PARENT HANDBOOK
New Peak’s mission is to help transform the lives of people through education and family support programs by raising awareness and engaging the community.
We are stronger together than we are one.
New Peak is not affiliated with any religious organization.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter and Our Philosophy
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Attendance ...... Page 4-5
Ages Served
Weekly Schedule
Absences, Appointments, Early/Late Pick-ups and Pick Up Procedures
Termination Policy
Waiting list
Custodial Parents
Program and Curriculum ...... Pages 6-10
Meal
Supplies
Change of Clothing
Parent Involvement
Emergencies
Daily Activity Schedule
Illness, Medication and Immunizations/Physical Examination
Transportation/Field Trips/Swimming/Wading Pool
Complaints/Concerns/Questions
Guidance policies
Playground Safety and Injury Prevention
Policy for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect
Deposit
Methods of Payment
Holidays and Vacations ...... Page 11
Federal Holidays (closings)
Vacations
What to bring on your first day Page 12
Enrollment Forms ...... attached
Child Enrollment Record
Child Introduction Form
Medical Record
Emergency Medical Consent Form
Authorization to Administer Medication
Sunscreen and Ointment Form
Photography and Social Media Consent Form
Our Menu (subject to change)
Parent Acknowledgement Form Page 13
Dear Parent/Guardian:
WELCOME to NEW PEAK!
It is our philosophy and strong belief that the more community oriented we are, the more our children will learn from us and each other – and not just now as they are growing right in front of our eyes, but later when they become adults, they will be happy, productive people in this rough and tough world we live in.
One of our goals is to teach our children to help one another instead of competing against each other. We would like to see each and every child be able to reach his/her own “peak.” Every day, we provide them with their “gear,” meaning teaching self-respect, self-esteem, humility, and embracing the world around them through role modeling. We help them find out who they are, their likes, dislikes, raise their spirits, and feel confident about themselves as they merge out. How do we do it? Good question! We observe and get to know them first, how they play, and interact with one another. Then we get into the game with them! Their imaginations thrive at these ages, and we imagine right along with them as we are guiding them!
As the founder, I have worked many years with children and parent of all ages, of all walks of life, and it is both fun and also challenging. I believe as the parent/guardian, you know your child the best. I can only hope you see us as part of your team.
We look forward to being part of your journey in raising your little one.
Best,
Melis Akin, M.Ed.
Founder/Program Director
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
We welcome all families, regardless of, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, ancestry, marital or parental status, and physical, mental, emotional or learning disability.
Attendance
Ages Served
New Peak serves children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age, as well as a summer program.
Weekly Schedule
We are open Monday through Friday 6:00am to 6:30pm. We host birthday parties on the weekends at 2-hour increments. (10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm ~ both days) We can also provide childcare separate from the parties if the parent needs it on a regular basis – please ask for details at your appointment time.)
We can be reached at 540 288 1600 if you would like to leave a message with your child’s teacher or the Director.
Absences
If you plan to keep your child home due to illness, or any other reason, you must notify us no later than your regular drop off time. We also expect to be notified if you anticipate being late in dropping off your child in the morning. NO DROP OFFs after 10:00am due to lunch schedule.
Appointments, early/late pick-ups and Pick-Up Procedures
Please notify us when you drop your child off in the morning if you will be picking your child up early that day, or if your child has an appointment and will be leaving, and returning again later in the day. If you have arranged for someone else to pick up your child, please let us know. Even though we will ID each person, it would help us with the flow of our day.
ONLY identified in writing and verified individuals (by being ID’ed) will be able to pick up a child from our center. This is not to inconvenience anyone, but a safety measure we must practice, therefore please HAVE YOUR ID AVAILABLE before walking into the building. This process might be performed by any staff member available at the time of pick up.
If a child is picked up after 6:30pm, there will be an additional flat fee of $30. Any time a child is picked up after 7:00pm, Social Services will be contacted.
Termination Policy
Either the parent or provider has the right to terminate service for any reason, given that a 2-week written notice is provided. The payment is due as usual whether or not your child is in attendance.
A child can be terminated based on continuous inappropriate behavior when we feel that we do not have the parents’ support. Before we go through termination, we will be taking several necessary steps with the parents, i.e. parent meeting, behavioral interventions at home, etc. In most cases, a 2-week notice will be given, however, if the child’s behavior
poses a serious safety issue for other children and/or staff, an immediate termination might be necessary.
We reserve the right to terminate under following circumstances as well:
· Failure to pay (after 2 reminders)
· Failure to complete the required forms
· Lack of parental cooperation
· Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
· Lack of compliance with handbook regulations.
· False information given by parent either verbally or in writing
Waiting List
We encourage parents to begin exploring their childcare options as early as possible, visiting many different types of programs. When you are ready to enroll and we do not have an opening, we will put you on our waitlist.
Custodial parents
Custodial parents have the right to be admitted to our Center any time the child is in care (required by § 63.2-1813 of the Code of Virginia). Necessary paperwork might be required to be able to pick up the child. Please remember: Always have your ID available.
Program and Curriculum
Meals
New Peak participates in the Child Care Food Program and provides breakfast (up to 7:30am arrival), lunch and snacks. If your child has any food allergies, or other special dietary needs, please let us know at the time of enrollment. Weekly menus are posted on the bulletin board.
