ELITE KIDS PRESCHOOL

 

Welcome to Elite Kids!  We have been providing care for the children of Washington State since 1993, and truly enjoying it.   We provide full and part time child care and preschool, for ages 1 year through 5 years old.  Elite Kids provides drop off and some kindergarten care, as well as "Mother's Helper's Care".     

Staff:  All Staff has their CPR & First Aid cards updated annually.  To insure the safety of all children, staff has had completed criminal background checks before being employed at Elite Kids.  Staff has been tested for TB and has been trained in HIV and AIDS awareness.  Throughout each year, teachers will continue to take required classes associated and to the benefit of the children they are teaching.

 

 

REGISTRATION:

As required by law, all forms in your packet must be returned and reviewed by the Director, before your child is able to attend Elite Kids.  These Forms are important to the well-being of your child and their playmates.  

Registration fee is set at $125.00 per child, per year, which is non-refundable for any reason. 

TODDLERS:

Young children enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. At 12 months, we begin to work on a daily nap and feeding schedule.  We will never forced children to eat, sleep, etc.  Children at this age need much positive reinforcement and encouragement to self identify and learn positive social behavior.  Toddler teachers are required to take a minimum of 10 classes per year that focus on Toddler Development and Learning.  Materials for the classrooms are centered on dramatic play, math (counting, sorting) reading, and manipulative, left, and right brain development.  Toddlers also participate at their level of the High Reach Program while continuing with Sign Language and developing language skills.

PRESCHOOL CLASS:

Elite Kids program utilizes High Reach Learning materials, American Sign Language, Early Start materials, and the Macmillan Whole Language and Science Programs.  The children learn American Sign Language and Spanish.  In the summer, all children participate in an extended Science program, which includes Ladybugs, Butterflies, Tadpoles and Ants!

   Our goal at Elite Kids is to teach the children the basics in the alphabet numbers, colors and shapes.  The children practice writing their names and learn about 300 useful sign words and sentences.  We work with the children on their reading skills by introducing them to as many “sight” words as possible, and by utilizing easy reader books in reading club and with games.  The children will be learning the basics of being in a kindergarten classroom such as lining up, staying in their seat, doing seat work, raising their hands, following directions, etc.  These basics will enhance their learning in kindergarten by letting them focus on learning instead of social behaviors.     All children are allowed to set their own pace with encouragement to be part of a classroom unit.  Monthly preschool letters and School news letters are provided for all parents, along with information posted on the Parent Information Board.  Please encourage your child to talk about their day and what they are learning.  This will help let them know that what they do at Preschool is important to both of you and that school is important to their growth.  This will also give the children a sense of pride about their work, which will felicitate their learning. 

GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE:
The goal of our program is to promote independence, autonomy, and self-esteem, caring towards others and the physical environment.  We try to set up our environment to promote these goals, giving children room to explore and grow.  Areas are arranged so children may choose their activities or groups.  We also try to interact and direct the children towards activities that help them gain self-control.  If these methods do not work, children will be verbally redirected to activities that are more appropriate.  When a child is being harmful to others, will not listen and other measures have not worked - then we will use the ‘thinking time.’  The length of this time is determined by the age of the child - 1 minute per year (no time out will be used on infants or toddlers).  Depending on the area and activities we are involved in will determine the location of the ‘thinking time,’ but the child will never be out of the line of vision of the provider.

  

You Agree to:

TUITION:

      Tuition is paid for by the month, in full by 10 am, on the last weekday of each month that we are open.  For Example: If there are 30 days in a month and the last weekday of the month is the 28^th, then tuition is due on the 28^th, by 10 am. Late fees are $10 per day, including weekends.  Tuition paid in full actually gives each parent 4 free weeks of childcare per year.  How?  By paying on the first you are actually paying for 4.34 weeks per month, multiplied by 12 months equals 52 weeks of the year.  On this plan, you receive .34 days per month for free (multiplied by 12 months, equals 48 weeks per year, see 4 free weeks). If your childcare account remains unpaid for any reason, at any time,  Childcare must be suspended until all payments are made.  Teacher salaries, materials, insurance and other costs are paid by your tuition and teachers must be paid for their time and care of your child.     LATE FEES:  Late Charges: Are charged at $1.00 per minute, after your scheduled pick up time.   However, if you are in need of additional time, you must arrange this time in advance with the Directors.  Additional time will be charged, due at time of request. NSF checks are charge an additional $35.00 per check, plus all late charges and collection fees.  No checks from said client would be accepted after the center receives a NSF check.

