FAMILY HANDBOOK - Aa to Zz Child Care
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FAMILY
HANDBOOK
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 1 of 21TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME ........................................................................................................................ 3 MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................... 4 CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING............................................................................... 4 HOURS, ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE ......................................................................... 5 HOLIDAYS AND SCHOOL CLOSINGS ......................................................................... 6 PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES .................................................................................... 6 CURRICULUM .................................................................................................................. 8 REFERRALS FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES ............................................................... 8 INCLUSION AND SUSPENSION/EXPULSION REDUCTION PROCEDURE ............ 9 NUTRITION ..................................................................................................................... 10 BITING POLICY.............................................................................................................. 11 WHAT TO BRING ........................................................................................................... 11 CLASSROOM TRANSITIONS ....................................................................................... 12 TUITION AND FEES ...................................................................................................... 13 FAMILY RECORDS ........................................................................................................ 14 HEALTH........................................................................................................................... 15 CHILD ABUSE REPORTING ......................................................................................... 17 TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT............................................................................. 17 SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN ..................................................................................... 17 BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................ 18 EMERGENCY PLAN ...................................................................................................... 19 Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 2 of 21
WELCOME Dear Parents and Guardians, We would like to take a moment to say welcome! We are so excited that you have chosen our Center, whether it be for a new enrollment or touring for a potential enrollment. It is with great pride that we open our doors each and every morning. This is an important decision in the life of your child and it should be taken very seriously. Therefore we encourage you to visit (along with your child), spend some time in your child’s potential classroom and ask any and ALL questions. This will make it easier for both you and your child on their first day at Aa to Zz! You are more than welcome to talk to your child’s teacher at any time as well as the Center Director, Regional Director, and us. We, as owners, keep ourselves grounded to the day-to-day activities in our Centers. It is important to our administrative Staff to know as many of our families as possible and be there for them when necessary. With all that being said, again, welcome! We hope you enjoy your time at Aa to Zz. Sincerely, Ashleigh and Ryan Zimmerman, Owners Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 3 of 21
MISSION STATEMENT
We believe we can make the world a better place one child at a time! We have been entrusted
with a great responsibility in caring for them. At Aa to Zz Child Care and Learning Center ("Aa
to Zz") we strive to love and nurture the children while providing them with opportunities to
enhance their cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Our objective is to encourage the growth
of the whole child through developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities and experiences in a
positive, safe, and nurturing environment.
Our goal is to enhance the total growth and development of children. We do this by
concentrating on:
1. Promoting physical adeptness through running, climbing, balancing, and other large motor
skills,
2. Enhancing emotional development through expressiveness, self-sufficiency, self-worth,
acceptance, and positive discipline,
3. Enhancing social competence through consideration for others, cooperation, and relating to
adults and peers, and
4. Providing opportunities for cognitive learning, utilizing ideas, words, colors, numbers, and
decision-making.
Our objectives are:
1. To provide LOVE and ACCEPTANCE of children,
2. To convey to each child that they are important enough to talk with, play with and learn with,
and
3. To give them guidance, a balanced day, and to provide the necessary materials for a creative
atmosphere.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING
Aa to Zz Centers are licensed by the Department of Human Services ("DHS"). DHS is the state
agency that administers inspections and regulations for the operation of child care centers located
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ("PA"). Licensing reports for all PA child care centers are
available online at: www.dhs.state.pa.us.
Aa to Zz also participates in the Keystone STARS programs ("STARS"). STARS is a state-
administered quality assurance program for child care centers located in PA. Child care centers
may earn anywhere from a STAR 1 to a STAR 4 level, with STAR 1 being the entry level and
STAR 4 being the highest level. At each STAR level, programs shall meet certain research-based
quality standards that measure four areas that make a difference in the quality of care children
receive:
1. Staff Qualifications and Professional Development,
2. Early Care and Education Program,
3. Partnerships with Families and Communities, and
4. Leadership and Management
For more information on STARS, visit www.pakeys.org.
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 4 of 21HOURS, ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
In Dauphin & Lebanon counties, Aa to Zz is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through
Friday. In York county, Aa to Zz is open from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.
If your child is going to be absent or arrive after 10:00 A.M., please call into the Center; we like
to plan for lunch counts and activities. If there is an occasion when you are late picking up your
child, a fee shall be charged at the rate of two dollars ($2.00) per minute per child after 6:00 P.M.
Aa to Zz reserves the right to charge additional fees for those hours above and beyond your
contracted hours (per your Parent/Guardian Agreement). Families shall follow their contracted
days and hours. Aa to Zz may accommodate changes to contracted days and hours as it is able.
If/when a family needs to make a change to their contracted days and/or hours, the family shall
request that change in advance.
At some locations, Aa to Zz shall give parents/guardians a secure door code in order to enter the
Center. Aa to Zz may change these door codes periodically or at any other time. Aa to Zz
respectfully requests that parents/guardians refrain from holding the door open for others (i.e.
allowing others to "tailgate" behind them). Aa to Zz also respectfully requests that
parents/guardians refrain from sharing the door code with any other individual not listed on their
Emergency Contact form.
Parents/guardians shall sign their child in and out each and every time they drop-off and/or
pickup their child from the premises, using a fingerprint or code on the electronic biometric clock
located in the Center foyer. Parents/guardians shall accompany their child to and from their
classroom and check-in with the teacher to let them know of their arrival or departure; this is the
time for parents/guardians to discuss with their teacher any relevant information that would help
with their child during the day (i.e. sleeping irregularities, changes in the daily routine, etc).
