All About LilyPad Learning Center
LilyPad Learning Center provides care to children ages 6 weeks up to school age. Directors Shelaine Bumgarner and Sara Hillebrand have a personal desire to provide care that allows a child to laugh, learn and grow. Our goals at LilyPad Learning Center are to nurture self-esteem and self-confidence through secure relationships, and independence through successful and satisfying learning experiences. We provide age-appropriate activities that encourage creativity and imagination.
Important Numbers:
LilyPad Learning Center Office 515-597-KIDS(5437)
LilyPad Learning Center Cell 612-799-2496 (Sara)
515-290-0744 (Shelaine)
Operating Hours:
6:00am – 6:00pm Monday-Friday
Purpose & Objectives
LilyPad Learning Center provides quality daycare services for the Huxley area and its surrounding communities. We strive to go above and beyond what parents expect out of a daycare setting. We do this by providing families with a safe and welcoming environment that encourages children to play, learn and grow using age appropriate activities and well educated staff.
LilyPad Learning Center provides care for infants six weeks old through elementary aged children. The differences in ages of children are important when considering program needs. Each age level has its own program, and the programs are specialized to the needs of the children participating in them. When your child is ready to move to the next program we will set up a meeting with you so that together we can decide the best placement and plan for your child’s successful transition.
Our center operates according to and above the State of Iowa Child Daycare Centers Licensing Standards and Procedures. We encourage parents to tour our facility and receive information about program we offer. You may do this be calling to set up an appointment or by dropping in for a visit. Parents with children currently enrolled in our program are encouraged to visit whenever they like and to participate in activities whenever their schedules allow.
At LilyPad Learning Center, our staff is aware of how frightening the transition from home to daycare can be for the child and the parents. We also understand that you child has certain schedules and routines that they may follow. We will do our best to keep the normalcy in there schedule whenever possible. We also encourage parents to send items with their child that may provide comfort such as and blanket, book or music. Please make sure to label all items with your child’s last name. We are, however, not responsible for lost or damaged items that you may send with your child.
Age Requirements
For admission, children must be at least 6 weeks of age. We will take a limited number of school aged children.
Enrollment
Upon enrollment, each child’s family will receive several forms, which will need to be completed, and on file at the center before the child begins attending school. This includes health form with record of recent physical examination, and up to date immunizations signed by your physician.
Fees
§ A non-refundable deposit equivalent to one week’s tuition plus $45 will be required before your child will be admitted to the program. A family rate of one week’s tuition plus $70 will be required for families with 2 or more children enrolled.
§ Weekly fees are due the Monday of the week service will be used. Checks will be accepted and should be made payable to LilyPad Learning Center. We do not accept cash payments or the use of credit/debit cards at this time.
§ Weekly fees for each age group are as follows:
· 6weeks-2years……$150.00/wk
· 2years-3years……$140.00/wk
· 3years-4years……$136.00/wk
· 4years and up……$132.00/wk
§ To help meet the needs of parents requiring care on a more random basis, we also offer a drop in rate. Drop-ins are allowed when space is available. Parents must reserve an open spot by calling the night before or the morning of the day service is needed. The rates for drop-in service are as follows:
· $30 for first 5 hours, exceeding 5 hours will be an additional $10 charge.
Payment Policy Guidelines
Childcare payments are due the Monday of the week childcare services are to be used. If payments are not received by Thursday of that week, a reminder notice will be sent home with your child’s things.
If full payment is not received by the Monday of the following week a written bill will be sent to the parent(s). If full payment is not received by Thursday of this week a third and final notice will be sent to the parent(s). This final notice will have a date stating when payment must be received. If payment is not received by the date stated on the third and final notice enrollment will be cancelled.
Clothing & Outdoor Play
Children need to wear clothing and shoes that allow for easy movement. We spend much time painting, cooking, and working in sand and water. Washable clothing is advised. Shoes should be sturdy and soft soled and socks should be worn at all times. Outdoor play is essential in building physical fitness and developing group play. Children will play outdoors everyday unless due to extreme temperatures or rain, and should be dressed appropriately for the weather. Please have all outwear marked for identification. Also, it is a good idea to have boots that are easy for your child to get on and off.
Field Trips
Field Trips provide experiences for children to help learn and grow. At the present time groups will take walking field trips in our immediate neighborhood. For safety reasons, children who do not exhibit positive behaviors on field trips may be required to miss future trips. Monthly newsletters and calendars will be distributed to keep you informed of upcoming activities.
Birthdays
Each child’s birthday is a special day for them. Because of this we help celebrate with the child. For celebrations, you may send in pre-packaged treats to share with the group. Snacks are generally served around 3:00pm. Parents are welcomed to join their child on their special day for lunch and/or snack time.
If you wish to plan a party for your child outside of the childcare, we would like to be sure to avoid hurt feelings that occur when not all children are invited to a party. Since many families choose to keep their parties small, and are not able to invite all the children in the classroom, please send invitations through U.S. mail. Please hand out invitations at the center only if all children are invited.
Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks
· The center’s food program is developed based on suggestions by Department of Human Services and USDA. These dietary needs are based on each child’s age and length of the child’s daily attendance.
