Parent Handbook | My Site 6

*State Licensing Requirements*

A Place to Grow Preschool is licensed and complies with all Montana State licensing regulations and standards. These standards relate to the facility, health for your children as well as me, safety procedures, nutrition, care giver to child ratios, and record keeping. Our facility is subject to inspection by Montana State, City Health, Fire, and Licensing officials at any time. In addition to these requirements, we also follow all STARS to quality standards.

*Mandatory Reporting*

As a state registered childcare provider, we are required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to child protective services. Child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or neglectful. The phone number for CPS is 1-866-520-KIDS (5437). We have a policy in place that all staff are trained regarding their responsibly to being mandatory reporters.

*Immunization Records*

All Children who attend childcare must be current in their immunizations and be able to provide a copy of their most recent immunization records. As your child receives boosters or other shots, please keep our immunization records up to date. Copies of current immunizations records are required in your child’s file. These records are reviewed once a year by our local Health Department and they will enforce these rules. If your child is not current and you do not have a plan in place to get them caught up your child will not be allowed to come to the daycare.

*Communication*

Most of our communication is done in person at drop-offs and pickups. We also use Brightwheel App for daily checkups, sharing observations we observe, communicating supplies we may need for your child, and billing. You will need to download the Brightwheel App, and we will send you an invitation. I am also accepting communicating through text messages as well.

*Open Door Policy*

A Place to Grow Preschool has an open-door policy on visits. I do ask that you please take into consideration our schedule in the daycare when “dropping in.”

Please feel free to call, stay a little longer at pick up time, or send message through Bright Wheel or text if you have something that you need to talk with us about. I would like to ask that you are mindful however when needing to talk with me after hours and on the weekends. Schedule changes need to be communicated to me either in person, through our Brightwheel App, email, or text. If schedule changes are not communicated this way, then you will still be billed for missing a contracted day.

*Privacy Policy*

I will do all that I can to protect your family’s privacy and will abide by the state privacy law. I keep all records and information about your child and family private and confidential. I also ask that you be respectful and thoughtful of other families in our care and possibly overhear a conversation we may be having about their child. Sometimes conversations are not as private as we all wish they could be.

*Your Childs Records*

I will keep the fallowing records for your child; you are responsible for updating these records immediately when any of this information changes:

Your emergency contact information, including the name of a backup person in case I am unable to reach you, the phone numbers of the child’s doctors and dentist.
A list of everyone who is authorized to drop off and pick up a child. I will also need a copy of a parenting plan if it concerns the visitation of the child. If there is not a parenting plan in place, I will need a written statement signed by both parents stating what the arrangements are that you both have agreed upon. Please know that without a parenting plan I cannot legally hold a child from the other parents if they choose to come and get that child. In this event I will call you and let you know that the other parent picked up the child.
A signed and complete enrollment form
Any special care or health requirements for your child. With a doctor or Physician’s signature when applicable.
A signed consent form to obtain emergency medical or dental care.
A signed copy stating you have read and fully understand the parent handbook and the policies and procedures that are in place at A Place to Grow.
A signed schedule and payment contract
A signed partnership agreement
A signed photo release.

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday 7:30am-5:00pm.

Closed Days:

Set closures are put in place quarterly and vary. I have a copy of the most recent closures.

Current Rates and Fees for children.

$25.00 Enrollment Paid on first invoice.

$75.00 Bi-annual Material Fees per Family. Due first billing cycle in January and July for children over 24 months.

$51.00 For Children under 24 months. $46.00 For Children over 24 months (2025)

$10.00 discount for Sibling Rate

$50.00 late fee that will automatically be added to your next invoice if payments are not paid in full 3 days after due date. Please don’t be late and if you are talking with me so I too can budget as needed.

I except cash, checks, or online payment through Bright Wheel App. Billing pay dates are on the 15th and the last day of the month. If your child’s last contracted day is prior to the 15th or last day of the month then your payments will be due on their last contracted day. Example-The 15th is on a Wednesday but your child’s last day that week is on a Monday then Monday will be the day payment is due.

Late Pick Up Fee

You will be billed $10.00 when the child is picked up after our set closing time. Please don’t be late-I hate to enforce a late pick-up fee however on most days I have things I have to get to after work, so it does cause inconvenience.

I except cash, checks, or online payment through Bright Wheel App

Changes in your Childcare Schedule Needs

Changes in your child’s schedule need to be communicated either in person, through the Brightwheel App, emailed or text with a minimum of two weeks’ notice if you are not wanting to be billed for being absent on a contracted day. Failure for changes to be made this way will result in you still being billed for the changes you were trying to make. This includes your vacation time or other extended amounts of time that your child will be absent. If your child is absent more than 30 days, they are not guaranteed a spot to return too unless we have made agreements.

