Parent Handbook
Policies & Procedures
Noah’s Ark Child Care & Ministry
Grace Evangelical
Providing Good Quality, Christian, Educational Child Care
For
Children 6 weeks to 12 years old
5905 East Southport Road
Indianapolis, IN 46237
317-859-2002
Fax 317-884-4922
– Child Care E-mail
Philosophy
Welcome to Noah’s Ark Child Care Ministry. It is the goal of this establishment to give your child the opportunity to experience high quality, Christian, educational care.
Each child is treated with respect and love and is offered a positive learning environment. Developmentally appropriate activities will provide opportunity for growth in cognitive, language, small and large motor, and social, emotional, and self-help skills. This will help your child develop his/her self-esteem.
Noah’s Ark is dedicated to helping each child reach his/her full potential. Your child’s comforts and needs are always a priority. The care is personal and individualized. Your questions, comments and input are important so we can work as a team to achieve the very best experiences for your child.
Included in your child’s daily activities, they will have lessons geared toward teaching basic Bible Truths. Being a Christian child care, we will be teaching from the Bible.
In consideration of the payment and services rendered; the parties agree that Noah’s Ark Child Care Ministry shall provide daycare for the child of the undersigned according to the following terms and conditions:
Non-Discrimination
Noah’s Ark Child Care Ministry admits children of any race, religion and disability to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at Noah’s Ark. We do not discriminate in any way with the administration of our educational policies, enrollment policies, financial plan or any other program.
Religious & National Holidays
Religious and other holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Good Friday, Easter and Valentine’s Day are recognized and celebrated. We will not celebrate Halloween but rather a Fall party. Parents who might have objections need to indicate this to a director in advance so that proper arrangements can be made for other activities for your child.
Noah’s Ark is closed on national and some religious holidays. Please ask for a current yearly schedule. If the holiday falls on a weekend, then we will be closed the same days as the federal and state offices. We will give a thirty (30) day written notice prior to any additional closings. In the event of severe weather conditions, Noah’s Ark will remain open unless there is a power outage or a snow emergency is in effect for Marion County. Should we be closed for emergency; it will be posted on local listings. Phone contact will be made when possible.
Welcome to Noah’s Ark
Our child care ministry provides year round care for children six (6) weeks to twelve (12) years of age.
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am to 6:00pm.
Fees: Yearly registration is $100 (There is a discount for early payment. Please ask for details.)
This fee is due with the Registration Packet and Enrollment Agreement in order to secure your child’s position. The fee is then due annually thereafter. There will be a $20 fee for any returned checks.
Yearly Tuition
Full-time: 4-5 days (charged weekly)
Part-time: 1-3 days (charged daily). When you sign up as part-time you will state how many days you will be here each week and that is how many days you are required to pay for. If Noah’s Ark is closed on your scheduled day you are to pay no matter what. If your child is sick scheduled payment is still due. If your child misses a day they may come a different day to make up for the missed day.
Rates are as of December 30, 2015 (Rates are subject to change)
Infants-6wk-11m
F/T: $185
P/T: $40
Lambs– 12-18m
F/T: $180
P/T: $39
Foxes – 18-24m
F/T: $175
P/T: $38
Penguins – 24-36m
F/T: $170
P/T: $37
Sparrows & Owls – 2 ½-3 ½
F/T: $160
P/T: $35
Preschool (3 ½ by Dec. 31st)
F/T: $150
P/T: $33
Prekindergarten (4 by Aug. 1st)
F/T: $140
P/T: $31
School Age (during breaks)
F/T: $125
P/T: $28
Before & After School
F/T: $70
P/T: $16
Payment of Account, Fees & Late Tuition
Payment shall be made in full on Tuesday prior to care given, with no deduction for absence. Payments not made by the end of the following day of attendance each week, will incur a $5.00 late fee per each day payment is late. Failure to have payments current by Friday will require payment to be brought up to date before your child may continue attendance.
The Parents understand and agree to pay a late pick up fee of $5.00 per child for each 10 minute period the child(ren) is not picked up after closing time.
Court Fees
Should it become necessary to go to court over nonpayment of fee owed, court and attorney fees will be added to your bill.
Student Withdrawal
Two (2) weeks advance written and paid notice is required to terminate your contract. There will be no refund for early withdrawal. We will give thirty (30) days written notice prior to any contract changes if it should become necessary to terminate a contract.
Lunch/Snacks
For the time being, all students will need to bring a sack lunch. Please no peanut products.
Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided, as well as milk and juice.
If your child has any allergies to peanuts, treenuts, milk, eggs and so on, we ask that you provide snacks to keep at the daycare for when we have a snack they cannot have.
