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Taking Kidz Places

Policies and Procedures.

Written Operational Policies

Program philosophy

Welcome to our program, where we provide a safe and nurturing environment to meet the developmental needs of each child. Our experienced teachers ensure that children are always taken care of in a learning environment. Our curriculum encourages children to engage in enjoyable activities that stimulate creative expressions.

License of Operation:

Licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Admission requirements:

  • TKP Admission Application
  • Current Immunization/Health Record forms
  • Discipline and Guidance Form
  • Medication Dispensing Form (if applicable)
  • Gang Free Zone Form
  • Emergency Contact Sheet
  • Food Program Application
  • Photo Release Form
  • ACH Draft Agreement
  • All parents must provide uniform shirts for their children at first day of attendance.
  • TKPdoes NOT provide transportation.

Fees required to register:

$50.00 registration fee full time

$35.00 registration fee drop in’s

$ 150.00 annual supply fee

Uniform required for children 18 months and up

Receipt/Release of Children:

Parents/guardians are expected to bring children into the building and sign in/out each day in sign in book. Adults who have authorization to pick children up must present a valid photo ID prior to release of children.

Hours and Days of Operation:

  • Standard Operation Hours

Monday – Friday 3:00 am till 11:00 pm**

Saturday 6:00 am till 11:00 pm **

Sunday 6:00 am till 10:00 pm **

Staff Training:

Our staff has been trained to prevent and respond to Abuse and Neglect of Childrenaccording tothe Texas Laws,

A)Required annual training for Employees: each staff members are required to complete 24 clock hours annually are being registered in a CD A class or higher education course to achieve equivalent training.

B)Our methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect include newsletters and articles which are provided to parents during Child Abuse Prevention Month (April); in addition, guest speakers (pediatricians or CPS workersare often invited to our Parent Meetings/ Luncheon for parent training.

C)Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations are developed by community engagement. We participate in Health and educations fairs and

walkathons annually which are sponsored by public schools and medical professionals or other nonprofitsi.e., Moms for children with Autism. Additionally, community resources are made available at the front desk.

D)Immediate actions that the parent of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention, please call the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1800-252-5400to report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (within 48 hours).

DFPS form 7261 (INFORMATION ON REPORTING CHILD ABUSE) is also shared with parents at time of enrollment.

E)Our staff completes AM /PM body checks twice a day on each child daily parents are contacted and required to document reason for any visible marks or scratches; the director will make a self-report to DFPS if signs of abuse is present.

F)Vaccine-preventable diseases for employees: We don’t require employees to have vaccines. The Children are required to have their current shot records updated annually, or as needed it, and a physical exam is also required annually.

Drop in Visits:

Drop in fees must be paid prior to services being rendered. Parents and guardians are welcome to drop by unannounced at any time during hours of operation to observe or participate in daily activities. A valid driver’s license must be presented at time of arrival.

Curriculum:

Infants and Toddlers are currently using Innovations and Applebaum curriculum. Pre‐K classroom is using ABeka, and OWLS curriculum. A portion of annual supply fees covers tuition cost and is used to purchase supplemental material to add to the curriculum and resources to indoor/outdoor activities. Teachers may request parents to donate or supplement items needed in their classroom.

Curriculum may change at the owner’s discretion if we receive funding or grants for our program; activity plans and lesson plans will specify changes as warranted.

Curriculum Goals:

  • To provide opportunities for children to explore and learn at their own pace.
  • To form a nurturing relationships.
  • To help in developing your child’s social-emotional, and cognitive skills.
  • To provide creative, and hands on opportunities that will prepare the child for success in school, and for future.
  • To develop language, vocabulary, social, cognitive problem solving, and gross and fine motor skills.
  • Developing safe, and healthy habits in young children.
  • Fostering positive self-esteem.
  • Strengthening communication skills necessary for listening, reading, and writing.
  • Offering opportunities for children to learn individually, and in groups, according to their developmental needs and interest.

Fees:

All fees are due at the time of service and are nonrefundable. No Cash is accepted all fees may be processed as ACH draft from checking account or credit card. There is a $3.00 processing fee for Credit Card payments. When a payment is returned due to NSF, a late payment fee and return fee will be added to your account.

  • Late payment fee is $35.00
  • Return fee is $35.00 this price will increase to $50.00 if parents have numerous NSF charges.

Payments must be paid on due date even if the child is absent. Parents can call in and authorize payment to alleviate late fee charges. Parents must adhere to their scheduled payments so that staff members can be paid on time, and meet other operating cost.

When your payments are delayed it affects operating procedures of the building. Children with unpaid fees will not be allowed to continue in our program. Credits are not issued for illnesses or absences. Our operating costs are budgeted annually based on total enrollment, thus children will not be allowed to get credit for decreased attendance for holidays, summer, without penalty. Due to licensing regulations we have a maximum capacity and we cannot exceed this number. As a result, payment of your fees ensures your child has a space available to him/her when needed.