PRESCHOOL ACTIVITIES: 

    Those who wish to participate in extra activities, such as outside lessons, these will also come with a small fee.  These fees are generally less than half of what the public pays.  You will be notified of these lessons/events in advance, giving you ample time to decide if you would like your child to participate.  These activities are always a blast and a great learning lesson too! 

VACATIONS:

   If you are to be on vacation when tuition is due, you must leave a post-dated check to be deposited on time.  Otherwise, your child’s space will not be held for you on your return.  All clients must give a one-month written notice of intent to take a vacation, otherwise it will be assumed that you have permanently vacated.School vacations: All school children must sign up for all ‘out of school’ days.  This notice must be turned in on the first of each month.  Space is limited and you cannot be guaranteed on the day that school is out.  Out of school times is charged at $35.00 extra per day, whether it is for a half day or for a full day.  Please take note of your child’s school calendar. 

HOLIDAYS:

Elite Kids will be closed for all legal holidays, except on Columbus and President’s Day.We will also be closed Thanksgiving and the day after and December 24^th, 25^th and 26^th.  Due to the nature of New Eve’s, we will be closed at 3:00 pm.  

NEWSLETTERS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Elite Kids will provide preschool parents with at least two letters per month, concerning the information and materials that your child will be learning.  In addition, a newsletter is provided on the Internet at elitekids.net each month, concerning activities, events, updates and reminders, for all clients. Please check the Client Boards daily for important information, along with your child’s cubbies and backpacks.  This information is provided for you and is your responsibility to obtain it.   The goal is to keep you as informed as much as possible.  

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:

Children are children; they are supposed to behave as children.  All children will act out at some time, as your providers it is our goal to help them figure out what it is they need.  We are trying to help the children to learn to respect others and understand limits as they learn appropriate ways of meeting their individual needs.  Every child has a right to their feelings and we will make every effort to let them express themselves in an appropriate manner.Corporal punishment or humiliation will never be used.  Staff will discipline in a way that retains the dignity of the children involved.  All discipline measures will be age appropriate.  Redirection will correct most situations.  After corrections, children will be allowed to express themselves and no child will be left to wonder what went wrong.Certain behaviors will not be tolerated.  (By adults or children) - Those are behaviors, which endangers your child, other children or anyone employed by Elite Kids, intentionally hurting others physically or emotionally, name-calling, foul language and maliciously destroying property.  You will be notified immediately if these behaviors occur & are expected to take swift action with your child to correct these situations.  If these behaviors continue, our agreement will be terminated, no monies will be returned.  A record will be kept in your child’s file of all behaviors that require more action & attention then just re-direction/ “time outs”. Parents are expected to cooperate when children are disruptive in preschool or at mealtime.  As a preschool, we are trying to prepare children for school.Elite Kids has a behavior modification program, which rewards children for positive behavior with stickers and prizes.  When needed, children will be able to choose a toy out of the toy box (as the dentist has) for their positive behavior.  I have found most children to be very enthuse with this program.  When picking up or dropping off your child at Elite Kids, you are expected to be the one to discipline them if they are acting inappropriately.  Many times a child will misbehave when their parent is here although they know their behavior is inappropriate.  This is normal as they are testing both authorities.  It has been our experience that when we correct/remind a child that their behavior is unacceptable and that the rules are still enforced when their parent is here, the parent generally says nothing.  This creates a situation the same as when one parent does not support/back up the other parent, which only leads to more “testing” from the child.  Therefore, you are responsible for their behavior when you are present.  If your child continues to be disruptive and intentionally “breaking the rules”, the director is required to call a meeting with the parents.             ·         Our discipline policy reflects a desire to establish a safe, happy environment for each child.  Most of the rules for the children are based on safety.  Our goal is to help children learn to respect others and understand limits as they learn appropriate ways of meeting their individual needs.  We believe that every child has the right to their own feelings, wants and needs, and we will definitely make every effort to let them express themselves.                      

SICK DAYS:

There is no reduction or return of fees for sick days or vacation days.  When not bringing in your child, you must call within an hour of your scheduled drop off time; otherwise your space is forfeited to a drop- in child for that day.  If you do not call at all, then it will be assumed that you have permanently vacated your spot. 

