Parent Handbook - George Mason University

REVISED JANUARY 2014

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PARENT HANDBOOK CONTAINING IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND STAFF

4402 UNIVERSITY DRIVE MS 5C2 FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 33030 TINA M. MORRIS DIRECTOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED CURRICULUM CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS /MEET THE STAFF IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS/PHONE CALLS ENROLLMENT AND TRANSITION INTO THE CDC CLASSROOMS AND OUR MOVING UP POLICY TUITION TUITION ADJUSTMENT, ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND PENALTY FEES 10.WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL NEED 11.EMERGENCY PRACTICE AND PACKS, ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT THE CDC 12. SNOW AND HEAT ADVISORY POLICIES, LOST AND FOUND, FIELD TRIPS AND PARENT CHAPERONES 13. PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS, REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM THE PROGRAM 14. YOUR CHILD IN THE GMU CDC PROGRAM 15. TOYS FROM HOME, CHILDREN’S DRESS, THE FIRST FEW DAYS AND TRANSITION 16. FROM ARRIVAL TO DEPARTURE, ARRIVAL 17. DEPARTURE, LATE PICK-UP, DROP-OFF, PARKING AND PICK-UP 18. THE PARENT-CENTER RELATIONSHIP 19. PARENT INVOLVEMENT, OPEN DOOR POLICY, LUNCH AT THE CDC, PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE 20. FACE BOOK PAGES AND WEB SITE, BIRTHDAYS AND OTHER HOLIDAYS 21. YEARLY SCHEDULE, NEWSLETTER, CHANGES OF PLANS 22. GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE 23. HEALTH/ILLNESS CONTAINMENT POLICY, DAILY HEALTH CHECK 24. CLEANLINESS, FEVER, COLD SYMPTOMS 25. HEALTH POLICIES

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26. IF YOUR CHILD GETS SICK AT SCHOOL, MEDICATION 27. DIAPER RASH OINTMENT, SAFETY, IN CASE OF TRUE EMERGENCY 28. NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS DURING OR AFTER AN EMERGENCY, SHELTER IN PLACE POLICY 29. RELEASE OF CHILDREN, RELEASE TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSON WITH CUSTODY RIGHTS 30. NAP TIME, NUTRITION, ALLERGIES AND RELIGIOUS RESTRICTIONS 31. PLAYGROUND, INSECT REPELLENT AND SUNSCREEN POLICIES, RECYCLING OR TREASURABLE TRASH, LICENSING INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ABOUT CHILD DAY PROGRAMS

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BACKGROUND George Mason University’s Child Development Center (GMU CDC) is operated by the University through University Services. The Center has been designed, and the staff selected, with the goal of providing a warm, nurturing and enriching environment, which goes beyond the provision of routine childcare. During the morning hours children are offered a pre-school program with age-appropriate learning opportunities. Parents are expected to participate in the on-going activities of the Center. Curriculum Young children learn through their play. The focus of their learning is on the formation of concepts about themselves and their physical and social environment. Their learning is facilitated by exploration, hands on direct, interactive and multisensory experiences, play and language development. Our qualified and well trained teachers use the basics of the “Creative Curriculum”, a developmentally appropriate, research based program, to guide instruction. Throughout the day children explore their environment, try out various roles, and problem strategies, and test their ideas to discover relationships. They involve their senses as they touch, move, create and develop understanding about feelings. Through interaction with adults and peers they become fascinated by the power of language as a tool for communication and understanding. They receive guidance and encouragement from adults as they strive toward the development of autonomy and a positive sense of self. In a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere, various play activities and learning experiences are set up by teachers to provide opportunities for children to develop language skills, math concepts and large and small muscle coordination; to discover how things work; to learn about living things, about their community, to learn social and self help skills; and to enjoy music, art, and dramatic play activities. The staff members act as facilitators in helping the children explore and experience the various learning centers in the classroom. Parents who are in the Center only in the very early morning and late afternoon will want to understand that they are seeing the less structured activities that characterize the beginning and end of a very long day. The schedule of each class is a balance of group and individual, active and quiet, indoor and outdoor, teacher-directed and self-directed activities. Parents are welcome to spend time in the classroom at various times of the day to observe and participate in activities different from those in the early morning and late afternoon.

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Children with Special Needs If you know or suspect that your child has special needs, please contact the Director for a confidential discussion to determine if the Child Development Center is the best placement for your child. Children with special needs will be accommodated where possible. Throughout the year, staff may identify a child who is experiencing difficulty in an area of development or be a gifted learner. These issues will always be discussed with the child’s parents and together the staff and parents will discuss what options are available or make a referral to participate in a Child Find* screening. * Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs, and educating the community about child development and the importance of early intervention. Child Find services are provided through Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Special Services, Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) program. Child Find screenings are free to children ages 20 months to 5 years old who are Fairfax County or Fairfax City residents. Identifying potential developmental concerns early and addressing these concerns can be a very effective way to avoid later educational problems. Having a concern about a child's development or behavior is a sufficient reason to contact Child Find for further information.

MEET THE STAFF The quality of the program at the Center depends directly on the staff. For this reason, we choose our staff carefully. Salaries are by far the largest single item in the budget. The Center makes every effort to keep the number of different teachers in your child’s day to a minimum. Schedules for staff are staggered so that one staff member might work from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., another from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., etc. Please be aware that if you ask a staff member at the end of the day, “How was Joey’s day?” the response will probably not reflect Joey’s entire day. Lead and Assistant Teachers work 8 hour days. In some situations, parents may not see the Lead Teacher during drop off or pick up. Teachers in each classroom fill out sheets about every child daily. There will never be confidential information about a child on the daily sheets. Children who have difficulties, an accident or an illness during the day will receive confidential incident reports. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your child’s daily sheets or incident reports you are welcome to call the classroom to talk with and/or schedule a conference with the Lead Teacher. The Lead Teacher for each classroom has an undergraduate degree or a CDA and at least five years experience working with young children. Understanding that teachers with related experience and education are more likely to be able to provide the quality of interactions and a developmentally appropriate level of education, we seek to hire people with degrees in early childhood education (or a closely related field) and/or extensive

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experience working with young children. Our Assistant teachers have an undergraduate degree or an associate’s degree or equivalent, several years of experience and training or a Child Development Associate’s (C.D.A.) certificate. In addition, students from GMU and Robinson Secondary School assist in the program. These students are current undergraduate students at the University or students in the Early Childhood Education program at Robinson. All show an interest in working with young children. Their future educational plans are often related to early childhood education. While we try to pair each staff member with one class semester after semester, you will find that your child interacts with adults from all the classes, and sometimes staff members will substitute in a different classroom. If you are picking your child up in the late afternoon, you will also find yourself developing friendly relationships with each of the staff members, regardless of the class in which he or she is placed. Tina M. Morris, Center Director, comes to GMU Child Development Center with 30+ years’ experience in the early childhood/child care field. During her career, Tina had the opportunity to be affiliated with child development programs throughout the United States while her spouse was serving in the military. She is the mother of three and grandmother of three. Prior to being appointed Director, she was a Lead Teacher in the Polar and Teddy Bear Classrooms. She has her B.S. degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) the International Reading Association and other professional early childhood organizations. Literacy for young children is one of her interests, she has taken post graduate courses in the teaching of reading, she was a Fairfax County reading volunteer and she has presented workshops to other pre-school educators on the importance of reading and picture books for young children. In 1993, she received a Citation of Merit from the Maryland State Department of Education and in August 2005 she was George Mason University’s Employee of the Month.

IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Phone Calls The Center’s main phone number is 703- 993-4786. It is answered by Ms. Anchalee and by voice mail when she is away from her desk or busy with clients or the children. The Director’s phone number is 703-993-9750. It is answered by Ms. Tina and by voice mail when she is away from her desk or busy with clients or the children.

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The phone number in the cafeteria is 703-993-3750. It is answered by staff prior to 8:30 am. Although it does have an answering machine, this is not a reliable phone to leave a voice mail on. Enrollment and Transition into the CDC The Center serves faculty, staff and students at the University. Full day childcare is offered for children 2-5 years of age. The Center operates from 7 am until 6 pm Monday through Friday on a year round basis, with closings coinciding with the closings of George Mason University. We close for one teacher workday prior to parent conferences in October. We also close annually for a three-day period each August, (usually 2 weeks prior to the fall semester) for staff development training. The exact dates are on our yearly calendar which is available each year at the beginning of September. We also close early on the day before our Professional Development Day which is generally held in March. We are however; open during the University’s Spring Break. Children are accepted for enrollment at GMU CDC on a first come, first served basis for the spaces available. This means that one child may get in sooner than another child because the one who got in had care needs that coincided with when we had space available, but the space would go to the first applicant with compatible needs. Because the CDC operates at full capacity, a waiting list is maintained using the registration forms submitted. Waiting list times vary, but at the current time, the typical wait is one year to eighteen monthes for a two year old spot. We do offer enrollment, on a space available basis, for families not currently affiliated with George Mason University as faculty, staff, or student. Non-affiliated families do not qualify for the Mason discounted rates. Once families have accepted space in the program, families are responsible for paying a $200 (non-refundable) deposit to hold the child’s space in the program. This deposit is credited toward the first month’s tuition. Additional paperwork, including enrollment agreement, emergency treatment authorization, family emergency contact and child release information, developmental history form, health certificate, and proof of identity, must be turned in at least 3 days prior to a child’s enrollment. Parents are also responsible for updating their information and their child’s immunization records as needed. We require that each child come in (with a parent) for a short transition visit prior to her or his first day. This transition visit (or visits, if you think that would be helpful) serves several purposes. First, your child gets to see the classroom and meet the children and teachers with whom s/he will be spending her/his days. This tends to reduce any concern or hesitation children may have about coming here. Second, it gives the teacher a chance to begin getting to know your child. He or she will be able to use this connection to foster a bond with your child. This meeting also gives you and the head teacher a chance

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to talk. The teacher will want to get to know your child and your family, and you will want to get to know the program. For this last reason, it is important to schedule this transition visit at a time when the teacher will be available to talk with you. You should plan for your child’s first day to be short—usually only two to two and a half hours. After completing the pre-enrollment visit (or visits) and a short first day, most children are ready to begin full-time enrollment. Please also read the section on your child’s first days. Classrooms and Our Moving Up Policy The Child Development Center currently has six Classrooms. We have two classes room each for children who are 2/3, 3/4, and 4/5 years old. In the summer we have a summer camp for children ages 5-8. Our classrooms each have a Lead and an Assistant Teacher in addition to at least 3 Teacher Assistants, many of whom are Mason students. Our ratios in the classrooms are 1:5.5 and our classrooms each have 22 students. Children are placed in the classrooms according to their age. We follow Fairfax County Public Schools guidelines to determine where to place the children. Children must be two years old to begin at the CDC. When it is time to transition to the next classroom, we use the date September 30th for the age cut-off. Moving up at the CDC is like moving up in elementary school, we follow the school age calendars. We usually start moving children up for the next school year in July or August, as spaces become available. There are however, a few exceptions to this policy. In order to meet our funding requirements we have to run the center at full capacity. This is really not a problem since all classes have a waiting list. (However, when all the classes are full, someone has to leave before anyone can be moved up). If a space does become available, we will usually move up the oldest child who is ready both cognitively and emotionally. In the case of moving up to the three year old classes, there is a requirement that the child moving up from the two’s must be completely potty-trained. Sometimes this means that a younger child will be moved, if the older child is not ready. If your child is going to be moved to an older classroom before our normal timeframe, you will receive a letter, indicating the dates of transition visits to the new classroom and the date the transition and move will be complete. Prior to any change in classroom, we will have all the children meet the teacher and take a “tour” of the new room.

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When your child moves on to Kindergarten, the CDC will forward his/her records to the new school at the school’s or your request. We must have a Release of Records Authorization form from the school, signed by you. Tuition Tuition is due on the first of each month and is considered overdue after the 10th. Payment reminders are sent to all families as a courtesy. Your tuition is due, even if you do not receive a reminder. The reminders will show your last payment made and so they also serve as a receipt for your child-care payments. We find the most convenient way to send a reminder is through e-mail. Please make sure that your e-mail address is current and that your e-mail boxes are not over quota. We will attempt once to resend the reminder if it is rejected after the first mailing. If you prefer not to receive your payment reminder via e-mail please inform the Center. We do not routinely send statements for income tax purposes. Our tax id number is 540836354 and is also located on your payment reminder. You may use your payment reminders for tax purposes as each reminder is also a receipt for the prior month’s tuition. Payments should be by check and made payable to George Mason University or GMU. Please send checks to: GMU Child Development Center, 4402 University Drive, MSN 5C2, Fairfax, VA 22030 – please do not leave checks in your child’s classroom. Please make sure you specify “Child Development Center MSN 5C2” as the address you use for tuition sent directly from your financial institution. If you work at Mason, you may send your tuition through interoffice mail. Parents who are full time employees at George Mason may sign up for our Enhanced Payment Option and have their child’s tuition automatically taken out of their GMU paychecks. Payments may also be made in person to the Director, the Office or left in the tuition payment lock box located outside of the Office Manager’s doorway. Please do not leave tuition payments in the classrooms as checks may become lost or delayed in processing. Tuition takes into consideration the fact that the program is closed for a limited number of holidays and staff development days as stated in the Center’s calendar. It is also assumed the children will be away on vacation an average of two weeks per year. Such absences were taken into consideration when the annual tuition was established. Your tuition payment will always remain the same, unless you change your contract (enrollment agreement) with the CDC. Tuition cannot be reduced for a temporary reduction in hours that the child attends or for absences from the program, including winter break, extended family trips and summer vacations. The CDC operates on a 12 month program. No reimbursement or discounts can be made for absences. There is a 10% reduction in tuition for the second child in a family.

