In accordance with State of Alaska AS
18.80.230 and Anchorage Municipal Code AMC 5.2, along with Pubic law 638 and Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race,
color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for
prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by
USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means
of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape,
American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where
they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have
speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages
other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete
the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form,
(AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed
to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your
completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Welcome Families!We are happy
you have selected to partner with us to educate our next generation of Alaska’s
leaders!
We hope you feel welcome at any time and we value your input.
Please help us by reading this handbook and becoming familiar with our
licensing requirements and program regulations.If you have any questions, please let us know and we look forward to
spending time with you and your family!Sincerely, MaryEllen Fritz, President and CEO, Anchorage Vineyard Family
Resource Center.
1.Enrollment Requirements:All participants must complete Enrollment, Health, and related forms, including
all backup paperwork to enroll into the program.Children must be between the ages of 6 weeks
and 3 years old to attend the Clare Swan Early Head Start Program.Enrollment
is based on grant requirements and need for the program.A physical
exam not older than one year and a copy of the immunization records is required
before the first day of attendance.Children
who have a medical or religious exemption from immunizations must bring
documentation from the medical provider or religious leader. Children on a
catch up immunization schedule must have documentation from the medical
provider that they are on track with the catch up schedule per Municipal licensing
requirements. Parents must plan ahead so physical exams and immunizations are
up to date.Children who do not meet
updated physical exam requirements or become behind on immunizations will be
placed on attendance hold until they can return to the program with compliant
documentation.
2.Fees and Payment Requirement: Tuition in the
form of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Childcare Assistance
Contracts, or Cash payment is required to participate in the program.All payments are due in advance of services on
the first day of each month, Monthly tuition is $850 per month per child for
children ages 6 weeks to 18 months old. Tuition is $800 per month per child for
children ages 19 months to three years old.If children remain in our program while waiting for transition into
another program, tuition for children age 36 months and up is $650 per month.
Families that pay using TANF or Childcare Assistance Contracts must have the
contract in place in advance of services, and pre-pay any copayment amount
indicated on their contract.Families
must be responsible to keep the contracts current.If updated contracts are not in place, the
child will be placed on attendance hold until updated contracts are provided to
the Center.Tuition is pro-rated at the
daily rate of $51 per day per child for families that start after the 1st
of the month.All days of the month,
including holidays are included in the daily rate. Pro rating starts on the
official start date.We do not pro rate
solely on the days the child attends, all days after start date must be
included in prepayment.We have an
annual registration fee of $75 per child per year.
An updated fee schedule is
available on our website www.avfrc.org as
this book is printed once yearly. There is a 5 day grace period with no
additional charge if payment is made by close of business on the 5th
day of the month. A late fee of $75.00per child
will be added if your payment is received after the 5th of the month
and your child will not be accepted on the 7th day. Special payment
schedules may be approved only by program Administration on a case by case
basis, and only signed by both the parent and the Administrator.Verbal agreements are not permitted. Prorated
tuition will be charged for families that enroll after the 1st of
the month, or the monthly tuition, whichever is less. Late pickup fees are $2.00
per minute after the pick up time identified on the Service Agreement
Form.Parents must call if they are
going to be lateor absent.Children not picked up after 60 minutes after
pickup time will be referred to OCS and the Anchorage Police Department. Tuition
is never waived, and must be paid whether your child is attending or not,
including during vacations and other extended time off.For families paying with TANF/childcare assistance-
parents are responsible for 100% of the tuition, and if TANF/childcare
assistance does not pay any portion of their payment, parents are fully responsible
to pay. If payment, TANF, orChildcare
Assistance contracts are not received by the 7th of the month, the
child’s slot will be given to the next child on the waitlist and the slot will
be lost due to non-payment. Parents may request a written alternative payment
plan in times of hardship there will be a $75 returned check fee imposed for
returned checks, and after 2 returned checks services will be provided on a credit
card or cash only basis.
3.Hours and Days of Operation Including Holidays:Hours of Operation:7:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Parents must sign a Service Agreement that indicates their service hours and
drop off/pick up times based on their schedules.
The following holidays are observed by AVFRC (subject
to change with written notice):
Holiday Schedule
New Year’s Day
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Important!Our program is funded for 48 weeks out of the year.There will be 4 weeks that our program will
not be open to provide services. We will pro-rate these months at the daily
rate, and payment will be based on pro-rating or the monthly rate, whichever is
less.