Please plan on allowing enough time for your child to share a new discovery or creation with
you! Aa to Zz respectfully requests that parents/guardians refrain from using their cell phones
and/or taking pictures of children other than their own while on the premises.
Aa to Zz shall only allow adults (aged 16 or older) authorized by the family's Emergency Contact
form to pick-up children for departure. Aa to Zz may require anyone picking up a child to show
photo identification ("ID"). In the event that someone not listed on your Emergency Contact
form will be picking-up your child(ren), the parent/guardian shall provide Aa to Zz with written
or verbal permission in order to release your child(ren).
When dropping off and/or picking up, parents/guardians shall park their car in a marked parking
spot and turn it off before entering the Center. Aa to Zz shall not be responsible for items
damaged, lost and/or stolen.
In situations where there is a Custody Order in effect, the parents/guardians shall provide Aa to
Zz with a complete copy of the court order signed by a judge. Parents/guardians shall coordinate
drop-off and pickup per the terms of their Custody Order; Aa to Zz shall not interpret the terms of
the Custody Order. Aa to Zz reserves the right to refuse care when the terms of the Custody
Order are not clear, in dispute and/or open to interpretation. Aa to Zz shall contact local
authorities if necessary.
If Aa to Zz has reasonable cause to believe that an adult picking up is using, possessing,
distributing, buying/selling, soliciting and/or trading alcohol, illegal drugs and/or intoxicants, Aa
to Zz reserves the right to refuse pickup of the child(ren) and/or contact local authorities.
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 5 of 21HOLIDAYS AND SCHOOL CLOSINGS The Center is closed on the following holidays if the holiday falls on a weekday (i.e. Monday- Friday): • New Years Day • Good Friday • Memorial Day • Independence Day • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day • Day after Thanksgiving Day • Christmas Eve • Christmas Day • Day after Christmas Day Good Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the Day after Thanksgiving Day always fall on weekdays. New Year's Day, Independence Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the Day after Christmas Day may or may not fall on weekdays. On New Year’s Eve (i.e. the day before New Year's Day), the Center shall close early at 3:00 p.m. Aa to Zz is committed to providing the highest quality care possible; Staff training is essential to maintaining that quality. So, Aa to Zz shall be closed for two (2) Staff in-service days per year; at least a one (1) month advance written notice of these shall be given. Aa to Zz shall be open during inclement weather conditions for as long as safety permits; however, in the event of an emergency closing, please watch our Facebook page, check for an e- mail and/or text message from your Center Director, and/or call your specific Center to listen to the outgoing voicemail message. Parents/guardians who choose not to bring their child to the Center during inclement weather conditions shall notify Aa to Zz as soon as possible. An additional fee shall be charged for scheduled school closings, delays or early dismissals (i.e. holidays, in-service days, etc.). No additional fee shall be charged for unscheduled school closings, delays or early dismissals (i.e. emergencies, weather-related, etc.). PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES Research shows that a positive relationship between parents/guardians and teachers is very important to a child’s development. Children feel safe and well taken care of (and therefore are able to learn best) when they see the meaningful adults in their life working together. In addition, teacher and family partnerships help teachers to learn about the child and help parents/guardians feel good about leaving their children in someone else’s care. Our program is successful because we all work together. Please keep us informed of any changes or important information that will help us take better care of your child(ren). Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 6 of 21
Aa to Zz shall create a sense of partnership by inviting parents/guardians to be part of their
children’s learning experiences and by working with families, without judgment, to best support
each child’s development. Aa to Zz has an open-door policy; families are welcome at the Center
any day, any time during regular business hours to visit their own child(ren) in their classroom(s).
Families are also welcome to participate in Center activities and field trips (with clearances).
At each Aa to Zz Center there is a main bulletin board (i.e. "Parent Board") on which important
information is posted, such as updates, our calendar, schedule of activities, menu, and other items
of interest. Please be sure to check the Parent Board on a regular basis so that you are aware of
the happenings of the Center. Please also refer to our website for the most recent version of this
Family Handbook ("Handbook") along with other parent resource information: www.aatozz.com.
Each individual Aa to Zz classroom may also have another classroom-specific parent board
detailing daily activities.
Aa to Zz shall communicate with families both informally and formally as opportunities to build
positive relationships, learn about the child and family, and share information with families:
• Daily sheets/classroom boards
• Daily interactions at drop-off and pickup
• Center events (i.e. Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, holiday celebrations, etc.)
• Parent-teacher conferences
Your Aa to Zz Center may create a center-wide family-group to engage families and support their
participation in the education of their children and promote multi-cultural learning events.
Meetings shall utilize an agenda and a sign-in sheet. Aa to Zz may host an educational workshop
for families to address topics such as, but not limited to, positive interaction, literacy, cultural
awareness, and any other developmental needs based on the interest of enrolled families.
Aa to Zz shall support the language development and academic achievement of children who are
culturally and linguistically diverse. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• Using the family's home language while creating defined classroom play centers
• Using the family's home language in the classroom environment through learning materials
and teaching aids (i.e. posters, etc.)
• If necessary, providing enrollment paperwork and child evaluations in the family's home
language
• Being culturally sensitive to the family's needs during holidays and other classroom
celebrations
Aa to Zz shall help children explore and question individual differences including familiar and
non-familiar religious and belief systems. For example, children may be introduced to the
differences in cultures and religions by sharing stories, listening to music, praying at meals,
dancing, dramatic play, and cooking and eating new foods. This way, children learn to
understand that families are all different and by exploring and sharing these differences we can all
learn to appreciate and value the depth and diversity of each other's lives.