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Any changes requested by a parent to tuition or to a child’s registration status or days of attendance, must be approved and authorized by the director. Tuition Adjustment and Annual Registration Fee If it is necessary for the CDC to adjust tuition, parents will be given at least 30 days notice. Parents are required to give a 30 day written or e-mail notice if they will be leaving the program or are making changes to their child’s enrollment that will affect tuition. When a child moves up from the Teddy Bears or the Bumblebees there will be a slight decrease in monthly tuition that will occur. The decrease begins on the first day of the next month after transition. This decrease is not based on age, (it does not decrease when a child turns three) but on classroom. Your enrollment agreement is your contract with the CDC. Enrollment agreements are generally updated once a year. The enrollment agreement is honored as an on-going year round contract with the CDC until we are given written notice of any change. This means that once you are accepted into the program, your child will be guaranteed a space from semester to semester and throughout the summer as long as the child is continually enrolled and tuition and registration fees are paid (however the CDC does reserve the right to require immediate dismissal/termination when there is just cause). This contract/written notice policy protects your child’s space in the CDC and is strictly enforced. When leaving the program you will be liable for tuition if you do not submit the required notice. Your liability will end thirty days from the date the director receives a written notice. Annual registration fee (non refundable): $50 per child The CDC collects the annual registration fee usually in late March. The fee guarantees you a slot for the following school year, if your child is continually enrolled at the CDC. Because the program is full, it is very important to let the Director know if you will need different hours (i.e. you need to go from part time to full time) because your registration will be processed for the same slot your child currently holds. If we cannot accommodate the change, we will notify you and place your child on the waitlist for the desired days. Current CDC students are given waitlist priority but there is no guarantee that the space will become available. The registration fee does not guarantee you a classroom space if you withdraw your child during the summer or at any other time of the year. If you choose to withdraw your child, you will need to understand that the space will be filled immediately from the waiting list. Should you desire the option to return to the program, your child will be placed on the waiting list with the effective date being the date of withdrawal from the Child Development Center.

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Penalty Fees Note: There is a $15.00 per quarter hour (or fraction of a quarter hour) penalty fee for late pick-up after 6:00 PM. This fee is per child. The fees will be added to your payment reminder and must be made with your next payment on or before the 10th of the month. The extra hour’s fee for short day families is $15/hour. There is a $50 bookkeeping charge for any check returned unpaid by the bank. This must be paid by a separate money order made out to George Mason University. Checks that are returned by the bank must be replaced by a money order. Tuition payments after the 10th of the month must include a $25 late-payment penalty. If you are going to be away on vacation, tuition should be paid prior to leaving. Being on vacation does not excuse the late-payment penalty. Exceptions to any penalty fees must be determined by the Director. There are no exceptions for any charges applied to a check that was returned by the bank for non-payment. Your Child Will Need: ☺ A crib sheet labeled with the child’s name and a small blanket (i.e., 3’ x 4’) if he/she will be napping here; (small stuffed animal is optional). ☺ A change of clothes (complete down to shoes and socks- also labeled with your child’s name) in a bag or backpack with child’s name written boldly on it. ☺ Name tags on everything he/she brings to the Center. (Toys from home are not permitted unless they are part of Show and Share.) ☺ Diapers or pull-ups and wipes if your child is not potty-trained. (2’s only) ☺ Sunscreen clearly labeled with your child’s name and a permission slip for application. ☺ Bug Spray clearly labeled with your child’s name and a permission slip for application if you desire us to put it on your child. ☺ An emergency pack (see below). ☺ A daily mid-morning snack (no nut products are allowed).

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Blankets and sheets will be sent home once a week for washing (pillows are not permitted). Please check your child’s spare clothing bag frequently for completeness, size and seasonal appropriateness. We also recommend that you invest in a pair of gloves, boots and snow pants for the winter season. We go outside everyday! Practice for an Emergency We conduct twice yearly Shelter in Place Drills and monthly fire drills. Records of these drills are available in the office. Emergency Packs Your child will also need an emergency pack. During hurricanes, tornadoes or other emergencies we will shelter in place unless required to relocate by emergency personnel. The emergency pack will provide us with extra supplies, should we be required to remain at the CDC or GMU for an extended period of time. The pack should be a waterproof, Zip-lock bag and should be clearly labeled with your child’s name. Emergency Pack Items:  a complete change of clothing and a small receiving blanket or towel  a small package of baby wipes and/or tissues  Two diapers, 2 pull-ups or underwear depending on your child’s stage of toilet training.  A family picture for comfort.  A small stuffed animal (i.e. Beanie Baby)(optional).  A small flashlight complete with working batteries.  A non-perishable snack, juice box and bottle of water (no nut products). Items not allowed at the Center:      

Pacifiers Sippy Cups (unless for medical reasons) or Bottles Toys from home (except for Show and Tell Day and a napping item) Toy weapons of any kind are not allowed for Show and Tell. Medicine (unless authorized by the proper forms) Pillows

The Center Will Provide: ☼ a creative learning experience for your child while he/she is here  indoor and outdoor playtime  love and care, a nurturing environment

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 a morning breakfast (prior to 8:30am), lunches and an afternoon snack  a cot for nap time Snow and Heat Advisory Policies The Center will follow the University’s schedule on closings; however, parents should consider the safety of their children on those days when the University is open and the streets are icy. In rare instances, the CDC may be closed at the Director’s discretion, if conditions at or around the Center are hazardous to the safety and welfare of the children. You should always check the message on the Director’s phone line, before heading to the CDC. That number is 703-993-9750. In addition, University closings are announced on local radio and TV stations and if possible we post it on our Facebook page. You may also call 993-1000 (the GMU information line) for information regarding Mason closings. If GMU closes early due to weather (severe heat, snow or wind,) or if you are called because of an early CDC closing and it is safe to do so, please pick your child up within a one half hour timeframe. On rare instances the CDC may close due to extreme heat or power losses. High temperatures are not healthy for young children. If classroom temperatures exceed 87 degrees and there is not a cool spot available for all the children, the CDC will close. You will be called to pick up your child during these types of emergencies. Please do not complain to your child’s teachers, they have no control over the environmental conditions that would cause the closing of the CDC. We understand that closings are inconvenient to parents; however, our first concern will always be the safety and welfare of your child. Children will go outside every day with few exceptions. This is part of the CDC program. Please be sure to dress your child in accordance with the weather. If you are not sure if the day will stay cool or become hot or cold, dress your child in removable layers. Because young children are susceptible to extreme temperatures, if the temperature feels like or goes below 32 degrees (including wind chill factors) or goes above 87 degrees (except on Splash Days) we will not go outside. Regardless of the temperature, if the air quality is Code Orange, Red or Purple, we will not go outside. Lost and Found “Nameless” articles will be placed in a box labeled “Lost and Found”. There will be a box in each classroom. Please remember to label all coats, hats, mittens etc. Unclaimed items will be used as extras for the center, or given to charity at the end of each semester. Field Trips and Parent Chaperones

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Classes will travel to nearby places of recreational and educational value. We also will explore the Mason Campus on walks. Permission for walks is covered in your Parent Agreement. Field trips are an important part of the child’s time at the Center. We want our trips to be short, simple and with a specific goal. Short, goal oriented field trips are a great tool for learning. If transportation is required for the field trip, a permission slip must be signed in order for your child to attend. Since the CDC does not charge an activity fee, some field trips require an additional fee from families. Parents are invited to assist with field trips. If a parent does accompany us on a trip, they are asked to refrain from buying their child a souvenir as this can cause upset and hurt feelings among the children. In the event you are a parent chaperone, please do not bring your child’s sibling along. As a parent chaperone, your responsibility is to assist in caring for specific children assigned to you. When a sibling is along, your attention is diverted from your responsibility as a chaperone. This is a safety issue. Photographs and Videos Photographs and videos of the children are taken occasionally to benefit the program and for use in the program. Written parent permission is requested at the beginning of the school year. Occasionally, University students, staff, or faculty uses photographs or videos for research or educational purposes; in these cases, permission will be secured from CDC parents each time a project takes place. Removal of Child from the Program There are rare occasions when children may need to be removed from the Center. If the George Mason Child Development Center determines the necessity to terminate the enrollment of a child, then George Mason CDC will make every endeavor to provide at least one week verbal or written notice as a courtesy: however the CDC does reserve the right to require immediate dismissal/termination when there is just cause. Just cause includes but is not limited to, the actions of any child whose need for special attention becomes a threat to the safety of other children or the staff at the center. Additionally, potential reasons for dismissal /withdrawal may include: a. Behavior that is harmful to other children or the staff, such as biting, hitting, scratching, pinching, kicking or other inappropriate behavior. b. Behavior that interferes with the teacher’s ability to provide a quality program.

