Marysville

Parent Handbook

About Us

Owner/Director – Teresa Scott

I began my journey working with children and families over 25 years ago when my own children were 2 years old and younger. I was a working parent much like you looking for a loving, nurturing place to leave my children. I chose to stay home and start my own family in home child care when I could not find what I was looking for. I operated this for five years then re-entered the workforce working for a variety of early learning centers as an infant, toddler, and preschool teacher. I eventually moved into an administrative role Directing early learning centers in Whatcom and Skagit County. I have successfully directed three early learning centers over the last 10 years. I am extremely excited to be finally owning and operating my own child care center along with my daughter-in-law and providing loving, quality care in this community.

Owner/Manager – Cassie Granger

I began working with children 10 years ago when my niece was born. I was her primary caregiver as my sister worked full-time. As she grew older and needed me less, I knew I had found my passion, working with children. I have been a personal family nanny for a couple of families which I still am very connected with to this day. I have also worked in early learning centers as a teacher and supervisor. Working with families and children brings me joy and I can’t wait to start serving this Community.

Together we had a vision to form a child care that was truly child focused and was a great place to be for children, families, and staff.

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Early Bloomers Program Philosophy

Our philosophy is that “play is a child’s work”. Children are competent, amazing learners that given the opportunity and support from parents and/or caregivers will develop and grow in their own unique way. Children deserve a childhood full of memories that are created by exploring, creating, and spontaneous discoveries. We can provide these experiences through a nurturing, well planned environment that encourages play, exploration, curiosity, and problem solving. Teachers act as facilitators to help children build upon their interests and knowledge by careful observation, meaningful interactions, and documentation. Children have the opportunity to work individually or collaboratively and may choose whether or not to participate in activities. There will be structured and unstructured periods throughout the day enabling children to play, learn, and grow at their own rate.

Early Bloomers Curriculum

Based on our above mentioned philosophy we believe curriculum is not something that is purchased but curriculum is what happens in the classroom every day. We follow an Emergent Curriculum that is based on observation of children’s interests and what is happening in the classroom day by day and week by week. Emergent means that planning is based on what is “emerging” from the daily life of the children and adults in the classroom. In addition to an emergent curriculum we provide structured time to work on math, language and literacy, fine and large motor, social and emotional, and science skills. We believe a balance of both child-directed and teacher-directed activities enables children the most opportunities to succeed.

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Enrollment

Your child is not fully enrolled until we have received a fully completed registration packet, deposit of at least 2 weeks tuition, and $50.00 registration fee.

Early Bloomer’s Child Care Tuition Rates

Toddler

5 Days Full Time....$824.00 Monthly

4 Days Part Time…$721.00 Monthly
3 Days Part Time...$644.00 Monthly
2 Days Part Time...$443.00 Monthly

Preschool

5 Days Full Time....$726.00 Monthly

4 Days Part Time….$623.00 Monthly
3 Days Part Time...$546.00 Monthly
2 Days Part Time....$391.00 Monthly
Drop-In
Toddler…….$47 Per Day
Preschool…$42 Per Day

$50.00 Registration Fee Due at Enrollment
*Payments may be made monthly, or bi-weekly. Tuition must be paid at least 2 weeks in advance. A $25 late fee will be accrued for any outstanding balances that are not paid 2 weeks in advance. A payment plan must be filled out and followed.

Family Vacation Time/ Absences:

After one year of enrollment you will receive vacation time that is equal to one week of your child(s) scheduled week. Example: you attend Monday-Wednesday, you would get 3 days vacation.Your monthly tuition reserves your child’s spot, therefor no credits for absences or sick days.

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Typical Activity Schedule

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday5:30am-6:30pm

A $1.00 per minute fee will be assessed for each minute late picking up past our hours of operation.

If you have a varying schedule we need your schedule by Thursdays in order to do our staffing schedule for the following week.

If you will be more than 30 minutes past or before the arrival and departure times estimated in registration paperwork please communicate at least 24 hours in advance to Director or Manager so classroom will be staffed accordingly and maintain proper staff to child ratios.

Example: Preschool Classroom Schedule

5:00-7:30Classroom Exploration

7:30-8:45Sensory & Table Activities

8:45-9:00Morning Gathering

9:00-9:30Breakfast

9:30- 10:45Teacher Directed/Classroom Exploration

10:45-11:00Clean up/Stories & Songs

11:00-12:00Outdoor Adventures/Music Movement

12:00-12:30Lunch

12:30-2:30Nap/Rest

2:30-3:30Wake Up/ Independent Play

3:30-4:00Snack

4:00-5:00Outdoor Adventures/Music Movement

5:00-6:00Stories/Games/Songs

6:00-6:30 Late Snack/Close

Meals and Snacks Served

All meals and snacks are prepared at the center by a qualified

staff that will follow the safe preparation, cooking, and serving

guidelines in the current edition of the food worker’s manual 4

prepared by the state department of health.

