FAMILY HANDBOOK - The Children's Center
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FAMILY
HANDBOOK
721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (Stevens Ave cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021Table of Contents
Resolution of the Board of Directors at The Children’s Center 3
MISSION STATEMENT 4
INTRODUCTION 4
HISTORY 4
PHILOSOPHY 5
ORGANIZATION 5
DECISION MAKING 6
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 6
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 6
STATEMENT OF RESEARCH 7
ENROLLMENT 7
Classrooms, Ages & Ratios 8
CHILD VISITS 8
CALENDAR 8
DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY 9
CONFLICT RESOLUTION WITH CHILDREN 9-10
PARKING 11
ENTRY & SECURITY 11
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE 11
LATE PICK UP 12
TUITION & BILLING 12
FAMILY COMMUNICATION 13
Home Visits 13
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021Transitions 13
Daily Communication 14
Family Conferences 15
Diapering & Potty Training 15
Communication and Solicitation Policy 16
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT 17
FIELD TRIPS 17
PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES 17
FOOD 18
BIRTHDAYS 19
SNOW DAYS 19
HEALTH & ILLNESS POLICIES 19
Vaccination/Exclusion Protocol 20
BROKEN BONES POLICY 21
MEDICATION 21
SPECIAL MANAGEMENT TREATMENT & CARE 21
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 22
FIRE DRILLS & EVACUATION 22
RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 23
CHILD ABUSE POLICY 23
RECORDS MANAGEMENT 24
WHAT TO BRING 24
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021Resolution of the Board of Directors at The Children’s Center
Adopted August 2, 2006
The Children’s Center admits children of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally
accorded or made available to children at the Center and that the Center does not discriminate on the basis of
race in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and
athletic or other Center administrative programs.
The Children's Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, or ethnic origin in the
administration of its policies or the admission of children.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021MISSION STATEMENT
Children at play are the cornerstone of our center of excellence. Our teachers provide a vibrant learning
environment that nurtures curiosity and bravery through hands-on learning. Our school thrives with the support
of engaged parent volunteers and alumni. Together we provide an enduring foundation for lifelong learning.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Children's Center, a licensed infant, toddler and preschool program, serving children
6 weeks to 6 years of age. The Center provides families from the Greater Portland area with an outstanding
early childhood development program. We offer an enhanced child-staff ratio. As a training site for early
childhood education students, staff and children benefit from their fresh insights, knowledge and enthusiasm.
The Children's Center also has a spacious and well-equipped outdoor play yard. The Center is open year
round, and takes several breaks for children’s rest and renewal as well as staff professional development.
HISTORY
The Children’s Center is located across the street from the old Westbrook College Campus, and this is where it
had its start. In the late 1970’s, the Westbrook College Women’s Center voiced a need for quality childcare on
the college campus. As a result, in 1978, Westbrook College Children’s Center opened its doors in the basement
of Ginn Hall with one preschool room. In the fall of 1978, the Center moved to 721 Stevens Avenue, which
allowed the program to develop a second full-day childcare program and a half-day nursery school. In 1980,
Westbrook College began the associate degree program in early childhood education, and the Center became the
laboratory school for training. Shortly following, in 1982, the toddler program was initiated for children 18
months to 3 years of age. Beginning in September 1992, Westbrook College began a baccalaureate degree
program in Human Development, with a concentration in Early Childhood. In 1996, based on parent requests,
the full-day certified program began. Subsequently, Westbrook College merged with the University of New
England in Biddeford. The Portland campus, formerly known as Westbrook College, became the University of
New England/Westbrook College campus.
In the spring of 2000, the University’s Department of Education determined that it would no longer offer a
major in ECE. The University decided it no longer needed an early childhood laboratory school on campus. As
a result, a group of parents and Center staff formed a non-profit corporation “The Children’s Center” in order to
take over the Center from UNE. On July 1, 2000, the University transferred to TCC the land and building at 721
Stevens Avenue, its contents and the day-to-day operations of the Children’s Center.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021PHILOSOPHY
We assume that each individual, regardless of age, is unique and has his/her own temperament and learning
style. The individual brings this uniqueness into each new experience and takes an active role in the process of
learning. We learn not by being told about the world by older or more experienced people, but through our
actions and interactions with people and things. We learn by testing out our "theories" about the world and
adjusting our thinking based on our own discoveries. We believe that individuals are capable of active learning
throughout the lifespan.
We believe that the "theories" children construct about how the world operates, form the foundation for more
complex skills of reading, writing, mathematical and social/moral reasoning (e.g., how blocks can be stacked to
build a bridge; how to obtain a toy that someone else is using; when to stop pouring milk so it won't spill). We
can best facilitate development by giving children a wide range of opportunities to actively explore, manipulate,
question and discover.
ORGANIZATION
The Children’s Center administration consists of an Executive Director, Assistant Director and a part time
bookkeeper. The Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Center, staff hiring and supervision,
compliance with Maine licensing and NAEYC regulations, enrollment and overall program development and
evaluation. The Assistant Director reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for assisting with
day-to-day operations, curriculum implementation, staff support, maintaining children’s files, answering
phones, scheduling tours and other duties relative to site management, i.e. office, kitchen and general classroom
supplies and compliance with Maine licensing and NAEYC regulations. The bookkeeper reports to the director
and is responsible for the operating budget; tuition billing and revenue reports.