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c. d. e. f.

Foul language that is consistently used despite staff efforts to correct it. Repeated late pickups. Tuition that is over a month in arrears. The non-compatibility of a group setting with the current needs or developmental level of the child. g. Failure of the parents/family to comply with policies or procedures established by the Child Development Center or George Mason University. Additionally, behavior by any parent that is considered threatening to any member of the staff will result in immediate removal of the family from our program. If a problem with a child should occur, daily sheets and incident reports, and informal or formal conferences with the Lead Teacher or the Director are considered documented warnings of behavioral issues, and could lead to the removal of a child from the CDC program. There is no refund of tuition for children removed from the program.

YOUR CHILD IN THE GMU CDC PROGRAM During your child’s day at GMU CDC, he/she is going to be given the chance to participate in a wide selection of activities – group and solitary projects, active and quite ones, imaginative and reality-bound, wet and dry, indoor and outdoor, messy and relatively mess-free. These activities are planned to help your child discover the wonder of his/her world. If you observed an hour in a class at the Center, you might come away with the feeling that so many children were doing so many different activities, the teachers couldn’t possibly keep up with who’s done what. But if the teacher were free to discuss the individual child the teacher would explain she is working with Johnny on his small muscle coordination, with Susie to help her stay with one activity for at least six minutes, with Mary to get her to use a four word sentence to describe her activity, and with Jill to help her be able to work sitting next to one other child without causing a problem. The teachers spend a lot of time and effort assessing each child both formally and informally, in the areas of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development. Most children have particular areas of strength. We avoid comparisons between children and concentrate on the various aspects of development within each child. Goals in the developmental areas are set for individual children, with new goals constantly being set as old ones are achieved. The schedule of activities will be posted in each classroom. Each schedule includes a balance of indoor and outdoor time, large and small motor play, and active and quiet activities. While we do have group times, we recognize that children learn best from

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child-initiated and child-directed activity, so there are lengthy periods each day in which children are free to choose from among a variety of teacher-planned activities. Here at the CDC, we focus on fostering curiosity and a love for learning. Toys From Home Children should not bring their toys to school. Bringing books, records, tape, photos or items for the science table is permitted. Toys will be allowed in the classroom only on days of “Show ‘n Share.” Please be firm with your child about this rule. The following toys are not welcome: guns, other weapons, war toys, action figures/action toys (including power rangers, ninja turtles, Superman/Superheroes/and enemies of Superheroes, Batman, Spiderman, VR Troupers, Army/Military Figures, and any others) and balloons (choking hazard). Aside from the aggressive behavior, which these toys encourage, some are also dangerous and/or break easily. This policy saves lots of broken toys and broken hearts! If you have any questions about this policy, please check with your child’s teacher. Children’s Dress Please dress children for play at school. Children should arrive at the CDC clean and dressed in play clothes (not pajamas). Extra clothes and underwear should be left in a backpack in your child’s cubby, regardless of their age since spills or accidents can happen to anyone. Expensive clothes that can’t get dirty are out of place at the Center. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Children should dress each day as if the class will be going outside. Remember to apply sunscreen to your child before coming to the CDC, especially during the summer months. We do lots of running and climbing so appropriate shoes are essential. Your child should not be brought to school without any shoes. Please do not allow your child to wear flip flops to school.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS AND TRANSITION Spending that little extra time to make certain that your child is adjusting to his/her new environment will pay extra dividends in the end. What may seem to be a very simple act of starting in a new center actually forces your child to make some rapid changes:  Accepting the separation from you, the most important and trusted people in his/her life. (“Oh,” you say, “but he/she’s been with a baby sitter for the past two years. Well, he/she still has to adjust to a new caregiver…)  Becoming comfortable in a new group of 20 other children and conforming to a schedule that might say “play” when he/she’s used to napping, or vice versa; and

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 Learning to trust the adults here - that he/she will be fed when hungry, comforted when hurt, protected when frightened, and helped to use the bathroom when necessary. Expect and accept some hesitancy on your child’s part. Talking about the kinds of activities done at the Center will alleviate some fears. If your child is upset to the point of tears about being left, he or she is not likely to be able to see the fun that waits. On your child’s first day(s) at the Center, leave enough time on arrival to get him/her settled in an activity before you leave. There are always a few children, however, who are made more distraught by having a parent delay their departure; you will quickly discover if your child is one of these, in which case you can take your cues for your departure from the teacher. Never leave by sneaking away. Always say good-bye and then leave. It is not unusual for the first week to pass with no tears and than to have the second or third week drop-offs become more difficult. If this happens, please remind your child that you will return later in the day, say good-bye and than leave. Staffs at the CDC are trained to help the child transition to an activity. A few other suggestions to get those early days and future ones, off to a good start:  Be happy about your decision to leave your child in our care. Your child will sense that and will feel secure about you going.  Say good-bye to your child and make it clear that you will be back. It may bring tears for the moment, but if you just disappear, you can’t be trusted to reappear.  Understand that your child is in new surroundings, which include new teachers, rooms, children and living conditions. Because of this, he/she will need special attention from loved ones for a while.  Encourage your child to walk into the Center and hang any belongings on his/her coat hook. This provides a feeling of independence.  Encourage your child to talk to you about the things he/she does each day. Let him/her know you value what he/she does and learns at the Center.  Don’t hesitate to call us during the morning of the first day or two “just to check on Johnny”. The call will keep you from worrying all day.

