Procedures Manual

Table of Contents

I. Training and Education Levels of Caregivers

a. Orientation training

II. Job description

a. President/Sr. Accountant

b. Supervisor

c. Director

d. Accounting Assistant

e. Office Assistant

f. Floater

g. Caregivers

h. Food Service Worker

i. Maintenance

III. An introduction and orientation to the children

IV. Procedures for releasing children to parents or guardians Center policies and procedures:

V. Reporting requirements for witnessing or suspicion of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children and how to make a report:

VI. Reading of the Informational Guide to Parents:

VII. The following in-service training topics must be addressed annually:

VIII. Our center provides care for children under 24 months old

a. The center will provide:

b. Recording of training hours will be the responsibility of the:

IX. Exclusion of Staff and Children

X. Supervision and Protection of Children

a. When children six years old and older

b. When children under age six use the bathroom

c. When children are at Playtime

d. Releasing Children

XI. Medication Administration

a. The medication form will be checked for completion by:

b. This caregiver will be trained to:

c. We will maintain medication records for six weeks that include:

d. For over the counter and prescription medications, they must:

e. In addition, our center has the following policies regarding medication administration:

XII. Discipline

a. Discipline measures will not include any of the following:

XIII. Transportation

a. Our center policies apply to the transportation of children to and from school, and to and from off-site activities.

XIV. The center emergency and disaster plan is as follows:

a. People who will be notified in an emergency (listed in order of priority):

b. Emergency telephone numbers:

c. Personnel Assignments for specific tasks during emergencies and disasters:

d. Procedure to turn off gas, electricity, and water:

e. Steps followed by staff for emergencies and disasters:

f. Fire

g. Flood

h. Earthquake

i. Blizzard

j. Power Failure

k. Other Disasters

XV. Steps Followed by Staff in case of: A Missing Child

a. Who will be called?

b. When will they be called?

XVI. Medical emergency or injury involving a child

XVII. Medical emergency or injury involving a staff person

XVIII. Death of a child or staff person

XVIV. Tobacco, Alcohol, Illegal Substances, Sexually Explicit Materials

XX. Hand Washing

XXI. Firearms

XXII. Food Service

Each center owner and staff person is responsible for knowing the current rules and regulations and adhering to them at all times.

Training and Education Levels of Caregivers

• All caregivers will be 18 years or older or have graduated from high school or have completed their G.E.D.

• All caregivers will read and have access to the center’s policies and procedures manual.

• Documentation that the staff person has read and understood the policies and procedures will be maintained.

• Before being left alone with children, caregivers will complete the center’s required orientation training.

Orientation training will be provided by:

• President

• Supervisor

• Director:

A job description:

All employees will receive a form that explains all their required duties.

President/Sr. Accountant:

Descriptions Summary:

Oversee all aspects of the Center and employees.

Responsible for the following:

• Developing and implementing your child-care center's operational policies, which must comply with or exceed the minimum standards specified in this subchapter;

• Developing written personnel policies, including job descriptions, job responsibilities, and requirements; and making provisions for training;

• Reporting or ensuring your employees report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation as required by the Texas Family Code, §261.401;

• Complying with the child-care licensing law found in Chapter 42 of the Human Resources Code, the applicable minimum standards, and other applicable rules in the Texas Administrative Code.

Supervisor:

Descriptions Summary:

If Director is absent or unavailable you will assume their duties.

• Anytime your director is away from the child-care center during hours of operation, you or your director must designate a qualified caregiver or director to be in charge of the child-care center. Designated individuals must:

• Know they are in charge and for how long;

• Know their responsibilities while in charge;

• Have access to all essential information to communicate with parents and state and local authorities as needed; and

• Have the authority to direct the child-care center in compliance with minimum standards.

• If the director must be absent for an extended period of time for any reason, you must name someone who meets director qualifications to serve during the director's absence and you must report the name of the temporary director to Licensing.

• You or your director must ensure that all other employees know who is in charge in the director's absence.

You are responsible for the following:

• Designating a child-care center director who meets minimum standard qualifications and has daily, on-site responsibility for the operation of the child-care center;

• Ensuring parents have the opportunity to visit the child-care center any time during the child-care center's hours of operation to observe their child, the child-care center's operation, and program activities, without having to secure prior approval; and

• Previous supervisory experience for at least six months/one year in a social services environment.

• Current competency in infant/child CPR and First Aid with rescue breathing.

