HARRISBURG EARLY LEARNING CENTER

450 West Sexton Street

Harrisburg, Missouri65256

573.875.5959

PARENT HANDBOOK

“Learning and Fun – Putting the Pieces Together”


WELCOME TO THE BULLDOG LEARNING ZONE

The Bulldog Learning Zone (BLZ) is a licensed before and after school program administered through the Harrisburg Learning Center, a not for profit United Way funded agency, for grades K – 6 at Harrisburg R-VIII school. The BLZ was established to help meet the need of quality programming within our community. We provide hands-on educational and recreational activities for children in a safe and nurturing environment. Opportunities for decision-making, individual and team achievement, self-esteem and life skills development are central to our mission. Children may participate in one of our weekly THEMES each week and explore and learn about the sea and underwater creatures, recycling, art and art history, Harry Potter, volcanoes, cooking, nutrition, computers, foreign language, career options, sports/fitness, operating a business, music, community service, games and much much more! The BLZ is committed to achieving accreditation through the National Afterschool Association within the next two years.

The BLZ takes pride in the quality and dedicated staff, including our Program Coordinator, Center Director, and our Financial Operations Manager. An on-site coordinator along with our teaching staff will be in attendance each day and will be in charge of his/her classes; all staff have a minimum of XX college credit hours or XX number of child related course work, training and experience working with groups of children. Our ratio of staff to children is 1:16.

The BLZ looks forward to building memories with you and your child, anticipating that your experiences in our program will be positive ones. We appreciate the trust you have put in us to care for your child and look forward to the fun and learning ahead.

Sincerely,

Amy Hampton

Center Director

HARRISBURG EARLY LEARNING CENTER ORIENTATION

Enrollment in Harrisburg Early Learning Center constitutes an understanding that families will abide by the policies and procedures listed in the parent handbook as well as those found on the child’s enrollment form.

Harrisburg Early Learning Center History

Harrisburg Early Learning Center (HELC) was established in 1980. The Center is a licensed, not for profit early childcare center governed by a Board of Trustees. We must operate under the rules and regulations as dictated and directed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Childcare’s “Licensing Rules for Group Day Care Home and Child Care Centers in Missouri”. A copy of this licensing book is available for your review at our Adminstrative Office.

OUR PHILOSPHY

Our Center shall provide a safe environment with, experienced teachers that recognize parents have the primary responsibility in the first level of training and education for their children.

OUR CORE VALUE

The classroom teachers shall always put the children first while they encourage the children to explore experiment, interact, share their ideas, make choices, be individuals, and discover the world. They shall create an enriched atmosphere full of trust, love, security, and positive support that each child needs to develop their own unique personality. We shall honor the children’s privacy, open their minds, and cherish their uniqueness while enhancing their development.

Harrisburg Early Learning Center Purpose Statement

To enhance the growth and knowledge of the children enrolled in our program and to assist families in our community by providing them with a safe and quality early childhood care facility.

Goals of Harrisburg Early Learning Center

Harrisburg Early Learning Center will offer a variety of activities, which include recreation, games, enrichment, arts and crafts, music and movement, science and math, and free, creative quiet time that includes reading for children to pursue their own interests in a safe and nurturing environment. All children will be encouraged to learn and to work comfortably with others.

Disclaimer:

The Bulldog Learning Zone is a program operated and managed by Harrisburg Early Learning Center, a not for profit childcare facility and is not a Harrisburg R-VIII managed or operated program. All staff are hired and managed by Harrisburg Early Learning Center and all program policies and decisions are made by Harrisburg Early Learning Center in conjunction with their Board of Trustees.

THE BULLDOG LEARNING ZONE EXPECTATIONS

Parents/Guardian’s Expectations of The Bulldog Learning Zone

  • Their children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.
  • Their children will be respected.
  • They may visit with the On Site Coordinator or Center Director about concerns related to their child.
  • They will be informed about any misbehavior on the part of their child and be able to visit with staff to establish and carry out a plan to target certain behavior at home that will correct and enhance behavior at The BLZ.
  • They will be informed promptly if their child does not arrive at The BLZ according to his/her enrollment form.
  • The On Site Coordinator will regularly inform them about program activities.
  • They will have opportunities to give input about the program.
  • They will be able to complete an evaluation of the program at least once a year.

The Bulldog Learning Zone’s Expectations of the Parents/Guardians

  • Communicate with all BLZ staff respectfully.
  • Discuss difficult issues away from earshot of children in the program.
  • Support staff with discipline situations.
  • Follow all policies outlined in the Parent Handbook (i.e. sick policy, payment policy, etc)
  • Contact the On Site Coordinator, Center Director, or Harrisburg Early Learning Center if their child will not be attending on a scheduled day.
  • Update contact information with the On Site Coordinator and office immediately after a change has been made.
  • Keep the child’s records up-to-date on enrollment forms through Harrisburg Early Learning Center.
  • Have alternate pick up arrangements in the event you are unable to pick up by X:00 p.m.
  • Respect school rules.
  • Turn in IEP/Health Forms.
  • Pay attention to any communications from the On Site Coordinator regarding their child’s behavior and cooperate in efforts to bring about improvements in the situation.
  • Sign your child (ren) in and out daily.
  • Read all the information distributed such as handbooks, newsletters, and messages on the parent board.
  • Support program’s decision of not having programming during particular dates (i.e. Thanksgiving week, parent-teacher conference days, etc.)
  • If you wish to enroll your child in alternative care during non-BLZ days, you must notify Harrisburg Early Learning Center’s Center Director to determine availability of space on these dates.

