Altamahaw Baptist Church Day Care Center
3445 Altamahaw Church Street
Elon, NC  27244
(336) 584-5949

Dear Parents and Families,

         Welcome to Altamahaw Baptist Day Care.  We are happy that your child will be a part of the wonderful experiences being offered here.
         Our program has been planned for infants through pre-kindergarten with the goal of providing opportunities for their mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual development.  In this handbook you will find the purpose and objectives of the program along with the center policies.
         This year your child will participate in a variety of activities such as:
-working with paints, clay, crayons, blocks, and other manipulatives
-enjoying books, poetry, dramatization, and music
-learning to share, take turns, plan, work, think, and reason
-experiencing and learning foundational truths of the Christian faith
         We believe that ongoing communication between parents and staff is the key to a successful program for children.  Throughout the year the staff will keep you informed about daycare activities.  We encourage you to visit us, ask questions, and offer suggestions.
         We look forward to working with and helping your child develop skills for their future.

Yours for the children,

Sherry Pyrant
Director

Purpose and Objectives

         Altamahaw Baptist Church Day Care Center is a ministry of Altamahaw Baptist Church to children and their families.  We believe that children are gifts from God.  We value their feelings, desires, thoughts, and needs.
         The purpose of Altamahaw Baptist Day Care Center is to provide Christian nurture as a specific context for the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development of the whole child.  
         Each day we seek to meet the following objectives:

-	To foster self-esteem
-	To recognize that each child is an individual  and to allow each child to learn academically at his or her own pace
-	To provide opportunities for self-expression, investigation, experimentation, and participation in group activities
-	To increase inner emotional controls and growth toward self-discipline
-	To provide experiences that will satisfy the child’s desire for knowledge
-	To guide and help prepare each child for a successful school experience
-	To help each child learn the readiness skills he or she needs in the kindergarten year
-	To promote health, physical growth, and motor development
-	To provide opportunities for the child to grow and develop in their understanding of God

Licensing
         Altamahaw Baptist Day Care Center operates under a letter of compliance from the State of North Carolina.  Because of our religious exemption, we do not participate in the star rating system.  We are allowed to have up to 60 children.  Just like all other centers, we are inspected annually by the Health Department, Fire Department, and the State Day Care Licensing Consultant.
Our Program
         Altamahaw Baptist Day Care Center is designed to teach children who are ready to learn.  It is flexible so that the needs of each child can be met.  The curriculums used provide growth and development in the following areas:

         Bible
         Creative Art
         Music
         Dramatic Play
         Block Building
         Large and Small Muscle Activities
         Discovery (Science)
         Problem Solving and Number Concepts
         Social Awareness
         Health and Safety
         Field Trips and Visitors
         Water and Sand Play
         Food Experiences
         Language Development
         Self-Help Skills (Routines)

-The rooms are air-conditioned and fire resistant
-The rooms are fully furnished and arranged in activity centers
-During free play activities, children have freedom to choose activities and playmates
-Periods of active play are followed by periods of relative quiet or rest
-There is a balance between self-directed and adult guided activities
-There are opportunities for group experiences, one-to-one interaction experiences, and opportunities for being alone
-We feel that respect is important and needs to be instilled in children at an early age
-Manners are reinforced on a daily basis. We encourage children to use amenities such as “Please”, “Thank you”, “Excuse Me”, “Yes Ma’am”, and “No Ma’am”.
-Children are encouraged to participate in activities, but are not forced to do so
-There are outdoor activities daily, weather permitting. Indoor activities are provided when children cannot go outdoors.
-Lunch is provided by our staff cook

Christian Education
         Emphasis upon Christian education will be an important part of each day’s activities.  We have daily devotionals with inspirational stories and songs.  Children will be taught Christian values through these inspirational periods as well as through example.

General Policies
Absences
         If your child will be absent or late, please notify our office (584-5949) by 9:00 a.m.  This information affects classroom activities and meal count.

