Lunch And Snacks:
A hot lunch and two snacks are provided each day. Lunch menus for the month are available on or near the first day of the month. Lunch can be brought from home. It must be ready to eat; the teachers will not be able to heat or prepare any part of the lunch. Snacks are served in the morning and again after the rest period in the afternoon. Crackers, cereal, vegetables and fresh fruit are typical snacks. Fruit juice or milk is also served with each snack.
Rest Period:
Each afternoon we have a rest period from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. A cot is provided for this time, parents should provide a small pillow and blanket. The pillow and blanket will periodically be sent home for laundering. We understand that not all children require such a rest and may not sleep during that time. Those children who do not nap get up at 2:00 and choose a quiet activity.
Personal Hygiene:
All children enrolled in the childcare center must be toilet trained. They should be able to undress and dress themselves when using the washroom.
Absence And Illness :
If your child will be absent, please call us at the center to let us know. We miss them when they’re not here. Also, tell us if your child has been sick or complains that he doesn’t feel well; we welcome advice to help your child be more comfortable.
If your child has a fever, diarrhea, or a seriously runny nose due to illness, the child must stay home. If your child is sent home from the center with a fever or vomiting please do not send them back the next day. They should be fever-free and not have vomited for 24 hours before returning.
When there is a confirmed case of a communicable disease, a notice will be posted. We will not release the name of the child, who is ill, only the important facts about the illness that is involved.
Occasionally a child will become sick during the day. We will try to contact the parents or guardians first and then the emergency contact listed on the registration form.
Medicine:
All medicine must be clearly labeled with the child’s name and with the dosing instructions. Prescription medicine must be in the original container from the pharmacy. All medicine is to be handed directly to a staff member, so that it may be properly stored in the high cupboard. For the safety of your child and all the children, please do not put prescription or over- the- counter medicine, including cough drops, in your child’s backpack.
Keep Us Informed:
In order for us to properly understand and care for each child, the staff should be made aware when changes occur in the home. Situations such as separation or divorce of the parents, moving, the death of a family member, or the death of a pet can impact the behavior of a child. Being aware of these significant circumstances in a child’s life will help us be more understanding of difficult behavior in a child. Remember to keep us up to date on changes of address or home phone numbers, emergency contact phone numbers, or a change of employment.
Discipline:
For the safety and well being of all the children some form of discipline must be used. The most common form used is “time out.” This is used after a child has been asked to stop a particular behavior, has continued to repeat it, or when a well-established rule has been broken. The child will sit away from the activity of the other children, but always in the direct sight of or near a staff member. At the end of the time out period more appropriate behavior is discussed, the child is reminded not to repeat the action, and is allowed to return to the activity. Serious or repeated discipline problems could result in expulsion from CCDC by the Immanuel Board of Christian Child Development
Toys And Videos:
Any toy or item a child brings from home must be left in the child’s cubby. Children may bring soft items to use at naptime, but they will only come out at naptime.
Clothing:
Because accidents do happen, each child should have a complete change of clothes at CCDC. Each item should be labeled with the child’s name.
The CCDC is their “home away from home.” We like the children to feel comfortable here, to get involved and to feel free to play. Therefore we urge you to dress your child in comfortable play clothes. Children take great pride in being able to handle their own clothing. Therefore belts, overall fasteners, and tights can be difficult for some children to manage alone.
When weather permits we like to play outdoors or go for walks. Remember to dress your child “weather appropriate.” It may be helpful for some children to keep a sweater or sweatshirt at the center in case they feel cool.
Field Trips:
Throughout the year we try to take several field trips. All parents will be asked to sign a permission slip before a scheduled outing. On the day of the trip you may be asked to leave your child’s car safety seat if one is required. Typical outings have included visiting the parks, movie theater or fire station.
Religion:
Christian values are an everyday part of childcare. We say a prayer before snack and lunch, and at other times that may be appropriate. Bible stories and songs that teach the children about God’s love for them and that they are special are a part of our everyday curriculum.
Daily Schedule
- 6:30-8:45: Free choice. Children may eat the breakfast they bring in. Play is quiet until the groups break off to go to preschool.
- 8:45 - 9:00: Preschool day begins. Each teacher plans the day to meet the needs of the children in the group. Play and making choices are integral parts of the preschool day.
- 9:00 - 9:30: Small Group art activity
- 9:30 - 9:45: Mid-morning snack
- 9:45 - 10:00: Large group story/ learning activity
- 10:00 - 10:45: Small group learning activity
- 10:45 - 11:15: Music and / or games
- 11:15 – 11:30: Prepare for lunch
- 11:30 - 12:00: Lunch
- 12:00 - 12:45: Recess—free play in gym or on playground
- 1:00 - 2:30: Rest time: quietly on cots
- 2:30 - 3:00: Afternoon snack
- 3:30 - 5:45: Child-directed play until parents arrive