Children’s Expectations of The Bulldog Learning Zone

  • To have a safe, nurturing and consistent environment.
  • To use all of the program equipment, materials and facilities on an equal basis.
  • To receive respectful treatment from adults and other children in The BLZ.
  • To be disciplined fairly and in a non-punitive manner.
  • To receive care from staff members who are actively involved with them.
  • To experience success.
  • To make choices and take responsibility for actions.
  • To have a GREAT time!

The Bulldog Learning Zone’s Expectations of the Children

  • Participate in BLZ’s activities.
  • Be responsible for their actions. Treat staff and other children with respect.
  • Respect the school rules that guide them during the day while attending The BLZ.
  • Remain with the group and The BLZ staff at all times.
  • Take care of materials and equipment properly and return them to their proper place when finished.
  • Arrive at the program promptly, according to the enrollment form.
  • Share equipment, take turns, and cooperate with others. Be responsible for all personal belongings.
  • Develop and use social skills.
  • Choose appropriate options when solving problems.
  • Express emotions in an appropriate manner.
  • Participate in activities within a 16:1 child to staff ratio.

TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE

Mornings

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.Choice time, art projects, games

7:30 a.m. – 8:25 a.m. Choice time, art projects, games, outside time, gym games, Breakfast

8:25 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.Clean up and get ready for school

Afternoons Monday – Thursday

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sign in, wash up, and snack

3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Recess time outside

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Theme: Learning Time

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Choice Time

Friday is typically a “Free Day” where children get to have choice time all afternoon.

  • The Bulldog Learning Zone curriculum is based on state and national accreditation standards. The schedule combines structure and choices. Each schedule will always include the following; snack time, recess, Theme Learning and free/choice time.
  • Theme Learning is unique to Bulldog Learning Zone in that we provide a structured learning time with a creative – themed-based approach. Children may participate in the following:
  • Weekly theme based learning activities. Children participate in activities that incorporate science experiments, arts/crafts, manipulatives, big/small motor skills, music and movement, reading, and math. The Themes change weekly and activities correspond to the monthly newsletter and calendar announcements.
  • Technology: Children may choose to play educational games on the site’s computers and other electronic equipment as applicable.
  • Literacy Activities: Children may also sit in the quiet area and enjoy a book, work on writing or listen to others reading.
  • Homework Help: The Bulldog Learning Zone will collaborate with Harrisburg R-VIII teaching staff to determine appropriate homework assistance to coordinate with classroom needs/demands. This time can be used for children to work on homework with assistance. Parents and teachers may request children to complete homework during this time or children may voluntarily make this choice. Please note: Children may work on homework at any time during Bulldog Learning Zone, morning and/or afternoon.
  • Please note that Bulldog Learning Zone cannot force your children to do homework, but we will encourage it if you request.
  • Staff[KM1] will follow these basic guidelines as given by the Harrisburg R-VIII
  • Support learning vs. getting it right
  • Ask questions vs. giving the answer
  • The work should represent the student’s efforts, not the helper’s
  • Teachers want and need evidence of what the child can do so they know what to do instructionally
  • Writing assignments: Students must ask
  • What should I write?
  • Can you write this for me?
  • Is this long enough?
  • Staff may say…
  • What do you think?
  • Give it a try?
  • Tell me your ideas/story.
  • What would your teacher say?
  • How did you do this in class?
  • Reading assignments: Students must say
  • What’s this word?
  • What does___ mean?
  • I do not understand.
  • This is too hard
  • Staff may ask…
  • Where did it last make sense?
  • What word would make sense here?
  • Would you read that part aloud to me?
  • Word assignments: Students might say
  • How do you spell___?
  • Is this spelled right?
  • Would you spell___for me?
  • Staff might say…
  • How do you think it is spelled?
  • What sound does it begin with?
  • What sounds do you hear in the middle?
  • What sound do you hear at the end?
  • Does it look right?
  • Support problem-solving strategies: Teaching a student what to do when they are confused or stuck is important work.
  • Show enthusiasm for the work of learning vs. praise for getting something correct.
  • That was smart of you.
  • I like how you tried.
  • What a good strategy.
  • This is very hard work. I’m proud of you for___
  • FAQ’s
  • What if I don’t know the answer?
  • You don’t need to know the answer in order to support the student’s learning.
  • Should students work in groups on homework?
  • Not unless specifically intended.
  • Should I offer a different way of solving a problem?
  • First, support the teacher’s strategy; if you share another, be careful not to contradict the teacher’s.
  • FAQ’s specific to Word study/spelling
  • Should you spell a word if asked?
  • Invented spelling is acceptable for K-2.
  • Encourage students to record as many sounds as they can.
  • What sound do you hear at the beginning?
  • What sounds do you hear in the middle?
  • What sound do you hear at the end?
  • Can you think of a word that sounds similar?
  • Should I correct the spelling if the student asks if it is correct?
  • Praise the sounds and/or patterns that the student has represented.
  • You might offer, “Most people spell that word this way...”
  • In Math
  • When a student asks for help, try some of the following questions or prompts:
  • What have you come up with so far? Can you tell me what the problem is asking you to do? What information is useful in solving the problem
  • Where do you think you should start?
  • Does this remind you of other problems? Have you done something similar in class? What do you know about this problem?
  • What is the problem asking you to do? What part of the problem is confusing to you? How can you organize the information in the problem to help you?
  • Would drawing a picture or diagram help?
  • How can I help you? (Without giving the solution.) Do you see any patterns or relationships?
  • Explain your strategy to me.
  • Remember:
  • To use your own pencil when you are asked to help. Do not get caught taking the child’s pencil and doing his/her work for them.
  • Do not take his/her paper away of turn it towards you.
  • Never value your strategy over his/hers.
  • Listen to what the child says. Repeat what you hear.
  • To ask questions about strategies. Let them know you are interested.

