Train up a Child in the Way He Should Go

Weekday Early Education

Parent/Student Handbook

2015-2016

Train up a child in the way he should go:

and when he is oldhe will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

NorthParkBaptistChurch

5700 Deerfoot Parkway

Trussville, Al 35173

352-4020

Website: mynoahspark.com

Index

Letter of Welcome
Religious Teachings of our Program
Statement of Goals and Philosophy
Hours of Operation and School Calendar
Registration Procedures and Expectations
Regulations

6a.Health Status

6b. Immunization Form

6c. Emergency Form

6d. Authorization for Pickup

6e. Handbook Verification

6f. Photo Release

6g. Video Release

6h. Address/Telephone Number Release

Registration Procedures and Expectations
Tuition and Payment Policies
Before and Extended Care
Late Pickup Fee
Withdrawal and Re-enrollments
Faculty and Class Size
Curriculum Guidelines and Learning Resources
Discipline Policy
Reception and Dismissal
Adjustment Period
Baby Sitting
Concerns and Suggestions
Food Policies
Medical/Emergency Information
Medication
Allergies
Accidents
Air Quality
Inclement or Excessively Hot Weather
Tornadoes
Fire Drill
Hide and Seek
Emergency Plan
Child Abuse
Clothing
Parent Involvement
Field Trips
Special Event Days
Snacks
Supplies
Parent Communication

37a. Daily Folder

37b. Parent/Teacher Conferences

37c. Noah’s Park Newsletter

37d. Weekly Classroom Newsletter

37e. SchoolCast

School Visitors
Solicitation
Personal Belongings
Personal Hygiene
Office Communication
Smoking Policy
Non-Discrimination
Confidentiality Procedures

1. Letter of Welcome

Welcome to Noah’s Park Weekday Early Education (WEE) program. A world of discovery awaitsyour child at Noah’s Park. We areexcited to have the opportunity to partner with you to provide an exceptional level of care and instruction for your child.

Clear communication is one of the keys to a successful early education program. This handbook contains specific information and requirements set forth by Noah’s Park. After reading it, please sign the handbook verification stating that you have received, read, and understand this information. This verification will be kept in your child’s file and must be turned in by July 16, 2015. The handbook is designed as a handy reference for you. We suggest you keep it in a convenient place for easy referral throughout the school year.

Noah’s Park is just one of the many ministries of NorthParkBaptistChurch. Please let us know if we can minister to you or your family in any way. If you need any information about our ministries or church in general please let me know or contact the church office at 352-4010.

It is going to be an exciting year and we are happy that your family is a part of it.

Sandy Jenkins

Director

2. Religious Teachings of our Program

Our program is a ministry of NorthPark Baptist Church. At NorthPark we seek to establish a caring, nurturing environment based on Christian theology and a sound educational philosophy. Our children participate in prayer times, learning of Bible verses, and weekly chapel. We also celebrate Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

3. Statement of Goals and Philosophy

It is the purpose of Noah’s Park to assist parents in the social, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development of their children. It is our belief that a Christian environment enhances this developmental process.

Every child and family is important at Noah’s Park. Believing that all children are special in God’s eyeswith individual personalities, our goal is to help each child obtain his/her full potential.

We believe it is important to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Love, laughter, and learning are key ingredients at Noah’s Park. It should be emphasized that Noah’s Park is not a “babysitting” center or just a play school. Each day will be designed to provide constructive learning experiences through planned activities, creative play, music, selected stories, art and craft projects, and personal care and attention. Each activity, including free play, circle time, simple nature experiments and indoor/outdoor play, helps develop inquisitive minds and muscle coordination for growing bodies by nurturing self-confidence through creative activities and exploration of the world around us.

It is an honor to be part of a child’s life. Caring for and teaching children is our calling, purpose and the reason our program exists. It is our prayer that we are effective in supporting our families with the administration of this ministry and that we will be a service to our community. Our philosophy at

NorthPark is to Glorify, Grow and Go. Glorify by providing ways for the children to worship Him thru singing and Bible study. Growing in knowledge of Him by learning Bible verses and songs. Going out into the community to share and serve others. We are hopeful our parents will become a part of the NorthPark Family or feel welcome to turn to our church in times of crisis.