• No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

• Current Texas driver's license.

• Perform CPR and rescue breathing.

Physical Demands:
• Physically able to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry 5-50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

• Perform CPR and rescue breathing.

Center Director:

Descriptions Summary:
Oversees and directs program site for the Center.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A director must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or its equivalent and one of the following:

• An associate degree in applied sciences degree in child development or a related degree with 6 college credit hours in child development and 6 college credit hours in business management and two years experience in a licensed child care facility;
or

• A Child Development Associate credential with 6 college credit hours in business management and two years experience in a licensed child care facility;
or

• Sixty college credit hours with at least 9 credit hours in child development or early childhood education or the equivalent and 6 credit hours in business management and two years experience in a licensed child care facility;
or

• A day care administrator's credential issued by professional organizations or educational institutions that are recognized by the Licensing Division based on published criteria and two years experience in a licensed child care facility;
or

• Three years experience in a licensed child care facility and 9 credit hours in child care, child development or early childhood education and 9 credit hours in business management from an accredited college or university; five continuing education units (C.E.U.'s) may be substituted for each 3 credit hours;
or

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with 12 credit hours of child development or early childhood education, 6 credit hours of business management and one year of experience in a licensed child care facility.

2. Previous supervisory experience for at least six months/one year in a social services environment.

3. Current competency in infant/child CPR and First Aid with rescue breathing.

4. No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

5. Current Texas driver's license.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assume responsibility for Center's operation by abiding all policies and procedures of Day Nursery as well as all standards as stated in Minimum Standards for Child Care and Child Care Program Operations/Texas Rising Star criteria including, but not limited to, staff training, group size, curriculum/activities, caregiver-child interaction, health and safety, physical environment, nutrition/meal times, and parental involvement.

• Oversee an on-going program of group activities that contribute to the care, growth and development of the children who attend the center.

Hire, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate center personnel, including volunteers and student workers.

• Collect fees in accordance with Day Nursery policies and submit them to the financial manager daily.

• Participate annually in at least 20 clock hours of documented training in early childhood development, business management, and supervision, and other continuing education programs as appropriate.

• Explain center policies and rules to parents and prospective parents and enroll children.

• Maintain, update and regularly review a waiting list for child care.

• Maintain current inventory of equipment.

• Report to the Operations Director and/or Executive Director as required by governmental and agency policy.

• Assist in establishing new policies, revising old ones and insuring their implementation.

• Communicate significant information to parents with courtesy, respect, acceptance, and patience.

• Establish appropriate public relations with parents, as well as with contractors, service agencies, vendors, school principals and counselors.

• Perform additional assignments as requested or approved by supervisor.

• The director of a child-care center plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the child-care center. A director serves two important functions: To balance business concerns with what's good for children and to provide leadership and direction to the caregivers responsible for providing safe and healthy care for the children.

What are the director's responsibilities while at the child-care center?
The child-care center director is the adult you designate to have the daily, on-site responsibility for the operation of the child-care center, including maintaining compliance with the minimum standards and Licensing laws.

• The child-care center's daily operation is administered in compliance with the minimum standards specified in this chapter;

• All employees comply with the minimum standards;

• All employees have assignments that match their skills, abilities, and training;

• All employees are supervised. Supervision includes, but is not limited to, knowing what the employees are doing and ensuring that they fulfill their assignments and responsibilities;

• Caregivers are not regularly scheduled for more than ten hours of direct child care during a 24-hour period; and

• Qualified substitutes are called as necessary to meet minimum standards.

• Working with children is physically and emotionally demanding work requiring patience and energy. After long hours, caregivers are less likely to be understanding of children's behaviors and may be more likely to physically and verbally abuse or neglect them. A ten-hour limit on caregivers working directly with children will help prevent the problems that arise when exhausted caregivers attempt to cope with groups of children.

• Employee absences cannot be predicted. Substitutes are difficult to find, especially at the last minute. A director can be prepared for these times by having substitute caregivers available to ensure minimum child/caregiver ratios and adequate supervision is maintained.

In the Director's absence:

• Know they are in charge and for how long;

• Know their responsibilities while in charge;

• Have access to all essential information to communicate with parents and state and local authorities as needed; and

• Have the authority to direct the child-care center in compliance with minimum standards.

• You or your director must ensure that all other employees know who is in charge in the director's absence.

Physical Demands:
• Physically able to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry 5-50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

• Perform CPR and rescue breathing.