Aa to Zz shall host Parent-Teacher Conferences biannually. The Center Director shall post a
signup sheet indicating open times for conferences. Parents/Guardians may choose the option to
not have a conference and receive a copy of the child’s assessment information or developmental
checklist with observations. The purpose of a conference is for both the parents/guardians and
Teacher to share information about the child. Parents/Guardians shall be invited to be active
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 7 of 21participants through open-ended questions about their thoughts, goals, and concerns about their
child.
CURRICULUM
Aa to Zz implements a play and literacy based curriculum linking activities to the Pennsylvania
Learning Standards for Early Childhood. Aa to Zz strongly believes that learning happens
through play and hands-on experiences. Lesson plans are created by each individual teacher to
focus on the individual needs of each child. Aa to Zz utilizes the Creative Curriculum with
company-wide recommended activities pulled from many various resources. Resources include,
but are not limited to; Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System
("PDESAS"), Reggio Emilia resources, loose parts resources, various Montessori resources, Lisa
Murphy the Ooey Gooey Lady and www.learning4kids.net as well as many more education
websites, blogs, and print resources. Aa to Zz's lessons include but are not limited to literature,
songs and finger plays, gross motor activities, center enrichment activities, natural elements,
loose parts, process-oriented projects, play-based learning and routines and transitions (i.e. meals,
bathroom, outdoor play, etc.).
Electronic device policy:
Research shows that the use of electronic devices is not developmentally appropriate for use in
the classroom, especially the early childhood classroom, so Aa to Zz is screen-free and does not
permit the use of any electronic devices at the Center. Electronic devices include but are not
limited to: computers, televisions, phones, tablets, iPods, video games, etc. If a child is found
using an electronic device at the Center, Aa to Zz shall hold their device in the Center Director's
office for the parent/guardian to pick up. Please note though that school-aged children may have,
but not use, an electronic device in their book bag before and/or after school with parent/guardian
permission because school-aged children may be required to use their device in their public
school classroom. Aa to Zz is not responsible for damaged, lost and/or stolen electronic devices.
REFERRALS FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Throughout the observation and assessment process, Aa to Zz may notice signs of a
developmental delay or a parent/guardian may have concerns about the child’s development.
There may also be times when Aa to Zz might see an opportunity to support a child/family by
sharing information about special services that may be beneficial to them. Aa to Zz shall work
with parents/guardians to support the child and family in finding special services to meet the
child’s needs.
Special services may include support in the following areas:
• Social
• Mental health
• Educational
• Wellness and medical
Support to the family may include:
• Providing Staff training
• Providing families with child development information
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 8 of 21• Providing families with documentation of child’s development and explanations of why a
delay is suspected
• Sharing community resources
• Assisting in data collection as part of an evaluation
• Participating as invited in the development of an intervention plan
• Assisting in monitoring progress
• Working with community service providers to support the child and family
Policy and Procedure for Referring Families to Appropriate Services: If an enrolled child needs
to be referred for social, mental health, educational, wellness, or medical services which Aa to Zz
cannot provide based upon both formal assessment (Technical Assistance visits, Ages and Stages,
developmental checklists, etc) and/or informal assessment (anecdotal and running records,
observations, assessments, etc):
1. The family shall be notified both verbally (either over the phone or in person) AND in
writing,
2. Aa to Zz shall offer a meeting to discuss the concerns, based upon the formal and informal
assessments, of which copies shall be provided to the parents/guardians, and
3. Aa to Zz shall maintain regular communication with the family regarding the child’s progress
and shall offer any further assistance in linking the family with outside agencies as deemed
appropriate.
Individualized Education Plans ("IEPs") and Individualized Family Service Plans ("IFSPs") are
created by service providers working with children with special needs and include information
about the child’s needs. If a child has an IEP and/or IFSP, Aa to Zz may be invited to participate
in support meetings, at the family’s request. Aa to Zz requests that parents/guardians provide a
copy of the IEP and/or IFSP and/or notes from therapist sessions held at the Center (if applicable)
so we can work together with your family to ensure that the guidelines are put into practice and
your child's educational growth is promoted.
INCLUSION AND SUSPENSION/EXPULSION REDUCTION
PROCEDURE
Mission Statement: To create an environment of acceptance and understanding for all families
and to increase knowledge of potential barriers that cause suspension and expulsion in early
childhood education. Aa to Zz desires to give all children enrolled the best care possible and
shall take every reasonable opportunity to correct unfavorable behavior or conduct when working
with your child.
Aa to Zz and parents/guardians shall:
• Identify that a child or teacher is in need of support
• Collect data (i.e. incident reports, informal observations, behavior charts, etc.)
• Conduct a meeting and provide parents/guardians with support (i.e. early intervention contact
information, website references, etc.)
• Continue to collect data and complete a developmental screening (i.e. Ages & Stages
Questionnaire)
• Contact outside agencies (i.e. technical assistance, mental health, early intervention,
intermediate units, etc.)
• Conduct a follow-up meeting
• Continue to meet regularly to review progress and work towards a solution as necessary
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 9 of 21At any point before, during or after this Inclusion and Suspension/Expulsion Reduction
Procedure, Aa to Zz reserves the right to implement a "three (3) strike rule" and/or terminate
enrollment after thirty (30) days of the family not working with outside agencies to bring support
for their child(ren) into the Center. Examples of behaviors that may warrant disciplinary action
and/or a "strike" or warning include but are not limited to: punching, hitting, kicking, non-age-
appropriate biting, throwing objects with the intention of hurting someone or causing damage,
swearing, leaving the classroom unsupervised, etc.
Aa to Zz may welcome back a child who has previously had enrollment terminated once that
child has appropriate outside agency services approved and available.