The classroom teachers are responsible for the overall program design, classroom functioning and student
supervision. Classroom teachers work together in carrying out the curriculum for children. Teachers are the
most important component of an early childhood development program. Teachers require a firm foundation in
child development and a thorough understanding of how developmental theories translate into rich and
rewarding classroom experiences. Warmth, patience, a sense of humor and sensitivity to the individual needs
of each child and family are qualities we share, along with a strong commitment to the field of early
childhood education.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021The Children’s Center’s Board of Directors sets the policies and oversees the budget for the Center.
The Board is responsible for the long term fiscal health of the Center while always maintaining the highest
standards of early childhood education. The Board may engage in fundraising and grant writing activities, as
necessary. The Board must approve any purchase on capital expenditures in excess of $1000.00. The Board is
also responsible for evaluating and hiring the Executive Director.
DECISION MAKING
The Children’s Center policy is set by the Board of Directors, with input from the Director, staff and parents
when appropriate. There are both standing and ad-hoc board committees that inform decision making. The
Executive Director is responsible for day to day program decisions and maintaining a process that assures
staff input. All teachers function as part of a professional team that meets regularly and have responsibilities
for program planning and implementation within center goals and objectives.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Before reaching out to administration, it is our hope that every effort will be made to find solutions with your
classroom teacher. If you feel you are not able to find solutions/answers, the next step would be to bring your
concerns to the director or assistant director. In the event that a concern is not satisfactorily addressed or
resolved by the administrative team, parents should contact any member of the Board of Directors to seek
additional input. The BOD will work with all parties in a confidence to address concerns and seek solutions.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Families entrust the Children’s Center with important and confidential information. The nature of this
relationship requires maintenance of confidentiality. The Children’s Center has an obligation to safeguard and
maintain confidentiality, during your child’s enrollment and after s/he/they have moved on. All information
about the Children’s Center children, and their families, is strictly confidential. Confidential information
includes, but is not limited to electronic or hard copy documents such as reports, charts, graphs, records, and all
other documents which are the property of the Children’s Center. No one is permitted to remove or make copies
of any records, reports, or documents without prior management and/or parent approval. This includes
administrators, teaching staff, the child's parents/guardian, and regulatory authorities. We will not disclose this
information to anyone outside of the Children’s Center, including family members, or to any other employee
who is not entitled to the information.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021Your child, their needs, abilities, and their families are not discussed with anyone except you, team members,
the Executive Director, and other TCC employees unless otherwise mandated by state or federal laws or
regulations. Employees are aware of the importance of privacy and know that it is inappropriate to discuss a
child and/or his or her family with anyone outside of the administrative or teaching team.
The Children’s Center staff are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect.
STATEMENT OF RESEARCH
Throughout the year, we serve as a placement site for early childhood and psychology students from such
institutions as Southern Maine Community College and University of Southern Maine. Students are informed
of the importance of confidentiality and are taught to use initials only in their school reports. If you do not feel
comfortable with your child being observed, please let the Executive Director know so that we may answer
any questions.
ENROLLMENT
Parents must first submit an application to indicate their interest in enrolling their child. When a space becomes
available parents must fill out an enrollment packet consisting of the following:
● Emergency Contact Form
● Emergency Contact Amendment for: place of employment, supervisor contact information and authorization to
obtain emergency medical care
● General Permission Form
● Emergency Transportation Agreement
● Vaccination and Under Immunized Policy
● Volunteer Contract
● Tuition Agreement/ACH Authorization/Security Deposit Payment Options Form
In addition, a record of immunizations are required before the child's first day and must be updated after each
pediatrician visit resulting in new immunizations.
Registration occurs in January and February of any given year for September through August contracted
enrollment. Siblings of children already in the program and children of staff are given priority for admission to
the program. A non-refundable registration fee is required for enrollment each year as well as a deposit of one
month's tuition to be applied to the last month the child is enrolled in the program.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021Classrooms, Ages & Ratios
● Infant (Pinecone and Acorn): multiage classrooms, ages 6 weeks to 18 months. Ratio 1:4. Maximum of
8 students daily in each of the two classrooms for a total of 16 students.
● Toddler (Purple and Yellow): multiage classrooms, ages 18 months to 3 years. Ratio 1:5. Maximum of
10 students daily in each of the two classrooms for a total of 20 students.
● Preschool (Red, Green, Blue): multiage classrooms, ages 3 - 5 years (must be 3 by October 15th). Ratio
1:8. Maximum of 16 students daily in each of the three classrooms for a total of 48 students.
● PreK: ages 4-5 (must be 4 by October 15th). Ratio 1:8. Maximum of 16 students daily in PreK for a
total of 16 students.
CHILD VISITS
Prior to “Start Date” and once a child has officially enrolled, families will be invited to attend a new parent open
house/transition night and one or more classroom visits may be arranged. Often a child has visited with a family
member prior to enrollment, but sometimes this is 3 or 4 months before his/her starting date. Families are
welcome to set up a visit to the program over the summer to help children transition into the school.
Please note that families are welcome visitors in the Children’s Center at all times!