Arrival and Departure
         Upon arrival, an adult must accompany all children inside the facility.  Please have your child at the center before 8:30 a.m. in order for them to be served breakfast.  Program activities begin promptly at 8:45 a.m.  When your child arrives, please sign in the time of arrival.  The sign in sheets are located on the bulletin board by your child’s room.  Please let your child’s teacher know your child has arrived.  Never leave your child unattended.
         Please come to the classroom or playground for your child and notify the staff in charge that your child is leaving.  Sign your child out at the classroom upon departure from the daycare.  Upon arrival from a class trip or from school, please allow your child to return to the room.  They will be released from there.
         Except in case of emergency, please pick your child up before or after naptime in order not to disturb those who are asleep.  Naptime is between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
         Your child may be released only to parents, legal guardians, or persons authorized and identified on the application form.  In the event that a relative or friend not identified on the form needs to pick up the child, you should provide advance, written notification or call.

Change of Clothing
         Children are active.  They play on the playground, paint, etc.  They need to wear clothes that are washable.  Simple clothes that are easy to fasten and unfasten are the best choices for children learning to take care of themselves.  Please take the weather into consideration when dressing your child for daycare.
         Please label and send a complete change of clothing for your child.  When used, please send another change of clothing.  This includes shirt, pants or shorts, socks, and underwear.  Please do not send or allow your child to wear jellies, crocks, flip-flops, sandals or any open toe shoes.  These are not safe when children are running or climbing.  If your child needs a change of clothing and does not have it, you will be asked to bring clothes or pick up your child.  The daycare will not be responsible for unmarked or lost clothing and belongings.  

Dress Code
         Walking shorts (to the knees) are required.  Shoes must be worn at all times.  No offensive or vulgar logos on clothes are allowed.  The first violation, the child’s clothes will be turned inside out.  The second violation, the child will be sent home.

Potty Training
	All children need to be potty trained by Age 3 in order to move up to 3 year old classroom. This policy is due to Daycare Accommodations. 

Birthday and Holiday Celebrations
Birthdays
         Parents who wish to celebrate their child’s birthday at the center should make arrangements with the teacher one week in advance.  Items sent from home must be store bought or commercially prepared. FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, BALLONS ARE NOT ALLOWED! We ask that you serve a nutritious snack for parties. Some good choices are:

-mini cupcakes or muffins
-goldfish crackers
-fruit cup
-cheese nips
-wheat thins
-applesauce cups
-pre-packaged cheese sticks
-ice cream cups
-jello or pudding cups
-plain oatmeal cookies
-milk
-100% juice or juice boxes

Halloween
         It is not the policy of the center to celebrate Halloween in any way.  We will not use any food or decoration representing Halloween.  These items will be returned to the person bringing them.

Thanksgiving
         The emphasis is on our thankfulness to God for His many blessings.  Also our stories and art activities will reflect true events of Native Americans and Pilgrims.

Christmas
         The emphasis is placed on Christ’s birth and Christmas traditions.

Valentine’s Day
         The emphasis is on God’s love for us and expression of our love for Him and each other.  Cards and treats may be exchanged with all students in the class.

Easter
         We emphasize the Biblical story of Christ’s resurrection.

Emergency Procedures
         The staff will keep a file indicating how to get in touch with parents, who to call if parents are unavailable, and the name of their physician, hospital, and dentist.

-A car is always available for emergency transportation
-Staff must be able to identify persons authorized by the parent to take the child from the center
-The center maintains a listed phone number (584-5949)

Field Trips
         Classes occasionally go on field trips.  Notification of these trips will be given two weeks in advance.  Parents will be asked to sign a permission slip allowing their child to participate.  We recommend tennis shoes for safety and comfort on all field trips.  Children may not remain at the center while their class goes on a field trip.  If you do not want your child to participate, you must make arrangements for your child during the time the class is away from the center.

Food
         We will provide nutritious snacks and meals for the children according to state regulations.  Meals will be planned by the staff cook and approved by the director.  Weekly menus will be posted on the bulletin boards outside each classroom.  Parents should not send other food to the center.  Staff will not be allowed to serve food to the children except for meals and snacks served by the center.  (Exception:  Food for parties planned with the staff may be served on special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.)