Aa to Zz reserves the right to terminate care for any family that does not partner with us to follow
the Inclusion and Suspension/Expulsion Reduction Procedure outlined above and/or for
continued extreme behavior.
NUTRITION
Aa to Zz participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program ("CACFP"). CACFP is a
federally-funded, state-administered program that helps centers provide nutritional meals to
children throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
On a daily basis, Aa to Zz shall provide your child(ren) with breakfast, lunch, and snack. Meals
are provided at scheduled times each and every day; please be sure to see your Center Director
for scheduled meal times. Your child must be present during the scheduled meal time in order to
receive the meal.
Children shall not bring any outside food to the Center unless there is 1) a medical need and 2)
arrangements have been made with the Center Director in advance (i.e. birthday parties, special
events, etc.). If there is a special dietary/medical need, Aa to Zz must have a completed "Medical
Plan of Care for Child and Adult Care Food Program", including all applicable substitutions for
allergies. Parents/guardians shall notify Aa to Zz of any/all of their child(ren)'s food allergies.
CACFP enrollment forms shall be updated annually and/or any time there is a change in the
household dependents/income; each family shall complete a:
1. CACFP Child Enrollment Form,
2. CACFP Child Care Center Meal Benefit Income Eligibility Form, and
3. CACFP Infant Enrollment Form (if applicable).
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA") civil
rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights
activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact
the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of
hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 10 of 21877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than
English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at:
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter
addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To
request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter
to USDA by:
1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider ("EOP").
BITING POLICY
Biting is quite simply an act of oral stimulation and/or communication for many young children
who have not yet fully developed their language skills.
Aa to Zz shall do its best to prevent biting situations; however, biting is an age-appropriate and
expected behavior for children aged from birth to three (3) years. At Aa to Zz, we believe that by
understanding the developmental stages of a child and their individual needs, we can proactively
prevent many biting behaviors by controlling the environment which we create at the Center.
In order to hopefully prevent biting from reoccurring, if a child begins to bite the
parents/guardians of both the biter and the bitten shall be notified via an incident report and Staff
shall start a biting log based on observations to document the incidents in order to find the cause.
For example, the child may be teething, hungry, frustrated, struggling to communicate/lacking
language skills, stressed, and/or reacting to changes in their environment, etc. If a cause can be
determined, Staff and the family shall work together to address the situation.
Should a child bite and break skin more than once in the same day and/or be targeting a particular
peer, Aa to Zz reserves the right to send that child home for the day.
WHAT TO BRING
At all times each family shall provide the Center with the following items in a non-porous,
plastic-lined bag (in order to minimize the spread of disease):
• Two (2) full sets of weather-appropriate clothing (including socks and undergarments).
• Bedding for nap cot/mat (i.e. fitted crib sheet), a blanket, a pacifier, and a stuffed animal or
other "lovey" (optional). Infant fitted crib sheets shall be provided by the Center.
• A sufficient supply of diapers or pull-ups (cloth diapers are acceptable) and baby wipes.
• A sufficient supply of clean, sanitized infant bottles.
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 11 of 21• Toothbrush and toothpaste if you want their teeth brushed (see your Center Director as to
which classes participate).
• Appropriate seasonal items (i.e. rain coat, rain boots, snow suit, snow boots, hat, gloves,
sunscreen, etc). Children shall go outdoors every day (weather permitting) when the forecast
temperature/wind-chill are above twenty-five (25) degrees Fahrenheit, the forecast
temperature/heat index is less than ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit, there is no precipitation
falling, and there is no current air quality alert.
Please refer to your classroom-specific welcome letter for a more detailed list of what to bring.
Please mark the name of your child on each and every item you bring into the Center. Neither Aa
to Zz nor its Staff shall be held liable for any items brought from home. Aa to Zz prefers that
children's items - other than the ones listed above - remain at home. Staff shall keep any
unnecessary items brought from home until the end of the day. Staff shall notify families of any
sharing or "show and tell" days.
You are welcome to send in a special home-baked or store-bought treat to the Center to celebrate
your child's birthday. Aa to Zz simply asks that you please let us know ahead of time, be sure to
provide enough for each child in the class, and be mindful of any/all allergies.
Items that are not allowed in the Center under any circumstances include, but are not limited to,
weapons, gum, candy, money, hand sanitizer and electronic devices. Aa to Zz reserves the right
to inspect and search any/all items brought into the Center (i.e. child backpacks, infant diaper
bags, etc). Parents/guardians shall ensure that their child(ren) do not bring any of the above
disallowed items to the Center.
CLASSROOM TRANSITIONS
Aa to Zz shall do its best to make your child’s transition into child care a positive and exciting
experience. Aa to Zz shall work with your family to ensure the smoothest possible transition
occurs as new routines and new faces are introduced. Children shall be transitioned to the next
classroom based on a combination of factors; age, developmental readiness, DHS regulations,
space availability in other classrooms, and at what age your child will enter grade school.
As a child prepares to transition from one classroom to the next, the Teacher and/or Center
Director shall provide families with a copy of the Classroom Welcome Letter and age appropriate
Classroom Transitioning Information sheets.
Prior to your child’s first day at Aa to Zz, you shall have an opportunity to tour the Center, meet
the Staff, meet your child’s friends, and communicate your expectations.
When your child is ready to transition into a new educational setting, Aa to Zz shall do its part to
assist with that transition. Teachers/Center Directors shall facilitate your family's transitions into
other educational settings:
1) Teachers/Center Directors shall obtain information from your family's school district about
important dates and events (i.e. first & last day of school, Kindergarten registration, holidays,
in-service days, other days closed, etc.) and shall share that information as necessary.