These weeks are:
1.
Spring Break each March, following Anchorage School District’s (ASD) Calendar
2.
Two weeks of Christmas Break along with ASD, the last 2 weeks of December
3.
One Training Week per year, usually the third week of July; notice will be
given.
Should a
holiday fall on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be considered the
holiday; if
a holiday
falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be considered the holiday.
4.Provisions for Children with Special Needs:Our program will work with children and their parents to our fullest
extent possible, involving the Infant Learning Program (ILP) for Individual
Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and with providers for physical or occupational therapy
on site when possible. In the event we are unable to meet the needs of children
we will work with the parent to find the best placement possible. Our program
must protect the safety of all of the children and staff in care; children with
behavior that injures others will receive at least one Incident Report that
informs of the harming behavior, and if
the harming behavior continues they will be removed from the program with our
without notice depending on the severity of the incident. We will work with
parents to find the most appropriate placement in the least restrictive environment
when we cannot guarantee the safety of children and staff due to a child’s
physically dangerous behavior.
6.Supervision Plan:Supervision is provided under the Muni
childcare regulation guidelines for staff to child ratios in all areas of the
program. Children are always under the supervision of program employees, in the
classroom, on the playground, and on walks. Volunteers are never permitted to be alone
with children or included in child staff ratios.Employees
will strategically place themselves to provide supervision to the entire classroom
and playground.Employees will interact
with children and monitor their overall safety. Special attention will be given
to monitor play equipment use such as climbers and slides, when used.Additionally,
special activities will be closely monitored with additional employees when
available. Parents are not allowed to leave their child at the Center until they
are assigned to and under employee supervision, i.e. while in the hallways,
while dropping off into the classrooms, etc. Children are only released to
authorized parents and those indicated on the Emergency Cards.We check ID cards until we know each person
on the Emergency Card. Children cannot be left alone in cars.
7.Number and Ages of Children Served:Our Program serves pregnant women and
children aged 6 weeks to 3 years of age. We serve up to 72 children in our
Program.Occasionally children will
continue to be served who are three years old and up to four years old while
they are waiting to transition into another program.
8.Care for Ill Children:Our program does
not provide services for children who are ill.Parents are asked to keep children home when they are ill. If a child becomes
ill at school the Teacher will contact parents to arrange for the child to go
home for the day.If parents are
unreachable the emergency contact will be called. Children with a temperature
of 101.5 or over may not attend school. If children need immediate medical
attention, 911 will be called and all reasonable attempts will be made to
contact parents while the child is being taken to a local medical facility by
paramedics. Staff do not transport children in their vehicles.
9.Medication:Our Program will not administer
medication unless required by the Physician or Advanced Nurse Practitioner to
be administered during school hours.Parents will be primarily responsible to administer medication during
school hours.If the parent cannot come
to the Program to administer medication, on a case by case basis and approved
by the Program Consultant Physician, Program staff may administer medication
following a written Medication Plan signed by the Medical Provider, Consultant
Physician, Parent, and Teacher.Whenever possible, medications will be administered
outside of school hours. Parent/legal guardians will be encouraged to cooperate
with the health care provider to develop a schedule so that necessity for
taking medications at school is not necessary.
Prescription medications must be in
the original container with a prescription label including the child's name,
name of medication, dosage, dosage intervals, name of prescribing physician,
date of prescription, expiration date and instructions, including inhalers and
epi-pens.
Non-prescription medications will
not be given at the Program. Topical products will be given at the discretion
of the Program, but usually limited to skin lotion, sunscreen, lip balm, diaper
ointment, and insect repellent.A
Topical Products authorization form must be signed by the parent.Our Program will not administer other topical
products unless medically necessary and ordered by a Physician or Advanced
Nurse Practitioner.
Each
disbursement of medication or approved topical products are is made and
documented by the Health Coordinator or Administrative Staff, when the Health
Coordinator is not available. All products are logged with time, date,
medication, person administering and all logs must be pre-checked before administering
any type of medication.