Accounting Assistant:

Descriptions Summary:

Maintains Personnel, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable records.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 18 years old or older.

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

• Current competency in infant/child CPR and First Aid with rescue breathing.

• No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

Essential Job Functions:

• Accounts Receivable: Receive weekly checks for Sr. Acctg.

• Accounts Payable: Make checks out and payable to Vendors, matched to invoice

• Check and sign off on all Time cards

• Make out Payroll checks, have them signed, then handout to employees.

• Code all invoices and file per Vendor and/or Employees file folders

Personnel Records

You must have the following records at the child-care center and available for review during hours of operation for each employee, caregiver, substitute, and volunteer as specified in this chapter:

• Documentation showing the dates of the first and last day on the job;

• Documentation showing how the employee meets the minimum age and education qualifications, if applicable;

• A copy of a health card or physician's statement verifying the employee is free of active tuberculosis, if required by the regional Texas Department of Health TB program or local health authority;

• A notarized Licensing Affidavit for Applicants for Employment form as specified in Human Resources Code, §42.059;

• A record of training hours;

• A statement signed and dated by the employee showing he has received a copy of the child-care center's:

• Operational policies; and

• Personnel policies;

• Proof of request for PRS background checks; and

• A copy of a current driver's license for each person who transports a child in care.

Physical Demands:
• Physically able to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry 5-50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

It is also anticipated that some stress will be associated with this position primarily due to deadlines and irregular work flow. It is necessary that the individual have the capacity to remain calm, considerate and tactful.

Office Assistant:

Descriptions Summary:

Keep all records up to date and assist others as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 18 years old or older.

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

• Current competency in infant/child CPR and First Aid with rescue breathing.

• No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

Record Keeping

1. You must maintain the following records for each child enrolled in your child-care center:

• Child-care enrollment agreement specified.

• Admission information;

• Statement of the child's health from a health-care professional;

• Immunization records;

• Tuberculin testing information, if applicable;

• Licensing Incident/Illness Report form; and

• Sign-in and sign-out logs.

2. These records must be kept at the child-care center and must be available during hours of operation and for at least three months after the child's last day in care.

Information on children no longer in care may be needed to support compliance with minimum standards or health and safety issues.

Records of Children

• A written statement, from a health-care professional who has examined the child within the past year, indicating the child is physically able to take part in the child-care program;

• A signed affidavit from the parent stating that medical diagnosis and treatment conflict with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious organization of which the parent is an adherent or a member; or

• A signed statement from the parent giving the name and address of a health-care professional who has examined the child within the past year stating that the child is able to participate in the program. This must be followed by a signed statement from a health-care professional as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection within 12 months of the date of admission.

Note: You must have a health statement on file at the center, within one week after the date of admission, for each child who does not attend pre-kindergarten or school away from the child-care center.

• You may keep the log at the entrance of the child-care center or in each classroom.

• All caregivers must have access to the sign-in and sign-out log to determine which children are in care during their work shift, changes in caregivers, and emergency evacuations.

• You must keep sign-in and sign-out logs for the previous three months and make them available to Licensing for review upon request.

• An automated system may be used for sign-in and sign-out logs, if parents are assigned a unique password or number.

Health status information is critical to ensuring that the individual needs of children are met, while protecting the health and safety of all children in care.

Records of Accidents and Incidents

You must use a Licensing Incident/Illness Report form, or other form containing at least the same information, to record information regarding:

• Injuries that required medical attention by a health-care professional; and

• Any other situation that placed a child at risk, such as forgetting a child in a center vehicle or not preventing a child from wandering away from the child-care center unsupervised.

• The director of the child-care center or the person in charge must sign and date the completed report.

• You must share a copy of the report with the child's parent and obtain the parent's signature on the report indicating the parent has reviewed it or received a copy of the report within 48 hours of when the incident occurred.

• Requiring a parent to sign the report verifies the parent was informed of serious situations, which affect the health or safety of their child.