CALENDAR
The infant, toddler, preschool and prek programs operate 12 months of the year. Our calendar includes closing
for several breaks (the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, Spring break in April, and the week
of July 4th). The calendar will also include four early release days for teacher professional development to be
determined by the Board of Directors each year. If employee sick calls exceed the number that allows TCC to
offer safe programming, it may be necessary to close specific classrooms temporarily. Said programs will
reopen when ill staff are able to return to work safely. This type of crisis situation is highly unlikely given our
already enhanced ratios.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021We also observe the following national holidays and professional learning days:
★ Labor Day ★ April vacation week
★ Indigenous Peoples’ Day (coincides with PPS spring break)
★ Memorial Day
★ Veterans Day – Closed but hold
★ Two days prior to 4th of July week (staff work
parent/teacher conferences
days)
★ Thanksgiving (Wed-Friday)
★ Week of Fourth of July
★ Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day
★ Last week in August – Staff Work Week
★ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
★ 4 Early Release Thursdays & Fridays
★ President's Day
(close at 3:00PM for teacher
★ Friday before April vacation (Professional Professional Development)
Development Day)
DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY
Young children are just learning how to get along in a group. The role of the teacher is to help children learn
acceptable ways to achieve the goals they seek. Teachers give children cues about which behaviors to maintain,
which to avoid, and which alternative behaviors may be more successful. The overall discipline policy at the
Children’s Center is aimed at helping children learn to develop self-regulation. Teachers use a variety of
positive guidance techniques:
CONFLICT RESOLUTION WITH CHILDREN
1. Teachers use “proximity control”:
Teachers move near children as a means of surveying the situation and giving children cues to change
behavior-teacher may not have to do or say anything else.
2. Teachers use “gentle touch” to “physically redirect”.
Teacher holds a child’s hands to keep them from hitting another child or redirects them to another area.
3. Teachers use “removal from the situation” as a last resort.
Teacher removes a child who is crying from the classroom until the child is able to calm down.
Children can experience very intense feelings such as anger, sorrow or excitement. Sometimes these feelings are
so strong that children can no longer control their behavior. They may kick, scream, hit or sob uncontrollably in
an effort to express their emotions. When this happens, teachers will be patient, supportive and firm in their
efforts to help the child regain control. Teachers use a “safe place” for children to have a space where they can
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021go when they are “sad, mad or miss their family.” Teachers will maintain ongoing communication with families
about the strategies being used at school to help alleviate the frequency and intensity of behaviors. This may
include communication notebooks, emails, family/teacher conferences, and phone calls. Teachers and/or
families may also recommend a CDS referral to identify any underlying developmental concerns that could be
causing the behavior.
When a child’s behavior reaches a degree of escalation that requires additional adult support (someone outside
of the normal classroom staff), or needing to be removed and unable to return despite the additional support,
families will be notified via phone call from the Executive Director. If the teachers and Executive Director feel
that it is in the best interest of the child to not return to the classroom that day, families will be obligated to pick
up their student within 45 minutes of the phone call. The child may return on his/her next scheduled school day.
In the case that the child’s behavior meets any of the following criteria:
1. They show an ongoing pattern of being unable to be redirected using the strategies available to teachers;
2. Child’s behavior is persistently disruptive, violent or damaging towards other children, staff or materials;
3. The child is a danger to themself or others as determined by the Executive Director;
The Executive Director will require families to meet and jointly develop a positive behavior support plan
acceptable to the school before the child can return to the classroom. In scheduling the meeting, we will make
every effort to accommodate everyone’s schedules within normal business hours of 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Our
goal is to meet as soon as possible, optimally within 48 hours. Tuition contracts remain in place and binding
until a meeting has taken place and a mutually agreed upon plan has been decided.
The Children’s Center staff works collaboratively with families and outside agencies to support the child and
their family. Our goal is to be a resource to families and to demonstrate respect for both individual and group
needs. If a student’s continued unsafe behavior poses a considerable safety risk to themself, peers or TCC staff,
the Children’s Center reserves the right to terminate an enrollment contract immediately.
The Maine Licensing Regulations state: Corporal punishment, including spanking or shaking, is strictly
prohibited. Shaming and embarrassment shall not be used. Punishment or threat of punishment shall not be
associated with food, rest, isolation for illness or toilet training. No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting
or not using the toilet. No child shall be subjected to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation or verbal abuse or
unusual confinement. Use of any of the techniques stated above by TCC teachers may result in immediate
termination of their employment at the Children’s Center.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
www.tccmaine.org
2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021PARKING
In front of the Children’s Center, both on Stevens Avenue and on Waverly Street, there is short-term parking for
drop off and pick up. If you plan on being at the Children’s Center for longer than 15 minutes, please use one of
the “1 hour” (or longer) parking spots in the area. In keeping with our efforts to be conscious of the
environment, we respectfully ask that you not leave your vehicle idling when parked at the Children’s Center.
Winter months can be especially tricky for parking as parking is restricted to one side of Waverly Street. Please
be mindful of this and work to create smooth drop off and pick up routines that take only a few minutes so
others waiting for spaces may park sooner. Minis families may use the parking lot for drop off and pick up.
Please DO NOT park on the opposite side of the Waverly Street directly in front of the main entrance.
