First Class Learning Center Parent Handbook & Operational Procedures 2021-2022 First Class Learning Center White Settlement I.S.D 8901 White ...

Page created by Ron Hanson
 
CONTINUE READING
First Class Learning Center Parent Handbook & Operational Procedures 2021-2022 First Class Learning Center White Settlement I.S.D 8901 White ...
First Class Learning Center
Parent Handbook & Operational Procedures
                 2021-2022

       First Class Learning Center
         White Settlement I.S.D
       8901 White Settlement Rd.
       White Settlement, TX 76108
             (817) 367-1354

    Growing Big Bears, one Lil’ Bear at a time

                                                 1
White Settlement I.S.D.

  First Class Learning Center / Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Inclusion Program

Philosophy
The White Settlement I.S.D. will provide a comprehensive system of services available to all
students in an inclusive environment in a way that increases internal and external
communication, provides collaborative opportunities to all stakeholders, and promotes positive
attitudes by recruiting, training, and providing ongoing support for educational staff so that all
children have access to an educational opportunity to better prepare them for their part in a
global society.

Goals
  1. To provide more instructional options for disabled preschool children.
  2. To provide quality and affordable childcare to district employees.

Objectives
FCLC strives to achieve our goals through meeting our daily objectives as in:
  ● Providing disabled preschool children with a natural learning environment with their
      non-disabled peers.
  ● Providing specialized services for disabled preschool children.
  ● Providing a superior and safe learning environment for employee’s children.
  ● Providing a tool for the recruitment and retention of quality teachers and staff.

Gang Free Zones
As a result of House Bill 2086, Chapter 42 of the Human Resource Code includes section
42.064. All childcare centers must designate a gang-free zone within 1000 feet of their center.

What is a gang-free zone?
A gang-free zone is a designated area around a specific location where prohibited gang related
activity is subject to increased penalty under Texas law. The specific locations include day care
centers. The gang-free zone is within 1000 feet of your childcare center. For more information
about what constitutes a gang-free zone, please consult sections 71.028 and 71.029 of the Texas
Penal Code.

FCLC is a peanut free childcare center.
Please do not bring or send peanut butter sandwiches, snacks, or any products that contain peanut
butter.

                                                                                                     2
Program Description

Infants
The goal of this program is the nurturing of sensitivity and caring among the children and adults
in the environment. This is a crucial time in your child’s life for developing trust, cooperation
and love. Therefore, First Class Learning Center provides your child a safe environment to
experience natural and self – motivated activities that promote this development. The most
important component of the environment in our infant room is the caregiver, whose positive,
supportive interactions help your infant to grow and develop at an individual pace. We use the
Frog Street curriculum in our Infant rooms. Toilet training will not be started until children enter
the two-year-old classes.

    ● Breastfeeding
Mothers are welcome to breastfeed their child while at the center in their child’s classroom or in
a designated private room (room 129).

    ● Safe Sleep
FCLC follows the safe sleep policy for infants from birth through 12 months old that relate to
sleep requirements and restrictions, including placing babies on their back to sleep, and not
allowing blankets, pillows, bumper pads, soft toys in the crib with the infant. These practices can
help lower the risk of sleep related infant deaths including SIDS or accidental suffocation. We
also provide annual training on safe sleep procedures and SIDS.

Two’s
Children in these rooms do many of the same activities that they would do at home with their
parents, and, because most toddlers are very active, they have ample opportunities to climb,
crawl, run, and move around. Toddlers enjoy the environment of several, clearly defined interest
areas, have a daily circle time, create arts and crafts based on cultural events and the seasons, but
more importantly have opportunities to develop their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical
development through the use of our Frog Street Curriculum. In our Care Bear and Cuddle Bear
classrooms, caregivers have arranged the furniture and equipment so that toddlers have plenty of
room to move about and use their gross motor skills. To ensure smooth, safe operations, the
toddler room is set up so that caregivers can see what is happening in all parts of the rooms.

                                                                                                     3
Three’s – Our ECSE Inclusion Program
Our three year old classroom offers a developmentally appropriate preschool program that
encourages creativity and problem solving. Preschool children flourish in a well-organized,
clearly defined environment that is arranged to promote independence, foster decision-making,
and encourage initiative and involvement. These rooms provide the children with many
opportunities to explore the world around them through integrated thematic units and cooperative
learning arrangements. Several instructional activities during the year involve the family in
project learning opportunities.
In the Little Bear classroom, we have an inclusion program with district preschool students. This
is our ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education) program. The goal of this program is to
provide opportunities for our learning center children and our ECSE children to interact together
on a daily basis. The Little Bears also participate in Adaptive PE each week with a district PE
teacher. Each of these preschool populations has much to offer the other and we are proud of our
inclusion program. In addition to the learning center staff for each room, a district teacher who
holds certifications in early childhood and special education uses the Frog Street curriculum that
emphasizes the Pre-Kindergarten guidelines as used in most Texas public preschool programs.