By preparing all meals and snacks at our center we are ensuring

that we know the ingredients in every meal and snack served in

case there are children with allergies. Therefore we do not allow

food to be brought from home.

We will make accommodations and substitutes for children with

Food allergies.

On special occasions such as birthdays, we will allow a treat that is

store bought and has the ingredients clearly labeled.

Typical Meal Schedule

9:00-9:30Breakfast

11:30-12:30 Lunch

3:00-4:00 Snack

5:30-6:00 Late Snack

Menu Example:

Breakfast:Whole Grain Toast w/butter

Sliced Oranges

Milk

Lunch:Chicken & Rice Casserole

Broccoli

Pineapple

Milk

Snack:Tortillas w/ cheese

Orange Juice

Parking:
Parking is provided in the parking lot at the front of our building forpick up and drop off. We ask that you be courteous to our other families and not block any parking spaces in addition to being as quick as possible when picking up or dropping off. 5
Things to leave at home:
* Toys – to be sure nothing is lost and we maintain a safe environment
* Food – to make sure we are keeping an allergy free environment

*Preschool has share days on Friday’s however check with teacher before bringing items on this day. Items must be non-violent and child safe.

Initial and Ongoing Screenings

Based on the knowledge that each child grows and develops differently we will conduct an initial screening upon enrollment and share with you this data within 3 months. Ongoing screenings will be conducted every 6 months for children under 30 months and every year after that until child enters school or more often if necessary. These findings will be in child’s portfolio where the parents will be able to view at any time or you may request a parent/teacher conference.

Special Needs

We will make every effort to accommodate children with special needs. The parents and program will devise a plan that is reasonable to both parties and in writing.

Parent Participation

We have an open door policy where parents are welcome at any time. Parent volunteers are always welcome for special events.

Diapering

Diapering in the toddler room will be done on the changing table and all proper procedures will be followed according to our health care plan. Older preschool age children will follow stand-up diapering procedures in the preschool bathroom.

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Arrival/Signing In/Out Daily

Drop Off times are from 5:30-10:30am. It is important for your child to arrive with enough time to play and transition into lunch and rest. Exceptions may be made with Director approval only.

It is a licensing requirement that parents/guardians sign in with a full signature and time when dropping off child and sign out with full signature and time when picking up. Sign In/Out binders are located in the lobby at the front entrance of our building.

When dropping off or picking up please make sure you are communicating with the teacher during this time your intent to leave or to take your child for the day. In addition, pick up or drop off’s should not last more than 15 minutes. If it is any more time than that on a regular basis then we would need a volunteer packet to be filled out by the parent.

Religious or Cultural Activities

We do not teach or practice any religious activities but recognize and are sensitive to others religious beliefs. We may celebrate cultural events and/or non-religious holidays.

Transportation and Field Trips

We will transport school age children to and from approved elementary schools in our company passenger van. An approved driver will only be allowed to do this and all children will be in child car seats or seat belts at all times.

We may have an occasional field trip that will be communicated to parents at least 48 hours in advance and will accompany a permission form. All children will be in child car seats or seat belts at all times during transportation of these field trips. 7

Weather Related Closures

We will make every effort to stay open in severe weather however if forced to close please look to our facebook page for closure notifications

Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

We will immediately report any suspected instances of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, child neglect, or child exploitation. This will be

reported to children’s administration central intake. In addition, if there is immediate danger to a child we will also make a report to local law enforcement.

Behavior Management and Guidance

We will guide children based on their individual needs and development.

  • We will promote children’s developmentally appropriate social behavior, self-control, and respect for the rights of others.
  • We will guide children based on what is fair, reasonable, consistent, and related to the child’s behavior.
  • We will not use any form of corporal punishment including biting, jerking, shaking, spanking, slapping, hitting, striking, kicking, pinching, flicking or any other means of inflicting physical pain or causing bodily harm to the child.
  • We will not use any form of verbal abuse such as yelling, shouting, name calling, shaming, making derogatory remarks about a child or the child’s family, or use language that threatens, humiliates or frightens a child.
  • We will not withhold food or liquids as punishment.
  • We will not use physical restrain methods.

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  • A staff may use limited physical restraint only in an emergency when they believe the child will injure another person or themselves. They must complete an incident report that is kept in the child’s file and given to the parent.

Our behavior management and guidance is a positive approach based on making learning opportunities, having natural consequences, and beginning each day fresh.

Dismissal From Center

Every effort will be made to work with children and families on an individual basis. Children may be dismissed from the center with no notice if child continuously harms other children or staff after every effort has been made with child and family to correct the situation. Positive communication is essential when dealing with difficulties. Any blaming, negative talk to staff about other staff, or belligerent language is grounds for immediate dismissal.

Medication Management

We will not administer medications unless it is for special needs. A special needs plan and a medication authorization form. Please see Health Care Plan for an in depth overview of our Medication Management Policy. This does not include diaper creams, ointment, or powder to reduce risk of diaper rash.