ENTRY & SECURITY
All TCC staff/families are given a 4-digit entry code number, to use at either entrance, to deactivate the lock to
enter the facility. Please be aware of your surroundings at arrival and departure. Do not hold the door open to let
others into the building. For the security of all, everyone should use their entry code to get in and out. Those
without an entry code will come to the main entrance, ring the doorbell, will be received by office staff, sign
into the visitor’s log, answer a COVID questionnaire, wear a visitor’s badge, and sign out prior to departure.
Parent entry codes work M-F 7:30-5:30. If you push the wrong code, you can push ** to reset the system and
try again.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
The Children's Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please call or text if your child is going to be late or
absent. Children who are arriving after morning appointments or are picked up from the Center for a doctor's
appointment, special activity, etc. may not return to the Center unless s/he arrives back by 11:30 a.m. No child
may arrive after 11:30 a.m. It can be too difficult and disruptive for the child and the rest of the classroom if
they enter during lunch/nap times or are asked to spend the afternoon when they have not had a nap or rest
period.
A family member must accompany their child into the classroom and tell the teacher that their child has
arrived. Children must be under adult supervision at all times. A family member must also tell the
teacher when they pick up their child. Children will be released to adults only, no exceptions.
For many families, separating from the child once they have been dropped off in the classroom is a difficult
experience. Often, both the adult and child feel apprehensive as the adult gets ready to leave. This may lead to a
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021ritual where the adult delays separation and the child clings to the family member and cries. We have found that
this situation is best handled by having a simple and brief goodbye ritual. It is important that the goodbye has a
meaning, even if your child cries at first. If you are experiencing difficulties in this area, please let one of the
teachers know and they will be happy to assist you. We acknowledge how painful it can be to leave a crying
child. Please feel free to call or text us at any time and the teacher will be happy to tell you how your child is
doing. Rarely does crying continue more than 5 or 10 minutes, but it is a great relief to know that your child is
doing well! At the end of the day, the clinging, crying child you left in the morning may not want to go home!
IF SOMEONE OTHER THAN PARENTS WILL BE PICKING UP THE CHILD, WE MUST HAVE YOUR PERMISSION IN WRITING
ON THE EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM. A PHONE CALL and/or EMAIL WILL BE ACCEPTED IN EMERGENCIES ONLY.
Please Note: a driver’s license or other form of i.d. will be required for your child’s pickup.
LATE PICK UP
The Children's Center closes at 5:30 p.m. which means everyone is out of the building. As the teachers also
have families to attend to, it is important for you to plan your day in such a way that you can pick-up and leave
the Center with your child by 5:30 PM. To ensure that this happens, the Center has adopted the following policy
on late pick-up. For habitual late pickup, we reserve the right to terminate the child's enrollment.
Time of 1st Late Arrival 2nd Late Arrival 3rd (and any subsequent)
Late Arrival Late Arrivals
Parent signs a late slip. Parent signs a late slip. Parent signs a late slip.
5:31 - 5:45
No charge Charge of $15.00. Charge of $30.00.
Parent signs a late slip.
Parent signs a late slip. Parent signs a late slip.
Charge of $30.00 + $5 per minute.
5:46 - ... Charge of $15.00 + $1.00 Charge of $15.00
Parent must meet with the
per minutes. + $5.00 per minute.
Executive Director.
YOU WILL BE BILLED FOR LATE FEES ON MONTHLY STATEMENTS.
TUITION & BILLING
Tuition payments are due and payable by the 10th of the month via ACH automatic debit from your checking
account. If the 10th falls on a holiday or weekend, ACH transactions still occur on the 10th. Insufficient funds
notifications are considered late payments and a $25 late fee will be charged to the account. Late fees shall be
due and payable with the next scheduled tuition payment unless an alternative payment plan has been discussed
with the Executive Director.
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721 Stevens Avenue l Portland, Maine 04103 l 207-797-9366 l 207-747-9956 (cell) l 207-518-0290 (mini’s cell)
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021One month's tuition deposit is required at the time of enrollment. This deposit will be credited toward tuition for
the child's last month in the program and is payable via ACH on our Brightwheel platform. This deposit is only
refundable with written cancellation 60 days prior to the contracted program date. The registration fees are
non-refundable.
Should any tuition payment be past due for a period of 30 days and arrangements for prompt payment have not
been made with the Children's Center, we reserve the right to terminate enrollment and attempt legal remedies
necessary to collect non-payment of tuition.
One month's written notice to the Executive Director is required for withdrawal and a family shall only be
released from financial obligation if the Executive Director is able to fill the spot.
No deductions from tuition shall be made for absences, holidays, staff in-service days, snow days, vacation
days, or for closures dictated by the CDC. The Children’s Center charges a $100 Annual Registration and
Supply fee each year during the re-registration period in March or April.
FAMILY COMMUNICATION
Home Visits
Upon enrollment, each child will be assigned to a teacher and a home visit will be made by that teacher before
the child begins or very shortly after. The home visit is a time for you to talk to your child's teacher and you
should feel free to ask any questions you have about the program - policies, philosophy, and schedule - and to
share your expectations and hopes for your child with the teacher. It is also a time for us to find out all the
information we will need to know about your child to make their enrollment in the Children's Center as
consistent with home as it can possibly be. A great benefit of the home visit is that the child gets to spend some
time alone with the "new teacher." Children often enjoy showing off their favorite playthings, giving a tour of
their room or reading a special book with the teacher. If the family prefers, “home visits” can be conducted
outside the home, right at TCC, or over video conference.
