Parent’s Information Center

A parent’s information center is provided in each classroom with the following:

1. A daycare log with information concerning minor injuries and illness
   
   
2. Daily class schedule
   
   
3. Daily lesson plan
   
   
4. Staff names
   
   
5. Emergency numbers
   
   
6. Emergency evacuation procedures
   
   

POLICY ON INFANTS & YOUNG CHILDREN:

1. Infants are on an “on demand” feeding and napping schedule.  Infants are held for bottle feeding.
   
   
2. All meals or bottles brought by parents must be labeled and dated.  All dishes and bottles are sanitized according to DSHS standards.  We will give infants semi-solid foods provided by parents not before they are 4 months old and not later than 10 months old.
   
   
3. Parents provide disposable diapers.  They must have at least seven diapers on a daily basis.  Pull ups or training pants will be accepted in the 2 year old toddler room.
   
   
4. Parents provide a blanket and extra clothing.  Blankets need to be washed by parents weekly.  Items need to be the appropriate size to fit in personal cubbies.
   
   
5. Mothers who wish to breast feed can do so in the infant room.
   
   
6. At the center we will introduce the use of cups for drinking by 12 months.  Parents and staff can design a schedule for phasing out bottle feeding as early as 12 months.
   
   

Items Provided By Parents:

Infant Classroom:	Lunch box (if applicable), extra clothing, diapers, baby wipes, 2 bottles, small blanket and 2 bibs.
Waddler Classroom:	Lunch box (if applicable), extra clothing, diapers, painting smock, toddler cup, small blanket and 2 bibs.
Toddler Classroom:	Lunch box (if applicable), extra clothing, diapers, painting smock, toddler cup, small blanket, and 2 bibs.
Pre-School Classroom:	Lunch box (if applicable), extra clothing, school supplies and a painting smock.

 

SHOW & TELL

Children who are 3 years and older have show and tell on Fridays.  This allows them to bring special items from home to share with their friends.  We would appreciate it if children bring items that are relevant to the theme they are focusing on for the month.  Play guns, action figures or military type toys will not be allowed in the center.  They will be placed in the office to be sent home.  We provide sufficient materials in our center that are age appropriate, bias free and that foster positive social interaction.  We appreciate children keeping their personal toys at home.  It’s difficult for children to share their special treasures with so many friends.

BOOKS, VIDEOS AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE

We encourage children to bring videos, books and computer software to share.  We do have a non-violence policy and anti-bias policy in our center.  We will not allow materials in our center that in any way fosters aggressive behavior or promotes stereotypes.  Please bring materials you wish to share to the office and then they will be placed in the classroom.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

The curriculum at La Escuelita does not include any religious instruction.  During the Winter Holiday festival the Pre-School and Primary students have a concert.  This may include material related to our curriculum themes in English and Spanish.

OPEN DOOR POLICY

If your child is registered at La Escuelita, you have access to all areas of the school facility used by your child.  We expect that parents respect classroom routines and that children respect school rules even when parents are present.

VISITORS

All visitors must report to the office.  Visitors are not allowed to enter classrooms without an appointment or consent from the director.  Visitors and parents need to respect class routines.  Children visiting classrooms need to respect class routine, rules and classroom materials.

PARKING

We have assigned drop off and pick up locations in front of our centers.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

We encourage parents to volunteer whenever possible.  You can volunteer in the following:

• By attending the monthly Parents Meeting
• Drive on Field Trips
• Help with special events at the school
• Help with special projects
• Share talents and skills as they relate to the curriculum or the needs of the center

TRANSPORTATION

1. Parents provide their own transportation to and from La Escuelita.
   
   
2. La Escuelita will provide transportation for field trips or emergencies.  The means of transportation may include public or chartered buses, staff and parent volunteer vehicles.
   
   
3. Any vehicle providing transportation must include seat belts and/or child safety seats.
   
   
4. All drivers must have a current license, medical and liability insurance and the vehicle must be in safe operating condition.
   
   
5. The appropriate staff ratio will be maintained while transporting children on field trips.
   
   
6. While transporting children on field trips first La Escuelita requires that the driver or other attending adult have First Aid or C.P.R.
   
   

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY

The goal of behavior management is to assist children to develop self-control and acceptable behavior in a manner that does not undermine their self-esteem.  Our behavior management method enhances learning and teaches new skills.  We provide a positive atmosphere by using a pleasant voice, modeling or informing the child as to the appropriate behavior that is expected. 

La Escuelita prohibits punitive discipline.  Any form of corporal punishment, verbal mistreatment or unnecessary or harsh punishment is prohibited.  Children will be asked to remove themselves from a conflicting situation in order to help the child regain control.  This will last no more than one or two minutes.  As soon as the child is ready he/she will then be allowed to return to the group.  Staff will help the child integrate into the group in a positive manner. 

La Escuelita prohibits corporal punishment or spanking as a form of discipline.  If issues of concern emerge the staff and parents will meet and a behavior management plan will be developed in order to help the child deal with any behavior issues.

PARENT INFORMATION NOTEBOOK

Each classroom has in the Parent Information Center a notebook with all our school policies and procedures. The office has correction plans mandated by the Division of Child Care Policy as well as our Health Safety Compliance Agreement.