Activities:
Your child will be involved in age-appropriate hands-on activities, circle times, reading, singing, computers, arts and crafts, field trips, thematic units of study, puppets, cooking, dramatic play, and learning through play. Learning through movement and active play is a large focus of our daily routine.
Arrival/Departure:
Please come in through the Kinder Kids entry and assist your child in dressing/undressing. Only those named in the application form may pick-up your child without a signed release from parent.
Back-Up Provider:
Our support staff are also substitute teachers if and when the lead teacher is absent. All of our staff has extensive experience with children and is certified in First Aid and Infant/Child CPR.
Clothing/Personal Items:
Please LABEL all of your child's personal items, including jackets, mittens, etc. Dress your child in comfortable, washable clothing, as we may get messy! During the winter months, please make sure to send the following: boots, snow pants, coat, mittens and hat. Please have an extra complete outfit stored at Kinder Kids. For your child to be as independent as possible, please bring clothing that your child can get in and out of easily, including Velcro shoes and boots if necessary.
Cubbies:
Each child will have a cubby for personal belongings. The cubby will hold their school supplies, rest time blanket, and extra clothes.
Curriculum:
Your child will benefit from a thematic approach to learning. We develop individualized lessons from a variety of resources that are fun and developmentally appropriate. Some resources include: Learning Express, Alphabet Theme-a-saurus, Big Book of Circle Time Activities, and many others. Active play is an integral part of our program for physical and mental development. All staff meets monthly to discuss themes, field trips and classroom activities to ensure your child receives a stimulating and educational preschool program.
Discipline:
We use a guidance approach to discipline. We will help children solve conflicts by using positive modeling, role-playing, puppets, and partner and group discussion. On occasion children may have to be separated from the group for a short time if behavior is aggressive, threatening or disruptive.
Field Trips:
We will be having field trips once a month, depending on the ability to transport the students. Each month's calendar will have the field trips written in to give you time to make arrangements should you wish to join us. Also, please make sure to leave your child's labeled car seat.
Fire/Storm Drills:
We will be having monthly drills for fire and tornadoes.
Food Program:
We participate in Child Care Choices. Our food guidelines ensure that your child will be offered nutritious foods every day. You have the option of sending a lunch with your child on any day that you wish. Your child will be encouraged but never forced to eat.
Holidays:
Kinder Kids follows the Bemidji school calendar for holidays and school breaks, and weather delays/closings.
Hours of Operation:
We are open from 7:15 a.m. until 5:15 p.m., with structured learning time scheduled between 9:00-3:30. Please call if your child will be late or absent from school. Also, the daily limit for childcare is 9 hours (eg: 7:15-4:15, 8:00-5:00, 8:15-5:15, etc). Late pick-up fees will be added to the next month’s bill ($5.00 for 1-15 minutes after closing, $10.00 for 16-30 minutes late, etc.)
Illness:
Please do not bring your child if he/she has had diarrhea, vomiting, lice, chicken pox, strep throat, or any contagious infection unless they have been symptom free and/or on medication for at least 24 hours. If he/she has had a fever in the previous 24 hours, please keep them at home. If your child becomes sick while in our care, you will be notified and expected to pick up your child in a timely manner. Thank you for helping contain the spread of illness!
Meals/Snacks:
We will serve breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Your child will be offered nutritious foods but never forced to eat. If your child arrives after meal or snack time, please make sure that he/she has eaten. Meals and snack times are as follows (all times are approximate):
Breakfast: 8:00
Lunch: 11:30
Snack: 3:00
Medications:
Prescription medication can be given to your child as long as it is in the original container and with written instructions. If you feel your child needs OTC medication such as cough syrup or drops, or pain relievers, please send these with your child in a clearly labeled container with your child's name.
Payment:
Payment is the same regardless of the month. Cost is spread out through the year and then averaged for a monthly amount, so some months may be longer or shorter than others. Tuition is due by the 5th of each month. A $20.00 late penalty will be assessed if payment is not received by the 10th. Other payment arrangements may be made with Miss Alisa if desired.
Student Teachers:
During the year, Kinder Kids works in collaboration with Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College to provide early childhood students practicum experience. Each student so far has been an excellent addition to our program. You will meet and get to know several student teachers throughout the year.
Termination:
Each child is given a two-week trial period in which either party may terminate this contract without notice. After this time, please give a two-week written notice prior to termination.
Vaccinations:
Please provide us with a copy of your child's shot records or a notarized letter stating that you do not vaccinate for personal reasons.