ILL CHILDREN:

As required by the State of Washington: Ill children are not to be in schools or daycare.  If your child becomes ill or arrives ill, you will be called and expected to pick up your child immediately.  If you are unable to arrive at the center immediately, you MUST send your emergency/back up person to the center.  Ill children will be separated from the other children and placed in an isolated area on their mat while waiting for their parents to pick them up.  This will provide the ill child with rest, while protecting the other children.  All materials that the child did or could have been in contact with will then be cleaned so as not to have the germs spread.  As required by law, a notice of the child’s illness will be placed in their file and a notice will be placed on the Parent Board to alert others.  All communicable disease will be reported to the Health Department at 546-8297.  Please review the enclosed Exclusion of Ill Children sheet. 

MEDICATION PROCEDURE:

Elite Kids will follow Washington State Law on giving medication to children.  All medication must be in its original container and properly labeled with the child’s full name, date prescription was filled or medication’s expiration date and legible instructions for administration.  Parents must then fill out a ‘Medication Sheet” authorizing the staff to give the medication.  This will be kept with the medication and signed and dated each time the child is given the medication.  This sheet will then be placed in the child’s file.  All medication must be taken home at the end of the “cycle”, as directed on the container.  It is the parents’ responsibility to take the medication home at this time, or it will be thrown away at closing time.  This is a Washington State Law.The following list of non-prescription medication can be given at Elite Kids with a medication sheet from the parent.  These medications will only be given as directed on the labels.  Do not bring in any medication without the container.  These are the only non-prescription medications that can be given a child without the written consent of a doctor:**Antihistamines**Non aspirin fever reducers/pain relievers**decongestants**anti-itching ointments or lotions, intended specifically  to relieve itching**diaper ointments or lotions**sun screen**non narcotic cough suppressants As with prescribe medication, medication can only be given for the length of the permission slip and must be thrown away immediately if not taken home by the parent.       EMERGENCIES:All staff is CPR and First Aid Certified.  These are updated every year and our cards can be viewed at any time.  If there is an accident/incident of any kind, you will be notified and an accident/incident report will be signed by all and kept in your child’s file.  If the accident/incident is more than bumps, bruises or minor cuts, our policy is to call 911 first, and then we will contact you. 

Examples:

**Child is cut by falling, etc.  We will control bleeding by placing a clean covering, such as sterile dressing, over the wound and applying pressure.  If no broken bones visible, we will elevate the area, if possible.  We will apply a bandage snugly over the dressing.  If the bleeding cannot be controlled, we will put pressure on the nearby artery (pressure point).  We will then immediately call 911 first, then you.  We will keep the child comfortable (physically and emotionally) until help arrives.  In addition, our hands will be immediately washed after taking care of the wound, as to avoid the spread of germs.**To control a nosebleed, we will have the child and/or help the child lean forward and pinch the top of the nose until bleeding stops.  Hands and area will be washed.**If a child falls hits their head on a solid object, we will check the area and look for signs of dilated pupils, etc.  You will be alerted immediately and asked to take your child to their doctor, if force is substantial.  911 may be called if there is any question to the amount of trauma sustained.  Your child will be kept comfortable until help arrives.**We also have an emergency alert box mounted by the door.  After turning it on, the voice will walk personnel through CPR, Rescue Breathing and Choking.  The service is available for infant, child and adult.  You are welcome to view/use it at anytime.

If you have any questions, please ask.

If it is a life-threatening emergency, 911 will be called immediately and another assistant will call the parent (s).  All procedures will be followed, correct forms will be filled out, licensor will be notified, etc.  The paramedics will decide when/if to take the child to the hospital. 

MEALS & SNACKS:

Elite Kids does not provide meals.  We Do provide Snacks and they have been approved by the Licensor, the Health Department and the USDA Food Program.  Children need to bring nutritious lunches, as teachers are not able to let children eat sugary items, etc.. Children may only bring treats for Birthday Parties and at other Holiday celebrations when posted.  As Per Washington State Law, any food item brought into the center must be purchased ONLY.  During parties and celebrations, there will be notes on the Client Board and in the lobby for everyone to participate in bringing goodies.All clients must return the enclosed sheet in your packet on “Food Allergies”, along with your other forms.  These will be posted in the Kitchen and their classrooms for all staff to see daily and a copy will be kept in your child’s file.