Records That Must be kept on File at the Child-Care Center

You must maintain and make the following records available for our review upon request, during hours of operation. Paragraphs (18), (19), and (20) are optional, but if provided, allows Licensing to avoid duplicating the evaluation of standards, which have been evaluated by other state agencies within the past year:

• Children's records, as specified in Division 1 of this subchapter (relating to Records of Children);

• Infant feeding instructions, if applicable;

• Personnel and training records, unless on file at a central administrative location;

• Licensing Child-Care Center Director's Certificate;

• Attendance records for employees;

• Children's program activity plans for each age group;

• Verification of liability insurance or notice of unavailability, if applicable;

• Proof of request for PRS background checks;

• Daily menus;

• Medication records;

• Playground maintenance checklists;

• Fire safety documentation for emergency drills, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors;

• Most recent Licensing inspection report, letter, or notice requiring posting;

• Most recent fire inspection report;

• Most recent sanitation inspection report;

• Most recent gas inspection report, if applicable;

• Most recent Texas Department of Health immunization compliance review form, if applicable;

• Most recent Texas Department of Human Services Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) report, if applicable;

• Most recent local workforce board Child-Care Services Contractor inspection report, if applicable;

• Record of pest extermination, if applicable; and

• Written approval from the fire marshal to provide care above or below ground level, if applicable.

Physical Demands:
• Physically able to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry 5-50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

Floater:
Assist staff with both long and short range activities in accordance with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice and program philosophy.

Maintain daily open communication with parents

Maintain confidentiality

Report any suspect abuse to supervisor

Arrange a classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy

Maintain a safe and healthy environment

Inspect and replace damaged or lost materials

Attend in-service and staff meetings

Keep all appropriate records such as records, attendance and time sheets.

Meet all applicable licensing regulations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 18 years old or older.

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

• Prior child care experience or eight hours pre-service training for child care, Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or other approved child development
credential, child development or early childhood training.

• Current competency in infant/child CPR and First Aid with rescue breathing.

• No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

• Documented annual training (20 clock hours) in early childhood education. Six hours to be completed within the first six weeks of employment.

Physical Demands:
• Ability to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry 5-50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

• Perform CPR and rescue breathing.

Caregivers:

Descriptions Summary:

Provides stimulating activities that are designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth and development for children from birth through age 6 within the philosophy of the Center, Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 18 years old or older.

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

• Current competency in infant/child CPR and First Aid with rescue breathing.

• No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

• Documented annual training (20 clock hours) in early childhood education. Six hours to be completed within the first six weeks of employment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Abide by all policies and procedures of Day Nursery as well as all standards as stated in
• Minimum Standards for Child Care and Child Care Program Operations/Texas Rising Star criteria including, but not limited to, staff training, group size, curriculum/activities, caregiver-child interaction, health and safety, physical environment, nutrition/meal times, and parental involvement.

• Supervise children at all times.

• Relate to and interact with children in a positive and nurturing manner.

• Relate to children, parents, supervisors and other staff with courtesy, respect, acceptance,
and patience.

• Communicate significant information related to children in their care to relief and
supervisory staff.

• Communicate with parents on a daily basis (activities and accomplishments of each child).

• Submit weekly lesson plans according to Day Nursery curriculum to center director.

• Maintain Developmental Checklists on each child enrolled in the classroom and communicate child’s progress as appropriate.

• Perform other duties related to the child care center and as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Demands:
• Ability to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry 5-50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

• Perform CPR and rescue breathing.

Food Service Worker:

Descriptions Summary:

Prepare and maintain all records in compliance with the food program operations of Center, including cook and deliver meals according to prescribed menus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 18 years old or older.

• Experience in quantity cooking.

• No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to perform simple math calculations.

• Current Texas driver’s license.

Essential Job Functions:

• Abide by all policies and procedures of Center.
• Necessary documentation.

• Cooperate and coordinate with other food service workers to ensure smooth operation of food services and child care program.

• Requisition appropriate amounts of food and food preparation supplies as established by menus, supervisor and program.

• Inventory food and cleaning supplies.

• Ensure preparation and safe storage of all raw and prepared food items at the center.

• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen, kitchen equipment and eating areas.

• Monitor and assist with family style dining including setting tables and distributing food.

• Relate well to children and adults.

• Perform other job duties as assigned by supervisor.

Physical Demands:
• Physically able to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

Maintenance:

Descriptions Summary:

All lawn work and Center maintenance

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be 21 years old or older.

• Experience in lawn maintenance.

• No convictions for any felony offenses or misdemeanor offenses classified against persons or family, public indecency, or the Texas Controlled Substance Act.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Current Texas driver’s license.

Essential Job Functions:

• Mow/ Trim weeds

• Clean all desk tops

• Clean Changing Table

• Clean Bathroom

• Clean Kitchen

• Take out Diapers

• Take out Trash

• Vacuum Floors

• Lights out/Doors locked

Physical Demands:
• Physically able to meet all essential job functions listed above which requires meeting the following physical demands:

• Stand and walk.