If you are breastfeeding your child, please let us know what accommodations we can make to help meet yours and your baby’s schedule and space needs. We do have a designated mini fridge for you!
Supplies
Parents are responsible for supplying diapers, wipes and creams for their child.
Upon enrollment, we need to have an extra set of clothing appropriate for the current weather. If you need assistance regarding clothing, please let us know immediately, as we do have resources to help you and your child.
Change of Clothing
As children get older, their needs change, and we must adapt quickly! They grow out of their clothing, shoes, and do not even need diapers and creams at one point! So please, keep an open line of communication with your child’s teacher. Weather appropriate clothing must be worn and spare set of clothing must be sent in with the child.
Parent Involvement
We encourage parents to be part of our team to volunteer for activities, birthday parties etc. whenever possible. We know you are busy, and it is difficult to always find time to talk, but daily communication helps us better meet your needs and the needs of your child.
We meet individually with parents on a regular basis to discuss their child’s progress, share observations and work together to set individual goals and objectives for each child.
Emergencies
Fire and Earthquake drills are conducted and logged monthly.
In the event of fire or other emergency where we do have to evacuate, we will assemble and wait for parents at Greenfield Nursing Home.
DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
6:00 am Arrival – settling down
6:15 am Free choice play
7:30 am Circle time – Children will be given opportunity to share news or special experiences. During this time interactive songs will be sang with freedom to move around.
8:45 am Getting ready for snack time – hand washing.
9:00 am Morning Snack
9:30 am Clean up time – hand washing, diaper changing, potty use as needed.
10:00 am Free play – Children will choose their own games and activities. There will be a variety of age appropriate toys, games, activities available to enhance their growth and development. If weather permits, we may go outside.
11:45 am Clean up time – getting ready for lunch, hand washing, potty use as needed.
12:00 pm LUNCH
12:45 - 1:00 pm Clean up and getting ready for rest time.
1:00 pm Rest time.
3:30 pm Afternoon snack
4:00 pm Circle time – This is the time when we say goodbye to friends who are being picked up, or to share experience for those children who missed the morning circle time. We also sing songs, and move around.
If weather permits, we may go outside.
4:30 pm Free play – Those children beginning to leave will clean
up their toys.
5:30 pm TV time (educational DVDs only) – toys, TV time will be offered while awaiting pick up
Breakfast will be provided if needed/requested for our earliest birds who arrive until 7:30 am.
· Please remember: With children, no schedule can be too precise! And for our youngest babies, schedule is strictly based on their needs.
Illnesses
If your child has any of the following illnesses or conditions, you must keep your child home:
* A temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
* Vomiting (2 or more times in 24 hours)
* Diarrhea (3 or more watery stools in 24 hours)
* A rash or nits (head lice)
* Eye infection
* Sore throat
* Any Communicable-Disease (center must be informed within 24 hours)
* If it’s clear your child is just not feeling good
Depending upon the illness, you may be required to obtain a doctor’s note before your child returns to care.
If any of the above-mentioned illnesses occur while the child is at the center, then you will be contacted and be asked to pick him/her up.
Medications
Any medication must be in the original bottle or container and prescription medications must include the original prescription label and instructions.
New Peak will not administer any medications, creams or sunscreen without written consent from a child’s parent. Medication consent forms are available in the office. Please leave the medication in the office with the Program Director / Assistant, and not in the classroom.
We will be storing and disposing of any medication according to its use and disposal instructions on the medication label.
Immunizations / Physical Examinations
Complete Immunization records must be on file prior to your child’s first day of enrollment. We must also have physical examination for each child within 2 weeks of attendance done by a physician within a certain amount of time required by Social Services. (This will be further discussed during enrollment period.)
Transportation
We currently do not have our own transportation. We are also not able to provide field trips. There will be no access to swimming or to a wading pool at the center.
Complaints/Concerns/Questions
If you have any complaints, concerns and/or questions, please feel free to let your child’s room teacher know what it is. If the concern is not addressed or if you feel that it should be brought to the Director’s attention, please do not hesitate to let her know.
Guidance Policies
To assist children in developing self-control, self-confidence, and sensitivity in their interactions with others, and to ensure order, prevent injury, and ensure a child’s activities are not infringing on the rights of others, the following strategies are used to guide the children’s behavior:
· Focusing on the child’s behavior, rather than on the child;
· Reinforcing and role modeling appropriate behavior;
· Observing children in order to anticipate potential difficulties, focusing on their strengths.
· Establishing eye contact and calling the child by name to gain a child’s attention;
· Remaining near the child in situations where he/she may be losing self-control;
· Modeling problem solving.
· Offering other alternatives and helping them make a decision.
· Re-directing.
· If all else fails; the child will be removed from the situation in a way that ensures that the 'time out' is a positive learning experience:
* Prior to the use of ‘time out’ the child will be given an explanation of what it means and what it involves.
* The ‘time out’ place will be located within the play area, where they can still be supervised, but far enough from the activity.
* The child will be allowed to determine when he/she can return to the activity.
* For pre-school age children, the ‘time out’ period will be no more than one minute per year of age, to a maximum of child’s age.
* Appropriate or acceptable behavior of the child following ‘time out’ will receive