Tyndall AFB Child Development Center

Parent Handbook

Table of Contents

  1. Welcome4
  1. Staff, Location & Hours of Operation5
  1. Philosophy6
  1. Eligibility/Priority6
  1. Fees & Charges7
  1. Programs8
  2. Monthly8
  3. Hourly Care8
  4. Give Parents A Break 8
  5. Family Child Care (FCC) 9
  6. Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) 10
  1. Curriculum Overview10
  2. Infant Program11
  3. Pre-Toddler / Toddler Program11
  4. Three – Five Year Old Program11
  1. Teacher to Child Ratios11
  1. Registration Process11
  1. Daily Procedures / Policies13
  2. Admittance / Departure13
  3. Clothing14
  4. Meals / Food Service14
  5. Rest / Nap Times15
  1. Parent Involvement15
  2. Communication / Conference15
  3. Negotiating Difficulties & Differences Between

Families and Programs15

  1. Assessments15
  2. Emergency Plans16
  3. Accident Reports16
  4. Staffing17
  5. Special Events17
  6. Daily Participation17
  7. Family and Cultural Values17
  8. Parent Advisory Board17
  9. Field Trips18
  1. Policies18
  2. Toys / Candy, etc.18
  3. Siblings18
  4. Withdrawal Policy18
  5. Privacy/Confidentiality Policy 18
  6. Smoke Free Policy18
  7. Fire Arms Policy19
  8. Child Abuse Prevention & Reporting19
  9. Child Guidance / Discipline19
  10. Priority For Use of the Center Space21
  11. Inspections21
  12. Accreditation21
  13. Department of Defense Certification 21
  14. Unmanageable Children22
  15. Health Policy22
  16. Medication Policy24
  17. Children & Employees with Special Needs25
  18. Release of Children to Impaired Parents26
  19. Emergency Care of Children26
  20. Visitors27

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the TyndallChild Development Center. This handbook is provided to give you an overview of the program, to introduce you to our philosophy and curriculum, and to familiarize you with the policies and procedures that govern our center. Our goal is to create a quality environment that is safe, healthy, and nurturing. In addition to continuity of care, we strive to promote the physical social, emotional and cognitive development of all children.

As you read through this handbook, you will learn about our guidelines, policies, and expectations. You will also discover the roles our staff plays in the care of your child and the support they will provide you in meeting your child’s needs and interests.

Family involvement is an integral part of our program and of the utmost importance in achieving our goals. Children are more successful when they know that you are involved in their program and feel comfortable with the surroundings. We encourage you to visit and participate with your child regularly. In addition to the informal visits, we conduct several parent programs annually and would love to hear any ideas you might have.

We look forward to working with you and your child as we discover developmental milestones together.

If you have questions not answered in this handbook, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to assist you.

Esther Brown-Robinson

Director

Child Development Center

II. Staff, LocationHours of Operation

Staff

Ms. Esther Brown-RobinsonCDC Director

Ms. Karen (Paige) StubbsAsst. CDC Director

Ms. Ashley SmithTraining & Curriculum

Ms. Deborah BarronTraining & Curriculum

Ms. Rudy WallaceAdmin Support

Ms. Cjamile MitchellAdmin Support

Child Development Center

BLDG. 1410 Mississippi Road.

Phone: 850: 283-4747

Fax: 850-283-4746

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday

0600 – 1730

Closed

Saturday & Sunday

All Federal Holidays

Command-Designated Family Days

III. Philosophy

The practices of Air Force Child Development Programs are based on current knowledge of child development and early childhood education. We are responsible for supporting the development of the whole child, meaning all areas of development are considered inter-related and equally important. Our program acknowledges that children learn through active, hands-on involvement with their environment, peers, and caring adults. We respect each child’s unique interests, experience, abilities and needs, thus allowing us to be responsible to and appropriate for each child. Children are valued as individuals, as well as part of a group. Likewise, our program respects and supports the ideals, cultures, and values of families in their task of nurturing children. We advocate for children, families, and the early childhood professionals within our program.

IV. Eligibility

Eligible patrons of DoD Child Development Programs include Active Duty personnel, DoD civilian personnel paid from both appropriated funds and non-appropriated finds, Reservists & Air National Guard members on Active Duty or during inactive duty personnel training, and DoD contractors.

V. Fees & Charges

Hourly Rates: $4.00 per child per hour. Snacks and meals are provided at no cost and meet USDA requirements. Payment is due when the child is picked up.

Payments:Payments are made monthly or 1st & 15th of each month and are due in advance of care. In the event that any amount due is not paid on time, the CDC will charge the customer’s credit card for the amount due. A $5.00 late fee per child per day will be applied beginning with each day payment is not made after the due date for the week of care. Failure to make full payment will result in termination of privileges.

There are the current 2015-2016 School Year (SY) Fees and are subject to change per DOD directive for the 2016-2017 SY. No credit is given for sickness or suspended privileges.

