplesBroccoli
ApricotsCarrots
AvocadoCauliflower
Bananas Cucumbers
BlackberriesMushrooms
Blueberries Olives
CantaloupePeppers
CherriesPickles
ClementinePickled beets
CoconutRadishes
CranberriesSquash
Dried fruitTomatoes
Figs
Grapefruit
Grapes Other Ideas
Honeydew melon Breakfast bars
Kiwi Cheese
MangoCrackers
NectarinesGoldfish
OrangesPretzels
PapayaRice cakes
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Plums
Raisins
Raspberries
Star fruit
Strawberries
Tangelos
Tangerines
Watermelon / GOOD EATING HABITS

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Children should eat at least five servings each day.
Drink more water. Encourage your child to drink water instead of soda and sweetened drinks.
Drink 1% or skim milk. Children over the age of two should drink low fat milk.
Plan healthy snacks. Have your child sit at a table for snack time and turn off the TV. Fruits and vegetables are great snacks.
Eat with your children. Families who have meals together eat healthier and are less likely to be overweight.

GET MOVING!
Be active for at least one hour per day. Provide many opportunities for your child to run, play, chase, jump, and dance.
Limit TV viewing to less than one hour per day. Spending a lot of time in front of the TV can lead to childhood obesity and other health risks.
Be active together. Go to the park, take a walk, or ride bikes together. Work and play together as a family.

KEEPING OUR CHILDREN HEALTHY

Updated March 19, 2012

VIRGINIA'S CHILD RESTRAINT DEVICE LAW

(Code of Virginia Article 13 - Section 46.2)

The major requirements of Virginia's Child Safety Seat Law can be found at the following link:

•Child restraint devices are required for children through the age of seven (until 8th birthday). Safety seats must be properly used and approved by Department of Transportation standards. There is no height or weight requirement associated with this law. The Virginia law is based solely on age.

•4 to 7 year-old children should remain in their forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they outgrow their forward-facing car seat with a harness, it's time to travel in a booster seat ... but still in the rear seat.

•Children can no longer ride unrestrained in the rear cargo area of vehicles.

•The law applies to anyone (i.e. parents, grandparents, babysitters) who provides transportation for a child in any vehicle manufactured after January 1, 1968. Public transportation (taxis, buses), regulation school buses, and farm vehicles are exempted.

•The child restraint law is primary enforcement -- no other violation need be committed prior to ticketing for failure to have a child in an approved seat.

•A $50 civil penalty fine is imposed for failure to have a child in a child restraint device. Any person found guilty a second or subsequent time, on different dates, will be fined up to $500. All fines collected go into a special fund to purchase safety seats for low-income families.

•There are assistance programs for low-income residents who cannot afford a safety seat. Contact Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury and Violence Prevention at 1-800-732-8333 for more information.

•Restraining a child under the age of 8 with only a seat belt is illegal in Virginia and will put them at risk for serious injury or death. A belt-positioning booster seat raises your child up so that your vehicle's lap and shoulder belt is properly positioned across his/her shoulder and thighs.

•Get help: Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available to check your car seat installation for free. Call Virginia's Child Passenger Safety Information Line at 1-800-732-8333.

General Characteristics of Preschoolers

An infant:

Senses love from the way she is treated.

Needs to be held securely (but not tightly).

Learns through hearing.

Needs lots of time and space for exploring.

Must be treated as an individual.

A one-year-old:

Is constantly active, moving from one interest to another.

Learns to reason and think through physical manipulation.

Imitates the activities of the adults around her.

Explores with his five senses – seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling.

Uses the word “no” frequently.

Wants everything now. Her understanding is limited, and she cannot wait.

Is interested in himself. Has little interest in cooperative play.

A two-year-old:

Learns best when all five senses are used.

Likes to feel, pound, pat, and manipulate objects.

Has a shortened attention span.

Listens to a short story, conversation, or song.

Learns by doing and hearing something over and over.

A three-year-old:

Has a vivid imagination. Is imitative.

