In accordance with Federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability.

   To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Vineyard Early Learning Center Parent Policy Brochure 2012

Welcome!  We look forward to providing you high quality services!

1.                  Center Information:

Vineyard Early Learning Center

1301 W.100^th Ave.

Anchorage, AK 99515

Ph (907) 248-0808  Fax (907) 344-6960 Web www.avfrc.org Email info@avfrc.org

2.                  Enrollment Requirements:  All participants must complete Registration and Health forms, and meet age requirements. A non-refundable $35 deposit is required for registration. Enrollment is open, first come first served, with the exception of priority given to low income families and families with a sibling already enrolled in the program.  A physical exam no older than one year and a copy of the immunization records is required if accepted into the program.  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 on track with the catch up schedule.  If physicals or immunization status expires at any time, the child will be placed back on the waitlist until current.

3.                  Fees and Payment Arrangement: Full pre-payment in the form of cash, check, cashier’s check, Visa or Mastercard must be received for registration to be complete.  Tuition is due in advance on the first day of each month.  Full time Tuition is $775 per month per child in the Preschool classroom, and $895 per month per child in the Toddler classroom, subject to change with written notice.  An updated fee schedule is available on our website www.avfrc.org as this book is printed once yearly. Families with 2 or more children enrolled will receive a $50 family discount for children in the same family, one discount per family. There is a 5 day grace period with no additional charge if payment is made by close of business on the 5^th day of the month.  A late fee of $35 may be assessed if your payment is between 6 and 9 days, and your child will not be accepted on the 10^th day. Special payment schedules may be approved only by the Director on a case by case basis. Prorated tuition will be charged for families that enroll after the 1^st of the month.  Late pickup fees are $2.00 per minute after 6:00 pm unless special arrangements have been made and approved in writing, please call us if you are going to be late.  Children not picked up after 60 minutes after closing will be referred to OCS.  Tuition is never waived, and must be paid whether your child is attending or not, including during vacations and other extended time off.  If payment is not received, your child’s slot will be given to the next child on the waitlist and your child will be placed back on the waitlist.  There will be a $35 returned check fee imposed for returned checks, and after 2 returned checks services will be provided on a cash only basis.

4.                  Hours and Days of Operation Including Holidays: Licensed hours are 6:30 am to 6:30 pm,  Hours of Operation:  7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Drop in minimum is 2 hours. 

The following holidays are observed by AVFRC (subject to change with written notice):

* All Schedules are flexible. It could be changed due to children's interests.

12.              Nondiscrimination Statement:  Vineyard Early Learning does not discriminate according to Alaska Statute (AS) 18.80.230 and Anchorage Municipal Code (AMC) 5.20.50. We reserve 51% of our program slots for low income families living in the Anchorage area, since the program is designed to meet the needs of low income families.

13.              Liability Insurance:  We maintain comprehensive general liability insurance as required by Municipality code AMC 16.55.210.   Copies of insurance certificates are posted in the lobby and also available upon request.

14.              Rules Concerning Personal Belongings:  Your child will be assigned a cubby to store their coats, boots, etc.  All personal clothing must be labeled with your child’s name.   Personal toys are not allowed at the center, except during Show and Tell.  Show and Tell items must be clearly marked with your child’s name (masking tape works well for this).  Our program is not responsible for items that are lost, damaged, or stolen, so items sent to school are at your own risk. 

15.              Smoking:  Smoking is prohibited within 100 feet of the center.  Second hand smoke is also prohibited- smokers are asked to refrain from smoking one hour before volunteering in the classroom, and bring a change of outer clothing so children are not exposed to secondhand smoke residue on clothing.  Smokers must wash hands before entering the classroom.  If you would like information on quitting smoking, please see your child’s teacher, we would love to help.

16.              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 your child is 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.

17.              Animals:  No animals will be allowed at the center until a full assessment of allergies is conducted to assure the safety of the enrolled children. Program management must also give written authorization to place the animals in the classroom.  Parents must indicate allergies to animals on the emergency contact card.  Only animals approved by licensing are allowed.

Upon completion of assessment, animals will be allowed and accessible to children on a supervised basis.  Commercial cages or tanks will be used to ensure the safest environment possible.  Children will be instructed on the safe handling of classroom animals and special monitoring will be provided when the animals are taken out of their cages for any reason.  Children and employees may bring pets to the center for petting and observation after obtaining prior written approval from the program management.   

18.              Child Abuse Reporting:  Alaska State statutes AS47.17 and Municipal childcare regulations AMC 16.55.230E.4 require that all licensed child care providers report all incidents of suspected or actual abuse and neglect of children.  These centers 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 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.

19.              TV, Video, Games and Computer Use:  Only professional preschool media is used in the classroom, except for occasional Family Movie Nights, where family friendly movies are enjoyed as a fun get together.   The program uses educational media such as Peep and the Big Wide World © Curriculum created by a grant from the National Science Foundation, and Between the Lions © Literacy Education as part of the curriculum.  Videos brought in from home must be pre-approved by the Teacher before viewing.  The program does not allow TV games.  Computer use is restricted to age appropriate learning software.  No internet access is granted to children.

20.              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, VELC will work with parents to find a more suitable placement for the child.

21.              Meals, Snacks, and Beverages:  VELC provides a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack for children.  All parents are required to complete the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) income verification application, whether income eligible or over income.  Children who arrive early or late 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 at the center.  All children eat the same food.  If your child has an allergy, medical or religious food need, please let us know.  Allergies and medical food exemptions must be signed off by a medical provider.  Religious food exemptions must be approved in writing by the religious leader.

22.              Permission for Activities Outside the Center:  Permission slips are required for field trips and outside activities.  If your child does not have permission to attend the offsite event, they will be placed in another classroom.  Scanned signatures and faxes are accepted if the slip is left at home.

23.              Transportation Policy: VELC does not provide daily transportation.  When transporting for a field trip, a licensed and insured bus and driver is used. For emergencies, only paramedic transport is used.  Staff do not transport children in personal vehicles.

24.              Parent Access and Visiting:  VELC welcomes parents at any time. If you are planning to share a meal with your child, please give us advance notice so we can prepare enough food.  

25.              Volunteer, Substitute, and Emergency Care Givers:  VELC does not use volunteer care givers in the child/staff ratio.  A list of 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.  In an emergency a qualified church employee may step in while a regular substitute is en route.  The church employee will have fulfilled all of the requirements of a substitute staff member.

26.              Confidentiality:  Per AMC 16.55.220C 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 a VELC employee present.  Families may request copies of their file at any time.

27.              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, 3^rd Floor, phone number is 343-4758 or 343-6730.

28.              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!

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PARENTS' GUIDE TO LICENSED CHILD CARE

¨      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:

¨       Additional information regarding the location of child care facilities licensed by the Municipality of Anchorage can

be found online at:  http://neighborhood.muni.org/

HOW MANY CHILDREN MAY BE IN CARE?

Licensed Child Care Homes (Including children related and unrelated to caregivers) ·         No more than 8 children total ·         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

I have received a copy of the VELC Parent Policy Brochure.

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Printed Name

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Signature and Date