In order to serve meals on time and allow sufficient time for preparation and clean-up, the following schedule has been set up:

-Breakfast 8:00a.m.- 8:30a.m.
-Lunch               11:00a.m.- 11:30a.m.
-Afternoon Snack Preschool         2:00p.m.
-Afterschoolers Snack 3:00p.m.
         If your child arrives after mealtime, please make sure they have eaten before coming to daycare.

Illness
         Please do not bring your child to daycare if they have a fever of 99.6 or more,  are vomiting, have diarrhea, or show other signs of illness.  If your child becomes sick at daycare or has been left sick with us, we will call you to come for them.  If your child is absent due to an illness, please call us so we can keep an account and if necessary, notify other parents about communicable diseases.  Your child must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to the center.

Immunizations
         The center is responsible for accurately reporting children’s immunizations to the State of North Carolina.  North Carolina state law requires the following:  A certificate of immunization should be presented to the childcare operator for each child who attends the facility.  The childcare operator should check the certificate to ensure the child meets immunization requirements.  If a child’s immunization record lacks evidence of required vaccinations, the parent or guardian must be notified about the deficiency.
         If an immunization record is incomplete, the center must notify the parents in writing that the file must be completed and/or updated.  Written verification of proper immunization must be received within 30 days of notice or childcare will be terminated.

Medication
         State regulations suggest that we keep as little medication as possible in the center in order to provide a safer environment for the children.  Please ask your child’s physician to prescribe medicine to be given before and after childcare if at all possible.
         The following information comes from North Carolina Childcare Requirements and will be the procedure used at the center.
         All medication for children enrolled in childcare must have specific instructions and written permission for administering medication.  Instructions must be completed by either the parent or a physician and must include:
1.	Who the medication is for.
2.	How much is to be given.
3.	What time the medication should be given.
4.	How often the medication should be given. NOTE: instructions must be specific. Do not use the words “as needed” on the form.
5.	For what length of time the medication is to be given.

Prescription Medication
1.	Must be in the original container bearing the original label.
2.	Must have complete instructions on the label accompanied by written instructions from a health professional, which include 1-5 above.
3.	Must be administered only to the person for whom it was prescribed.
4.	Cannot be administered after its expiration date.

Patent Medicines
1.	Should have the individual child’s name written on the bottle.
2.	Must have written instructions from parent or physician.
3.	Must have written permission from child’s parents.
4.	Can be administered only to the person specified in written instructions from the parent.
5.	A physician must give signed, written instructions if the dosage conflicts with the instructions on the patent medicine bottle.
6.	A physician must give signed, written instructions if the dosage for your child’s age says, “consult a physician” on the patent medicine bottle.
7.	Medication cannot be administered after the expiration date.

         Instructions must be followed when administering all medications.  Medications must not be administered in any manner that is contrary to the instructions on the container or the physician’s instructions.  Leftover medication must be returned to parents after treatment is completed.  Medicine can be kept and given to a child only for the length of time noted on the instructions and never after it’s expiration date.
       When administering oral medications, all dosages must be verified by the director or staff person appointed by the director. 
        Medications must be in separate locked storage as required by the sanitation regulations. Medication is not to be left in a child’s diaper bag, but must be given to the teacher. Sunscreen, baby powder, diaper ointment, etc. are considered medications and must be handled as all other medications. We prefer that parents use once a day sunscreen and apply it before arriving at the center.

Discipline Policy
         All children must have a signed discipline policy form in their files.  The director will review the discipline policies at the time of the interview with the parents.  This policy is required by North Carolina Childcare Requirements.
         Praise and positive reinforcement are effective methods of the behavior management of children.  When children receive positive, non-violent, and understanding interactions from adults and others, they develop good self-concepts, problem solving abilities, and self-discipline.  Based on this belief of how children learn and develop values, this center will practice the discipline policy as presented in the packet upon enrollment.

         If continued misbehavior occurs, parents will be contacted to pick up your child and they will have a conference with the teacher and or the director. All conferences will require signed documentation.  If after three conferences the behavior does not improve, the child will either be suspended for one week or dismissed from the program at the discretion of the daycare board of directors.
        Altamahaw Baptist Daycare will not tolerate any profanity from parents or children. This can result in termination at the discretion of the Director.