2) Teachers/Center Directors may also provide information to your family about their upcoming
year (i.e. a tour of the new elementary school, introducing the children to their new teacher,
approaches for how to talk to your child about the transition, etc).
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 12 of 213) Teachers/Center Directors shall work with local school districts to share any/all information
as necessary (with approval from the parents/guardians). Parents/guardians may provide a
written request to transfer a child's files to any other educational setting.
When possible, Aa to Zz strives to keep children together with their class and move them all at
once. Building close friendships is a part of their daily routine and we prefer to let them
experience things together. Classroom promotions typically occur annually in August.
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition:
Aa to Zz shall charge an initial registration fee at the rate of fifty dollars ($50.00) per new child or
seventy-five dollars ($75.00) per new family. Aa to Zz shall also charge a returning registration
fee annually going forward in August at the rate of thirty dollars ($30.00) per returning child or
fifty dollars ($50.00) per returning family. Aa to Zz shall not charge a returning registration fee
in August for a new child or new family who enrolls on or after June 1st (i.e. for summer camp).
At the time of registration, in addition to the registration fee, the first week's worth of tuition is
also due. All tuition is prepaid and is due each and every week on Wednesday by 6:00 P.M. for
the following week of care (Monday-Friday), regardless of any/all days the Center may be open
or closed and regardless of any/all days that your child(ren) do not attend the Center. Aa to Zz
shall refuse service for any child(ren) whose tuition is not paid in full on or before the following
Monday at drop-off. Tuition contracts are week-to-week and may be cancelled at any time for
any reason or no reason by:
1. Aa to Zz with no notice or
2. The parent/guardian with two weeks' advance written notice.
Parents/guardians shall pay their tuition by cash, check, credit card swipe in the Center foyer or
Tuition Express ("TE"). Aa to Zz shall provide a receipt for a payment only upon request from
the parent/guardian. Parents/guardians shall keep a current and completed TE form on file at the
Center. TE processes each and every week on Wednesday and automatically charges weekly
tuition to the checking account or credit card of your choice. TE saves parents'/guardians' time
writing checks each week, avoids late payments, offers e-mailed receipts, and makes online
payment history available. Please see your Center Director for an enrollment form or visit
www.tuitionexpress.com for more information.
In situations where there is a Custody Order in effect, the parents/guardians shall coordinate
directly with each other to ensure that their tuition is paid each and every week. Aa to Zz shall
not interpret the terms of the Custody Order in order to determine which parent's/guardian's
responsibility it is to pay for any given week.
Aa to Zz shall provide you with a copy of the Weekly Tuition Scale, which is also available on
our website at: www.aatozz.com. Tuition rates are subject to change at any time for any reason;
however, they are usually increased once annually in August. Aa to Zz's tuition rates are based
upon assigned classroom (not age of the child). The Aa to Zz Weekly Tuition Scale assumes a
maximum of ten (10) hours of care per day. There shall be a charge of ten dollars ($10.00) per
hour for anything over the ten (10) hour daily maximum.
Fees:
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 13 of 21Late payments shall be charged a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) per day.
Returned checks shall be charged a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) (please note that this fee is
in addition to any fee that your bank may charge your account on your end).
Late pickups shall be charged a fee of two dollars ($2.00) per minute per child after 6:00 P.M.
Outstanding tuition balances shall be charged a fee of six percent (6%) interest.
All payments made to Aa to Zz (tuition, fees, etc.) are non-refundable.
Referral and Vacation Policies:
An existing family who refers a new family shall receive a one hundred dollar ($100.00) credit
towards their tuition once the new family has been enrolled with Aa to Zz for one (1) month.
Both families shall be currently enrolled with Aa to Zz, in good standing, and have a zero balance
on their account in order for the credit to be honored. Aa to Zz reserves the right to not pay any
credit for any reason at any time.
Aa to Zz shall allow one (1) free vacation week per calendar year after six (6) months of
continuous enrollment, for scheduled vacations, with a two (2) week advance written notice.
Valid for full-time enrollments only with a zero dollar ($0.00) balance on the account. Week
must be used in its entirety (i.e. five (5) consecutive weekdays) all at once and child(ren) may not
be at Center any day during that week. Not valid during the last two (2) weeks of enrollment.
Not valid for part-time enrollments or those only enrolled in summer camp.
Year-End Statements:
Upon request, Aa to Zz shall provide a parent/guardian with their family's year-end statement
(a.k.a. "tax statement") which shows the total amount they spent on child care expenses during
the previous calendar year. Please note that Aa to Zz is under no legal obligation and not
required by law to distribute year-end statements; the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has
placed the burden of tracking child care expenses on individual taxpayers, not on child care
providers. Aa to Zz provides year-end statements solely as a courtesy for our families whose
accounts are current with us. A family who owes Aa to Zz a balance shall bring that balance to
zero in order to receive their year-end statement. Aa to Zz only accepts cash, money orders, and
credit cards (Visa, Mastercard & Discover) in order to receive year-end statements. Aa to Zz
does not accept checks in order to receive year-end statements. Any family requesting a paper,
mailed copy of their year-end statement shall provide Aa to Zz with a self-addressed, stamped
envelope. Aa to Zz's employer identification number ("EIN") is: 20‐1229785.
FAMILY RECORDS
Families shall work with Aa to Zz to ensure that any/all required paperwork for their family
records is completed in a timely fashion.
• Parent/Guardian Agreements shall be completed at least once every six (6) months and also
as changes are necessary.
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 14 of 21• Emergency Contact forms shall be updated at least once every six (6) months and also as
changes are necessary. Aa to Zz reserves the right to verify that any/all people listed as
emergency contacts are also not listed on the Megan's Law website
(www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us). Aa to Zz shall not permit on our premises anyone who is
listed as a registered sex offender.