*Emergency Travel*

At this point, A Place to Grow Preschool will remain open even with the closure of public school. Since emergency travel is a last-minute situation if you choose not to come that day it is still treated as a scheduled day, and you will be billed.

*Termination Policy*

The first 30 days will be regarded as a trial period, in which either party may terminate the contract without notice. After the first 30 days of enrollment a two-week written notice from the parent or provider is required to terminate the contract. All contracted days will require payment paid in full. In cases of non-payment, legal action will be taken, and the parents-child’s legal guardian will be responsible for paying all legal fees incurred.

Childcare Scholarships

I encourage all families to apply for Best Beginnings Childcare Scholarships. These scholarships are through the Montana Department of Public and Human Services and can help you pay for childcare. To get more information the Nurturing Center can help and direct you into the right direction.

If you receive a Best Beginning Scholarship, it is your responsibility to renew your contract on a timely basis or you may lose the scholarship. You will be responsible for all childcare costs if your scholarship is not renewed. You must provide us with verification that you have received a scholarship.

If you receive a Best Beginning Childcare Scholarship, it is also your responsibility to make your monthly co-payments. You will also be responsible for paying for other charges or fees that are over and beyond those covered by the Best Beginning Childcare Scholarship. In the event our rates are higher than what the state reimburses you will have an additional amount to pay and will need to choose with payment option works best. The scholarship does not cover the material fees or enrollment fees either.

*Dropping Off/Picking Up*

Every day you are required to sign your child in and out of daycare. Please be here by 9, especially if your child will be eating breakfast. After 10:00 am we will no longer except your child for that day unless prior arrangements are made, and we know about the later drop-off. If you pick your child up for an appointment or special outing and the child will be returning to daycare you will still need to sign them in and out. Please have your children ready for the day as well as with the necessary supplies needed for the day. Breakfast will be provided 8:30-9:15 if your child comes after that time frame, breakfast will not be provided.

Please be in control of your child during drop offs and pick-ups.

Only an authorized person may drop off or pick up your child. All authorized people must be written on the release form. If a person shows up to pick up your child and is not on your emergency contact/authorized persons list, they will NOT be allowed to remove the child from daycare. If someone new whom I have not met yet comes to pick up your child, they will be required to show a current photo ID. Please keep this list updated. When we have a substitute, they will use this method of identifying individuals picking up your child.

If there is a parenting plan in place or a custody agreement, I will need to have a copy of that on file. If there is no parenting plan than legally, I am not able to deny either parent to pick up and remove child.

If I feel it is unsafe to release your child into your or another authorized person’s custody, due to erratic behavior or the appearance of being the influence of alcohol or drugs, we will attempt to call another authorized adult to pick up your child. If you or another authorized adult under these conditions remove your child despite our objections, we will call the police or sheriff as you leave the property. If a family member or other adult behaves in an aggressive or threatening manner, I will call law enforcement.

*Childs Health*

A Place to Grow Preschool is required to follow the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Sick Children Policy.

We do daily health checks on your children and this information is documented and if we have concerns, it will be shared with you. Many times, I feel that we may know your child is sick before the virus comes out.

For the health and safety of your child and all the children in our daycare, please do not bring your child to daycare when they are not feeling well or need more care than I can provide since I am unable to care one on one with them because of illness. Please do not medicate your child before bringing them unless their illness is something that can be comforted or overcome with medication. Be true to yourself, your child, and others in our care. We can only care for children with very mild cold-like symptoms. Mild cold-like symptoms include clear or green or yellowish runny nose, slight cough, and a slight (below 99.5) or no fever. Children under 3 are more susceptible to spreading germs and illness much faster than older kids. Therefore, I personally ask if your child is under 3 and has a cold with a constant runny nose and coughing, they need to stay home and be reevaluated daily to decide when it’s time for them to return. This age group is still putting things into their mouths and are working on proper hygiene which makes them an age group that spread illness much faster than an older 3-5-year-old that can wash their hands for 20 seconds, cover their coughs, sneeze away from others, and keep toys or other objects out of their mouths. If a child becomes ill during daycare hours, the parents will be contacted to pick up their child. Parents need to pick up their children within one hour of being notified. If parents are not available, the emergency contact person will be notified. If multiple kids get sick within a day or two it is common for me to decide to just close the daycare for a deep cleaning and air out can be done.