Outside Activities
         Daily routines at the center include a playtime outside (weather permitting). The children will not be allowed to stay indoors while their class is outside. If your child is too ill to participate in daily activities, please keep him or her at home.

Items From Home
         The daycare provides a variety and a sufficient quantity of toys and equipment for your child.  Personal toys or other items from home will not be allowed—with the exception of a small blanket or cuddle toy (that will fit in a child’s cubby) at naptime or an item to be shared at group time.  The teachers will announce “Show and Tell” days.  Only on those days may children bring a favorite toy (No exceptions). We encourage your child to share “nature discoveries” with classmates such as bird nests, flowers, and fresh vegetables from your garden, etc. No weapon toys of any type are permitted in the center. Records and books, which are in keeping with our program’s philosophy, are welcomed. Always ask the staff before bringing in a video or CD. They are only used as a planned part of the curriculum.

Information and Needs For the Infant Room
Infant Needs
-a small crib sheet (for portable crib) is to be sent home every day and needs to come back with your child on their next day at the center
-Winter and Summer Sleep sacks (0-6 months) 
-Blanket needed for (6-12 months) 
-a bag of diapers with your child’s name on it
-container of wipes with your child’s name on it
-two changes of clothes with your child’s name on each item—they will be sent home in a bag as needed to be cleaned
-bibs with your child’s name on them

We will send home a Baby-O-Gram daily with your child. If any items are needed (i.e. diapers), we will notify you on the Baby-O-Gram.
All baby bottles brought daily need to be labeled with your child’s first and last name and the date. If powder or formula milk is used, you need to mix it and bring it to the center in bottles. An emergency can, unopened with your child’s name on it, may be left in the child’s bag or cubby. All other foods just need to have the child’s name on it (i.e. jarred baby food, boxed dry cereal, etc.).

Diaper Cream and Powders
All creams and powders must be given to a staff member to be locked in a medicine box or cabinet. Your child’s name must be on it and a medicine form must be filled out or teachers cannot administer the medicine.

Mobiles
If you would like to bring a mobile or other toy to hang on your child’s crib, please do so. It will be cleaned as needed and replaced weekly. Again, please write your child’s name on the items.

Safe Sleep Policy and Procedure
-Infants will always be placed on their backs to sleep, unless there is a sleep position medical waiver signed by a doctor on file. In that case, a notice will be posted on the infant’s crib.
-When babies can easily turn over from back to stomach, they can be allowed to adapt whatever position they prefer to sleep. However, they will always be placed on their backs initially. (Staff will keep written documentation when your child begins to turn on his/her side and stomach.)
-No pillows, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, sheepskin, stuffed animals, or other soft materials can be placed in the crib.
-If a blanket is used: 1)baby will be placed with his/her feet at the foot of the crib
                                         2)blanket will be brought up only as far as the chest and tucked
                                          firmly under the mattress unless sleep sack is used 
-Babies’ heads must stay uncovered at all times while sleeping.
-Staff will visually check sleeping babies by making a round through the sleeping area periodically and be especially attentive for the first weeks the infant is in childcare. Staff will document these checks on a sleep chart every 15-20 minutes for infants 12 months of age or younger
-Only one infant will be in a crib at a time, unless we are evacuating infants in an emergency
-Room temperature will be kept between 68-72 degrees F.
-The daycare employs staff certified in infant CPR and First Aid.
-Upon an infant’s enrollment, this policy must be given and explained to parents. A statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of this policy must be signed by the parent and kept in the child’s record as long as the child is enrolled at the center.

Center Information
Days and Hours of Operation
         The center will operate on Monday –Friday, year round, from 6:30a.m. to 6:00p.m., with the exception of the holidays listed below.  We strongly suggest that the children arrive by 8:45a.m. each day as teachers have planned activities for the day.
         In the event of bad weather, please listen to WFMY (Channel 2) and FOX8  WGHP (Channel 8) for delays or closing information.  Unless there is a power outage, a message about the delay or closing will also be left on the daycare answering system.  
         The center reserves the right to close for unexpected repairs.   
The center will be closed on the following days:  New Year’s Day, 1 day at Easter, Memorial Day, 1 week for July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and 1 week for Christmas.  You will be charged for these days.