• Health Assessment forms shall be completed by a licensed physician and submitted to Aa to
Zz within thirty (30) days of enrollment and also updated with Aa to Zz with each well-child
visit.
Center volunteers and field trip chaperones shall provide Aa to Zz with copies of their current
clearances.
Aa to Zz reserves the right to refuse care to any family who does not provide the Center with
current, completed records.
HEALTH
Child Health Assessments: All Aa to Zz families shall provide a current, completed Child Health
Assessment form with a record of immunizations for each and every child enrolled.* The Child
Health Assessment form is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mandated requirement. Each
family may choose to use a) the form that is available to them upon request at the Center or b) the
form that their individual doctor uses. Regardless of which form a family chooses to use, a
current, completed form signed by a physician is due within thirty (30) days of enrollment and is
also due going forward thereafter as follows:
• For infants and young toddlers (aged 6 weeks to 24 months), child health assessments shall
be updated at least once every six (6) months and
• For older toddlers until admission to grade school (aged 24 months and up), child health
assessments shall be updated at least annually.
• *A family that chooses to not vaccinate (i.e. for medical or religious reasons and/or strong
moral or ethical convictions, etc.) shall provide Aa to Zz with a current, completed
Exemption from Immunization form that shall be provided to them by their individual doctor.
Aa to Zz reserves the right to not enroll a family that chooses to not vaccinate.
Child Illness Policy: Aa to Zz understands that children get sick and we also understand that it
may be difficult for parents and/or guardians to leave work; however, for the protection of other
children and Staff and families, sick children are not permitted at the Center. Aa to Zz reserves
the right to refuse care to a child who appears ill.
• Children who have the following symptoms on any day shall not be accepted at the Center
and/or shall be sent home:
• Vomiting,
• Diarrhea,
• Fever over one hundred (100) degrees Fahrenheit,
• Unexplained rash (i.e. hand-foot-and-mouth disease), or
• Other - discharging eyes and/or ears (i.e. pink eye), evidence of head lice or other
parasites (i.e. bed bugs), etc.
• A child may return to the Center under the following conditions:
• Symptom-free for twenty four (24) hours or
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 15 of 21• Conjunctivitis has been treated with an antibiotic for at least twenty four (24) hours and
has stopped oozing or
• Fever-free for at least twenty four (24) hours without fever-reducing medication or
• A doctor's note stating the child may resume group care has been provided.
• In the event that a child becomes ill throughout the day, parents/guardians shall be contacted.
If Aa to Zz is unable to reach the parents/guardians, emergency contacts shall be notified. Aa
to Zz shall do its best to try to keep an ill child as comfortable as possible until the
parent/guardian arrives. Should a parent/guardian be unable to pick up their ill child within
one (1) hour, they shall make arrangements for their ill child to be picked up by someone else
from their list of emergency contacts.
Prescription Medications: Aa to Zz understands that children may require prescription
medications while in our care. Aa to Zz shall administer prescription medications when
absolutely necessary. Aa to Zz's policy regarding prescription medications is to be strictly
adhered to or Staff shall not be able to administer prescription medications. The following
requirements apply to the administration of prescription medications:
• A prescription medication shall be accepted only in an original container; the label shall
identify the:
• Name of the medication,
• Name of the child for whom it is prescribed,
• Name and telephone number of the prescribing physician,
• Dosage amount,
• Times to administer,
• Dates of administration, and
• Any/all special instructions (i.e. symptoms signaling the need for the administration of
the prescription medication, the prescription medication indicators, reasons to withhold
the prescription medication).
• A parent/guardian shall provide written consent for the administration of prescription
medication(s) by completing a medication log; the parent/guardian shall provide Aa to Zz
with written instructions from the physician who prescribed the prescription medication
(instructions contained on a prescription label are acceptable).
• Aa to Zz strongly encourages parents/guardians to schedule any/all prescription medications
to be administered before and/or after Center hours.
• Aa to Zz shall not administer non-prescription (i.e. over the counter) medications (i.e.
Tylenol, Orajel, Motrin, Benadryl, gas drops, etc).
• If a child has a life-threatening illness (i.e. allergy, asthma, etc.), Aa to Zz shall require the
child's family to provide a special health care plan created by their doctor in order to be
enrolled and Aa to Zz shall follow that special health care plan. If the child's doctor does not
provide a special health care plan form, the child's family may obtain a blank one from Aa to
Zz.
Medical Emergency: In the event of a medical emergency, parents/guardians shall be contacted
and medical attention, if necessary, shall be sought. In the absence of a parent/guardian, an Aa to
Zz Staff member shall accompany the child to the hospital with a copy of the Emergency Contact
Form. In the event of the administration of first aid, parents/guardians may be contacted and
medical attention, if necessary, may be sought. An incident report shall be completed; a copy
shall be given to the parent/guardian and a copy shall be placed in the child’s file.
Hand washing & hygiene: Aa to Zz shall help each child with hand washing at drop off, after
each toileting, before and after all meals and snacks, when coming back into the Center from
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 16 of 21outside and after sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose. Aa to Zz shall remind children to
refrain from sharing cups or bottles, eating utensils, and combs or brushes.
Toilet Training: Aa to Zz shall assist parents/guardians and children with toilet training. In order
to minimize many of the variables surrounding children and toilet training, Aa to Zz encourages
parents/guardians to maintain open lines of communication with the child’s teachers. During this
period, parents/guardians shall continue to provide diapers/pull-ups and several changes of
clothing (accidents are a frequent occurrence during this time).