FROM ARRIVAL TO DEPARTURE Arrival Each morning please walk your child to the classroom. Be certain that the teacher acknowledges the child’s arrival. Parents are responsible for signing in the child. Please leave a number where you can be reached for the whole day. The sign in/out sheet will be located on the counter in each classroom. We ask that you call us by 8:00 am on days when your child will not come to school. We call in lunch counts at 8:30 am, and

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we want to make sure to include all children who will be coming to school each day, also it helps us to save money if we know your child will not be at the Center for lunch. Breakfast type snacks are offered by the CDC daily from 7:30 am – 8:30 am. Children who arrive at the Center after 12:00 need to have already had lunch. Activities in the classroom usually begin by 9:00 am. If your child’s classroom has a morning snack period, you will be asked to bring a snack from home for your child. When choosing a snack for your child, please remember that the CDC is a peanut-free center. Departure Please check and empty your child’s file folder of all accumulated notes and projects daily. We send home important messages through your child’s folder. It is your responsibility to check the folder and to stay informed. You should also check the classroom parent information board for important notices and the sign out clipboard for daily sheets. Sign your child out and tell the teachers “good-bye.” It is important that the teachers see you taking your child. When leaving the Center, please keep your child with you. Do not allow your child to run ahead and “hide” or attempt to open the doors to the vestibule. Do not allow your child to run into the doors or repeatedly push the automatic buttons. Misuse of the doors causes the CDC costly repairs, in addition, these doors are heavy and could cause injury to children who run into them, or whose fingers get stuck in the door. Also please do not let your child exit the building without you. The driveway is busy and dangerous. Late Pick-Up There is a $15.00 per child, per 15-minute late fee for pick-up after 6:00 p.m. Beginning at 6 pm, the staff members are instructed to call parents to determine if someone is on the way. We use the phone numbers left on the sign-in sheets. By 6:10, if we haven’t heard from either parent, we will begin contacting the emergency contacts you have listed on the contact form. If we have not been able to make contact with an authorized person to pick up the child by 6:30, or our calls to you have not been returned, the staff is instructed to call the George Mason Police Department to come take the child into protective custody. We recognize that it is possible that your late arrival may not have been under your control, but it is still necessary that the late fee be paid to cover the staff members’ extra wages and inconvenience. Children who are repeatedly left at the Center after 6 p.m. will be asked to withdraw.

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Drop-Off, Parking and Pick-Up Parents may park in front of the CDC building when bringing/dropping off children at the CDC. You may park in any of the spaces except the reserved spaces #25, #121 and #122. At the beginning of each year you may be given a parking pass for the Child Development Center. (This is provided by Parking Services. In the past few years, parking services decided to not issue passes however in the future if they issue passes you must display your pass when parking in our area). For special events, parking locations will be announced. Please do not park on or block the CDC access road, it needs to remain clear for other parents, buses, emergency vehicles etc. The CDC driveway is one way. You must enter the driveway at the access road entrance by the water tower, not at the entrance by the CDC. Police will ticket you if they see you entering the driveway the wrong way. Please be cautious when pulling into or out of a parking space. We have small children who may be difficult to see when backing out. Also, we have had quite a few fender benders in the parking lot. Proceed slowly. If an accident should occur, please remain at the CDC to report the accident and to exchange insurance information.

THE PARENT-CENTER RELATIONSHIP Frequent communication between parents and teachers is important in helping us to make your child’s experiences at GMU CDC an extension of the home. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers about anything that might affect their child during the day. Parents will be informed of any unusual happening affecting their child. We would also appreciate parents informing us of any unusual changes in their child’s home life. Remember, though, that the teacher assistants with the children at the end of your child’s day are not free to discuss at length your child’s day or progress in the program. Their full attention must be focused on the children and in depth conversations should be conducted with the Lead Teachers. If you wish for the Lead Teacher to contact you regarding a specific incident, please inform the staff or the Director. You may also email your Lead Teacher. Please allow a reasonable amount of time for the teacher to receive the message and reply. Conferences between parents and the Lead Teacher will be scheduled for twice a year. At other times conferences can be arranged. Parent-teacher conferences are held without the child present.

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All teachers in the State of Virginia are required to report to Child Protective Services any suspected case of child abuse or neglect. (In addition to bruises and unexplained injuries and untreated medical conditions, neglect includes the appearance, cleanliness, and emotional state of the child.) Such incidents, should they occur, will be handled according to Center procedures. If you have any questions, please speak to the Director. Parent Involvement ,Open Door Policy and Lunch at the CDC Parents are encouraged to become as involved in the Center as your schedules and inclinations permit. The “family profile” form (given at Back to School Night) provides one way for you to indicate how you would like to participate in the Center’s activities. Evening meetings on topics of interest will be held from time to time. During the year, we will be asking for help with fundraising activities and with classroom activities and field trips. “Back to School Nights” are held in September. This is an opportunity for you to meet the teachers, other parents, and to learn more about your child’s program. There are so many ways to be involved! Our doors are always open to parents. You are welcome at the CDC at any time. Parents may eat lunch at the CDC. We encourage parents to eat lunch with their children at the Center. However, when you are at the center with your child, we ask that you and your child follow center /classroom policies and rules. For example, the lunchroom policy requires your child to clean his/ her place after lunch, don’t do it for him. If you plan on eating at the CDC, you should bring your own lunch which must be nut free, or have the staff order one of our lunches for you in the morning. We do not order extra lunches for parents on a routine basis. We are happy to serve you lunch on an occasional basis. However if you plan to come on a routine basis, due to the high cost of providing food service we must charge for parent meals. The cost for an adult lunch is $3.00 and can be added to your monthly payment. Unless a special diet is required or the child will not eat our food, your child should eat the lunch provided by the CDC. The lunch should be ready to serve or require only a quick micro-wave reheat. Parent’s who want to provide a special lunch treat/dessert for their child (like a Happy Meal), are asked to serve it to their child outside of the class or lunch room, and not in front of the other children. These lunches must also be nut free. Advisory Committee

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In the past we have had a Parent Group, which was run by the CDC parents with the participation of the Director. This group only operates if parents are willing to establish a group for the current school year. In addition to a Parent Leader, all parents are invited to participate in the GMU CDC Parent Advisory Committee, which is encouraged by the CDC to meet on a regular basis during the school year. Staff members are welcome to attend the meetings as well. (If no parents choose to participate on the committee, the meetings will not be held.) Additionally, when active the Advisory Committee plays the following role:  Explores and shares ideas which will enrich the program and enhance communications between parents and the staff.  Reviews matters of interest or concern to parents.  Provides direct feedback to staff on matters of parent concern.  Assists the program through volunteer activities to include fundraising, curriculum assistance, and gathering or constructing of needed supplies or equipment. Facebook Pages and Web Site For parents who use the Facebook application on the internet, the CDC has two Facebook Pages. One is titled “George Mason University Child Development Center.” All parents, grandparents, and family members who are interested in our program are invited to become members of this page. We use the page to send announcements and CDC updates. The second page is titled “George Mason University Child Development Center Garden.” This page deals specifically with our Garden Project and again, all interested are invited to become members. The CDC also has a website. The site can be accessed at - http://www.gmu.edu/depts/cdc/ The website contains important phone numbers and a copy of the Parent Handbook. Birthdays and Other Holidays Parents are encouraged to provide their child suitable recognition on his/her special day. In general, birthday celebrations for children should be kept very simple and relaxed. The treat may be your child’s favorite food such as fruit, cheese or baked goods. Cupcakes or other food items may not have individual removable toys stuck into their frosting. These toys are a choking/mouth injury hazard and will be removed before the children are served. We ask that parent’s do not bring any products that contain nuts or peanuts. The CDC is a nut free center. We do not have much freezer space, so please consider this limitation when bringing your child’s treat. We do have limited refrigerator space. The children enjoy birthday napkins.