Transitions
Children transition into Toddler, Preschool and PreK classrooms in September of each year. Children who are
enrolled in our infant program and who will be at least 18 months old by October 15th of the upcoming school
year will transition into our toddler program. Children who are enrolled in our toddler program and who will
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021turn 3 years old by October 15th of the following year will be invited to transition into preschool. Parents
should be aware that the public school “cut-off” date for Kindergarten enrollment is also October 15th.
Readiness for the PreK classroom will be determined collaboratively with families and teachers. Some children
thrive off of being the oldest in their classroom and completing a 2nd year of preschool is the most appropriate
option for developmental maturity. PreK student enrollment is limited to 16 students and priority is given to
currently enrolled TCC children who are eligible for Kindergarten and choose not to attend, or who have been
in their current Preschool classroom for at least two years. The only schedule available in PreK is full time. We
consider the transition process extremely important and we take great care to make sure children have multiple
opportunities to visit new classrooms both prior to enrollment and when moving up to a new room. It is
important to talk to your child’s teacher during conferences about their overall development and ask questions
about the transition process.
Daily Communication
We believe strongly in daily verbal communication. In the morning please let a teacher know any information
which might affect your child's behavior that day, i.e. woke up during the night, spouse away, relatives visiting,
etc. Although it may seem trivial from an adult's perspective, disruptions in routine may truly affect how a child
behaves during the day and will give teachers cues on how to respond. We will let you know at the end of the
day how things have gone at school and will alert you to any specific behaviors we have noticed during the time
your child has spent here. Sometimes, it is difficult to have a meaningful conversation of any length at drop-off
or pick-up. Please call or email during the day if, for some reason, your morning or afternoon communication
might take longer than is possible at the moment or feel free to make an appointment with your child’s teacher
to touch base in a quiet setting.
A child's teacher will communicate via messages on a regular basis sharing anecdotes, developmental
information or patterns in behavior. We also use an electronic tool called “Brightwheel” which shares daily and
weekly information via pictures, videos and newsletters. In the infant and toddler rooms, information will be
sent daily and will include how your child slept and ate as well as a description about their day, any
developmental information, and behaviors the teachers have noticed. These messages should never take the
place of daily verbal communication but we hope they provide you with insightful information about your child.
In the Preschool and PreK rooms, children are more verbal and can typically tell their parents what they did at
school. Preschool and PreK teachers will communicate daily through Brightwheel with photos of activities but
detailed information regarding eating and sleeping will not be included. We will also share “conversation
starters” at pick up time so you can prompt your child to share something about their day with you. At first, this
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021can feel like a significant shift from the communication in the younger classrooms and we encourage parents to
ask questions and seek information that you may desire about your older child’s daily life at TCC so that you
still stay well-informed. We can tailor our information as needed for your family.
Family Conferences
All Children's Center programs will conduct two family conferences per year, the first will be held in
November with the second in May. Conferences are a great time for teachers to showcase your child’s
strengths and work with you to identify goal areas and how to best support their growth. Families and/or
teachers may request additional information and conferences as needed. The center director is always
available to meet with families individually or in conjunction with the teacher should you have concerns or
questions about your child’s experiences and developmental growth. Never hesitate to arrange a conference;
no concern is unimportant. For more information regarding developmental milestones in children, we
encourage you to visit mrtq.org/program-resources for more information on the Maine Early Learning
Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers, and the Maine Early Learning Development Standards for Preschoolers.
The Children’s Center’s Assessment Framework is based on the Maine Early Learning and Development
Standards (MELDS) and Maine’s Infant/Toddler Guidelines for Learning and Development. It includes the
following domains: Creative Expression, Social/Emotional, Cognitive and Physical. TCC Teachers are
trained to observe and collect evidence on student growth over time. Preschool teachers are required to
complete a 30-hour MELDS course. The toddler teachers are required to take both the Infant/Toddler
Guidelines and MELDS through Maine Roads to Quality professional development network.
If and when teachers have concerns about a child’s development or behavior, parents will be part of a
collaborative process for referral, typically through Child Development Services (CDS).
Diapering and Potty Training
The Children’s Center believes that successful potty training is dependent on the child’s physical and emotional
readiness- not their age. Typically, children between the age of 2- 2 ½ begin to show interest in using the toilet
and our toddler teachers will encourage and allow them to practice at school. One of the most common
indicators of potty training “readiness” is when diapers are dry between changes. It is also very common for
children who are otherwise “fully potty-trained” in preschool, to regress when there are changes in their home
routines, growth spurts, etc. Teachers will be happy to speak with you about any concerns or issues you may
have about potty-training. To support and promote self-help skills in children who are learning to use the toilet,
children should wear training pants or regular underwear so that they can practice pulling their clothes on and
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021off independently. Preschool children should also be taught how to wipe properly and sending in a set of
flushable wipes to help them get “clean” is encouraged. Avoid clothing such as overalls, belts, leotards, and
other items that hinder quick undressing when your child is potty-training.