NCI:

NCI monthly fees can be paid in two payments. Parent fees as specified are due at time of enrollment. NCI does not pay for registration, supplies, curriculum or uniforms. Parents who enroll their children with We will pay additional cost not covered by NCI. It is necessary for each parent using NCI to manually clock in/out with NCI swipe cards. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that their children check‐in is not DENIED at time of service. If your attendance for the day is denied, you will be responsible for all fees not paid by NCI. It is also, necessary for parents to record absences by completing a PREVIOUS check‐ in when children return. The total number of present and absences for the week must match your

authorized days of care for the week. Your portion of costs is not paid by NCI when you do not clock in. Parents will be responsible for full tuition cost if they lose the swipe card or if their care ends. Parents will be automatically billed for services.

Absences: If for any reason your child is absent, please notify us the reason by calling. Tuition and other fees must be paid in full without deduction for absences of any duration or for any cause, and without substitution of other days of attendances as “makeup days”. This is so because staffing and operational costs are incurred on the basis of fixed number of enrollment that covers the regular operational costs.

For school age kids, you must notify of your child’s absence on a daily basis.

Separation:

We make all attempts to meet the need of your child. If we are unable to resolve issues, or meet your child’s needs, our center reserves the right to terminate this agreement at any time for any sufficient reason, including but not limited to late payment, misbehavior, or unruliness of the child/children, a parent’s unacceptable behavior, and failure to follow the rules and policies of the program. The director will provide a written notice to the parent 7 days prior to cancellation, giving parents time to obtain an alternate program. In cases, in which a child behavior or health issue becomes a safety concern, services can be terminated at the Director’s discretion immediately. NO REFUNDS or issued when care is terminated. Our utmost goal is safety and welfare of students and staff.

Discipline and Guidance:

When a child consistently displays aggressive behavior or fails to comply with our guidelines, a parent meeting will be called to discuss ways to minimize the occurrence of discipline infractions.

Staff Directives for handling inappropriate behavior:

  • First offense: Child will receive verbal redirection
  • Second offense: Removal from activity until behavior improves followed by documentation from staff.
  • In the rare instance that a child has a serious discipline problem or is habitually disruptive or has physically aggressive behavior, we reserve the right to terminate the child’s enrollment in order to guarantee the safety of the other children in care. No refunds or reimbursement of funds will be made in this case.

Physical Activities, and Screen Time Policy.

We provide our children with opportunities to engage in gross, and fine motor skills development. Therefore, age appropriate outdoor and indoor activities are part of the daily curriculum. TV and other electronic media might be in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with others that encourage learning and healthy habits. We will restrict screen time by:

  • No screen time for children under 24 months
  • No screen time during meals, snacks, learning time, outside play, and field trips.
  • For children under the age of 5, no more than 30 minute a day.
  • There will be movie days for inclement weather, or special events/ celebrations.

Written Policy for Outdoors

(1)Because we are in a strip center our play area is detached.

During outdoor time cones will be extended the length of the

Play area to block in coming traffic.

(2)Younger and older children will not be combined; each class has a designated play time as specified in their daily schedule

(3)Some equipment will be outside our rolling cart with multi size balls and other equipment will be stored in the multipurpose room at the end of the day.

(4)We are the only dedicated users of the outdoor space, if I need arising with another tenants an arrangement may be considered if it does not interfere with our schedule and expose children to general public.

(5)Daily grounds checklist will be completed to alleviate hazards.

(6)Younger children will use a teacher lead single file line when exiting the building if needed walking rope will be used for younger children.

7. Restrooms are located inside the building walkie talkies will be used to communicate with admin if the need arises for toileting will outside.

8. Walkie talkie will also be used to communicate with staff any injuries or incidents. Teachers will have a fanny pack type first aid kit which will be taken to playground.

Biting Policy:

1. Separate the child who bit and the bitten child.

2. Staff will redirect the child who bit.

3. Staff will attend to child who was bitten, apply first aid as needed. If the skin is broken staff will wash with warm water and soap and apply ice pack.

4. Repeated biting behavior, regardless of child’s age and developmental stage, will not be tolerated. Children with three occurrences may be dis-enrolled from our program.

Nap/Rest:

Children will have an opportunity to rest/nap immediately following lunch. Infants and toddlers will sleep in age appropriate cots/mats provided by parents. Children four and under will be provided a mat/cot. Children may bring their own blanket or pillow (small enough to fit inside of their bag). Items must be taken home and sanitized at the end of each week. All blankets must be sanitized weekly.