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If you wish to celebrate your child’s birthday with something other than food, our “wish list” of classroom equipment and children’s books is endless. If you would like to make a donation to the Center to honor a birthday, or other event, it would be most welcome. Your child’s name will be written on a label in the front cover of a book to remember the donation. If appropriate we will have a special “Show ‘n Share” with the children to show them the donation. Remember, any donation is tax deductible. Other celebrations such as Christmas, Chanukah, Thanksgiving, Cinco de Mayo, Lunar New Year etc. are marked at the Center in a low-key manner. The emphasis is on providing children with their regular routine activities. We use these days to help teach acceptance and awareness of others. Age appropriate activities will focus on cultural rather than on religious themes. On Halloween, we take the children Trick or Treating on campus. You may wish to plan ahead in your schedule so that you may accompany us. The CDC is a very diverse Center. During the year, we may have lessons on holidays or other topics that are relevant to some of the children in the Center. In these instances, parents will be given the option to “opt out” of any lessons that they do not wish for their child to participate in. The CDC will notify parents 5 days before a lesson or activity is to take place. After 5 days, a non-response is considered permission to include the child in the activity. Yearly Schedule The Center publishes a yearly schedule of known closings, special events and field trips. These are typically given to parents in September of each year, with the schedule covering September through July. The CDC reserves the right to make changes to the schedule if necessary. Parents will be timely informed of all changes. Newsletter Around the first of each month, a copy of the classroom newsletter will be placed in your child’s file folder and posted on the CDC website at http://www.gmu.edu/depts/cdc/. It is also posted in the main hallway of the Center. The newsletter contains information about what goes on at the Center, new happenings, and enlightening and entertaining “notes” from each classroom. Please read each issue carefully for information that directly affects your child. The newsletter is a good way to keep informed and up to date. Changes of Plans

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As complicated as the lives of working parents are, it is not surprising that your plans for picking up your child will occasionally change. If you find that you will be more than half-an-hour later than you listed on the sign-in sheet, or especially if someone else is picking up your child, please call us at 993-4786, 993-9750 or your child’s classroom phone. It is important for us to know that you will be late in order for us to maintain staffing ratios. If you are late at closing time, please call, however the late fee will still apply. If you send someone else to pick up your child, be advised, that we will not release your child to someone we are not able to identify as being authorized to pick him or her up. Please keep your forms updated with the names of all authorized persons. If we do not know the authorized person, they will be required to present identification, even if your child recognizes them. If your child will be absent for the day, please call by 8:30 a.m. to inform us. We are not only concerned about your child, but we need to know the daily attendance for planning in the classroom and for the lunch count. Your Opinion, Please The Director always welcomes feedback from parents on all aspects of our program. Your comments and suggestions, positive or constructive, help us make our program better.

GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE Our approach to guidance and discipline is based on our philosophy of child growth and development. The most important goal at GMU CDC is to foster the development of a healthy self-concept, and the program is planned to foster success. Teachers encourage children and acknowledge their accomplishments. The curriculum is designed so that children have choices as often as possible in what they do. Activities are planned to enhance each child’s feeling of independence and competence. Classrooms are organized to maximize space. Activity areas are well defined, and materials are placed on shelves accessible to young children. The shelves are labeled so children put things away themselves. Materials and equipment are duplicated so children can easily share according to their age and development. Recognizing that each child is unique, teachers use individual solutions in handling individual situations. Teachers help children grow socially and help them develop selfcontrol and behaviors necessary to be successful in a group. Positive behavior and guidance techniques include:

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 Teachers communicate affection and respect for each child.  A sufficient number of developmentally appropriate activities are planned for each day. The length of group times is limited, and children spend the bulk of their days engaged in child-initiated, child-directed activities.  Teachers plan ahead to prevent problems (i.e., restless children need to play outdoors rather than sit for a story).  All adults work to engage children in appropriate activities.  All adults model appropriate behavior.  Adults set consistent and clear limits that are explained, (“Walking feet, please. I don’t want you to get hurt”).  The teacher’s expectations respect the children’s developing capabilities.  Teachers use positive reinforcement and encouragement.  Teachers facilitate the development of positive social skills by providing children with opportunities to develop social skills such as cooperating, helping, and negotiating to solve interpersonal problems (e.g., “Let’s think of some words we can use to tell him how you are feeling.”).  Teachers redirect children to more appropriate activity (“Try pounding clay instead of kicking the blocks.”).  If a child is having trouble maintaining control or following the guidelines of a particular area, she may be asked to find a place to calm down until she is ready to play appropriately in the first play area. If you wish to discuss your child’s behavior, please arrange a conference with your child’s teacher (in order to better understand and meet your child’s needs, teachers may also request a conference to get your input). We don’t discuss children in the presence or earshot of the child, other classmates or adults, and ask that you also refrain from doing so as well. It doesn’t help the situation for a child to hear such information about himself or other classmates. This respect is greatly appreciated by all.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION Health/Illness Illness Containment Policy DAILY HEALTH CHECK: Upon arrival each day, children are briefly inspected. Teachers will observe the children for obvious signs of illness (paleness, excessive runny nose or cough, rash, itching, upset stomach, listlessness, fever, sore throat, earache, swollen glands etc.) If a child appears to be ill, feverish or uncomfortable, the child will be sent to the office to be checked and parents will be notified if the child is too ill or uncomfortable to remain at school. The child must be able to

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participate in the program. In addition, a child whose physical condition looks contagious will be sent home, as state licensing regulations do not permit sick children to be in attendance. In some of these cases, a doctor’s note will be required for a child to return to school. If we notify you that your child has become ill during the day, we expect you to pick him up within an hour. Please keep emergency contact numbers up to date and note additional numbers on the sign-in sheet if you will not be at home or in your office. Fairfax County Health Department regulations govern the return of children to childcare after a communicable illness. Students with infectious diseases, such as gastroenteritis, bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza, chicken pox, hand, foot and mouth syndrome, or strep throat, or who have lice must stay out of school until the contagious stage has passed. (See policies below.) Please do not send a child to school that is experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhea. We will send them home. Please inform the CDC immediately if there are any infectious diseases present in your home. Please inform the CDC immediately if your child or family has lice. Children should be 24-hour fever free, vomit free and diarrhea-free before returning to school after an illness. If your child has a green mucus nose, or a discharge from the eyes please keep them at home. A doctor’s note that the child is not contagious is required if there is suspicion that the child has pink eye. If there has been a lice infestation the child must have been treated and may not return to school until all lice and eggs are gone. The CDC also requests that you do not bring siblings who are ill or contagious into the Center. Children who are not able to participate fully in the CDC program should not be sent to school. Children must be well enough to participate and to go outside during recess times.