• Normal or corrected hearing and vision.

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Sit (in chairs and on the floor)

• Bend and squat.

An introduction and orientation to the children, which includes special conditions such as allergies and medical conditions of any children:

The assistant will meet with her children and she will have all written info on each of her children. This information will be taken off the application that the parents turn in.

The Director will keep the chart updated and will post the chart both in the kitchen area and in the room in which the child is in. The assistant in the child’s room must also stay updated as to what child has allergies and to what they have allergies to.

Procedures for releasing children to parents or guardians Center policies and procedures:

Drop Off/Pick Up:

We assume responsibility for your child/ren only while he/she is on our property. No child will be allowed to leave with anyone except the parent, unless indicated on the alternate pickup list, without written permission from the parent. Telephone permission will not do! Anyone unfamiliar to us will be required to show proof of Identification. And the parent may be called to make sure that this person is supposed to pick up the child. Please make the alternate pick up person is aware of the requirements.

Reporting requirements for witnessing or suspicion of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children and how to make a report:

Reading of the Informational Guide to Parents:

Each employee will receive a copy of our Handbook so they will understand the rules that they have to follow as do the parents.

The date of the first day a caregiver is left unsupervised with children, will be documented.

All caregivers are required to have a minimum of 20 hours of documented in-service training each

year. At least 10 hours must be in person training. Other hours of training may be obtained

independently through reading materials or videos.

The following in-service training topics must be addressed annually:

• Principles of good nutrition

• Proper hand washing, OSHA requirements, and sanitation techniques

• Proper procedures in administration of medications

• Recognizing early signs of illness and determining when there is a need for exclusion

from the facility

• Accident prevention and safety principles

• Reporting requirements for communicable and infectious diseases

• Reporting requirements for abuse, neglect, and exploitation

• Positive guidance for management of children

Our center provides care for children under 24 months old and staff receive annual training in the following infant topics:

• Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome

• Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

• Coping with crying babies

The center will provide:

• In-house classes

• Reading materials

Recording of training hours will be the responsibility of the:

• Director

• Supervisor

• President

Exclusion of Staff and Children

We do not care for ill children. If a child shows signs of illness after arriving at the facility, we will separate the ill child from the other children. The child will be supervised by the Director, DJ Helms or Crystal Helms and kept in the office area until someone comes to pick up the child. When a child becomes ill, the director will contact the parent/guardian and request the child to be removed immediately from the center. If a parent cannot be reached within 30 minutes, the child’s emergency contact numbers will be called. Staff will be excluded if they have a communicable or infectious disease or parasite. The day a communicable illness or parasite is discovered in our facility, we will inform parents in writing by: Giving each parent written information on the specific illness Facility staff will ensure that the name of an ill child or staff person remain confidential.

Supervision and Protection of Children

We ensure that all children are adequately supervised. Our supervision includes maintaining minimum child to caregiver ratios. The director will ensure that ratios are adjusted to maintain the levels of supervision and care. We maintain supervision by making sure we can see and hear all children. During nap / rest time, our center may double our ratios for children two years old and older. Ratios will be doubled for no more than 2 hours daily (not to exceed two hours), from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm.

When children six years old and older are using the bathroom, we supervise and protect by:

These children we be taken to the bathroom by the Director or the Supervisor. They will stand outside the door and wait until they are finished and then be taken back to their room/waiting area.

When children under age six use the bathroom, we supervise and protect by:

Each teacher will take their children to the bathroom, stand at the doorway if no help is needed or right inside the door if help is needed. Then they will take all their children back into the classroom.

When children are at Playtime:

When children are in a large group, such as outside on the playground, during off-site activities, on a field trip, or participating in a special mixed group activity, supervision and protection will be maintained. We may exceed the maximum group size for a period of time for a planned activity or transition time, not to exceed two hours per day.

Releasing Children

Only parents or persons with written authorization from parents will be allowed to take a child from the center. In emergency situations, the parent may give verbal authorization to center care-givers. The verbal authorization includes confirmation of identity. If unsure we will ask for a valid I.D. before releasing the child.

