* State Licensed *

* Keystone Star 2 Facility *

We Accept Applicants From:

Head Start

CCIS

Private Pay

The Good Shepherd’s ChildCare Center, Inc.

102 State Route 2001

Milford, PA18337

Phone: 570-296-9404

Monday – Friday 6:30am – 6:00pm

Parent/Guardian

Handbook

Over 30 years of providing quality child care.

Dedicated, professional staff.

The Vision of

The Good Shepherd’s Child Care Center

The ChildCareCenter was established as a ministry of The Church of The Good Shepherd and St. John The Evangelist. In 2014 the center separately incorporated from the Church as their own independent 501c3 non-profit corporation. It is our desire to provide quality care in a safe environment with caring, nurturing, professional staff. We promote the child’s developmental growth in all areas – physically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and morally. It is our goal that when each child leaves our establishment, that they not only have reached their highest developmental growth in all areas, but to also have the feeling of achievement. That each child will become a better individual and attain higher levels of success because of the learning environment proved to them at The Good ShepherdChildCareCenter.

Mission Statement:

We exist to provide all children ages 6 weeks though 12 years, regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, or disability with quality care and quality learning. We exist to service the community. We are a non-profit organization.

Introduction

The Good Shepherd Child care center is a certified ChildCareCenter licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The center is located at 102 State Rt. 2001 in MilfordPA. Our Hours are Monday through Friday 6:30am to 6:00pm. The center serves children ages six weeks through twelve years old. Our infant and toddler facilities are located on the first floor of the building, while our Preschool and School Age Programs are located in the second floor.

Staff Information

Our Director holds at least a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university. Staff members are mandated to attend annual trainings in Fire Safety, Water Safety, Food Safety, Emergency Planning, and Developmentally Appropriate Practices. Staff attends additional training hours to maintain Keystone STARS accreditation.

Child Care Programs

1. Children are grouped by age for specific parts of our program for periods of time throughout the day. Appropriate student placement is determined by the director. The groups are designated as follows:

Infant Group

Young Toddler

Older Toddler

Preschool

Preschool/Pre-K

School Age

6 weeks – 12 months

13 months – 24 months

2– 3 years

3 years – 4 years

4 years – 5 years

5 years – 12 years

(Elementary School)

2. Our FALL and SUMMER programs follow the DelawareValleySchool District. Our Part time Preschool Program strictly follows the DV School District Calendar.

3. Children who are placed in the infant program will remain there until they have reached 12 months of age and are able to walk with a considerable amount of independence. The determination to progress a child from the infant to the toddler program will be at the sole discretion of the director and is subject to availability. Director will observe child and collaborate with staff to determine readiness for advancement.

4. Children who are placed in our toddler program will be placed in the most developmentally and age appropriate division of this program. Toddlers will remain in this program until they are three years old and have mastered toilet training. The determination to move a child from the Toddler program to the Preschool will be at the sole discretion of the director and is subject to availability. Director will observe child and collaborate with staff to determine readiness for advancement.

5. A child must be 4 years old and entering kindergarten the following school year for our Pre-K Program.

6. Our School Age Program is for students enrolled in an Elementary School only.

7. We follow the mandatory child/staff ratios that our outlined by our State Licensing Board as follows:

Infant

Young Toddler

Older Toddler

Pre-School

School Age

1:4

1:5

1:6

1:10

1:12

Registration

1. A non-refundable enrollment fee of $35.00 is due for each new student enrolled in program.

A non-refundable $25.00 re-enrollment fee is due for each student’s subsequent enrollments.

2. A security deposit equal to 1 week’s tuition is due at the time of registration. This will be applied towards your final week of tuition when your two week withdrawal notice is submitted.

4. Any child’s enrollment that has been terminated or withdrawn will be subject to new student registration fee.

5. All previous registration session balances must be paid in full in order to register for the next session. Applicants with outstanding balances will not be accepted and a secured classroom spot for your child will not be guaranteed.

6. All required paperwork, documentation, and tuition must be submitted prior to the student’s start date.

Enrollment

GSCCC does not discriminate in enrolling children based on race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status or gender identity of parents, or gender identity of children. All admissions are at the discretion of GSCCC’s Director and staff, and may take into account GSCCC’s professional judgment about how well the child will succeed at our Center, and the overall makeup of the class.