General Guidelines Cleanliness Children should arrive at the center with clean skin, hair and nails and in clean clothing. If your child wears a diaper, the diaper must be clean when you leave your child at the Center. Conversely, your child will be sent home with a clean diaper. Fever Any child with a fever should not attend school. Any child who has had a fever within the past 24 hours should not attend school. A child must be without fever, and have been fever-free for the proceeding 24 hours to attend school. A fever is defined by the CDC as a temperature over 99.8 degrees. We realize this may be lower than

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what other organizations define as a fever, but we find that it helps keep our level of illnesses more contained. Please do not medicate your child and bring them back to school the same or next day – a child must be fever free for 24 hours. Cold Symptoms Children will have many colds every year. It is not our intent to exclude children from school attendance if they have a minor upper respiratory viral infection (a common cold), but we must differentiate between mild and moderate to severe symptoms. A child who has minor stuffiness, minimal clear nasal secretions, an infrequent cough and no fever may attend school. This child should feel well and energetic, and be able to participate in the daily activities of the school day, including outdoor time. A child who has more severe symptoms than this should remain at home. This includes the child who is coughing, sneezing frequently, has moderate to more copious nasal secretions, has thick green nasal secretions, feels sick or tired, or has a fever as described above. Policies We have been very successful in limiting outbreaks of illness at the CDC. We attribute this to our strict Health Policies. In addition to the guidelines listed, we ask that you abide by the following policies to reduce the spread of illness in our center (and to reduce the number of days your child is sick):  Chicken pox: exclude from Center until all scabs are dried (minimum of 6 days from first eruption). Notify Center immediately.  Strep Throat and Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye): exclude from Center until child has been on an antibiotic for 24 hours. A Doctor’s note that the child was treated at least 24 hours before may be requested.  Hand, Foot and Mouth Syndrome: Exclude from Center until the blisters are not seeping and it has been 24 hours since the last blister appeared. Requires a note from the doctor that the child is free of contagion while blisters persist.  Hepatitis, impetigo, conjunctivitis, mononucleosis, scabies, gastroenteritis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and whooping cough: all require a note from the doctor that the child is free of contagion and/or able to resume normal activities.  Other symptoms of illness, which require exclusion from the center, include lice, a change in bowel habit (e.g. loose, watery, frequent stools), vomiting, undiagnosed rashes and cold symptoms that do not subside. A doctor’s note indicating that the child’s rash or cold symptoms are not contagious will be

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     

needed while symptoms persist. However if your child is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting please do not send them to the center. We will send them home. Children may not attend the CDC for 24 hours after an illness involving diarrhea or vomiting. If your child is infected with lice, he/she may not return to the CDC until all eggs and lice are gone. If a child has a temperature of 99.8 degrees or above, please keep her home during the duration of the fever, and for 24 hours after the fever breaks. When a child is sent home with a fever, he may not return to the center until 24 hours after the fever breaks. (e.g. a child sent home on Monday would not be expected to return to the center before Wednesday.) Please notify the center if your child or another member of your household acquires any contagious illness such as lice, strep throat or pink eye so we can notify other parents and prevent it from spreading. We do not have enough staff to keep children indoors during outdoor time and we usually go outside every day; make sure your child is well enough to go outside when she returns after an illness. Any child who experiences vomiting at school will be sent home. Any child who experiences diarrhea at school will be sent home. Please keep your child at home until the episodes of vomiting or diarrhea have ended (24 hours) and the child is able to eat and drink without becoming ill.

If your child gets sick at school: If your child becomes ill at school, and meets any of the above criteria, you will be asked to pick them up from school right away. While our intent is not to put undue stress on working parents, we have a duty to other students and teachers to keep those students and teachers as healthy as possible. Allowing an ill child to remain at school is not acceptable, as it is not in the best interest of the sick child or his classmates. A child will occasionally be sick at school, yet active at home – the above guidelines must be followed even in these instances. The CDC reserves the right to send a child home if any of the above symptoms are reported. We want children to attend the CDC healthy and for healthy children to stay that way. Full cooperation from parents and teachers will help us accomplish that goal Medication Except under extraordinary situations, we prefer not to administer medication at the CDC. Please do not send in any medication with your child, including aspirin or other over-the counter drugs, except under a doctor’s instructions as explained below. Only staff who have completed certification in state Medication Administration Training (MAT) are allowed to give medications. The Director, the Office Manager, and the Lead and Assistant Teachers are all MAT certified.

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State regulations permit the Center staff to administer medication to children only if:  The medication is in the original container with prescription label or direction label attached  Is consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions for age, duration and dosage.  Medication shall be labeled with the child’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage amount, and the time or times to be given.  The parent’s form available in the office is completed, dated and signed, and shall include duration of the parent’s authorization for medication, provided that it shall expire or be renewed after 10 work days. Long term prescription drug use and over-the-counter medication may be allowed with written authorization from the child’s physician and parent.  All medication is kept in a locked cabinet or in a locked bag in the refrigerator (when refrigeration is needed).  As parent (guardian), you are responsible for administering the first day’s dosage of any new medication at home.  We can only administer oral medications.  In cases involving long-term medication for chronic conditions, a new authorization form must be filed with the CDC each year in August. A new medication form must accompany any medication changes during the school year.  When an authorization for medication expires, you must pick up the medication within 14 days or renew the authorization.  Medications not picked up by the parent within 14 days will be disposed of by the center. Diaper Rash Ointment Parents who wish the CDC to apply diaper rash ointment must sign a permission/instruction form and provide the CDC with the ointment. The product shall be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name. Any known adverse reactions to previous use of the product, must be disclosed on the authorization form. Safety Minor injuries at the Center will receive first aid by a staff member. The director, head teachers and many staff members are Red Cross certified in First Aid and CPR. If a serious injury occurs, parents will be notified immediately and necessary steps will be taken to obtain medical aid. For emergency purposes, parents must keep the Center informed of changes in work and home phone numbers and addresses. In case of an emergency, the Center will attempt to reach in this order: parents (using the number on the sign-in sheet first), emergency contact listed on application form, physical hospital.

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In Case of a True Emergency The child and a teacher or staff member known to the child would be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. If we are not allowed in the ambulance, a teacher will follow the ambulance to the hospital. You need to complete and have notarized the forms provided by Fairfax Hospital Association since, without the form, a child’s treatment may be delayed until a parent arrives at the hospital. In true emergencies, the CDC will call 911 first, parents second. Notification of Parents during or after an Emergency Parents will be notified by telephone as soon as possible in the event of an emergency regarding or involving their child. Please be sure to keep all phone numbers updated in your child’s file, to include your emergency contact person. Also, please remember that when you sign your child into the CDC, the phone number you list, should be the best one for reaching you on that day. We will always try the number on the sign-in sheet first. Shelter in Place Policy: The physical address of the Child Development Center is 4402 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. In the event that we can not evacuate due to severe weather all classrooms shall bring the children into the classroom bathrooms. Children shall not be in the area of the Multipurpose Room (windows). The children will not be permitted within 5 feet of the multipurpose room glass. In the event that children are located in the main hallway at the time of the emergency, they and staff members may take shelter in the rooms without outside windows. These rooms are the Clinic and/or its bathroom, The Share Closet #1, the Office Manager and the Workshop Co-Ordinator’s Office. If possible the teachers will bring the portable phones/cell phones into the bathrooms with them. All CDC phones will have the poison control center number posted on or near them. Emergency Lighting in the event of a power failure will be provided by the buildings back-up system. Emergency backpacks, walkie-talkies/cell phones and the day’s sign in sheet will be brought into the bathrooms. Head Counts will be taken immediately. The backpacks contain all up-to- date emergency forms and first aid kits. Please make sure your information is current. In the event that the building must be evacuated, egress shall be made through the outside doors, located at the end of each hallway. If the end hallways can not be reached, children may exit through the Froggie and Bumblebee Classroom doorways to the front of the building. During evacuation, we will go to the Mason Police Station across the street.