NAEYC (Rule 5.A.08) prohibits the use of cloth diapers in childcare settings unless the child has a medical
reason that does not permit the use of disposable diapers (such as allergic reactions). Your child’s healthcare
provider must document the medical reason and the documentation must be placed in the child’s file. Please
speak with the Executive Director for guidance on obtaining this information as well as a list of what else needs
to be provided to accommodate the use of cloth diapers in a child care group setting.
Communications and Solicitations Policy
At The Children’s Center, we take the private lives of our staff and teachers very seriously. Accordingly, we
have some simple rules about communicating with our teachers and staff about your child(ren) or about TCC.
Communications
Staff
Parents shall use only the following communications methods to communicate with TCC Staff:
o Through the Brightwheel App
o Calling the TCC office
o Emailing using the staff member’s TCC email address (e.g. jdoe@tccmaine.org)
Attempting to communicate with a staff member through their personal email address or personal cell phone
without that person’s permission is prohibited, and could be grounds for your child being removed from TCC.
Teachers and Classrooms
Parents shall use only the following communications methods to communicate with TCC teachers:
o Through the Brightwheel App
o Emailing using the classroom’s group email address (e.g. yellowroom@tccmaine.org)
The teachers in each classroom work as a team, and address all concerns and questions as a team. Attempting
to communicate with a teacher through their personal email address or personal cell phone without that
person’s permission is prohibited, and could be grounds for your child being removed from TCC.
Solicitations
Not allowed. All forms of solicitation and distribution are strictly prohibited for non-TCC employees on TCC
premises, or to other students and parents, TCC staff or teachers by any means, unless such solicitation is
specifically authorized by such other person, or the solicitation was previously authorized by the TCC Board
or Staff.
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021“Solicitation” means any form of requesting money, support or participation for products, groups,
organizations or causes which are unrelated to TCC. These include but are not limited to:
● Seeking funds or donations for another non-profit organization
● Asking for signatures for a petition
● Selling merchandise or services
● Requesting support for a political candidate or political issue
● Engaging in religious proselytism
“Distribution” means disseminating, by any means, literature or material for commercial or political purposes.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
An integral part of the success of the Children’s Center is the role families play at the Center. The Center is
a non-profit and relies on volunteers to assist in a broad number of ways, such as assisting in the care and
upkeep of the building and grounds, volunteering in the classroom or on field trips, responding to specific
requests for help from teachers and staff and assisting with fundraising activities. The Center cannot
successfully function without active family participation as we do not have the administrative layers that
public schools and independent schools do. While family members of children at the Center lead busy
lives, the Center encourages you to lend a hand and be involved in some way to create a sense of
community. There are a number of ways in which you can contribute, many of these are listed in the
volunteer contract sent out with the enrollment paperwork.
FIELD TRIPS
The Preschool and PreK groups will go on field trips in the neighborhood and Greater Portland area in
conjunction with the curriculum topics. General permission forms are included in the regular enrollment
packet, but families sign specifically for those field trips requiring transportation. We depend on the city bus
or family volunteers to help us drive. All children must be in boosters and car seats appropriate for their size.
PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES
Our playgrounds have many nooks and crannies that are wonderful for children but can be challenging to
monitor and supervise. We strive to supervise without intruding on the children’s play or imposing unnecessary
rules, which is not always an easy thing to do. Physical dangers are present on the playground, so we remind
you, when you are on the playground with your child(ren) during the school day or when we have special
events, that your careful attention to your child(ren) is crucial.
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021You may notice, when staff are out with children on the playgrounds, they use a zoned supervision system.
They spread out into specific areas, staying aware of where children are, moving with them as needed, to
make sure that every child can be seen by at least one adult. At times, staff will close off a section(s) of the
playground in order to maintain strong supervision. Safety is always our primary concern. Each playground
has rules/guidelines to keep your children safe.
FOOD
In keeping with government child nutrition guidelines, the Children's Center provides 1 nutritious snack each
day. Some examples are crackers, cheese, sunbutter, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, yogurt, and bagels. Cooking
projects are an important part of our curriculum and children help make smoothies, low-sugar muffins,
pancakes, etc. We do not use any food containing aspartame and we are a peanut-safe school.
Children will need to bring a complete lunch and one snack from home each day. Please label your child’s lunch
box and containers with their name. We require that lunches stay within the general food guidelines of the
center and do not include foods containing excessive sugar or salt. Soda, candy and gum are not allowed at any
time. We serve whole milk to infants over one year of age and toddlers, and low fat milk to preschoolers and
pre-kindergartners at lunch and water at snack times. Children use child sized, open cups when drinking fluids.
Should your child forget their lunch, the teacher will provide a balanced lunch from the kitchen. Please
remember that we are a nut safe facility. This includes peanuts, tree nuts, etc. Please read labels carefully.
We will not serve children food items that “include” these allergens or that “may contain” these items.
Some of our students may have severe allergic reactions. We are unfortunately not able to heat lunches for
children in the microwave. If your child has special feeding needs, please request a daily food report.
Infant bottles must be plastic or glass with a shatter resistant outer sheath. Bottles may come premixed or
may be mixed on site. Bottles will be warmed to room temperature in a bottle warmer. Bottles will be offered
for a period of one hour. If the infant does not drink the contents in that time frame, the remainder will be
discarded. For breast milk, we are unable to offer this “liquid gold” to infants a second time from the same
bottle but please let us know if you’d like us to send it home for you to reuse. Frozen breastmilk can be kept
on site for a period of one month for “back up”. At that time, we will return it to the family for use at home. If
providing formula or baby foods, please provide unopened containers. We will send home unused portions of
baby food to be used at home if the parent wishes. Infants are allowed to follow their own schedule of eating
and sleeping. Infants will be placed on their backs for safe sleeping.
