Friends Child Care Center

Friends Child Care Center

Family Handbook

WELCOME

Dear Families,

I want to extend a warm welcome to you from Friends Child Care Center on behalf of myself, administrative staff and teachers! We consider it a privilege to provide your family with a high quality early learning experience that will nurture growththroughout all developmental dimensions while your child learns through play and social interactions. Classroom centers are designed to foster active learning through independent exploration of developmentally appropriate materialsthat meet your child’s interests and abilities. Teachers see themselves as facilitators of that play and continually look for ways to enhance learning.Activities are developed from the knowledge teachers gain through daily observation of children’s skills and interests during play, circle and story times.

Whether your child is starting school for the very first time and/or is transitioning from another school or classroom, this can be a very exciting yet worrisome time for both children and families. No need to worry! We understand that change can be upsetting for our little people, and we want to assist families in any way we can with creating a smooth transition into our school or into a new classroom. Please provide staff with information about your child’s preferred soothing techniques or activities that may grab their interests. We encourage your input as your insights are valuable.

At FCCC, community is valued greatly and there are many ways in which families can be actively engaged. Social gatherings including potlucks and picnic lunches and classroom and center wide trips,are planned throughout the year. We encourage and welcome volunteers to chaperone, plan/organize and assist with set up and clean up.

In addition, there are a few important fundraising events for which 100% participation from families is needed in giving and volunteering services/goods. FCCC is thoughtful about how we fundraise and is conscientious about not overtaxing anyone financially and laboriously. However, fundraising dollars are essential in helping us to maintain a balanced budget while providing such wonderful cultural arts programming and maintaining qualified staffing through above average pay rates, health benefits and paid time off. The fundraising committee of the board of directors welcomes those with interest in fundraising as non-board committee members. If you have an interest, please email the office at and your interest will be forwarded accordingly.

Finally, I encourage you to tell a friend, relative, co-worker or neighbor about our school. It’s the greatest compliment we could ever receive and we appreciate the referral.

Happy New School Year to all!

Yours sincerely,

Raechel O’Neal Coats

Director

Attached please find:

Family Handbook
*Enrollment Agreement*
*Email Contact/Photo Release Form*
*Emergency Evacuation & Lockdown Contact Form*
*Child Health Assessment Form*
*Emergency Contact Form*
*Getting To Know You Form*
Family Volunteer/Service Form
FOB Key Form
Auto Placard (Additional placards available at FCCC Office)

Please review the handbook in its entirety and complete and return required forms* to us with the signed contract by due date stated on Agreement. Please contact the Office if you have any questions or need clarification on any item.

Table of Contents

About Us

Philosophy

Mission

Certification

Hours of Operation

About Us

Philosophy

The program at Friends Child Care Center is based on active learning, developmentally appropriate activities that facilitate and enhance social, emotional cognitive and large and small muscle development, by age and individual readiness in an environment that provides loving support and intellectual stimulation. The primary emphasis is on social development and learning through active play. Friends Child Care Center supports parenting by enabling children to grow and learn in a safe, stimulating, loving environment.

Mission

FCCC provides an enriching environment of love, security and community to children between the ages of 3 months and Kindergarten. Through age appropriate experiences, its children learn respect for others, self-confidence and social skills. They develop curiosity about the world and learn to appreciate people who are different from them. The children grow emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively. They build a foundation of competence and confidence that prepares them for everyday situations and, ultimately, for school.

Our Mission states:

Friends Child Care Center is guided by the Quaker belief that there is that of God in every person. This belief inspires and informs everyday life at the Center while it affirms the individual value of each child, teacher and parent. The approach to learning is broad but simple: children learn to get along with other people as they experience the rewards of learning what they want to know.

Friends Child Care Center provides quality child care for young children whose parents are Friends Center employees or live/work in the Philadelphia area. We strive to reflect the cultural and economic diversity of our urban community. We encourage young children in their ability to be caring, curious, responsible beings.