Asks many questions. The first work in a sentence seems to be why, how or what.

Forgets quickly. Has to be told the same thing over and over.

Learns through her senses. Is active and seldom still.

A four-year-old:

Is a bundle of energy and needs freedom to move. Tests his world through explosive behavior.

Needs freedom to experiment yet consistent guidance.

Finds security in the very limits he defies.

Is interested in many areas. Her actions thoughts and needs are unpredictable because her

Interests change often.

Is curious. Has a strong desire to learn. Questions begin with how and what.

Expresses herself well verbally. Delights in new words, name-calling, and silly sentences.

A five-year-old:

Is calm, secure, and eager to please.

Relishes adult approval and attention.

Asks “why” questions and grasps ideas quickly.

Prints his name with pride, but encounters problems when he uses scissors.

Enjoys planning projects before attempting them. Participates in group play, but may

sometimes prefer one friend.

A Typical Day at Preschool

9:15Children begin arriving and participatein pre-selected activities as other children arrive.

9:30 – 10:00Children gather for a morning group experience of stories, songs, games, conversation and opportunities to plan for their day.

9:45-10:00Chapel conducted every 1st and 3rd week of the month

10:00 – 11:00Children choose activities from different learning centers, such as dramatic play, blocks, books, art, puzzles, music and nature experiences.

11:00 – 11:15Clean up time

11:15 – 11:45Bathroom, wash hands, snack

11:45 – 12:15Outside play or gym time

12:15 – 12:20Prepare to go home

12:20Departure carpool begins

* Please note This is a sample of a typical preschool morning. Each class has its own schedule and plans that are based on age-appropriate materials and activities. FLEXIBILITY is a big part of the preschool morning.Children attend a weekly music class as well as enjoying music as a part of the daily curriculum.

Children who stay for Lunch Bunch or Enrichment follow this schedule.

12: 30 p.m. Wash hands; eat lunch; relax and play.

Enrichment schedules vary slightly, all Enrichment is conducted between 1:00-2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. Carpool for all Lunch Bunch & Enrichment students.

THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT HUGUENOT ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH

2018-2019POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

REGISTRATION AND FEES

Children, ages 18 months through five, are accepted into our program through a first-come, first-served registration process. Enrollment begins in November and opens to the community in January of each year. During the enrollment period, priority is given as follows:

1.to children of members of Huguenot Road Baptist Church and currently enrolled children,

2.to siblings of currently enrolled children,

3.to children of the community.

Application forms are available on the CDC website hrbcpreschool.organd from the CDC office. Completed forms can be returned to the CDC office with required registration fee.

The registration fee of $100 is non-refundable and is due with the application.The first tuition payment for the new school year will be due May 1 (September’s tuition). October’s tuition is due September 1, and so on until the last payment is made on April 1. Tuition may be paid monthly, quarterly or yearly in the amounts below:

Class Yearly Quarterly Monthly

2 Day $1,620.00 $540.00 $180.00

3 Day $2,025.00$675.00$225.00

4 Day $2,295.00$765.00$255.00

5 Day $2,700.00$900.00$300.00

Activity Fees:$100 for 18 mo.-5 yrs. paid once each year with second tuition payment.This fee covers enrichment activities scheduled throughout the year.

Reminder: One month’s notice is required if you withdraw your child from CDC. If less notice is given, no refund will be made, and a month’s tuition fee will be due. A $50.00 fee will be charged for any returned check.

Missing two consecutive tuition payments will result in withdrawal from the program.

PLEASE NOTE: Tuition payments are due on the first of the month. There will be a $25.00 LATE FEE for tuition payments made after the fifteenth (15th) of the month.

Conditional Enrollment- The teacher carefully evaluates the compatibility of each child in the class. If any enrolled child is unable to profit from the program, the parents will be called for a conference with the teacher and director. After every effort has been made to work with the child and to help him/her to adapt and benefit from the program, the director has the authority to withdraw the child from the school.