Category / Annual Total Household Income / Weekly Rate
I / $0 – $30,771 / $58.00
II / $30,772 – $37,362 / $73.00
III / $37,964 – $48,352 / $89.00
IV / $48,353– $60,439 / $104.00
V / $60,449 – $76,824 / $120.00
VI / $76,925 – $88,960 / $131.00
VII / $88,961 – $104,658 / $135.00
VIII / $104,659 – $130,868 / $140.00
IX / $130,869 + / $145.00
Contractor / $130,869 + / $206

Late Pickup Fee: Late pickup fee is assessed if child is not picked up by closing. Late pick up fee is $10 every 15 minutes after the center is closed. This is a cumulative fee and must be paid in full before the child returns to the center.

*The Child Development Center is not authorized to extend credit. Fees must be kept current or the child cannot be accepted for care until the bill is paid in full.

Fees may be charged on Visa or MasterCard in accordance with established limits.

VI. Programs

The center offers a variety of programs designed to meet your specific needs.

MONTHLY PROGRAM: This program provides developmentally appropriate care for children 6 weeks through 5 years of age. It is a five-day a weekprogram. Upon initial registration and annually thereafter, a contract must be signed.

HOURLY CARE PROGRAM: Care is provided for children 6 months to 5 years. Registration must be completeto include a copy of child’s current required immunizationsbefore children are accepted into the center.

Children are accepted on a space available basis. Fees are assessed hourly. Reservations are recommended to ensure space is available. Patrons are responsible for notifying the CDC if they do not plan to use the reservation. In the event, the CDC is not notified of a cancellation, the regular hourly fee will be charged. Individuals who make reservations and display a pattern of not using them will loose reservation privileges. Reservations will be held open for 15 minutes after scheduled time of arrival. Fees for hourly care are due upon pick-up.

GIVE PARENTS A BREAK PROGRAM: This program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society to provide free childcare to military parents with special needs/hardships who have children between 6 weeks and 10 years of age. Special needs/hardships may include having a special needs child, a spouse who is remote a recent PCS, or any unusual stressors. The program is normally offered once a month rotating Friday and Saturday. An annual list of dates is available at the front desk. Reservation are accepted beginning the Friday prior to the week in which care is to be provided and ends the following Thursday. Reservations can be made between the hours of 0900 and 1500. Children must first be enrolled in the program and have a referral on file before reservations can be made. Referrals can be obtained from the Family Advocacy Office,

Base Chaplains, Airman Family Readiness, First Sergeant/Commander, and the Child Development Center Director or Assistant Director.

FAMILY CHILD CARE (FCC) PROGRAM: Family Child Care (FCC) provides families with a wonderful alternative to large group childcare! FCC providers are licensed by the Air Force and provide high-quality childcare services in their own homes on base or nearby in the local community. Extensive training and direct oversight of each program assists providers in growing as professionals while offering care in a nurturing home environment.

Expanded Child Care Program (Extended Duty Care): Parents of children enrolled in any of the Family Support Services Flight programs who may need care for their children outside the normal hours of the programs such as

evenings and weekends and for duty-related reasons, may qualify to use Extended Duty Care. More information can be obtained from the Family Child Care Office.

Returning Home Care Program: This program provides free care for up to 16 hours per child within 30 days of returning from deployment. More information can be obtained from Airman and Family Readiness Flight.

PCS Care Program: Parents may be eligible for free child care provided by Family Child Care Providers upon arrival and departure from the base. Contact

Airman and Family Readiness and Family Child Care for additional information.

Volunteer Care Program: This program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society to provide free childcare to anyone wishing to volunteer in one of our Family SupportServices or anywhere else on base may use a family child care provider at no cost to volunteer.

FLORIDA VOLUNTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN (VPK): A part day learning experience for 4 year old children whose birthday falls before September 1 of the school

year. The VPK program prepares children for kindergarten by providing preschoolers with the skills needed to become good readers and successful

students. Curriculum is based on the Florida Department of Education VPK Performance Standards.

VII. Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum is a developmentally appropriate, multi-cultural, anti-biased program, which is based on the understanding that each child is unique with his/her own set of needs and agendas. We teach our children to appreciate his/her uniqueness, to develop a sense of self-pride, to work cooperatively and to respect others.

The curriculum is play centered and planned to be appropriate for the age span of the children within the group; it is implemented with attention to the different needs, interests, and developmental levels of those children. Emphasis is placed on teacher/child interaction. Daily schedules and weekly Domain

Plans are posted in each classroom of the center. Please feel free to discuss daily activities with the teachers in your child’s classroom.

Infant Program (6 weeks – 12 months): The infant program provides supervised care and developmental activities. When admitting your child to the

center, parents are asked to provide information that will aid in personalizing care for your child, such as information on meal schedule, types of food to be

fed and any health problems. Daily activities include music, language, floor play, strolls outside and around the center, and a lot of holding, rocking, and cuddling.

Pre-Toddler/Toddler Program (1 & 2 year olds): The Pre-Toddler/Toddler program is designed to meet the specific needs of this age group. They are given the opportunity to develop creative talents as well as independence. Children have the opportunity for freedom of movement such as climbing and walking in a safe, clean, open, warm, and uncluttered area.