Free Choice Play – with various themed activities –
Early morning snack if hungry
~Morning prep time~
8:00 – 9:00
Health Checks, Greet Friends, Wash Hands
9:00 – 10:00
Breakfast Family Style
10:00 – 10:15
Brush Teeth/Open Center Time/Teacher Directed
Activities
10:15 – 10:25
Clean up/ Bathroom
10:25 – 11:10
Outside Play/Indoor Large Muscle Activities
11:10 – 12:00
Story Time, Free play, Circle /Wash Hands
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch Family Style
1:00 – 3:00
Brush Teeth/Nap/Rest
Time
3:00 – 4:00
Snack and Fun Activities
4:00 – 4:30
Brush Teeth/ Music
and Movement Circle
4:30 – 5:00
Open Center Time/Child
Initiated Activities
5:00 – 5:30
Outside Play/Indoor
Large Muscle Activities/Bye!
11.Nondiscrimination Statement:Our
Program does not discriminate according to Alaska Statute (AS) 18.80.230 Municipal
Code (AMC) 5.20 and Anchorage, and the USDA Non Discrimination Statement is on
the front cover of this document.
12.Liability Insurance:We maintaincomprehensive general liability insurance. Copies of insurance
certificates are posted in the office and also available upon request.
13.Rules Concerning Personal Belongings:Children
are provided a cubby to store their coats, boots, etc. All personal clothing
must be labeled with the child’s name. Parents
are to bring an extra change of clothing including socks (and 2 -4 extra
changes if still learning to use the toilet). Personal toys are not allowed at
the center, except during Show and Tell Time, Teachers will send home a note to
inform of this time.Show and Tell items
must be clearly marked with each child’s name (masking tape works well for
this). Our program is not responsible for items that are lost, damaged, or
stolen.
14.Smoking:Smoking is prohibited within 100 feet of the
center. Second hand smoke is also prohibited- staff who smoke may not smoke
before or during work, even at break time to prevent exposure of second hand
smoke to the children. Parents who smoke may not volunteer in the classrooms
smelling of smoke.
15.Outdoor Play in Inclement Weather:Our children play outside until the temperature with wind chill falls
below 10 degrees. All children must play outside. If children are too sick to
play outside, they are too sick to come to school. Children must come to school
prepared for the weather. If you need help with outdoor winter gear, please see
your child’s teacher. Our children play outside in light rain and light
wind.If the ice on the playground poses
a slipping risk to children or staff, alternative inside gross motor play will
be provided.
16.Animals:No animals will be allowed at the center.
17.Child Abuse Reporting:Alaska
State statutes and Municipal childcare regulations require that all licensed
child care providers report all incidents of suspected or actual abuse and
neglect of children. We are are
obligated by law to report such incidents within 24 hours to the Alaska Office
of Children’s Services (OCS) Child Protection Office, phone # 269-4000. We also
report such cases to Municipality of Anchorage Child Care Licensing and Federal
Head Start when an allegation is made that abuse or neglect happened while the
center was responsible for the child. Municipal Child/Adult Care Office: 343-4758
or 343-6730.
18.TV, Video, Games and Computer Use:No
TV, video, games, or non-business computer use will be permitted in the
Center.Parents must use cell phones
outside of the classrooms only.Staff
cell phone use is not permitted in the classrooms or playground, or anytime
except during a break.Cell phones are
not permitted on employee during paid company non-break time. Managers who are not in the classrooms use
cell phones for business use only.
19.Behavior Guidance:Teachers will use many techniques to
assist children to be in control of their behavior. When it is necessary to help
children gain control of their behavior, positive behavioral management
techniques are used such as redirection or taking a break. If a child is
unsuccessful in meeting the behavioral expectations of our program, a parent
conference is arranged, and a plan created for teachers and parents to work
together to work individually with the child. Corporal punishment is not a
component of our program. A child will be restrained only in the event of
possible injury to the child or other children in the group. If a child is
unable to be served due to severe behavior issues that are unresolved with planning
and intervention, our Program will work with parents to find a more suitable
placement for the child.
20.Biting:We will work with children who bite as much
as reasonably possible. If our regular techniques of teaching, redirection, and
consequences does not work and a child continues to bite other children and/or
staff after 3 incidents of biting that either breaks the skin or causes severe
bruising, the child may be removed from the center with or without notice,
depending on the severity of injury to others at the discretion of the
Director.