Certification

DPW Certificate of Compliance

Keystone STARS 3

Environmental Rating Score – 5.58

Hours of Operation

Child care services are provided from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Directory

Director(215)

Office(215)

Finance(215)

Care Bears(215)

Bear Cubs(215)

Cuddle Cubs(215)

Puddle Jumpers(215)

Triangles(215)

Quads(215)

Holidays

FCCC closes according to the holiday schedule of the Friends Center. The following are regularly scheduled holidays:

LABOR DAY-Monday, September 4, 2017

IN-SERVICE DAY-Friday, November 10, 2017

THANKSGIVING- Thursday, November 23, 2017

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING-Friday, November 24, 2017

CHRISTMAS EVE OBSERVANCE-Friday, December 22, 2017

CHRISTMAS DAY OBSERVANCE-Monday, December 25, 2017

NEW YEARS DAY-Monday, January 1, 2018

Dr.KING, JR DAY-Monday, January 15, 2018

PRESIDENTS DAY-Monday, February 19, 2018 IN-SERVICE DAY - TBD

MEMORIAL DAY-Monday, May 28, 2018

INDEPENDENCE DAY-Wednesday, July 4, 2018

IN-SERVICE DAY-Friday, August 31, 2018

LABOR DAY-Monday, September 3, 2018

Definition of Family

In this handbook we refer to family as a parent, legal guardian, sponsor or anyone else who provides for the well-being, best-interest and responsibility of the child in our care.

Admission & Enrollment

All admission and enrollment forms must be completed and escrow deposit paid prior to your child’s first day of attendance.

An escrow deposit of ½ of one month’s tuition is due with the submission of the signed Enrollment Agreement. The deposit will be returned after all outstanding tuition is paid, providing the parents give FCCC 30 days written notice as to the child’s last day.

Based on the availability and openings, our facility admits children from 3 months to 5 years of age.

Our process for introducing children to our program is:

Families are encouraged to schedule a classroom visit 1 week prior to the start. Classroom contact information will be provided at the time of enrollment acceptance. Families should plan to stay for the minimum of 1 hour to give time for your child to become familiarized with the classroom environment, peers and teachers. Suggested times for visits are between the hours of 9-12pm.

If your child has an identified special need:

Please provide us with a copy of your child’s recent IEP and any other documents that may help us to better plan for your child’s needs while they are in school.

Inclusion

Friends Child Care Center believes that children of all ability levels are entitled to the same opportunities for participation, acceptance and belonging in child care. We will make every reasonable accommodation to encourage full and active participation of all children in our program based on his/her individual capabilities and needs.

Family Services

Children with Developmental Delays, Financial Assistance Programs for Families, etc.

If you have concerns about your child’s development or you require financial assistance for tuition, please refer to the following agencies and programs available to you.

Elwyn SEEDS (Special Education for Early Developmental Success) Program:

Services for children aged 3 thru 5 years living in the Philadelphia, Chester cities and the Upland and Brookhaven suburban communities. These services can include any or all of the following:

Speech and Language Therapy

Special Instruction

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Vision and Hearing Services

Identified Family Services

Other Services, as necessary

For program information, contact: Bonnie Lundy, M.Ed., Director, 215-222-8054.

Ken Crest:

Early Intervention educational, diagnostic and therapeutic services, as well as transportation are provided under an individualized plan. For children from birth to 3 years of age who have developmental, neurological, orthopedic, behavioral and learning difficulties. Services include:

Evaluation

Individualized Program Planning and Intervention

Home Visits

Community Integration

Family Support

Ken Crest Services, Administrative Offices, 502 West Germantown Pike, Suite 200, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1348, 610-825-9360.

Philadelphia Infant Toddler Early Intervention:

Infant Toddler Early Intervention

In Philadelphia, Infant Toddler Early Intervention is a variety of agencies working together with families to provide early intervention services for children. Early intervention services help young children grow and develop and support their families in caring for them. Children from birth to three years of age who are eligible will receive early intervention supports and services from Birth to Three Programs across the county. In Pennsylvania the Office of Child Development, part of the Department of Public Welfare oversees each County's Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Program.

To promote the importance of families in guiding the services of their children, the Philadelphia/Pennsylvania Office of Child Development believes in family centered services and supports that respect your family's concerns, interests, values and priorities.

For additional information about Infant Toddler Early Intervention in Pennsylvania visit or call 215-685-4646.

United Way of Southeastern PA:

The goal is to improve and sustain the quality of early learning experiences in child care centers by providing technical assistance, financial support and professional development opportunities. Provide better nurturing techniques in the home by supporting on-going, formalized parenting education programs. Increase the professional skills of those working with young children and their families by providing professional development training to early childhood educators. Advocate for increased public support for high-quality early childhood education.

United Way of S.E. PA at215-665-2500

CCIS of Philadelphia:

CCIS is your information source for FINDing, SELECTing and PAYing for child care. There are five CCIS offices in Philadelphia, and at least one CCIS in every county in Pennsylvania. To speak to someone about how CCIS can help you and your family, contact the office in your area or call the hotline at 1-888-461-KIDS (5437).