4. Hours of Operation and School Calendar

Ourbasic school hours are from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm Monday through Friday.All 3K & 4K childrennot participating in Before or After Caremustbe dropped off and picked up in the carpool line. Transition is much easier if children come through carpool line.

5K hours are from 8:30am-2:00 pm and it is mandatory for these children to come in by way of carpool. We are trying to get them ready for next year.

If your child participates in Before or After Care you must bring them in and come in to pick them up. Before care is available from 7:30am until 9:00am and after care is available from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.

Noah’s Park follows the school calendar for the Trussville City School System with a fewexceptions.

The 2015-2016 school calendar for Noah’s Park Weekday Early Education is as follows:

August / 10 or 11 / Meet the Teacher Night 5:00pm - 7:00pm
August / 12 / First Day of School for Students
September / 7 / Labor Day – Closed
September / 16 / Gold Day
September / TBD / Fall Pictures
October / 12 / Columbus Day - Closed
October / 20 or 22 / Pumpkin Patch 3K- 4K-5K
October / 27 / Alabama Symphony- Toddler III ,IV, 2K, 3K, 4K & 5K
October / 29 / Book Character Dress Up Parade & Party
October / TBD / Pink Day
November / 2 or 3 / Parent Teacher Conferences 2K,3K, 4K & 5K
November / 11 / Veterans’ Day - Closed
November / 17 or 19 / Thanksgiving Feast – Lunch with your child
November / 25 - 27 / Thanksgiving Holidays – Closed
November / TBD / Children’s Theatre-Toddler III, IV, 2K, 3K, 4K & 5K
December / 3 / Winter Program
December / 8 or 9 / Santa Pictures
December / 17 / Happy Birthday Jesus Party
December / 21 – Jan 5 / Christmas Holidays - Closed
January / 6 / School Reopens
January / 18 / MLK Jr. Day – Closed
February / 3 / Red Day
February / 11 / Valentine Party
February / 15 / President’s Day - Closed
February / 16 / Registration 2016-2017
February / TBD / Children’s Theatre-Toddler III, IV, 2K, 3K, 4K & 5K
March / 14 or 15 / Parent Teacher Conferences 2K, 3K, 4K & 5K
March / 24 / Easter Party and Egg Hunt
March / 25 / Good Friday - CLosed
March / 28 – April 1 / Spring Break – Closed
March / TBD / Spring Pictures & Class Pictures
April / 25 - 29 / Teacher Appreciation Week
May / 3 or 5 / Muffins for Mom
May / 12 / Graduation/Spring Program
May / 19 / End of the Year Party
May / 27 / Last Day of School for Students

In case of inclement weather(snow, ice, etc.) Noah’s Park will close if the Trussville City School System is closed. Days will not be made up or tuition reduced due to these events. Please tune to your local television stations for this information. If the Trussville City Schools open late Noah’s Park will open 30 minutes before the time designated by TCS. If the Trussville City Schools close during the day due to inclement weather of any kind Noah’s Park will remain open 30 minutes longer to allow you to pick up your children from the public school system. If Jefferson County is under a tornado warning when you come to pick up your child you and your child are requiredto stay at Noah’s Park until the warning has ended or the inclement weather has passed. If the church has to close for any reason you will be notified by telephone via School Cast. Please make sure that your numbers are updated as needed.

5. Registrations Procedures and Expectations

Noah’s Park is open to any child regardless of race, creed or religion. No handicapped individual will be denied the right to participate in the program solely by reason of his/her handicap.

Registration will begin in February with placement for admission made on a first come, first-serve basis. An annual, non-refundable registration fee is required upon registration. This fee reserves a place for your child in our program.

2K through 5K will remain in the same class throughout the school year for which

they are registered! They do not move up during the school year.

Infants and Toddlers may be moved to the next class during the school year depending on developmental progress, class size and/or at the discretion of the Director.