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Severe Allergies or Other Health Care Needs

Children with severe food or other allergies or other serious health care needs will need an Individual Plan of Action in addition to Medication Authorization Form if medication is needed.

Use of Baby Wipes

We may use Kirkland brand baby wipes to clean your child’s hands or face. Please let us know if there are any allergies or sensitivities regarding the use of these.

Ill Child Exclusions

ChickenpoxUntil all blisters are crusted over (usually 5 to 6 days after the rash stared)

Common ColdNo exclusion if child feels well enough to participate in activities

CytomegalovirusNo exclusion necessary

DiarrheaMay return after diarrhea has stopped for at least 24 hours

Ear InfectionNo exclusion if child feels well enough to participate in activities

FeverIf temperature is over 100F or higher under the arm and is accompanied with sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, pain irritability, confusion, or other symptoms

Fifth DiseaseNo exclusion if child feels well enough to participate in activities

Hand, Foot, & Mouth DiseaseNo exclusion necessary if child feels well enough to participate in activities

Head LiceUntil treatment is started and no nits are present

Infectious MononucleosisNo exclusion necessary if child feels well enough to participate in activities

Pinkeye (Bacterial)Until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment is started

Pinkeye (Viral)Until no drainage is present

Pinworms24 hours after treatment is started

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RashesUntil determined the rash is not a symptom of an infectious disease

Ringworm24 hours after treatment is started. Ringworm must be covered

RoseolaNo exclusion necessary if child feels well enough to participate in activities

Rotavirus24 hours after diarrhea stops

Scabies24 hours after treatment has started

Sore ThroatUntil determined the sore throat is not a symptom of an infectious disease

Strep Throat24 hours after antibiotic treatment has started and fever is gone

Vomiting24 hours after vomiting has stopped and determined is not a symptom of an infectious disease

Yeast InfectionsUntil treatment has started

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency, staff will follow their First Aid/CPR training, call 911, and make every reasonable effort to contact the parent and/or guardian. In the event a child needs to be transported by ambulance, a staff person will ride with them in the ambulance and stay with them until a parent or guardian arrives. An incident/injury report will be filled out and given to parents and licensor contacted.

Minor Injuries

Minor bumps and bruises will be communicated to the parent by an Ouch or Injury Report on the day the injury happened. A copy will be kept in the child’s file.

Disaster Preparedness
Fire Drills: will be held monthly
Disaster Drills: will be held quarterly
In the event of an emergency evacuation, we will locate to the Safeway parking lot on state street. In the event of a fire we will locate to the Skate Inn parking lot across the street from our facility.

Fire/Police/Ambulance: 911
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Animal Control: 425-388-3440
C.P.S: 1-866-363-4267 or 425-339-1830
C.P.S After Hours: 1-800-562-5624
DEL Licensor: Wendy Lin 425-339-183511

Out Of Area Contact: Gin 360-770-1765
Copies of the complete disaster plan are kept in the office and lobby.

Transitions

  • Into our program
  • We welcome visiting with your child and getting to know the teachers and classroom routine before beginning
  • We encourage you to read all policies and procedures in the parent handbook and health care and disaster plans and ask any questions before beginning.
  • Into next classroom
  • When the time comes for your child to transition from one classroom to the other we will communicate with you a plan for them to visit their new classroom preferably with a teacher from their current classroom when possible. We value your input and will communicate with you verbally and in writing about this process. This transition can take anywhere from a couple days to a few weeks depending on the child’s needs.
  • Into Kindergarten
  • We will provide the best information we have on your Childs kindergarten along with filling out the kindergarten assessment provided to us.

Things to bring

Sheet for resting mat, blanket, snuggle stuffed animal and/ or pillow if desired, diapers and/or pull-ups, wipes, change of clothing. Please take your bedding home weekly to wash and bring back.

Resting/Nap

Children 29 months of age and younger are able to follow their own rest schedule. All other children a rest time is available after lunch. Quiet activities will be made available for those children not sleeping.

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Welcome

Welcome to Early Bloomer’s Child Care! We are excited for you to be a part of our family. We have an open door and encourage families to come to us for any questions or concerns.

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Table of contents

About us………………………………………………….1

Philosophy and curriculum…………………..2

Enrollment/tuition…………………….………….3

Schedule……………………………….………………..4

Meals……………………………………………..………..5

Parking……………………………………………………..6

Items to leave at home………………………..6

Screenings………………………………………………6

Special needs………………………………………….6

Parent participation………………………………6

Diapering………………………………………………….6

Sign in/out………………………………………………7

Religious/cultural activities………………..7

Transportation……………………………………….7

Child abuse / behavior management….8

Medication management………………………9,10,11

Transitions/Things to bring/Rest/Nap…12

Welcome…………………………………………………13