If your child has a fever of over 100, vomited, or has diarrhea, they cannot return till 24 hours free from illness and over the counter medications that were given to help with their illness.

Note: Once the child is removed from daycare due to illness, they may not return to daycare until symptoms requiring removal are no longer present. The child must also be avoided of any contagious disease, unless accompanied by a doctor's note stating the illness in question is not contagious, and the child is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule. There are times when I will ask that your child be seen by their doctor to return to daycare. It is my commitment to all families that I help to keep everyone healthy, and this does include staff too.

*Guidelines for Children Requiring Exclusion from Daycare*

A child with any of the following illnesses must be completely free of any symptoms before returning to daycare. If the child is taking antibiotics for the illness, the child may return to daycare after the initial 24 hours of beginning on antibiotics and is otherwise feeling well enough to participate in our daily schedule. Signs of illness include the following (but aren’t limited to); unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying for no reason, runny nose (other than clear), cough (more than slight), difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth sores, or rashes (note from doctor stating non-contagious is ok). Specific illness that will exclude your child are Pink Eye, Chicken Pox, Mumps, Measles, MRSA, Rosella, Fifth Disease, Hand Foot and Mouth, Meningitis, Impetigo, Influenza, Pinworms, Ring Worms, Hepatitis A, Scabies, Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever, Tuberculosis, Shingles, RSV, Pneumonia, Whooping Cough and Lice. State law requires that we notify parents of children who have been exposed to certain contagious diseases.

Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or above may not attend daycare.

If you have illness, moving through other family members or people that your child has close contact with, please be mindful and know that your child may be contagious or ill as well and that we would prefer them not to come into daycare and spreading an illness.

*COVID-19 Policy*

We will always follow the current CDC recommendation for quarantining related to COVID 19. If your child has COVID19 like symptoms and you refuse to have them tested, we will treat them as if they are positive and they will need to quarantine for the required amount of time that CDC is recommending at that time. If they are tested and found negative, then we don’t have a covid situation.

*Medications*

If your child needs to be medicated but cannot comfortably participate in our routine or need one-on-one care, they need to stay home, or we will send them home once we observe them and can tell they would be more comfortable at home. I wish we were able to take care of sick and healthy kids, but sick kids are much harder. We will however give certain doctors prescribed medications to the children, of course given that they are no longer contagious, and only if the medication consent form has been signed. Examples of these would be antibiotics for ear infections, Tylenol for teething or pain associated with bumps or bruises, muscle soreness or headaches. If you're not sure if we will administer a certain medication or not, please feel free to ask. You will be asked to fill out a Medication Authorization form giving permission to administer the medication. Medication must be in original packaging with the written instructions script.

Over the counter (OTC) non-digestible medication such as diaper rash ointment, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. must be labeled with the child’s name and a written authorization form on file that is updated yearly. We do have a medication policy that all staff are trained to follow as well as a 3-hour training course they must take regarding medications in the childcare setting.

*Medical and Dental Emergency Procedures*

Emergency information is kept on file at the daycare. In case of illness or injury this information will be used to notify you, or the person designated by you, of your child's status. If your child is injured while at the daycare, first aid will be administered. If treatment by a doctor is necessary, we will make every effort to contact you or the doctor you have chosen to treat your child. In all cases, an injury report is completed, and a copy is given to the parents as well as kept on file. Authorization for emergency treatment must be signed at the time of enrollment to ensure that in the event of an emergency, we can make sure your child receives the necessary emergency treatment he or she needs. It is very important that all emergency contact information is kept up to date and correct. Please inform us immediately of any changes to keep your information current. Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation if required.

Note: In case of a serious accident or sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention, the following procedures will be followed.

A phone call to 911 has been made.
Child's parents (or emergency contacts) are called.
Child is separated from the other children and appropriately cared for.
Parent or ambulance takes the child and health records to the doctor or hospital.

*Evacuation Procedures*

A Place to Grow Preschool has written policies and procedures for dealing with emergencies and natural disasters. Evacuation plans are posted in the daycare. In the unlikely event, the children will be evacuated to an emergency location, and you will be notified as soon as possible. Our emergency location of choice is the young maple tree by the lilac bushes. Fire drills will be practiced once a month, this information is posted.

We will also be practicing drills for a lock down scenario, and a shelter in the Place scenario. If we ever have an emergency and need to evacuate off the property, we will first assess using our family’s home as a safe place. If we need to leave location, we will relocate down to my dad’s house, his address is 12 Sunset Drive. Again, you will be notified.