21.Abusiveness toward Staff:Abusiveness towards staff members is never tolerated.For minor abusiveness, such as the use of
unkind words or swearing, after two incidents the parent will not be permitted
at the Center (another adult may be designated in writing on the Emergency Card
to drop off or pick up the child).Physical abuse, even minor physical abusive behavior towards staff such
as the throwing items in a manner that causes staff to worry about their
personal safety may ban both the parent and the child from services. Physical abuse that results in injury will be
reported to the Anchorage Police Department.Additionally, adults that slander the Program verbally or verbally
degrade staff or the Program may be
removed from the program for short term or permanently at the discretion of the
Director.
22.Meals, Snacks, and Beverages:The Program provides a nutritious
breakfast, lunch, and snack for children.All parents are required to complete the Child and Adult Care Food
Program (CACFP) required Food Program forms.Children who arrive before or after meals will be provided a small snack
to carry them until the next meal.Parents are asked to arrange drop off to accommodate the meal with the
class as much as possible.Sorry, no
outside food is allowed. Allergies and medical food exemptions must be signed
off by a medical provider using the USDA form.Religious food exemptions must be approved in writing by the religious
leader using the USDA form. No other exceptions are permitted.
23.Permission for Activities outside the Center:Our Center does not participate in field
trips. The only activity we provide outside of the center are walks using the
child buggys, and the walks stay within one mile of the Center at all times.
24.Transportation Policy:Our Program does not provide transportation. For emergencies, only paramedic transport is
used. Staff do not transport in personal vehicles.
25.Parent Access and Visiting:Our
Program welcomes parents at any time. If parents are planning to share a meal
with their child, please give advance notice so we can prepare enough food.
26.Volunteer, Substitute, and Emergency Care Givers:Our
Program does not use volunteer care givers in the child/staff ratio. A list of paid
substitute staff that meet program requirements are maintained to fill in as
needed. In the event a Teacher is injured or becomes ill unexpectedly, a
qualified substitute will be placed in the classroom.
27.Confidentiality:Confidentiality
is maintained at all times via locked file drawers and access on a “need to
know” basis. Families may have access to their files with an Admin employee
present. Families may request copies of their file at any time.
28.Parents Role, Summary of Code, Investigation, and
Department Information:The Municipality of Anchorage Department of
Health and Human Services Child and Adult Care Office is the agency responsible
for licensing child care centers.This
agency supervises, monitors, and investigates complaints involving child care
centers. The Child and Adult Care Licensing Office is located at 825 “L”
Street, 3rd Floor, phone number is 343-4758 or 343-6730.
29.Notification of Changes:Changes to these policies will be
sent home via flyer and the handbook will be changed at the next printing,
usually in July of every program year. If you have questions or concerns please
give us a call and we always welcome input and great ideas!
¨Choosing care for your child is a significant decision.
When you
entrust the care of your child to another person, you are making an important
decision.
Visit, ask
questions and carefully compare several programs.Licensed care includes child care and
educational homes and centers.Your
choice depends on what you want and need for your child.
¨Licensing is a key to quality child care.
It promotes
good care by setting basic standards. Before a center or home is granted a
child care license, it must meet health, safety, and program requirements (see
summary on back of this sheet).
A Child and
Adult Care Specialist from the Municipality
of Anchorage visits and
inspects the facility and investigates complaints. The goal of licensing is to
prevent risks to children; however, licensing cannot guarantee that a facility
meets
all
requirements at all times.
¨You as an informed parent are a key to quality child
care.
Parents are
responsible for choosing and monitoring their child's care. Licensing
specialists visit one to four times a year, but you visit each time you take
your child. Visit unexpectedly sometimes or in the middle of the day. Keep an
eye on the quality of care. What do you see when you visit? Is the environment
safe? Are caregivers capable and nurturing? How many children are present? Are
meals nutritious? Are activities appropriate? Watch how your infant responds to
the program and listen to what your child says. You are the person best able to
decide whether child care meets your standards for safety, health, and quality.
¨If you have questions or concerns about your child's
care.
Discuss concerns with your caregiver. Talk to the
caregiver if you observe health or safety problems or if you feel the program
needs improvement. If you are still concerned, or if you believe children may
be in danger or a standard is violated, contact the local
licensing office. The licensing office will investigate
your complaint. Address and phone of the local licensing office:
Municipality of Anchorage
Child/Adult Care Program
825 L Street, 3rd floor
P. O. Box 196650
Anchorage, AK99519-6650
(907) 343-4758
Website: http://www.muni.org/healthssd/child.cfm
¨Additional
information regarding the location of child care facilities licensed by the Municipality of Anchorage can
·No
more than 6 children total if only one door exit.