· Each month’s menu will be posted on the Parent’s Information bulletin board by check in and will also be sent with the monthly newsletter. If your child has any food allergies or other restrictions please inform us during the enrollment process. Any substitutions required for your child will be provided.
· Breakfast is served from 8:30-9:30 am, lunch is from 11:30-12:30 pm, and a pm snack will be served after quiet time.
· Infant feeding schedules and dietary needs are determined on an individual basis. The parents are required to provide bottles and formula. During bottle feedings, infants are held in the arms of an adult in a quiet, relaxed environment. Baby bottles are not propped and a child is never put to bed with a feeding bottle. If your child will be receiving breast milk, we will meet with you to discuss how you would like us to prepare the milk for your child. Parents will be responsible for providing baby food, unless the child is eating table food, this will be provided by the center.
Discipline
Discipline policies in our program have been established to encourage and strengthen positive behavior through opportunities for children to interact with people and materials. One of the primary goals of the program is to maximize the learning of appropriate social skills including safety and the respect for one’s self and others.
Positive techniques used to handle discipline are redirection, anticipation and elimination of potential problems, positive reinforcement and encouragement. Limits are set for children, and the environment is arranged so that a minimum number of “no’s” are necessary. If a child needs time away from the group in order to re-gain control of behaviors, a quiet area will be used away from the other children. Once the child is ready to join the group they may do so.
When a child is exhibiting challenging behaviors, (including physical or verbal aggression to staff, other children, or themselves) the following steps will be followed:
1. The problematic behavior will be documented.
2. The program supervisor will meet with director to develop a behavior management plan.
3. Our staff may also request to meet with parents to discuss and consider solutions for the behaviors.
At any time in this process if the child’s aggression seems dangerous to themselves, other students, or staff, the child will be withdrawn from the program.
Biting
Biting is a behavior that is prevalent with 1 or 2 year old children. Because children of this age have very limited language ability, biting can become a way of expressing their feelings. We have methods of dealing with this kind of behavior and will conference with parents should this type of behavior occur.
Helping Your Child Adjust
We encourage parents to visit our program with your child prior to his/her enrollment. This will help the child become comfortable with the new setting.
Some children have difficulty separating from their parents in the morning. We have found that parting comments such as, “I’ll pick you up right after quiet time” or “You can tell me about your day tonight,” seem to help the child cope better than “Mommy doesn’t want to leave you, but I have to go to work!”
We do encourage parents to stop by and visit their child whenever they like, for lunch, snack, morning circle time, or whenever you need a break yourself. Please try to avoid arriving during quiet time since the distraction may be too great for all.
Daily Program
Our staff plans daily activities designed to foster development in the areas of social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. There will be choice of various activities, such as art, science, dramatic play, language arts, and much more. A small portion of the day will be set aside for group activities such as morning circle, music, arts and crafts and story time. We offer a variety of “hands-on” experiences in which children learn by doing. The children’s developmental needs and interests form the basis for the program.
Parking
Individuals picking up children form the Center may use both the front and back lots.
Supplies Required
On the first day your child joins us they will need the following items:
Ø One plastic bag with an extra set of clothes (shirt, pants, socks and underwear) all marked with your child’s name. Infants and toddlers will need 2 sets. Please make sure your child has an appropriate change of clothes for the season.
Ø One small blanket to use at rest time and a small pillow, if desired. Blankets will be laundered at every Friday at the Center.
Ø Infants, toddlers and children not potty trained will need to have a package of diapers. The center will provide the wipes. We will communicate with parents when the supply is getting low. If a child runs out of diapers, parents are charged $0.50 per diaper the center supplies.
Ø During cold weather, please be sure to send a warm coat, hat, gloves and boots with your child each day. Snow pants are also recommended.
Arrival & Departure
Parents will be expected to check-in and check-out their child everyday. Parents of infants and toddlers should discuss their child’s arrival time with the staff prior to their first day. This helps us make sure you child will receive the maximum benefits of our program. Quiet times for naps are around 12:30-2:30. Please do not pick your child up during this time unless previously arrange with staff, or in the event of an emergency.
The center closes at 6:00pm sharp. A late fee will be charged any time your child is picked up late. You will be charged $5.00 for each quarter hour you are late. For example, 5 minutes to 15 minutes late is $5.00, 20 minutes late would be $10.00, and so on. This fee must be paid before the child returns the next day. If there is an emergency and you must be late, please call the center so that arrangements can be made to care for your child.
To check your child into the center:
Each day, the parent should….
v Escort the child into the center
v Assist the child in hanging up his/her coat and putting belongings away
v Enter child’s attendance number in the computer system
v Read any postings staff has made for parents
v Hand Daily Communication Log to staff member
Please remember that we cannot be responsible for any child who is not properly checked into the center.
To check your child out of the center:
v Upon arrival to pick up your child, please assist them with putting on their coat, and collecting their belongings
v Enter child’s attendance number into the computer system
v All receipts and notes will be located in your child’s Daily Communication Log
Authorized Pick Up
NO CHILD will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up the child. We must have written or verbal authorization, and will expect you to contact us if any changes are to be made to your list of authorized persons.