Medication Administration

Our center will administer medication to a child only after receiving a completed medication release form from the parent or guardian. For each child receiving

medication at the center the release form will include:

• The name of the medication

• The dosage

• The route of administration

• The times and dates to be administered

• The illness or condition being treated

• The parent or guardian signature

The medication form will be checked for completion by:

•Director

•Children’s own caregiver

•Other: Supervisor

Our center will only have medication administered to children by a trained, designated caregiver.

This caregiver will be trained to:

• Check the label and confirm the name of the child

• Read the directions regarding administration of medication

• Properly document administration of medication

We will maintain medication records for six weeks that include:

• Times, dates, and dosages of the medication given

• The signature or initials of the caregiver who administered the medication

• Any errors in administration or adverse reactions

The center director or designee will report any adverse reactions to a medication or error in administration to the parent or legal guardian. This will be reported immediately upon recognizing the error or reaction. All medications will be secured from access to children. Medications stored in refrigerators will be in a covered container with a tight fitting lid.

For over the counter and prescription medications, they must:

• Be in the original or pharmacy container

• Have the original label

• Include the child’s name

• Have child proof caps

• Have instructions for administration

The director will return any unused or out-of-date medications to the parent or guardian.

In addition, our center has the following policies regarding medication administration:

•We must have a signed permission form to administer over the counter medication.

Discipline

The center uses discipline to encourage the child’s self-control and reduce risk of injury and any adverse health effects to self or others. The center will use the following positive discipline measures for children.

Positive Behavior rewards such as:

•Redirection

•Time out

Discipline measures will not include any of the following:

• Corporal punishment-including hitting, shaking, biting, pinching, or spanking

• Binding or tying to restrain a child’s movement

• Use of abusive, demeaning or profane language

• Forcing or withholding of food, rest or toileting

• Confining a child in a locked closet, room, or similar area

The director will provide a copy of these discipline methods used at the center to each parent and legal guardian.

Transportation

At our center we

• Do not transport

• Other: transport only in an emergency, etc.

Our center policies apply to the transportation of children to and from school, and to and from off-site activities.

All vehicles used for transporting children to and from our center will be currently registered and

maintained in a clean and safe condition. No child will be permitted to remain unattended in the

vehicle. Children will remain seated while the vehicle is in motion. Keys will be removed from the

vehicle at all times when the driver is not in the driver’s seat. Smoking is prohibited in the vehicle

when children are present. Each vehicle used will:

• Be driven by an adult with a current state driver’s license that authorizes the driver to operate the type of vehicle driven.

• Be able to maintain temperatures between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit

• Be equipped with individual, size-appropriate safety restraints (such as car seats and seat belts) that are appropriate for the vehicle and installed and used correctly.

• Be enclosed

• Be locked during transport

The following vehicles are used at our center for transporting children:

Ford Mustang

Ford SUV

For each enrolled child, a transportation release form signed by the parent or guardian will be on-site at our center.

When children are being transported, at least one person accompanying the children in the vehicle will have current CPR and First Aid course completion.

The center emergency and disaster plan is as follows:

The Person/ Position in charge:

Supervisor

Director

Persons with decision making authority:

Supervisor

President

People who will be notified in an emergency (listed in order of priority):

1. Crystal Helms

2. DJ Helms

3. Parents

Emergency telephone numbers:

1. Emergency medical personnel 911

2. Fire Department 911

3. Paramedics 911

4. Ambulance Service 911

5. Police 911

6. Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

Personnel Assignments for specific tasks during emergencies and disasters:

Staff position Assignment

•Each teacher will care for their children and will direct them when to go and when to go.

•The Director will notify all parents if needed.

•The Director will notify the Supervisor Crystal Bates

•The Supervisor will notify the President DJ Helms

Procedure to turn off gas, electricity, and water:

Gas-the location of the main gas valve, when and how to shut it off and location of tools:

•No gas to building

Electricity- the location of the main electrical panel and how to shut off electricity:

•Location is in the Utility Room. To shut off all flip (large) switch at the bottom of panel to the off position.

Water- the location of the main water valve, how to shut it off and location of tools:

•Location is in the Utility Room. To shut off turn the red handle to the down position.

Steps followed by staff for emergencies and disasters:

Fire

In case of fire the following steps will be taken by staff:

•They will follow the fire drills that will be given once a month.

The fire will be reported to: •911

How will the children and staff be evacuated?

•They will follow the fire drills. Their teacher will lead them out of their assigned door and away from the building. They will wait there until their parents are called to pick them up due to the fire.

Flood

In case of a flood the following steps will be taken by staff:

•The children will stay in their rooms.