Personal Belongings:

Please label all items you bring to the facility. Children should not bring any personal items such as IPod, cell phones, and electronic games. This helps to alleviate disruptive behavior and reduces conflicts. We are not responsible or liable for damages for any items.

Clothing Guidelines:

  • It is important that your child is dressed in washable play clothes each day. Be aware that clothes can easily be stained by food, accidents, spills, or stains resulting from eating meals, crafts, and activities. Flip flops, wedges, or platforms shoes are not allowed. All children must wear close toed shoes at all times. It is the parents’ responsibility to provide a solid shirt and bottom for their child to change into if soiled. Please label all items.
  • Children are expected to arrive to school well-groomed and in clean uniforms daily. Children who are in diapers or pull ups should arrive unsoiled. Parents will be asked to change their child prior to leaving them in care. Children who do not follow dress clothes or who arrive unkept will not be accepted in care.

Administration of Medication:

We do not employ a licensed medical professional. Therefore, will not administer any type of medication, including prescriptions and over the counter medications without a signed parent consent form. All medication must be clearly marked with your child’s name on the exterior container. Prescribed medication must be in the original prescription bottle and cannot be out of date.

Accidents/Emergency:

In case of an injury or accident parents will be notified immediately by the Director for serious illnesses, or accidents and will receive written notification at time of pickup for minor accidents which may require first aid. If an injury or accident is critical, we’ll contact 911 Emergency Services, and parent will be contacted immediately. In the event of a medical emergency your child will be taken to the nearest hospital. At that point, you will need to decide and instruct the director of what action to be taken.

Illness and Exclusion Procedure:

Children who are ill will NOT be accepted into care. Children who become ill during the day will be sent home. TKP reserves the right to send home a child who has suspicious or prolonged symptoms. When a child is sent home a “return to school” form from the doctor may be required before the child is readmitted to ensure the safety of all children and staff.

TKP requires a child to be sent home if any of the following conditions are present:

? Temperature of 100.4 fever

? Red and or/runny eyes

? Questionable rash

? Vomiting

? Diarrhea

? Outbreak of Communicable Disease

? Ringworm

? Abnormal Breathing

Parents must make arrangements to have the child picked up within an hour of being notified.

Immunization Requirements:

Photo copy of original immunization record including child’s name, DOB, number of doses and vaccine type, month/day/year and signature of health care professional who administered the vaccine must be presented with registration for any child under the age of five who is not currently enrolled in a public or private school. Please refer to Texas Department State Health.

Services at additional information.

Vision and Hearing Requirements:

Children four years of age or older, who are enrolled in any facility for the first time, must be screened for possible vision and hearing problems within 120 calendar days of enrollment.

Children previously enrolled in a facility who are four years of age on or before September 1, must be screened for possible vision and hearing problems by December 31 for additional information please refer to

Procedures for Meals and Food Service:

We will offer well-balanced meals, including breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner (according to the Texas Department of Agriculture- CACFP nutrition guidelines)

  • Breakfast will not be served after 7:30 am
  • Breakfast 6:00 am to 7:30 am
  • Snack 8:30 am to 9:30am
  • Lunch 10:30 am to 11:30 am
  • Snack 3:30pm to 4:30 pm
  • Dinner 5:30pm to 6:30 pm

Meal times in each class will differ, parents should refer to schedules as posted in their child’s area. Children who arrive late will not be served meals outside of regularly scheduled times, nor will they be allowed to finish/complete meals in classrooms as this compromises the serving times specified by the Child Adult Food Program. Children are also not allowed bring in outside food unless they are bringing enough for the entire class. This includes donut, as it discourages other children from eating what is prepared for them and can cause confrontation among peers. (CACFP program reimburses a portion of the cost we spend on food, thus allowing us to provide meals at no cost.)

Nutrition Practices:

a) Staff are annually educated on food allergies, and they take precautions to ensure proper handling of meals and preparations.

b) We provide healthy meals and snacks approved by the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the kitchen is inspected by local health officials.

c) Liquids, and food hotter than 110-degree F, are kept out of reach.

d) Our staff do not reward good behavior with foods of any kind.

e) For children that bring lunches from home, we provide milk, fruit, and vegetables for lunch.

f) On days that we serve meals, prepared food that is brought into the program to be shared among children is commercially prepared or prepared in a kitchen that is inspected by local health officials.

Menu Exceptions- Substitutions.

  • A doctor’s note stating about specific food allergies, or dietary it’s needed it on record.
  • A waiver from parents citing religious, or other needs for menu substitution must be obtained.
  • The parent will be required to provide nutritious meals and snacks, and these have to meet the guidelines set by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Please refer to for healthy menu planning.
  • A list of children with special dietary requirements is posted in the kitchen, and classroom board.

Home Lunch Practice.