·No
more than 3 children under 30 months
·No
more than 2 non-walking children
·At
least 1 adult caregiver
·No
more than 5 children in nighttime care (including provider’s own children)
(10 PM – 6 AM)
·Children
who live in the household under the age of 12 count in the total
Licensed Child Care
Centers
·9
or more children
·1
caregiver for every 4 infants
(6
weeks thru 11 months)
·1
caregiver for every 5 toddlers (12 thru 18 months)
·1
caregiver for every 6 toddlers (19 thru 35 months)
·1
caregiver for every 10 children (3 thru 12 years)
·At
least 2 adults on premises
Summary of Child Care Licensing Requirements within the Municipality of Anchorage
PARENTS
·Are responsible for selecting safe, appropriate care for
their child
·Are responsible for monitoring their child's care
·Provide current emergency information and immunization
records for their child
·Are encouraged to visit their child anytime the child is
in care
·Receive
written child care policies
LICENSING
·Child care license is required if more than 4 children
(not related to caregivers) are in care
·License must be renewed prior to expiration (annually or
biennially)
·Facility (including building, staff and program) is
evaluated before a license is issued and is periodically monitored thereafter
·Complaints are investigated
·Licensing files are open to public review
CAREGIVERS
·Are required to care for children in a safe, healthy way
·May not have physical, health, mental health, or behavior
problems that might be a risk to children
·May not have domestic violence or substance abuse
problems that might be a risk to children
·Complete child care training each year
·Persons 16 and older have a criminal background check
including submitting fingerprint cards
·Caregivers meet early childhood training requirements
SAFETY
·Children are always supervised by an adult
·Caregivers know the whereabouts of children at all times
·Caregiver(s) with First Aid and CPR training are present
·Facility is free of hazards, inside and out
·Gates are required at accessible stairways if children
under 36 months are in care.
·Medicine and poisons are stored safely
·Electric outlets have child proof cover caps if children
under age 5 are in care
·Emergency information is kept for each child and is
reviewed and updated quarterly
HEALTH
·Facility meets sanitation and safety standards
·Meals and snacks are nutritious
·Children are immunized or exemptions are on file
·Parents are notified if their child is exposed to a
contagious or communicable disease
·If it chooses, a child care home may care for mildly ill
children
·Facility may not care for a seriously ill child unless a
medical provider approves attendance
·Drinking water is safe
·Smoking is not allowed
·Medicine is given only with parent permission
·Food preparation and handling are sanitary
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
·Furniture and equipment are safe and durable
·Infant walkers are not allowed
·Toys are adequate and varied
·Children have storage space for their belongings
·Children under 5 years have a cot/mat/ bed
·Infants must sleep in a safe crib or playpen without
materials that would increase the risk of suffocation
PROGRAM
·Promotes children's healthy development
·Includes quiet and active, group and individual, indoor
and outdoor activities
·TV and video are limited to children's programs and
limited to no more than 1&1/2 hours in a 24 hour period
·High risk activities are not allowed
·Parent permission is required for moderate risk
activities (for example, field trips)
·Program includes minimum of 20 minutes of vigorous
physical activity for every 3 hours the child is in care between 7 am and 7pm
BEHAVIOR
GUIDANCE
·Is positive, and never cruel, humiliating, or damaging to
the child
·Sets realistic expectations and clear, consistent limits
·Is not related to eating, napping, toileting, or removing
from other children for more than 10 minutes
·No corporal punishment is allowed (Corporal punishment
means “the infliction of bodily pain as a penalty for a disapproved
behavior.It includes shaking, spanking,
delivering a blow with a part of the body or an object, slapping, pinching,
pulling or any other action that seeks to induce pain.”)
FIRE SAFETY
·Facility meets fire safety standards
·Emergency
evacuation plan is practiced monthly and documented
Policy to Notify Parents of Changes:Our Program will give parents 30 days notice
for any policy changes unless an emergency happens that requires immediate
change;in this case a special parent
meeting will be held and handouts will be provided.