Rate Information
         The rate for afterschoolers is $55.00 per week plus $5.00 extra per day for early dismissal, snow days, teacher workdays, etc.  The rate for the infant room is $135.00 per week.  The rate for the ones and twos class is $125.00 per week.  The rate for the threes and fours class is $115.00 per week.  These charges are based on no more than 10 hours per day.  If your child is not picked up within this time limit, an extra $5.00 per 15 minutes may be charged to your account.  We encourage parents to pick up their children on time.  No child should remain at the daycare later than 6:00p.m..  
         The summer camp rate for the afterschoolers is $95.00 per week.

Child Care Fee Information
         A registration fee that is equal to one week of childcare is due to secure your child’s position at the center, regardless of the payment schedule that you choose.  If you have more than one child at the center, a registration fee is required for each child.  The registration fee is non-refundable and will be used as your last week’s payment upon your child’s departure from this facility.  Payment for the first week of childcare is due on or before the child’s first day.  Childcare must be paid in advance of the care given on a weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, or annual plan.  If an emergency arises and your payment will be late, please notify the director.  Weekly fees are due by 6:00p.m. on Monday and,  monthly fees are due by 6:00p.m. on the first Friday of each month.  The director has the discretion to terminate any child’s position when the account is more than two weeks delinquent.
         A service fee of $20.00 will be charged for each returned check.  After the second returned check, payments may only be made in cash.
         After your child has been enrolled here for one year, you are entitled to one free week of care.  Our center is closed the week of Christmas and the week of July 4th. Payment is still required for these weeks unless you choose one of them for your free week. Your next free week will be one year from your last one. If you choose to take your child out for the summer, you will forfeit your free week.
         Afterschoolers who will be dropping out for the summer, but returning when school starts, please let the director know before you leave for the summer.  The registration fee for all afterschoolers is due 2 weeks before school starts.

         REMEMBER:  If your child is absent from the center or the center is closed for holidays, snow, teacher workdays, etc., payment is still required.

Curriculum
         Our childcare program uses the A Beka Curriculum, which is highly recommended for developmental Christian-based education. There are fees associated with the purchase of the books for children attending in age appropriate classrooms. The daycare will notify the parents annually of the cost per child.
Withdrawal From the Program
         The center requires a written notice of a child’s withdrawal from the program to be submitted to the center office two weeks or more prior to the child’s last day.  Payment will be charged until such written notice is received.  The bill is to be paid in full.  Payment is required for the two week period even if the child does not attend.
         The center may discontinue childcare if the parent fails to do the following:
•	keep current payments for services rendered
•	keep current physical and immunization records
•	if the child is continually absent or late without sufficient reasons 
•	If habitual abuse of program policies occur

Parent Grievance Procedures
1.	If a parent or guardian has a concern regarding a teacher, the parent or guardian and teacher should make every attempt to work out the concern among themselves. If no solution can be found and the problem persists, the parent or guardian should bring their concerns to the director to find a workable and satisfactory solution for all parties.
2.	If a parent or guardian has a concern about safety conditions, the parent or guardian should bring that concern to the attention of the director either in verbal or written form. If a satisfactory solution is not achieved, the parent or guardian may wish to bring his or her concerns to the attention of the Board of Directors by making a written complaint to the Board. This complaint should be turned into the Suggestion Box for the Board of Directors to retrieve and review.
3.	If a parent or guardian wants to meet with the Board of Directors regarding a grievance, the parent or guardian must contact the director of the daycare. The director will set a meeting time and date with the Board of Directors and the parent or guardian will be notified of the arranged time. (The Board of Directors will only meet with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of an enrolled child.)

Altamahaw Baptist Day Care Board of Directors
         The Board of Directors is made up of members of Altamahaw Baptist Church and the director and assistant director of the daycare.  The Board oversees the total operation of the daycare program.  The Board is responsible for financial operations, personnel issues, program development, use of space and equipment, and maintaining the daycare’s function as a ministry of Altamahaw Baptist Church.