  1. GSCCC accepts applications for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years/end of elementary school. We do not provide service for children in middle school.
  2. Children ages 3 years and older may be eligible for admission to Pre-School dependent on their toilet training status.
  3. Enrollment decisions are at the discretion of the GSCCC Director and will be made based on many factors including the age of the child and the availability of space in the appropriate classroom. Enrollment decisions regarding pre-school placement for children ages 3 years and older may be dependent on their toilet training status
  4. Any child who is unable to obtain admission at the time of application may be placed on our waiting list.
  5. Children must be registered for 2 or more days. Children must be registered for specific weekdays (no rotating or alternating schedules).
  6. Returning students must re-enroll by the deadlines issued by the center. Failure to re-enroll by the deadline may result in a child’s spot being offered to another applicant. GSCCC reserves the right to request that a child not be re-enrolled.
  7. 7. School Age Fall Program Students must be registered for ALL 5 DAYS. (no rotating/alternating schedules.)
  8. 8. New School Age Students student enrollments for Fall (School Year Program) will be Budget Students only (AM and PM). Consideration for AM or PM only care will be made by the director on a case-by-case basis.
  9. 9. Any day(s) that a child is in attendance outside their regular contract days will be considered extras day(s) and will be billed appropriately.
  10. 10. Enrollment is available in both full and part time contracts. Part time hours is care provided less than 5 hours/day. A Full time day consists of a maximum of 10 hours. Consideration for extended hours will be subject to an additional fee and given on a case by case basis subject to parent work schedule.
  11. If a parent wishes to withdraw an enrolled child from GSCCC, two weeks’ written notice of withdrawal on the form provided in this handbook is required. Tuition will be due regardless of attendance until two weeks following receipt of written notice of withdrawal.

Meals and Snacks

1. The center participates in the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals and snacks are included in the cost of tuition providing that the annual food program application and enrollment forms are completed and submitted. This program is subject to audit.

2. Monthly menus are posted in classrooms and is available on our website or upon request.

3. If your child has a food allergy we must have a statement from your physician in writing indicating the nature of the allergy and recommended substitutes if applicable.

4. Infants are eligible to participate in food program. Formula selections vary.

5. Parents must supply infant bottles and spoons, toddler sippy cup, and any other special item that may be needed for meals (i.e. adaptive silverware, lipped plates, etc.)

6. You may choose to send lunch or snacks from home, but it must follow CACFP meal pattern regulations. No candy, gum, cookies, brownies, cakes or soda is allowed. Cookies, brownies and cakes are allowed for special occasions, such as a holiday or birthday, only.

7. You may send in food for special occasions (i.e. birthday) provided you send enough for the entire class. Food must be store bought with ingredient information available regarding allergens. No gum or Soda, please.

“All meals served to children under the Child and Adult Care Food Program are served at no separate charge regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. There is no discrimination in admission policy, meal services, or the use of the facilities. Any complaints of discrimination should be submitted in writing within 180 days of incident to the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C.20250.

Keystone STARS

Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania. The Keystone STARS Performance Standards provide the foundation for the program. The Performance Standards are grouped into four levels, 1-4. We are currently a STAR 2 facility.

TuitionCurrent tuition rates are available by request.

1. Tuition rates are scaled by age group and attendance (part or full time) and are designated by session (summer or fall.) Rates are subject to change by session.

2. Multiple child tuition discount is available for full time enrollments.

3. Tuition is billed one week in advance and is payable by Friday for the following week. All balances must be paid in full every week.

4. Two Weeks Written notice of withdrawal is required. Tuition will be due regardless of attendance until written submission of withdrawal is received.

5. Tuition and schedule is agreed upon at the time of enrollment. It is the parent/guardian’s obligation to pay that amount each week. If your child care needs change, please notify us in writing so we may adjust your child’s enrollment and billing(dependent on availability).

6. If tuition is in arrears more than three weeks, the center has the right to terminate the child’s enrollment. Outstanding balances will be sent to a collections/Magistrate for perusal.

7. There is no reduction or refund of tuition for holidays, absenteeism, early dismissal or pick-up, emergency closings, or withdrawals without prior notification.

8. There will be a late charge of $1.00 per minute, per child, when a child is not picked by 6:00pm or by 1pm for part time students. If a child is continually picked up late, child care services may be terminated. Official time is determined by center time clock located in the center kitchen.

9. Tuition payments are placed in the drop boxat the front entrance. DO NOT GIVE PAYMENTS TO STAFF.

10. If you are receiving child care subsidy it is YOUR responsibility to maintain the appropriate communications with the subsidizing agency and follow their guidelines. Any fees, charges, or tuition incurred that’s not covered by your subsidizing agency is your responsibility.

11. Receipt for cash payments will be issued upon request. Your personal bank statement will act your receipt of payment by check.

12. Annual statements for the preceding year for tax purposes will be issued by January 31st.

13. A returned check fee of $30.00 will be assessed for any check payments that are returned.

14. A $25.00 per week late fee will be assessed to accounts with past due balance that exceeds 3 weeks tuition.

15. CCIS will be notified if co-payments are more than 3 weeks past due. An Adverse Action will be issued and you will be at risk of losing subsidy if co-payment is not received.