Rest Time
Children will be resting each day. Please send a small blanket and pillow, if your child takes naps. Please let your child’s teacher know if your child is no longer requiring naps. Nap items are to be sent home on your child’s last day of each week to be washed.
Toys/Things from Home
We have plenty of toys for the children to play with. We ask that you do not bring toys from home. We will not be responsible for any missing or broken toys.
Blankets and animals for napping are allowed but need to be clearly marked with child’s name.
Accidents & Injuries
First aid will be administered to a child needing care. Each accident will be recorded on an accident report. Serious accidents will be reported to the Division of Family and Children Bureau of Child Development.
We require one teacher from each class to maintain a current CPR & First Aid Certificate, and Universal Precautions Training Certificate.
Indiana State Law and licensing requirements states that all child care facilities are required to report immediately to the police or Child Protective Services (CPS) any reason to suspect child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We are not obligated to inform parents/guardians of this report.
Medical Requirements
Students must have all immunizations up-to-date and a medical form, completed by a doctor, before admission.
If a child becomes ill at school or develops a fever of 1010 or above, the parents or persons listed on the registration form will be called to pick up the child immediately. Any child brought to school sick will be sent home. The sick child will be separated from the other children until they are picked up. Children must be fever free or diarrhea free for 24 hours without medication before returning to daycare.
If your child is unable to participate in normal activities of the day, then your child must stay at home.
Symptoms for Exclusion
Diarrhea (3 or more watery stools within 24 hrs)Lice or Nits
Vomiting (2 or more occasions within 24 hrs)A Draining Rash
Fever of 101 or higherEye Discharge/Pink Eye
Must be fever free without medicines for 24 hours
Medication
All prescription medications must be in the original container and properly labeled with child’s full name, date prescription was filled or medication’s expiration date, and legible instructions for administration.
Non-prescription medication can be given with written parental consent only as to the dose, duration, and method of administration specified on the manufacturers label for the age or weight of the child needing medication. The following is a list of acceptable non-prescription medications:
AntihistaminesAnti-itching ointments or lotions
Non-aspirin fever reducer/pain relieversDiaper ointments and powders
DecongestantsSunscreen
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, we will first call 911, and then the parent or guardian will be contacted as soon as possible. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the directions on the enrollment will be followed. In the event IMMEDIATE medical attention should be required, we will use St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis. If you have a preference other than St. Francis Hospital-Indianapolis, we will try to accommodate you, if possible.
Signing In & Out
The State of Indiana requires your signature when you drop off and pick up your child. The Sign In/Out Book will be kept on the counter as you enter the Children’s Ministry wing at Grace.
The State of Indiana prohibits a child care provider from releasing children to a parent/guardian or any other person who is clearly under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. We need to be informed in advance if anyone other than a designated person will be picking up your child. In order to protect your child, we will check picture identification.
Open Door Policy
We have an “open door” policy. Parents have free access at all times to all areas used by the children.
Resolving Parent Concerns
Just as caregivers are encouraged to discuss concerns with parents, parents are encouraged to ask their child’s caregiver any questions they may have about their child’s care or about general issues. It is important for parents and staff to clear up any questions or misunderstandings quickly. Nearly all concerns are best addressed with the caregiver, but if parents do not find a quick resolution they are encouraged to talk to a director. Good communication between the staff and parents is vital to the smooth running of the ministry. It is hoped that all communication is handled in a professional manner as other children will be listening.
Toilet Training
Toilet training efforts of parents are assisted and supported by the center staff. Toilet training will not be started until both the parents and caregivers feel the child is ready. Please discuss the techniques with your child’s caregiver so that your child can experience continuity in adult expectations in this important area. During toilet training, we will ask that you supply additional changes of clothing.
Infants
Infants in our care enjoy a loving, safe and clean environment indoors and outdoors (when conditions are favorable).
Due to the highly individualized needs of infants, we do not attempt to follow a structured schedule. We will provide each parent with a daily report, which records all aspects of the infants care over the day.
We will provide equipment for the infant’s enjoyment which is safe and will contribute to their happiness and awareness, as well as their sensory perception and motor development.
Parents will provide:
BottlesFormula or Breast milk
Baby foodDisposable Diapers
WipesMedications
Change of clothes
Formula in ready to feed strength or formula requiring no preparation other than dilution with water will be required. Semi-solid food will be provided only at the parent’s written request.
Mothers who wish to breast feed their infants are encouraged to do so. Breast milk must be dated.
Ones & Twos
Ones & twos in our care enjoy a loving, safe and clean environment both indoors and outdoors (when conditions are favorable).
We will provide two snacks along with milk or juice for children who are ready for table food. For the time parents will need to provide a sack lunch.