The flood will be reported to:

•911 if necessary

How will the children and staff be evacuated?

•If the water should start to rise, the parents will be called to pick up their child. The children will remain in the building until they are picked up.

Earthquake

• Stay inside and call 911.

Blizzard

• Stay inside and call all parents to pick their child/ren up.

Power Failure

In case of a power failure the following steps will be taken by staff:

•The flashlights will be used and if any windows are covered they will also be uncovered as to let more light in.

The power failure will be reported to:

•Entergy, the Power Company

If needed, how and when will the children and staff be evacuated?

•We will stay inside and use flashlights. We will tell stories to the children until they are picked up by their parents.

Other Disasters -such as toxic spills, water line breaks, gas line breaks, etc.

The following steps will be taken by staff if the disaster creates structural damage or if it poses a

health or safety hazard:

•911 will be called to evaluate the situation and have them advise us as to whether we need to leave. If so we will call all parents and take the children up the street to the fire station.

Steps Followed by Staff in case of: A Missing Child

In case of a missing child at the center, the following steps will be taken by staff:

•They will first look for the child inside and outside the center

Who will be called?

• If unable to locate the child at the center, they will call 911

• Crystal Bates and/or DJ Helms

• The child’s parents

When will they be called?

• As soon as they can after failing to find the child inside or outside of the center.

Medical emergency or injury involving a child

• If there is a life threatening injury to a child, the director will contact emergency

personnel before contacting the parents or legal guardian.

• If the parents or legal guardians cannot be reached, the director will then attempt to

contact the child’s emergency contact person.

For any medical emergency or injury involving a child, the following steps will be taken by staff:

•If they have a signed release form for emergency care, they will be taken to the hospital or 911 will be called to take the child to the hospital.

Medical emergency or injury involving a staff person

We will take the following steps if another staff person has a medical emergency or injury:

•If the emergency or injury in greater than we can care for we will call 911 and have them taken to the hospital.

Death of a child or staff person

In the event of the death of a child or a staff person, the following steps will be taken by staff:

•This is something no one cares to think about. But in case it was to happen we would first call 911 and the police. Then we would have the parents come to the center while the emergency crew and the police are there to inform them as to what has happened.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Illegal Substances, Sexually Explicit Materials

The director, or the owner, will ensure the following are prohibited anywhere on the premises or in

the vehicles used by the center, during the hours of operation:

• The use of tobacco

• The use of alcohol

• The use or possession of illegal substances

• The use or possession of sexually explicit materials

Hand Washing

Caregivers and children will wash and scrub their hands for 20 seconds with liquid soap and warm

running water at the following times:

• After using the toilet

• Before and after eating

• Upon returning from outdoor playtime

• After wiping noses

• After handling animals

• Before and after food preparation

• Immediately after changing a diaper and between diaper changes

Caregivers and children will dry their hands with:

•A single use paper towel from a covered dispenser

Caregivers and children will also wash their hands immediately before using the following toys and equipment:

• Wooden/cardboard puzzles

• Books

• Wooden/cardboard blocks

• Water tables

Hand washing procedures will be posted at each hand washing sink and they will be followed. On field trips and when leaving the center for other reasons, caregivers and children will wash their hands by using:

• Public facilities

• Hand sanitizers

• Baby wipes

Firearms

Choose one:

•Firearms and other weapons are not permitted in the building or any place on the

premises

Food Service

Children have meals and snacks at least once every three hours according to the following schedule:

• Breakfast: from 7:00 am to 8:00 am

• Morning snack: from 9:00 am to 9:15 am

• Lunch: from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm

• Afternoon snack: from 3:45 pm to 4:05 pm

Our menus and substitutions have been approved by (check all that apply):

• The Bureau of Licensing

All food will be served on (check all that apply):

• Plates

• Napkins

• Food or drink brought from home for an individual child must be clearly labeled with the child’s full name and be refrigerated, if needed.

• Food or treats brought in for all of the children for parties or other special occasions must be commercially prepared. Parents or caregivers cannot bring homemade food or treats to the center to share with the children.

• The director is responsible for informing all staff of children’s food allergies and sensitivities.

• The director will post a list of children’s food allergies and sensitivities in the kitchen. The director is responsible for updating this list to be sure it is current and complete.

• Staff who prepares food for the whole center will not change diapers or assist in toilet training.

• Caregivers who care for diapered children will not prepare food for children or staff outside of the classroom used by infants and toddlers.