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING
Aa to Zz Staff are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect, as defined by
State and Federal laws. At the State level, child abuse and neglect may be defined in both civil
and criminal statutes. Per www.childwelfare.gov, at the Federal level, the Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Act ("CAPTA") defines child abuse and neglect as: "Any recent act or
failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or
emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an
imminent risk of serious harm." If an Aa to Zz Staff suspects child abuse and neglect as defined
above, in order to maintain confidentiality, our Staff are not required to inform Aa to Zz and/or
the family of the report.
The child protective service agency shall determine the necessary action and may or may not
conduct an investigation. In addition, Aa to Zz may or may not conduct an internal investigation.
If an investigation is conducted, the child protective service agency and/or Aa to Zz shall 1)
determine whether the report is founded or unfounded and 2) work with the family to ensure the
child's needs are met. Aa to Zz shall cooperate fully with any child protective service agency
investigation and shall maintain confidentiality concerning any report of child abuse and neglect.
TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT
The parent/guardian shall give a two-week advance written notice in order to terminate
enrollment; failure to do so shall result in being billed for two weeks' worth of tuition, fees, etc.
All payments made to Aa to Zz (tuition, fees, etc.) are non-refundable.
Aa to Zz reserves the right to remove any child or parent/guardian from the Center and terminate
care effective immediately for any individual who displays abusive, inappropriate and/or violent
behavior towards any other Staff, child or family member or behavior that is contrary to
established policies and/or state regulations or detrimental to the best interest of the children
enrolled or for any other reason at Aa to Zz's discretion without refund of any/all payment(s)
made.
At termination of enrollment, Aa to Zz is happy to offer - at the family's request - a
parent/guardian conference for the family to discuss 1) things that they liked about the Center, 2)
things that they think that the Center needs to improve upon, and/or 3) anything else regarding
their experience with Aa to Zz.
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 17 of 21A teacher shall always be within range to “See, Hear, Assess and Direct” all children at all times. No child shall be left unattended at any time. Parents shall walk their child to their classroom in the morning. Aa to Zz understands that other family members/emergency contacts may drop off or pick up. Parents shall make their other family members/emergency contacts aware of this policy as well. Aa to Zz cannot have any child wandering around the building/premises without proper supervision. Teachers at times have forms for parents/guardians to sign or review, so parents/guardians shall make it a point to see/greet their child's teacher daily! Parents/guardians shall not send their child alone to get their belongings at pick up time. Parents/guardians shall walk with their child to get their items from their classroom/cubby. This is a good time for parents/guardians to look through their child's items and to read their child's classroom parent board for any important information. Parents/guardians shall make sure a Staff member sees their child leaving with them as well. Aa to Zz keeps head count records for each classroom; we need to make sure we have the right number of children in care at all times! In order to ensure that your child(ren) are properly supervised at all times, Aa to Zz respectfully requests that parents/guardians refrain from using their cell phones during drop off and pick up. Parents/guardians shall clock their child in and out on the ProCare computer kiosk in the Center foyer. If you are having issues, please stop by the office and we'll be happy to assist you. Clocking your child in and out is very important as we use the attendance records from the computer system daily to ensure we have proper classroom attendance. If you have a family member/emergency contact who needs to be fingerprinted, please have them stop by the office with their ID and we will get them set up. Aa to Zz thanks you for your constant support and understanding as we strive to keep our Center a safe, healthy and happy environment for all! BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT A child learns positive behavior through example and education. Positive behaviors are rewarded with praise, smiles, hugs and encouraging words. Often, reminding the child of our rules and redirecting behavior is enough to manage the situation. Behavior management (commonly referred to as "discipline") is based on the individual need of the child, the ability of each child to understand what he/she is doing, and the consequences of their actions. Aa to Zz shall use positive behavior management techniques (i.e. positive reinforcement, redirection, etc.) which demonstrate respect for the child and are directed toward helping the child develop self-esteem, self-control and social competence. Aa to Zz shall not use corporal/physical punishment, degrading verbal punishment and extended isolation because they are not consistent with positive behavior management techniques. When behavior management is necessary, Aa to Zz shall work with the family to ensure it is clear, consistent, and understandable to the child. Behavior management shall not be used as a punishment, but rather only as an opportunity for the child to take a break from the group to self-regulate, calm down, reflect, problem solve, and “think” about his/her behavior in a positive, relaxing atmosphere. Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 18 of 21
EMERGENCY PLAN
For the safety and welfare of the children at Aa to Zz, we have an Emergency Plan in place. Our
plan provides for response to all types of emergencies. Depending on the circumstance of the
emergency, Aa to Zz shall use one of the following protective actions:
• Immediate evacuation: children are evacuated to a safe area on the grounds of the facility
in the event of a fire, etc. In case of inclement weather, we may then proceed indoors at a
neighbor’s.
• In-place sheltering: sudden occurrences, weather or hazardous materials related, may
dictate that taking cover inside the building is the best immediate response.
• Evacuation: total evacuation of the facility may become necessary if there is a danger in
the area. In this case, children will be taken to a relocation facility. We currently have
two (2) available for each Center and three (3) available for each Center within a ten (10)
mile radius of nuclear power plant Three Mile Island ("TMI"), they are as follows:
o Emergency Relocation Facility A (local):
Aa to Zz's Dover Center shall relocate to: Weiglestown Elementary
School, 3205 Carlisle Rd., Dover, PA 17315
Aa to Zz's 40 S. John St. Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care,
205 S. John St., Hummelstown, PA 17036
Aa to Zz's 205 S. John St. Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care,
40 S. John St., Hummelstown, PA 17036
Aa to Zz's Palmyra Center shall relocate to: Parks & Company, 815 E.