Due to the multifaceted decisions that must be made to compose a number of individual classes within an age group, teacher requests may be made but may not be honored. A balance whenever possible of gender and race is sought when making up classes. In addition, the personality dynamics of both teachers and children must be taken into consideration when making up class rolls.

6. Regulations

In compliance with the State of Alabama Department of Human Services and NorthParkBaptistChurch policies, Noah’s Park is required to have the following information in your child’s file. It is necessary to have this information updated on an annual basis.

6a. Health Status

A dated, written statement about the child’s current health status, signed by an approved health professional, shall be obtained annually for each child less than seven years old, or whenever the Director shall have reason to suspect that a child participating in the program may have a condition hazardous or potentially hazardous to others, or finds that the child’s general condition indicates the need

for such examination. The statement of health status shall be obtained at the time of admission.

6b. Immunization Form – (Blue Card)

Information regarding all immunizations the child has had, including the month and year when each immunization was administered. Immunizations must be recorded on the certificate of immunization form supplied by the Alabama Department of Health. The immunization form shall be obtained at the time of admission. You will be notified prior to expiration date and then you will have 30 days to obtain a new form.

6c. Emergency Form

The parents/guardians home and work emergency contact information, the child’s known allergies to foods or medications and a release permitting emergency medical treatment must be obtained at the time of admission. If your contact numbers change for any reason you must update these with the office.

6d. Authorization for Pickup

Information giving permission for person(s) other than the parents to pick up the child from Noah’s Park must be listed on the application form. Any person not recognized will be asked to show their drivers license for identification. It is a good practice for the parent to notify the staff andDirector when other person(s) are picking up the child on a given day. In emergency situations, parents sometimes need other person(s) not on the “Authorization for Pickup” form to pick up the child. In such cases, the parent must give written authorization and verbal authorization over the phone to the Director or Assistant Director only. The authorization for pickup also includes information indicating anyone who is NOTallowed to pick up a child. Noah’s Park has specific procedures in the event an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child. If a parent is not allowed to pick up their child due to court order, a copy of the order signed by the judge must be on file in the office of Noah’s Park.

6e. Handbook Verification

A parent/guardian-signed verification that the parent has received, read, and agrees to abide by the policies and practices in the Parent Handbook are kept in the child’s file. This information shall be obtained at the time of admission.

6f. Photo Release

A parent/guardian-signed consent for your child to be photographed shall be in the child’s file.

6g. Video Release

A parent/guardian-signed consent for each child to watch center-approved videos shall be in the child’s file. Videos are used for educational purposes only.

6h. Address and Telephone Number Release

A parent/guardian-signed consent for your address and telephone number to be released to parents for party purposes shall be in the child’s file.

7. Registration Procedures and Expectations

We accept Infants in our program beginning at six weeks of age.As required by the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources all non-mobile infants will be required to be placed on their back for sleeping. The only way an infant can be placed in any other position for sleeping will be by written physician instructions only.

We accept children in our Toddler Class who have reached the age of 13-18 months by September 1stand they must be:

A. WALKING OR CLOSE

B. FEED THEMSELVES FINGER FOODS

C. DRINK FROM A SIPPY CUP

We register children in the 2 year old Kindergarten Program according to their age on September 1st of the current school year.

We register children in the 3 year old Kindergarten Program according to their age on September 1st of the current school year provided that they are potty-trained and out of diapers/pull-ups. We know they may have a few accidents at the beginning of the school year however they can not come to school in a pull-up or diaper.

We register children in the 4 year old Kindergarten Program according to their age on September 1st of the current school year.

We register children in the 5 year old Kindergarten Program according to their age on September 1st of the current school year.

In order to be registered in school in any program at Noah’s Park, you MUSTsubmit the following prior to the first day of school:

A. Appropriate completed application form

B. Noah’s Park Medical/Emergency form

C. State of Alabama Blue Immunization Form

D. Health Statement from Pediatrician

E. Registration Fee (due with application, non-refundable)

F. Parent Agreement form

G. Handbook Verification

H. Photo, Video, Address Release

Your child will not be allowed to start school until these forms have been received.