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Drills: In addition to our monthly fire/evacuation drills, the shelter in place drill shall be held twice a year. Review of Policy: The policy shall be reviewed once each school year prior to our training sessions in August. Training: All teachers shall be trained on the Policy at the time of employment and at our annual training sessions each August. Release of Children Children will only be released to parents and those adults listed on their emergency forms. Appropriate legal paperwork shall be on file when the custodial parent requests the center not to release the child to the other parent. Please keep your authorizations up to date. Adults not recognized by the CDC staff will be asked for identification and will only be allowed to pick up your child if you have completed the proper authorizations. Release to Unauthorized Person with Custody Rights If a person who is not listed by the parent as authorized to pick up the child states that he/she is the parent or legal guardian of a child or otherwise has the legal right to see or pick up a child, the CDC staff will proceed as follows: 1. We will notify as soon as possible the child’s other parent or other authorized person. 2. We will notify GMU security at 993-2810. 3.

We will notify the director or other staff person asking that GMU security be notified.

4.

We will check the child’s file. If there is a certified copy of a court order or separation agreement showing that the unauthorized person does not have custody, we will advise the person.

5. If the child’s file does not contain such a court order, we will advise the unauthorized person that he/she is not listed as authorized to pick up the child and that the Center cannot release the child to him/her without reliable evidence of custody, such as a certified copy of the court order or separation agreement granting custody and photographic identification showing that he/she is the person mentioned in the order.

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6. If the person produces such evidence and identification, we will attempt to get the other parent or other authorized person to resolve the situation by picking up the child by him/herself. If the situation is not resolved, the CDC will obtain the signature of the unauthorized person who has shown the requisite proof and identification. If the signature appears to match the signature on the identification, the CDC will release the child to the unauthorized person.

Nap Time Naptime is a set time each day. All children in the full day program are required to rest. In the Teddy Bear and Bumblebee Classrooms nap is started immediately after lunch. In the two older classrooms, nap usually begins at 1:00. Naptime is over at 3:00. Some children may find sleeping in a group away from home difficult. The staff will play quiet music and gently rub backs or tuck the children in. Children are not required to sleep, but must lay quiet for the first hour and may do quiet activities on their cots after this time. Nutrition The Center has contracted with Sodexho to provide a healthy lunch and two healthy snacks for the children each day. The first snack is served daily from 7:30 – 8:30 and will be a breakfast type item. Children who arrive after 8:30 will not receive this snack. (We recommend a healthy breakfast before coming to the CDC.) Some classrooms also have a morning snack period, if your child’s classroom does morning snack you are asked to send an individual healthy snack in with your child. Please do not send any nut containing products. The children will eat this midmorning snack around 10:00. The CDC will provide a snack for the children in the afternoon. The times for snacks and lunch are posted on your child’s classroom schedule. Food will be delivered to the Center daily and served by the staff. If your child is a vegetarian, please let the Center know and we will order a vegetarian lunch for your child. Children with severe allergies to food or dairy products may be asked to provide their own food. Parents of children who prefer a different menu or organic food may opt to provide food for their child, however it must be ready to serve. Again, please do not send nut/peanut products into the CDC. There is no discount off of tuition for providing your own food. Allergies and Religious Restrictions We ask that you indicate any condition on your application form and on the family history form in regards to food restrictions. We are glad to substitute for food allergies or religious food restrictions. With parent permission, allergies are posted in the classroom and the kitchen for easy reference. Parents of children with severe or

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multiple food allergies may be required to provide food for their child while at the Center. If your child has an allergic reaction during the day, you will be notified. Children with outdoor allergies will still be expected to go outside daily. During the active allergy season we recommend you seek advice from your pediatrician on how to best manage your child’s symptoms. Playground We go outside every day unless temperatures fall below 32 degrees or rise above 87 degrees. Please dress your child warmly in the winter and coolly in the summer. A sweater is recommended to be kept at school for days when air conditioning is too cool.

Insect Repellent and Sunscreen Policies Outdoor areas during warm weather attract gnats. Parents who want the Center to use insect repellent on their children should provide the repellent and sign the Insect Repellent Permission Form. Sunscreen should be applied to your child before coming to the Center. If you provide us with sunscreen and a signed Sunscreen Permission Form, we will reapply it in the afternoon. Any sunscreen sent to the CDC must be hypoallergenic and have a minimum SPF of 15. All repellent and sunscreen is required to be in the original container and clearly labeled with your child’s name.

RECYCLING OR TREASURABLE TRASH “One man’s trash is another’s treasure.” Many of the materials we use in class projects are household and industrial throwaways. The following is a brief list of items we collect, but use your imagination. However, because we have a lack of storage spaces please check with your child’s classroom teacher before bringing in the “treasure”. Dress-ups – Children’s sizes only, in good condition Children’s books in good condition Any kind of paper Occupational items – hard-hats, doctor’s bag and tools, etc. Sewing spools, notions Buttons Office supplies – envelopes, new Cloth and wallpaper scraps

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Wallpaper books Picture magazines LICENSING INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ABOUT CHILD DAY PROGRAMS The Commonwealth of Virginia helps assure parents that child day programs which assume responsibility for the supervision, protection, and general well-being of child for any portion of a 24-hour period are safe. Title 63.1, Chapter 10 of the Code of Virginia gives the Department of Social Services authority to inspect and license such programs. While there are some exceptions to licensure, licensed programs include child day centers, family day homes, child day center systems, and family day systems. The state may also voluntarily register family day homes are not required to be licensed. Standards for licensed child day centers address certain health precautions, adequate play space, ration of children per staff member, equipment, program, and record keeping Criminal record checks and specific qualifications for staff and most volunteers working directly with children are also required. Standards require the facility to meet applicable fire, health, and building codes. Compliance with standards is determined by announce and unannounced visits to the program by licensing staff within the Department of Social Services. In addition, parents or other individuals may register a complaint about a program, which will be investigated if it violates a standard. Three types of licenses may be issued to child day programs. Conditional licenses may be issued to allow a new program up to six months to demonstrate compliance with the standards. A regular license is issued when the program substantially meets the standards for licensure. A provisional license, valid temporarily unable to comply with standards. Operating without a license, when required, constitutes a misdemeanor which, upon conviction, can be punishable by a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for each day’s violation. If you would like additional information about the licensing of child day programs or would like to register a complaint, please contact the Regional Office of Social Services closest to you. Fairfax Licensing Office 3959 Pender Drive, Suite 320 Fairfax, Virginia 22030 (703) 934-1505

Verona Licensing Office Post Office Box 350 Verona, Virginia 24482-0350 (703) 248-9345

Northern Virginia Regional Office 320 Hospital Drive, Suite #23 Warrenton, Virginia 22186 (703) 347-6345

Piedmont Regional Office Commonwealth of Virginia Building 210 Church Street, S.W., Suite 100 Roanoke, Virginia 24011-1779 (703) 857-7971

Central Regional Office 1604 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 130 Richmond, Virginia 23229-5008 (804) 662-9743

Abingdon Licensing Office 190 Patton Street Abingdon, Virginia 24210 (703) 628-5181

Eastern Regional Office

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Pembroke Office Park Pembroke Four Office Building, Suite 300 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-5496 (804) 473-2116

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