Arch St., Palmyra, PA 17078
Aa to Zz's Queen St Center shall relocate to: Country Inn & Suites, 245
St. Charles Way, York, PA 17404
Aa to Zz's Route 39 Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 391
Schaffner Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17112
Aa to Zz's Schaffner Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 88 S.
Hershey Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17112
Aa to Zz's Swatara Center shall relocate to: Active Networks, 5110
Lancaster St., Harrisburg, PA 17111
Aa to Zz's West York Center shall relocate to: York Christian
Fellowship, 110 Weldon Dr., York, PA 17404
o Emergency Relocation Facility B (regional):
Aa to Zz's Dover Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 2498 W.
Philadelphia St., York, PA 17404
Aa to Zz's Hummelstown Centers shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care,
391 Schaffner Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17112
Aa to Zz's Palmyra Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 391
Schaffner Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17112
Aa to Zz's Queen St Center shall relocate to: Locust Grove Elementary
School, 3620 E. Prospect Rd., York, PA 17402
Aa to Zz's Route 39 Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 40 &
205 S. John St., Hummelstown, PA 17036
Aa to Zz's Schaffner Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 40 &
205 S. John St., Hummelstown, PA 17036
Aa to Zz's Swatara Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 40 S.
John St., Hummelstown, PA 17036
Aa to Zz's West York Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 3350
Alta Vista Rd., Dover, PA 17315
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 19 of 21o Emergency Relocation Facility C (nuclear):
Aa to Zz's Hummelstown Centers shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care,
817 E. Arch St., Palmyra, PA 17078
Aa to Zz's Route 39 Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 817 E.
Arch St., Palmyra, PA 17078
Aa to Zz's Schaffner Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 817 E.
Arch St., Palmyra, PA 17078
Aa to Zz's Swatara Center shall relocate to: Aa to Zz Child Care, 817 E.
Arch St., Palmyra, PA 17078
o If it ever becomes necessary to relocate, a sign will be posted on the door stating
which facility we’ve gone to (A, B or C).
o If you’re not sure how to get there, please ask for directions before there is an
emergency.
• Modified Operation: May include cancellation/postponement or rescheduling of normal
activities. These actions are normally taken in case of a winter storm or building
problems (such as utility disruptions) that make it unsafe for children, but may be
necessary in a variety of situations.
Please watch our Facebook page, check for an e-mail and/or text message from your Center
Director, and/or call your specific Center to listen to the outgoing voicemail message for
announcements relating to any of the emergency actions listed above.
We ask that you not call our Emergency Relocation Facility (i.e. A, B or C above) during the
emergency. This will keep the main telephone line free to make emergency calls and relay
information.
The Center director may provide an alternate phone number (i.e. cell phone number, etc.) to call
in an emergency event.
Upon enrolling in the Center you have filled out a form designating persons to pick up your child.
Please ensure that only those persons listed on this form attempt to pick up your child.
We specifically urge you not to attempt to make different arrangements during an emergency.
This will only create additional confusion and divert the Staff from their assigned emergency
duties.
In order to assure the safety of your children, we ask for your understanding and cooperation.
Should you have any questions regarding our emergency operation procedures contact the Center.
The provisions of this Handbook shall not create a contract, either explicit or implied, between Aa to Zz
Child Care and Learning Center, Inc. ("Aa to Zz") and any of its parents/guardians. The only contract,
either express or implied, between Aa to Zz and any of its parents/guardians shall be the
Parent/Guardian Agreement. This Handbook supersedes all prior Handbooks and sets forth Aa to Zz's
currently established family policies and procedures related to the care of children at its Centers. This
Handbook may be unilaterally changed, at any time, at the discretion of Aa to Zz; the most recent
version is available on our website: www.aatozz.com. Enrollment with Aa to Zz is week-to-week and may
be terminated at any time for any reason or no reason by Aa to Zz with no notice or by the
parent/guardian with two weeks' advance written notice. Aa to Zz is an EOP.
Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 20 of 2188 S. Hershey Rd. (Rt. 39) 391 Schaffner Dr. 5120 Lancaster St. Harrisburg, PA 17112 Harrisburg, PA 17112 Harrisburg, PA 17111 717-540-0505 717-583-0300 717-920-2221 817 E. Arch St. 40 S. John St. 3350 Alta Vista Rd. Palmyra, PA 17078 Hummelstown, PA 17036 Dover, PA 17315 717-838-5433 717-566-1488 717-767-4043 2498 W. Philadelphia St. 215 St. Charles Way York, PA 17404 York, PA 17402 717-792-6700 717-741-5426 SUBJECT: Nondiscrimination in Services TO: Parents/Guardians FROM: Ashleigh Zimmerman, Owner Admissions, the provisions of services, and referrals of clients shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, or Limited English Proficiency. Program services shall be made accessible to eligible persons with disabilities through the most practical and economically feasible methods available. These methods include, but are not limited to, equipment redesign, the provision of aides, and the use of alternative service delivery locations. Structural medications shall be considered only as a last resort among available methods. Any individual/client/student (and/or their parent/guardian) who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint of discrimination with any of the following: Aa to Zz Child Care and Learning Center, Inc. PO Box 555 Hershey, PA 17033 Department of Health Services PA Human Relations Commission Bureau of Equal Opportunity Harrisburg Regional Office Room 223, Health & Welfare Building 333 Market Street – 8th Floor PO Box 2675 Harrisburg, PA 17104 Harrisburg, PA 17105 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights Suite 372, Public Ledger Bldg. 150 South Independence Mall West Philadelphia, PA 19106-9111 Last updated: 5/3/2018 Page 21 of 21
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