WE CANNOT HOLD A SPACE FOR YOUR CHILD WITHOUT PAYMENT OF THE REGISTRATION FEE.

Infants registered before their birth date are NOT required to pay tuition payments UNLESS the space is needed (PRIOR TO THE PARENTS’ DESIRED START DATE) In order to “hold the spot”, the parents will be notified and will be given the option of paying the tuition or forfeiting the spot so that a child who is ready to begin may be registered.

8. Tuition and Payment Policies

The registration fee is due upon receipt of the application and is non refundable. There is no reduction in fees due to holidays, school closures due to inclement weather, or a child’s absence. The class fee is billed and due by August 12.

Monthly Tuition for Base Hours of 9am - 1pm

Infants, Toddlers & 2K
# Days per Week / Registration / Class Fee / Monthly Tuition
2 / $100 / ** / $238
3 / $100 / ** / $280
4 / $100 / ** / $331
5 / $100 / ** / $388
** Infants - $75 / Toddler I & II-
$100 / Toddler III & IV - $125 / 2K - $150
3K & 4K
# Days per Week / Registration / Class Fee / Monthly Tuition
2 / $100 / $200 / $166
3 / $100 / $200 / $197
4 / $100 / $200 / $238
5 / $100 / $200 / $288
5K
# Days per Week / Registration / Class Fee / Monthly Tuition
5 / $100 / $250 / $325

*You must choose your days at the time of registration. Days may not be switched.There will be a $30 administrative fee to change days, times, etc. after July 16. Arrangements for additional days must be made only with the Director or Assistant Director. Do not ask your child’s teacher. If during the course of the school year you need to add or change days to your child’s week; the Director will try to accommodate your need based on availability. Look at the schedule closely to see the days we are closed and choose according. (For instance most of our holidays fall on Monday and Friday so if your child is only coming two days per week you may want to choose days other than Monday and Friday. There is no change in tuition for holidays or closed days)

Additional days other than scheduled days will be $30.00 per day depending on availability and must be prearranged with the Director or Assistant Director. This fee covers all day, 7:30-4:00.

1. Tuition is due the first day of the month for thatmonth’s tuition. Example October’s tuition is due 10/1

2. A $30.00 fee will be charged if accounts are not paid by the 10th of the month.

3. A charge of $30.00will be assessed to any account for which a check is returned by the bank.

When a check is returned a 2nd time, payments must be made in cash.

4. A sixty day delinquent account will result in your child’s enrollment being discontinued. This policy

comes from the financial board of NorthPark Baptist Church.

5. The financial committee of NorthPark Baptist Church will receive a report monthly.

6. Make checks payable to Noah’s Park. Please put your child’s name on the check.Noah’s Park

also accepts Credit/Debit Cards.

7. Place your tuition in the designated tuition box or mail directly to Noah’s Park. You may

also call the office and pay with a credit card.

8. Please note thatif you send your tuition to school in your child’s folder that the teachers are not

responsiblefor gettingyour tuition to the Director.

9. Before and Extended Care

1. Transfer of your child must be directly to a Before Care Teacher. Take older children to class first.

2. Parents must sign child(ren) in and out daily!

3.Parents must take their child’s belongings to their room,

4.No food or drinks in the Early Care Room….breakfast must be eaten before arriving at Noah’s Park.

Before & Extended Care Fees

Monthly Fee
# Days per Week / Before Care / Extended Care
2 / $55 / $100
3 / $65 / $120
4 / $75 / $150
5 / $85 / $180

Before Care is availabe 7:30 – 9:00 am

Extended Care is available 1:00 – 4:00 pm

10. Late Pickup Fee

Parents who fail to pick their children up by the designated time will be charged a late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED! Children who are not enrolled in the extended care program and are not picked up by 1:15pm will be taken to extended care and charged the drop in fee of $20.00 for after care plus the $1.00 per minute.