PROGRAM POLICIES

Enrollment

  • Enrollment is open to children in grades K-6 who are currently enrolled in Harrisburg R-VIII Schools.
  • Enrollment Changes: Contact the main office (573) 875-5959 in the event that you need to change your child’s enrollment. Two enrollment changes are allowed per child per year, with a maximum of 3 per family per year. A $30.00 charge will be accessed to your account for any additional enrollment changes (examples: dropping from the program or changing from AM/PM to AM only counts as 1 change each)
  • List of Needed Paperwork for Enrollment
  • Enrollment Form and Care Form
  • Special Needs Information and Care Form
  • Custody paperwork
  • Approved pick-ups
  • Doctor’s phone number & address
  • Emergency Contacts

Confidentiality

  • Within Bulldog Learning Zone, confidential and sensitive information will only be shared with staff of Bulldog Learning Zone and Harrisburg Early Learning Center who have a “need to know” in order to most appropriately and safely care for your child. Confidential and sensitive information about staff, other parents, and/or children will not be shared with parents, as Bulldog Learning Zone strives to protect everyone’s right of privacy. Confidential information includes but is not limited to names, addresses, phone numbers, disability information, and health information.
  • Outside of Bulldog Learning Zone, confidential and sensitive information about a child will only be shared when the parent of the child has given express written consent, except where otherwise provided for by law. As indicated on the enrollment form, staff may consult with school administrators and teachers at your child’s school regarding your child’s development or behaviors. As stated on the enrollment form, Bulldog Learning Zone will also share generic information regarding the children in the program with the Harrisburg R-VIII School District and other funding agencies as applicable. This statistical data regarding attendance, outcomes, etc. assists in recognizing trends and patterns in education and the after school field.
  • Staff may also discuss your child if making a report of child abuse as a mandated reporter (see section entitled Reporting of Child Abuse) or if requested by the Department of Health and Senior Services Section for Childcare Regulations, Social Services or local authorities for an investigation or inspection.
  • You may observe children at The Bulldog Learning Zone who are disabled or who exhibit behavior that may appear inappropriate. You may be curious or concerned about the other child. Our confidential Policy protects every child’s privacy. The staff is strictly prohibited from discussing anything about another child with you.

Enrollment Information

  • If your child has and Individual Education Plan (IEP) for behavioral or developmental purposes, Bulldog Learning Zone requires you have a qualified professional complete a Bulldog Learning Zone Information and Care form for your child. This form will enable Bulldog Learning Zone to create a more successful environment for your child. It is required that we have this on file before he/she begins attending the program.
  • If your child’s IEP is for educational purpose such as reading, speech, or math, not form is needed.
  • These forms are available at Bulldog Learning Zone’s Administrative Office.
  • As this is a licensing requirement, your child may not attend Bulldog Learning Zone until the form is returned to the Administrative Office.

Health Information

  • If your child has a special need (health concern, physical, cognitive, behavioral, developmental, takes medication, etc.), a qualified professional – doctor, therapist, teacher, PT, OT – MUST complete a Bulldog Learning Zone Special Needs Information and Care form, indicating any adaptations The Bulldog Learning one may be able to implement within the staffing ratio to help your child succeed. This includes filing a medical form for medications even if they are not administered at The Bulldog Learning Zone.
  • These forms are available at The Bulldog Learning Zone Administrative Office.
  • As this is a licensing requirement, your child may not attend Bulldog Learning Zone until the form is returned to the Administrative Office.

Custody Paperwork