*Providing positive guidance*

The well-being and successful development of young children depends on guidance for

behavior that is clear, consistent, appropriate, and above all, positive. Our goals for

Positive guidance is the same as that applies to successful social relationships--not to hurt oneself or others, and to respect the physical environment. Positive guidance relies on setting appropriate limits to behavior. As much as possible, we organize our rooms and play space to minimize the need for limits. This includes providing ample space, allowing children to move freely from inside to outside and

making sure there are enough materials to go around. When limits must be set, children are included in a discussion about alternative options. In this way, children become more aware of the need for limits and are better able to establish their own inner discipline. The need for adult-imposed control diminishes, and guidance becomes a positive learning experience. If a child's behavior is inappropriate or unsafe, we redirect them to a more positive action, for instance involving them in another activity. Depending on the behavior, age and individual, we may impose an instructive consequence that helps the child to

understand the behavior. Children and staff are encouraged to express their feelings verbally as well as to discuss and resolve conflicts rather than 'act out' their feelings. In certain situations, a brief 'quiet time' may be used to allow a child to calm down and recover self-control before resuming group activities.

*Aggressive or Challenging Behavior*

I ask that all children need to be able to participate in our routine and planned activities specified for their age, follow multistep directions, show a level of respect to the property, and their teachers, and peers. When a child is not able to do these things and are showing any aggressive or challenging behaviors parents are notified with each incident. The more repetitive the behaviors are the more the family will know about it. Aggressive/hurtful or challenging behavior includes, but is not limited to being able to follow the rules and directions but choosing constantly not too, putting themselves or others into unsafe or hurtful situations, physically hurting others, speech delays or impairments, loss of attention spans, out bursts-physical or emotional, play that involves someone constantly dying or have graphic body injuries, concerning anger issues, observing that your child clearly has a disconnect when they may hurt others and are not be able to process what they are doing. As their teacher I will use every appropriate method to try and help the child but, in many cases, this will not be the setting for your child to remain within. It is common that some behaviors need a higher or specific level of training and supervision.

When we are experiencing a hardship with the child these are the steps we will take to see if we are able to correct the behavior. If after attempting these two steps and the behavior is still disrupting the flow and routine of the program, the family will need to find alternative care. This is our attempt to work with the family and outside resources.
Step One: Teacher meeting with the family and in some cases children too. We will discuss the concerning behavior, share scenarios that we have observed and see if there are similar concerns at home, possible changes at home that could be influencing the child and come up with a plan to work with the child that is appropriate as well as realist for everyone. Most of the time a suggestion will be made about getting an outside support agency to do an assessment. The first five years are so important to the brain’s growth and development and with early intervention the child and family will be off to a better future.
Step Two: Teacher meeting with the family. This time we will review what we had went over in the first meeting and this time make a 30-day plan to address the more severe behavior, set expectations with the child, and make sure that recommendations are being followed from other professionals and agencies that may have come in to help. At the end of 30 days if goals are not met and child’s behavior is still disrupting the daily flow and routine for others including staff then the family will be given a two-week termination notice.

As research and science has shown, not everyone develops on the same path, in some cases, our program just can’t provide the specific care for specific behaviors due to lack of knowledge and training on our behalf. We do not have access to phycology courses or behaviors too far from the norm. This is not our area of study. I have my degree in Early Childhood Education therefore I cannot diagnose and treat children with aggressive or challenging behaviors. If I feel that your child needs more care than our program can provide, please do not take hard feelings to it. I’ve learned to know our limits on what works in our facility.

*Diapering*

I prefer gloves used when changing diapers. The hands of the child and care giver are washed thoroughly afterwards. Diapers/Pull Ups are changed as needed and are checked often. Creams, ointments, or powers are not routinely used, instead on a need to use basis. We will interact and talk with the child through the diaper changing process. As your child gets older, we will engage them more with the changing experience and have them start to be interactive with the process. If you choose to use cloth diapers, you will need to provide us with a clean wet sack for them to be placed inside daily. Please launder this sack regularly.

Toilet Training

I am more than happy to encourage toilet training when the child and your family is ready (typically between 2 and 3 years old). The initial start should be done at home. While you are working on the process at home, here at the daycare, we will continue to have them pull their pants down, throw their diapers/Pull-ups away and sit on the toilet during our changing times, if we see signs that they may need to go we will ask them to go and try to use the toilet. We will help them wipe after they have done it themselves but maybe not very well. I do not use a training toilet on the floor, we use just the standard toilet. Communication between us will be important for a successful transition from diapers to toilets. I will send home soiled underwear. Please reframe from dressing your child in overalls, pants with difficult fasteners, long dresses, during this learning time.