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021BIRTHDAYS
Young children often consider their birthday the most important day of the year! Birthday celebrations will
consist of a special snack brought in by the child's family if they so desire. The snack must be served on the
Children's Center premises during regular snack hours in the morning or afternoon (check with the teachers to
find out the schedule.) Immediate family members are welcome to attend. We respectfully ask that families talk
with teachers about the birthday snack in advance of the birthday. Please send any birthday party invitations via
email. Teachers can provide a class email list.
SNOW DAYS
In the event of inclement weather, please watch your local television news or check their websites regarding
cancellation or delays by 6:00 a.m. The Executive Director is responsible for making any decision regarding
cancellation or delays and will send an email to all families, a Brightwheel alert, as well as notify the local
television stations (WCSH TV - Channel 6, WMTW TV - Channel 8, WGME TV - Channel 13).
HEALTH & ILLNESS POLICIES
Sick children should be kept at home where they are most comfortable. If you feel that your child is not feeling
well or may be contagious, it is in everyone’s best interest that your child stays out of the center for 24 hours
after their symptoms subside. In addition to the ailments below, please see our COVID protocols for more
information regarding current health policies. The below are some general guidelines to common child illnesses
but TCC will defer to the CDC for guidance regarding individual circumstances.
Also, your child will be sent home immediately when showing these signs or symptoms:
● Fever is defined as a temperature above 100.4 F. Please keep your child home if they have the
following symptoms; fever accompanied by behavioral changes, such as lethargy, irritability, persistent
crying, difficulty breathing, sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea. Your child may return to school when
fever-free without Tylenol or ibuprofen for 24 hours and any other symptoms have subsided.
● Diarrhea- is defined as an increase in frequency, fluency, and volume of stools compared with the
child's normal pattern. A child with diarrhea will be sent home. If your child has diarrhea in the
morning on a school day, they may not attend that day. The child must be free of diarrhea for at least
24 hours before returning to the Center.
● Vomiting- A child who vomits at the center will be sent home immediately and may not return until
the vomiting has stopped for at least 24 hours. If a child has vomited within 24 hours prior to coming
to the center they may not attend on that day.
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021● Conjunctivitis- A child with conjunctivitis cannot attend the Center as long as the eye is runny or
gooey. If suspected, we will ask parents to have the child checked by a doctor. A child with
conjunctivitis must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to the Children’s Center.
● Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common childhood virus/illness and in many people causes mild or no
symptoms. In others, infection may result in painful blisters in the mouth, on the gums and tongue,
on the palms and fingers of the hand, or on the soles of the feet. The fluid in the blisters contains the
virus and symptoms may last for 7-10 days. The virus is spread when the virus in the blisters is passed
to another person such as through saliva or fluid from blisters on the hands and feet or through feces.
A child with weeping blisters on their hands or drool from blisters in the mouth should be excluded.
● Head Lice- These are tiny insects that live only on people's scalps and hair. They hatch from small eggs
called nits that are firmly attached to the individual hairs near the scalp and cannot be easily removed.
Children may return to the center when lice are gone and complete nit removal has taken place.
● Strep throat- Strep can show with a variety of symptoms. The child should be checked for strep if they
have a fever, sore throat and/or rash. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the child must be on antibiotics for
24 hours before returning to the center.
● Any illness, injury, or condition that prevents your child from participating comfortably in activities as
determined by the staff or results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide without
compromising their ability to care for other children.
If your child has been under the care of a physician or other health care professional (HCP) for illness, injury,
surgery, or other procedure, written HCP documentation is required prior to your child’s return to school. This
documentation must include written permission to return and any restrictions or special accommodations. If
medication is required, the medication administration policy/procedures will be followed.
Your child may return to school when they are able to participate comfortably, symptoms have subsided, and
any prescribed antibiotics have been given for the time frame recommended by the provider. If your child has a
communicable disease, the exclusion criteria will be determined by the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
If your child becomes ill during their time here at the Children’s Center, you will be contacted immediately and
expected to have your child picked up within the hour. We will do our best to keep your child comfortable until
the responsible person arrives to take your child home.
Vaccinations
Prior to enrollment, families should provide their child’s most current immunization records to the school and
they should be updated annually or when the child receives a new vaccine (typically around their birthday).
Children who are not vaccinated for medical reasons must submit a letter to the school stating such. TCC
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021adheres to the following exclusion policies set forth by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
In the case of exclusion, there is no reduction in tuition or cancellation of contract. Please note, as of
September 2021, philosophical exemptions will no longer be allowed.
BROKEN BONES POLICY
Our Center is very active. Therefore, when a child has a broken limb, maneuvering around the building may be
difficult to do without re-injuring the limb. The family needs to notify the Center as soon as they are able to,
after the accident so we can make a plan together for a smooth transition back to school.