16. Part Time preschool students will not be billed for school closings associated with the DV school calendar. They will, however, be billed for Holidays the following holidays in which the center is closed: Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Years Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, President's Day, and Memorial Day.

17. School Age AM or PM only students who attend full day will be billed $20 per occurrence.

Holidays

1. The center will be closed for the following holidays:

* New Year’s Day ** President’s Day** Memorial Day ** Independence Day *

* Labor Day ** Thanksgiving Day ** Christmas Eve ** Christmas Day *

*Day After Thanksgiving** New Year’s Eve (Early Dismissal)*

1. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the center may be closed the Friday before. When a holiday falls on a Sunday the center may be closed that Monday.

2. Tuition is due and payable for all holidays.

Head Start

Students enrolled in the center through the Head Start Program will follow the Head Start and DV Calendar to determine attendance. They will also follow the DelawareValleySchool District’s inclement weather closings.

Vacation/Closures:

1. Vacation requests for non-payment will only be considered if 2 weeks notice is given in writing. Vacation requests will only be awarded one week per calendar year. Week must be taken in full. Child attendance is not permitted during vacation week.

2. The Child Care Center willbe closed to students for the last 2 days of summer program (following DV School Calendar)for building repairs, maintenance, and Staff Development Workshops. You will not be charged for these closings.

Inclement Weather

The center reserves the right to delayed openings or close the centerdue to inclement weather. If DelawareValleySchool is closed due to weather, the center may delay opening up to 2 hours. Please call the center to confirm operating status before venturing out. An outgoing voice mail messagewill be available by 5:45am.

Attendance

1. Parent or Guardian must call when a child has not attended to let us know the nature of the absence and the projected date of return. School Age Students: It is mandatory for you to call the center and let us know if your child will not be on the afternoon bus.

2. Absences due to illness which last longer than 5 days will require a doctor’s note for re-admission.

3. If a child is not in attendance for 1 week the center will attempt to contact the family to ascertain the nature of the absence. If these attempts are unsuccessful after 2 weeks the child will be withdrawn. Re-admission will be at the director’s discretion and subject to new student registration constraints.

4. If a student’s contracted schedule needs to be changed a new tuition agreement formmust be submitted to the director. You will continue to be billed for the original schedule until the form is submitted.

5. FAILURE TO NOTIFY THE CENTER OF A STUDENT’S NON ATTENDANCE FOR PM SCHOOL AGE CARE MORE THAN 3 TIMES IN A SCHOOL YEAR WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE TERMINATION OF SERVICES.

Fire Safety

1. Children and Staff will participate in bi-monthly fire drills.

2. Annual Fire Safety Training will be provided for children and staff by local fire fighting professionals

Emergency Relocation

In the event of an emergency evacuation the center students will need to temporarily relocate. If relocation is necessary, center will relocate to the American Legion located across the Street. Parents will be notified of relocation by posted sign and telephone contact.

Child Abuse Reporting

All GSCCC staff are state Mandated Reporters of suspected Child Abuse. All staff have received extensive training and are required by law to report all suspected incidents of abuse. If a staff member suspects abuse, a report will be filed. The State does not require GSCCC to inform parents that a report of suspected abuse has been made.

Smoking

Smoking is NOT permitted anywhere on in the building. Please extinguish all smoking material BEFORE you enter facility or facility property (i.e. porch, walkways, and parking lot).

Security

For the safety of our children the doors to the center should be locked at all times. You will be assigned a unique code to unlock the front door between 6:30am and 6pm Monday-Friday. Visitorsand occasional designated pick up persons will need to knock or ring the bell to gain entry to the building. Please make sure the doors AND gates are securely closed behind you, and do not let anyone in on your way out. Children may only be released to persons indicated on enrollment paperwork with proper accompanying photo identification. Children must be signed in and out of the building. Children cannot be released to or signed out by staff.

Arrival/Departure

1. A parent, guardian, or designated adult MUST escort the child in and out of the center. They must also escort the child to their designated classroom.

2. The parent, guardian, or designated adult MUST sign the child in and out and acknowledge to the teacher the students arrival and departure.

3. The parent, guardian, or designated adult is expected to assist the child to place their belongings in their cubby and remove items at the end of the day.

4. Students may not bring toys from home to the center. School Age Students: Items from home such as personal electronics may only be used by students on snow days, vacation days, and summer program. Cell Phones are not permitted @ GSCCC. Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

5. Infants and Toddlers may NOT be brought upstairs. If you have children in different age groups, your sign in your infant/toddler first at drop off, the bring your older child upstairs, and conversely at the end of the day you pick up your older student first, and then come back downstairs to sign out your infant/toddler.

6. If it becomes necessary for your child to be dropped off or picked up at a time other than their regular contracted time, you must notify the center as soon as possible.