Parents will provide:
BottlesMedications
Disposable DiapersWipes
Small blanket and/or pillowChange of clothes
Preschool & Prekindergarten
Preschool and Prekindergarten children in our care enjoy a loving, safe and clean environment both indoors and outdoors.
Our teachers are prepared to teach your children. They begin their “class time” at 8:30 and are busy with arts, crafts, writing, reading and so much more till 11AM.Our goal here at Noah’s Ark is to make sure your children get Kindergarten ready!
If you bring your child later in the day they may not get to do all the activities the teachers have planned.
Each class has a daily schedule and are required to turn in prepared lesson plans for each week. Not only are the children learning their numbers, alphabet, colors and so on, but they are learning how to interact with other children and teachers and how to communicate their feelings.
We will provide two snacks along with milk and juice for the children who stay all day. For the time parents will need to provide a sack lunch.
Parents will provide:
Small blanket and/or pillow
Change of clothes
School Age
School age children will be able to relax before their long day at school and have fun when they return. We will provide an afternoon snack and drink on school days. When school is out they are to bring in a sack lunch and then they will be able to enjoy the day doing games and other activities to keep them busy.
School Age children may bring their electronics during school breaks. Please make sure everything is labeled. Children are only allowed to listen to Christian Music on their electronics if they do not have head phones/ear buds. Please monitor the content on your child’s electronic when they are coming to daycare. With Noah’s Ark being a Ministry of Grace we need to be respectful of the other children.
Biting
Biting is common and unfortunately not unexpected. Due to state requirements incident reports will be written for a child who bites. Parents will receive a written notice if their child bites while they are in childcare. We will work with the parents to try to stop the biting pattern. We may also ask to have a parent conference. We will work together to find a solution to help the child stop biting.
Consistent Offenders
- Discipline measures will be noted on child’s record and parents may be notified
- If consistent, letter will be sent home to parents/guardians and conference held
- If the situation does not improve, Noah’s Ark reserves the right to expel the child
- Parents have the right of appeal to the Child Care Committee
Reasons for Discipline
- Bad language
- Biting
- Disrupting a learning situation
- Inappropriate use of hands (failing to keep one’s hands to one’s self)
- Fighting
- Lying
- Misuse of toys and/or playground equipment
- Misconduct in use of water and paper in restrooms
- Pushing, shoving, kicking
- Running in building (hall, room)
- Stealing
- Talking back disrespectfully
- Throwing objects
- Writing on walls, tables, equipment, etc.
Playground
- Do take turns
- Do not stand on swings
- Do not ride double
- Children must come down slide one at a time
- Do not pull on other children on slide/jungle gym
- Do not throw sand
- Do not climb on fence
- Do not climb on trees
Bike Days
At Noah’s Ark we will have Bike Days once a week when the weather is appropriate. Children in the classes one’s and up will participate.
For Bike Day your child will need:
- Bike, scooter, any kind of ride on or push toy
- Helmet, safety pads (at your choice)
- Please make sure your child’s name is on everything
Water Days
Along with Bike Days we have Water Days once a week in the summer. Water Day consist of children playing in sprinklers, baby pools and other water games.
For Water Day your child will need:
- Swim suit
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes (if needed)
If you do not want your child participating in Water or Bike Day please let the Directors know.
Tax Identification
Our tax identification is registered to Grace Evangelical Church. Please use the church’s name when using this number. The tax identification number is 35-1864021
Parental Responsibilities
- Provide necessary information on registration forms.
- Keep medical and registration records current.
- Ensure child’s immunizations are kept up-to-date.
- Pay tuition when stated.
- Deliver and pick up child within times specified.
- Authorized adult sign child in/out and leave child with staff on duty.
- Keep child home when displaying signs of illness.
- Arrange to get child promptly if he or she becomes ill during school or for reasons of discipline.
- Notify the school if the child has a communicable disease.
- Take questions or concerns to the teacher first. If not resolved please contact one of the the directors.
Parent Checklist
___Registration packet___Copy of insurance card
___Current immunizations___Signed Handbook Agreement Form
___Registration Fee(s)___Copy of driver’s license
___Signed door entry form
We here at Noah’s Ark Child Care Ministry appreciate the privilege to care for your child. Thank you for allowing us to do so.
Noah’s Art Staff Revision of Handbook 12/30/2015
Handbook Agreement Signature Page
(Parent Copy)
I have read and understand the policies and procedures as written in the Parent Handbook.
______
Print Name
______
Signature
______
Date
Handbook Agreement Signature Page
(Ministry Copy)
I have read and understand the policies and procedures as written in the Parent Handbook.
______
Print Name
______
Signature
______
Date
1
Parent Handbook Revised 12/30/2015