MEDICATION
If a child is on medication that must be given while they are at the Center, a medical permission form must be
signed by the parent. Medicine that is prescribed by a doctor must be in the original prescription bottle clearly
labeled with the child's name, the dosage, and the prescription date can be administered, this includes
medication for allergic reactions. Teachers keep accurate records of administered medications on the permission
form. Non-prescription medication (such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) can be administered with written or
verbal permission (in emergencies only) but we will require a parent signature of permission upon pick-up. All
medicine is kept in a locked container. Please make sure your medicine is given directly to a staff member.
Children with life-threatening allergies must have an allergy action plan to accompany their Epi-pen prior to the
first day of enrollment. Epi-pen’s and antihistamine must be stored properly. During field-trips off campus,
teachers will bring the child’s allergy action plan and accompanying medication in the classroom backpack.
Children with food allergies will have their picture posted in common areas, and in the classrooms with families
permission. Children diagnosed with asthma must have an asthma action plan on file. Breathing treatments and
rescue inhalers are treated the same as other prescription medications.
All staff are trained annually by a medical professional in the “5 Rights of Medication Administration” and are
able to administer prescription medication with a signed permission form.
SPECIAL MANAGEMENT TREATMENT & CARE
If a child requires special medical management care due to a medical or dental diagnosis, we will work with the
family and, if possible, train the classroom teachers to provide special care. If a teacher can’t be trained to help
provide medical/dental management, it will be up to the parents to have someone trained in the procedure(s) on
site while the child attends TCC.
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
All Children's Center teachers and the Executive Director are certified in Red Cross Pediatric Emergencies and
Infant & Child CPR. Accidents requiring first aid are reported by the teacher on an Accident Report form.
Families are required to read the report, sign it and return it to the teacher. Minor accidents such as cuts and
scrapes will be cleaned with soap and water; bruises and bumps will be treated with ice.
In the case of major accidents, dislocated bones, cuts that require stitches or a chipped tooth, families will be
called to take their child to a doctor or dentist. Please make sure that emergency phone numbers are updated at
all times. If you cannot be reached during the day, be sure there is another adult who can be contacted in an
emergency.
If a child receives a head injury, no matter the severity, the family will be contacted by the teacher. If an
accident occurs requiring immediate emergency medical care, an ambulance will be called to transport the child
to Maine Medical Center. The family will be notified following the emergency 911 call.
You must have an alternative adult who is authorized to pick up your child. Families must have some
arrangement whereby the child can be picked up within an hour in case of illness or accident.
FIRE DRILLS & EVACUATION
We hold fire drills, in conjunction with the Portland Fire Department, each month. In accordance with the Maine
Fire and Safety Codes each classroom has two means of emergency egress.
In the event of a fire, the teacher in each classroom will take the attendance sheet, and with the help of other
classroom teachers, will evacuate all children. The lead teachers will be responsible for making sure that all of
the group has been accounted for before they leave the building. At times of the day when a given lead teacher
is not scheduled to be present, another teacher will be designated to be responsible for the classroom attendance
sheet and for evacuation of the children in the classroom.
Administrative staff will check all bathrooms and will be the last to leave the building. Each toddler and
preschool classroom has a designated spot across the street on the UNE campus to meet. Infant teachers will
evacuate students to the Gooey Gump parking lot on Forest Avenue.
The Executive Director will check with each teacher to make sure all children are safe. In the event of a real
fire, toddler and preschool age children would be escorted to Park Danforth on Stevens Ave, and infants to the
Stevens Ave TCC site, and families would be contacted to pick up children.
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021The Children’s Center has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan which can be emailed to you and
includes additional emergency procedures at your request.
Rights of Children and Families
Children and their families who receive services from The Children’s Center have the following rights.
● Children must be free from emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation.
● Each child has the right to freedom from harmful actions or practices that are detrimental to the child’s
welfare, and to practices that are potentially harmful to the Child.
● Each child has a right to an environment that meets the health and safety standards in this rule.
● Each child must be provided child care services without discrimination to race, age, national origin,
religion, disability, sex or family composition.
● Children must be treated with dignity, consideration and respect in full recognition of their individuality.
This includes the use of developmentally appropriate practices by the Child Care Facility.
● Each child has the right to the implementation of any plan of service that has been developed for that
Child in conjunction with community or state agencies by the Child Care Facility.
● Each child has the right to developmentally appropriate activities, materials, and equipment.
● Children with disabilities have the right to reasonable modifications to child care facility policies and
practices.
● A child’s parent or legal guardian must be fully informed of items or services which are included in the
rate they pay for child care services.
● A child’s parent or legal guardian has the right to be fully informed of findings of the most recent
inspection conducted by the Department. The child care facility must inform children’s parents or legal
guardians that the licensing inspection results are public information and inspection results must be
posted in a prominent place on the premises.
● Parents or legal guardians must be notified by the child care facility within two business days of any
actions taken against the child care facility by the Department, including but not limited to, decisions to
issue conditional licenses, refusal to renew a license, or to impose fines or other sanctions.
CHILD ABUSE POLICY
All members of the Children's Center staff are mandated reporters as determined by Maine State law and are
required to report any suspected instances of child abuse or neglect. Failing to report is punishable by law.
According to Maine law, abuse or neglect is a threat to the child’s health and welfare by physical, mental or
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2021-2022 School Year • Updated September 2021You can also read