Non-Discrimination

At Friends Child Care Centerequal educational opportunities are available for all children, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or parent/provider political beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation or special needs, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. Educational programs are designed to meet the varying needs of all students.

Confidentiality

Unless we receive your written consent, information regarding your child will not be released with the exception of that required by our regulatory and partnering agencies. All records concerning children at our program are confidential.

Staff Qualifications

Our teachers are hired in compliance with the state requirements and qualifications as a base minimum. Typical staff certifications are as follows:

Position Title / Education/Certification / Experience
Teacher / Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education / 2 years
Teacher Assistant/Aide / Child Development Associate Certification / 1 year

Teachers participate in an orientation class and ongoing training in the areas of child growth and development, healthy and safe environments, developmentally appropriate practices, guidance, family relationships, cultural and individual diversity, and professionalism.

Any arrangement between families and our caregivers outside the programs and services we offer is a private matter, not connected or sanctioned by Friends Child Care Center.

Child to Staff Ratios

Children are supervised at all times. All caregivers receive scheduled breaks which reduce fatigue and help to ensure alertness.

We maintain the following standards for child to staff ratios:

Age / Child to Staff / Maximum Group Size
Care Bears / 3 to 1 / 12
Bear Cubs / 4 to 1 / 8
Cuddle Cubs / 5 to 1 / 15
Puddle Jumpers / 6 to 1 / 14
Triangles / 8 to 1 / 15
Quadrangles / 8 to 1 / 14

Communication & Family Partnership

Daily Communications. Daily notes from center staff will keep you informed about your child’s activities and experiences at the center and/or notes will be emailed to the email address provided on your contact information form or given in children’s mail slots.

Bulletin Boards.Located throughout the center, bulletin boards provide center news, upcoming events, faculty changes, holiday closing dates, announcements, etc.

Newsletters. Monthly newsletters provide center news, events, announcements, etc. These newsletters are available on our website by the 5th of every month.

Email. We encourage you to provide an email address that you use regularly so that we may send you announcements, event invitations, newsletters and general updates.

Classroom Directories are distributed periodicallywhich include family email contact information and are not to be used for solicitation or airing grievances.

Family Visits. Family participation is encouraged. Visit our classrooms, volunteer, come along on a field trip, or eat a meal with your child.

Conferences. Family & teacher conferences occur twice a year. During these conferences, we will discuss your child’s strengths, likes and dislikes, and styles of learning. We will work together to set goals for your child’s growth and development. You may request additional conferences regarding your child’s progress at any time. We encourage you to communicate any concerns. Additionally, anecdotal notes will be shared through Teaching Strategies Gold online periodically throughout the month. Parents will receive an invite via email from the classroom teacher. Parents must accept the invitation to view the materials.

Website. Upcoming Events are listed in the parent section.

Issues or Concerns. If there are any concerns that arise regarding classroom procedures, please direct your inquiries to the Lead Teacher of your child’s classroom. Concerns regarding school policy or personnel should be addressed to the Director by calling 215-241-7108 or emailing .

Publicity

Unless the family indicates that they want their child to participate, we will not use pictures and names of children for publicity.

Staff

Assistant Group Supervisors

Andrea ThomasErica MasonShanice Brown

Nathalie NoelMissy Banks Renee Terry

Linda McCainAnayah Moore

Kyra ColemanShaquae Walker

Barbara BanksAshley Osborne

Bjay HarkinsDiana Dumitru

April TurnerKenyetta Riley

Zakiyah WilliamstonEricka Davis

AdministrationFloaters

Raechel O’Neal Coats – DirectorGail Centola

Deneeya Brown – Administrative Assistant

Susan Charleston – Bookkeeper

Group SupervisorsSpecial Programs Staff

Markita GlennGwendolyn Bye, Creative Movement

Michelle Jenkins-HinesEmily Bates, Music & Rhythm

Shannon CowleyJill van Balen, Spanish

Cordella YoungMaureen Heil, Yoga

Teresa Quillen

Lea Ramuno

Curricula & Learning

Learning Environment

We provide a rich learning environment with curricula that are developmentally appropriate to the specific ages in each classroom. We have a flexible day routine that allows children to advance at his/her own pace. We strongly believe that learning happens through play. Learning and exploring are hands-on and are facilitated through interest areas. Our program is designed to enhance children’s development in the following areas: creativity, self-expression, decision-making, problem-solving, responsibility, independence, and reasoning. We encourage openness to that which is different from us, and the ability to work and play with others.