NAP TIMES:

All children 5 years and under will nap from 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm.  Children age 5, who do not fall asleep after 30 to 45 minutes will be allowed to rest with books or do quiet activities. 

TOILET TRAINING & HAND WASHING:

Elite Kids does participate in toilet training and diapering.  All clients are required to provide all supplies for their children.  You will be given a three-day notice when supplies are low.Younger children will be monitored to wash their hands: after use of the toilet; after coming inside from recess; before and after preschool; before and after meals and snacks and messy projects.  All children and staff will wash their hands upon entering the building.

SIGNING YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN IN AND OUT:

All clients MUST sign their child/children in and out of Elite Kids (notebook and on the computer).  This is a Washington State law and it is for you and your child’s safety.  Please read and sign the enclosed sheet, “Signing In and Out”.  Children are not permitted to sign themselves in and out at any time.Children can only be released to other persons, including family, if you have listed them on your registration form.  Parents are responsible for making changes to this sheet when needed.Elite Kids will not released any child whose parent/guardian/ride, appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, without calling 911.  Staff will place a notice in your file immediately and your contract will be terminated immediately, as this is a safety violation.

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES:

We do not practice any outright religious activities, here at Elite Kids.  As part of our multicultural and anti-bias curriculum, we will discuss how people around the world celebrate all holidays, along with other customs.  Children are encouraged to talk about their customs and celebrations.  We do not prohibit children from practicing their own religious activities at any time.   

CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECT:

Child abuse and/or neglect is defined by the Department of Licensing as: “injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person under circumstances indicating the child’s health, welfare, and safety is harmed”.  All child abuse and suspected child abuse/neglect will be reported to CPS immediately.  CPS telephone number is 421-6500, extension 5.  We will follow the recommendations of CPS in notifying the parents.  All members of Elite Kids will and are able to report any circumstances with or without the knowledge of ANY OTHER STAFF MEMBERS.  These are the laws of Washington State and must be adhered to always.

FREE ACCESS:

You are allowed and encourage visiting anytime your child is present.  We have monitors of each room in the office, which include sound.  These monitors are viewed by the directors throughout the day and may be viewed by you at any time.  Elite Kids does ask that you respect the children’s needs when coming at naptime or mealtime.  If your child/children become frantic when you are ready to leave (again) without them, you must then take them with you.  Younger children do not always understand a ‘visit’ and their needs must be attended to.

DISCRIMINATION:

Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, states: No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or handicap, shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”  We do not discriminate in employment practices or in the serving of clients, because of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability.  In areas where a child or staff member has a disability, we will make all accommodations for the child or assistant that is reasonable and to the very best of our ability.

TERMINATION OF SERVICES:

We believe that children need time to assimilate into a new setting and some special time for all involved to make this an easy transition.  You must give a one month written notice when canceling your contract with Elite Kids for any reason.  Unless you give a one month notice and fulfill that notice and tuition, you will be charged for an additional month’s tuition.  Immediate termination will apply in the event that there are behavior problems from the child or the parent, or a safety issue is involved, (no monies will be returned).

Elite Kids reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, at anytime for any reason. The relationship between the Client, Children and Elite Kids is a very close one, because children are involved.  Respect must be given in all directions.

 Staff:  All Staff has their CPR & First Aid cards updated each year.  To insure the safety of the children, staff has had complete criminal background checks before being employed at Elite Kids.  Staff has been tested for TB and has been trained in HIV and AIDS awareness.  

YOUR Child’s FILE:

When returning your file, make sure the following forms are completely filled out, before returning them to the Director.  Your child/children cannot attend unless all paperwork is returned and all forms are complete in your file.  Your file is due BEFORE your child starts at Elite Kids.**Policy Agreement/Contract Form**”About Your Child”          **Certificate of Immunization **Child Care Agreement**Allergery Form**Permission Authorization**Child Care Register**New Student Form**Medical Release Form**Field Trip Permission Form   ** Sign In/Out Sheet       Please bring in your Emergency Kit and your child’s preschool supplies, before you begin care. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Here at the center, we have an Employee Staff Handbook, which includes information available to the staff on behaviors, characteristics of children, etc.  These articles are also available to you, at any time.