Meals and Snacks

I participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). They are a state agency that oversees our meals and holds me accountable for following their guidelines as to what I can provide during a meal. If you want more information on this, please ask me questions. We serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Hands will be washed before coming to the table for a meal.

I will be using fresh products when preparing meals. I will serve many comfort foods as well as new flavors and items from time to time. If your child chooses not to eat, they will not be provided with more food till the next meal. During mealtime, we will be working on our manners, saying please and thank you, keeping hands and feet to ourselves, not bothering others at the table and asking, “may I be excused” when they are done.

Special Diets

If your child has any dietary needs resulting from being a vegetarian, or having allergies, religious beliefs, or non-religious beliefs, etc, then we must be informed, and when applicable given a doctor's note stating that fact. At that time, it will be determined if your child can participate in the Food Program.

Childs Supplies Needed

Parents are responsible for supplying the following items: diapers/pull-ups, wipes, diaper creams, water bottle for outside, weather appropriate clothes and a change of clothes, jacket, and shoes/boots that stay on feet. During the specific seasons, we may need additional clothing items, but I will always include that information in our monthly newsletter, in person or through Brightwheel App. We supply and apply sunscreen every day to any child playing outside. I will let you know what brand I am using and if you would prefer a different brand then you are required to provide your own. We apply before going out at 10, reapply after naptime. Your child will get dirty throughout the day because we believe in play, children learn through being messy and important sensory learning happens. Please dress your child accordingly for play. We are not responsible for replacing stained or soiled clothing. Please don’t send them in clothes you don’t want them to get dirty or stained.

Toys

We have plenty of things to play with here. Personal toys can stay at home or in the car if your child insists on bringing them with you.

*Rest Time*

A Place to Grow Preschool has a set time in the daily schedule that is reserved for the children to relax on their mats and rest their bodies. The rest time is from 1:00-2:30/3pm. I believe that this down time is important for the children who have a busy schedule throughout the day with lots of stimulation and learning opportunities. During rest time, I ask that all visitors are very respectful to all the children in the facility. If you can postpone picking up or dropping a child off during this time that is recommended. If you need to come and pick your child up during nap, please be respectful of other sleeping children. At nap time your child will be offered a mat or cot with a fitted sheet and light weight blanket. We launder bedding every week unless needed more often. Once your child ages out of rest time I will still have them lay down quietly for 30 minutes, while I clean up after lunch and then they will play quietly in designated areas.

Birthday and Holiday Policy

Birthdays and holidays are an exciting time for young children. Their birthdays will be celebrated on the day of or a day close to it if you would like to bring in a snack or treat. We can also help with passing or putting birthday invitations into other cubbies as well. We also will usually have parties at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick Day.

*Transportation*

A Place to Grow will not be transporting children by car.

Pets

On our property and in our family, we have pets. Way too many to mention. The cats and dogs are all current with their shots as required by licensing. We also have chickens and sheep. We will wash our hands after handling any of them. We do use animals to help the kids learn about respecting them and being kind to them. We will ask the kids not to chase any of them. The older kids may be offered help with feeding or watering the chickens while collecting eggs with a member of staff or Lilyana who loves to ask the children to assist her.

Television and Screen time

We do have a television and tablet. When we are using either tool, we will be using them as a learning tool unless it is a day that we watch a movie/cartoon. Those days are normally stated because we will have them with PJ Day. In the wintertime it can be used as entertainment as we transition from outside to inside right before lunch.

Subsititue Service

Through RAISE Montana we do use the local subsititue service. This helps me with having some hours off and it not affecting your day. All subsititues are certified and trained to be in a licensed childcare. Their job duties are laid out very clearly for them by myself. We hope that your children having a new face around. Typically when I use them it is from 1-Close. When we have a subsititue you will be required to have who ever is picking up your child that day show their drivers licenses to the subsititue. The subsitiute will then varify that person as a authorized person that is allowed to pick up your child. I always give verbal notice as well as written reminders on the front board by the door.

Daily Schedule

7:30-8:30 Arrival Open Play

8:30-9:15ish Cleanup/Bathroom/Breakfast

9:30-10:00 Station Time/Number Game

10:00-11:00 Circle Time

11:00-12:15 Outside

12:15-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:30/3 Rest Time

2:30/3 Bathroom and PM Snack

3:00-5 Open inside play/Outside/Departing for the day.

I appreciate your interest that you have shown in our program, and I hope that we are the right fit for your child and family!