3 – 5 Year Old Program:The 3–5 Year-Old Program consists of carefully planned activities for preschool age children to encourage basic skill development, physical dexterity, coordination, and social growth. It is designed

to give each child the self-confidence needed to move easily into the next growth pattern of the less sheltered public school setting.

VIII. Teacher to Child Ratios

Infants (6 week – 11 months)1 teacher for every 4 children

Pre-Toddlers (1 year old)1 teacher for every 5 children

Toddlers (2year olds)1 teacher for every 7 children

Preschoolers (3 – 5 year olds)1 teacher for every 12 children

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (4 year olds)1 teacher for every 10 children

IX. Registration Procedures

Children cannot be admitted to the center until registration is complete. You will need the following documents and information with you to complete registration:

  • Military/Civilian ID Card – to establish eligibility
  • Current & up to date Immunizations record
  • Proof of Income Document(s) – it is used to determine the Total Household Income amount upon which the fee categories are based. Patrons who do not provide the necessary documentation will be charged the highest rate.
  • Name and telephone number of at least one local emergency contact person listed (other than sponsor & spouse) on the AF Form 1181.
  • Written notification of any special care needed. Your child’s physician must sign & stamp a Special Needs Form (the front desk has forms available should you require one).
  • Parents who are full time students must provide proof of enrollment each semester for waitlist prioritization.

In order to accomplish registration you must complete the following documents:

  • AF Form 1181: Each child must be registered on AF Form 1181—Child Care Permanent Record—with complete address, phone numbers of parents, any allergies, special instructions, and an emergency contact individual authorized to pick the child up. Parent or guardian must sign the AF Form

1181. Updates must be made as information changes, phone numbers are added, or if additional immunization are administered to the child.

New AF Form 1181’s must be completed annual to update all information. Children are released only to persons listed on the child’s AF Form 1181

  • USDA Child Participation Form: This survey allows the center to participate in the United Sates Department of Agriculture Child Care Food Program and continue to provide meals and snacks at no cost to you. Part 6—Racial Identity of Child and the back must be completed.
  • Contract: All participants must sign a contract annually or anytime the monthly fees are adjusted. The contract outlines the specific requirements of the program and payment responsibilities of the patron.
  • Child Health Assessment Form: This must be completed within six weeks after your child begins the program, and at least annual thereafter, to show your child is current for routine screenings tests/preventive health services and immunizations according to the schedule recommended by

the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Academy of Family Practice.

  • A current immunization record to include a current flu shot.
  • Pre-registration Form: This provides personal information about your child to help us become familiar with them.
  • Photo Permission / Release Form: This provides the center with permission to photograph your child for center and official use only.
  • Custodial Authority: If a parent possessing custody of a child wishes to instruct the Tyndall Child Development Program not to release the child to the other parent, a court order supporting such custodial authority must accompany registration paperwork.

X. Daily Procedures

Please help us to serve you better by following these steps…

ADMITTANCE/DEPARTURE:Daily arrival / departure procedures are established and must be followed to ensure the safety and well being of your child. All parents must enter and leave through the front door of the facility.

Children are screened for illness and may not be admitted to the center if any signs of illness are present. See Health Section for complete details.

ARRIVAL:

  • Before going to the classroom, all parents must “clock their child in” on the computer at the front desk. Be sure to let us know if your contact telephone numbers will be different than what is on record for the day.

**Remember that if your emergency telephone number changes throughout the day then you must call to notify the CDC Staff. We must have accurate

information as to the whereabouts of all parents or authorized emergency contacts so that we may contact you in the event of an emergency. **

  • Escort your child/children to their assigned rooms.
  • Sign child/children into their room on AF Form 1930—Youth Flight Daily Attendance Record. If the teachers and children are on the playground, escort child/children to the teacher on the playground.
  • Inspect your child’s bag to ensure there are no items such as medicine, nail polish, lighters, etc.

DEPARTURE:

  • A child will not be released to anyone other that the parent or a person designated on the AF Form 1181 with proper identification. There will be no exceptions to the rule. Children may not leave unaccompanied or be release to older siblings under 14 years of age.
  • Proceed directly to the child’s classroom. Collect personal items and sign

child out on AF Form 1930—Youth Flight Daily Attendance Record.

  • Next, “clock your child out” of the center on the computer at the front desk.
  • Depart the facility through the front entrance.

CLOTHING: Label all children’s belongings (sweaters, jackets, clothes, bottles, diaper bag, ect.) before coming to the center. We cannot be responsible for lost clothing or other personal items. Children should dress in washable play clothes when attending the center. Children may not be brought to the center

in pajamas. Children should have proper outside attire with them as outside activities are scheduled each day. Extra clothing should be brought in for each

child. Infants and toddlers should be dressed in comfortable clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Shoes must be worn by all children 6 months and older. Shoes must be sturdy, close-toed, and have a secured heel for safety purposes.

MEAL/FOOD SERVICES: Meal and snack periods are conducted in a way to contribute to the children’s overall development. All meals are served family

style. Breakfast is served at 0800. Lunch is served at 1100. Afternoon snack is provided at 1400.