Four’s
Our four year old classroom offers a developmentally appropriate preschool program that
encourages creativity and problem solving. Preschool children flourish in a well-organized,
clearly defined environment that is arranged to promote independence, foster decision-making,
and encourage initiative and involvement. This room provides the children with many
opportunities to explore the world around them through integrated thematic units and cooperative
learning arrangements. Several instructional activities during the year involve the family in
project learning opportunities. Our Mighty Bears class utilizes our Frog Street curriculum in
conjunction with research based activities from the Circle Activities Collection by CLI Engage.
In addition, FCLC administers the WSISD Pre-Kindergarten report card assessments each
grading period.

Jr. Bears - Kindergarten – 4th Grade – Afterschool
An effective program for school – age children complements rather than duplicates the school
day by giving children opportunities to engage in their own interests and skills. Staff encourages
children to play a meaningful role in their activities. Each day they have an opportunity to
choose what they want to do, what materials they want to use, and with whom they want to play
and work. They can relax, unwind, and socialize. The primary role of the staff is to facilitate
children’s involvement in games, sports, and activities by providing a challenging environment,
appealing materials, and planning diverse activities. Staff promotes children’s growing
independence by encouraging them to solve their own problems, and to help plan their afternoon.

                                                                                                4
General
In general, children are placed in the classroom according to their age/developmental level at the
beginning of the year. We do not move the children to another classroom during the year unless
individual circumstances warrant the move and only after the parent, teachers of the child, and
the FCLC director meet and discuss the effect of such a change on the child.
Our two, three, and four year old classrooms engage in numerous thematic activities throughout
the year, as related to their curriculum. Depending on CCL COVID-19 guidelines, the entire
learning center participates in special activities (Grandparents day, Fun in the Sun Day,
Christmas projects, FCLC program, Easter egg hunts, Doughnuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom,
and Creative Arts).
Our three and four year old classes may take study trips as they pertain to our activities. In the
event, you will be notified two weeks in advance of any study trip particulars and required to
sign a parental permission form. We may not take your child on any study trip without this form.
First Class Learning Center procedure is to take role of the children before leaving on the study
trip (by calling out each name and accounting for that child), during the study trip and after the
study trip, The FCLC Director/Assistant Director personally check the entire bus; front to back
and back to front, after all the children have disembarked to preclude a child being left on the
bus. On each study trip, we take the signed permission forms, a cell phone, and emergency
medical form on each child, a written list of all the children on the trip, t-shirt (for staff and
children) or labels with our learning center name and phone number, a first-aid kit, and personnel
trained in CPR and first aid.

Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activity
Daily activities ensure the children have a variety of activities that meet their developmental
needs. Each of our classrooms have a written plan specific to their age group for indoor and
outdoor activities to meet the needs of each child in the center.
All classes will go outdoors two to three times daily (weather permitting) for 30 minutes each
time, with various planned activities to encourage the use of small and large motor skills in
structured and unstructured play.
    ● FCLC courtyard playground has three play areas to accommodate all ages from infant to
        Pre-K.
    ● In event of inclement weather we will utilize our indoor romper room.
    ● Children should be in appropriate clothing (girls with shorts under their dresses), and
        athletic shoes. If your child wears other footwear, please put athletic shoes in their
        backpack for outdoor play/ APE.

Eligibility for Participation
    ● Full-time care is offered for children (6 weeks – Pre-K) whose parents are employees of
        WSISD.
        If open slots exist beginning on our first day of care, district employees may enroll their
        nieces, nephews, or grandchildren at FCLC. This enrollment is only good for that
        current year only. Please call the FCLC office at any time for information.
    ● After-school care is offered for district students (kindergarten thru fourth grade) whose
        parents are employees of WSISD. Coordination of the child’s transportation to the center
        is the responsibility of the parent and information regarding those arrangements are to be
        provided to the center. WSISD does not bus students to FCLC.
                                                                                                  5
● Full Time care is offered on staff development and professional work days for children
      (kindergarten thru fourth grade) whose parents are employees of WSISD.
    ● Enrollment is conducted year-round if space exists. A formal registration is conducted at
      the beginning of each school year. During this registration, enrollment forms are turned
      in, payroll deduction forms are available, instructional supply fees are due, operation
      procedures and parent handbooks are given to parents.
    ● If your child’s name is on a class list for enrollment after the school year begins and
      another employee desires a slot for immediate enrollment (prior to your reserve date);
      you will be notified and given two weeks to decide whether to begin paying to hold the
      slot for your child or to decide to release the slot to the parent who desires the slot
      immediately. If you decide to begin paying for the slot, tuition will begin on the earlier
      date.

Processing Fee /Tuition
We will require a $26.00 non-refundable processing fee to place your child’s name on First Class
Learning Center’s actual class list or on the class wait list. (If your child is placed on the wait list,
you will be informed as to what number you are on the list at this time). If you are still on the
waiting list in May of that school year, we will notify you of your child’s possible enrollment
depending on the available slots for the upcoming school year. If your child is placed on the
actual class wait list, we cannot guarantee your child a classroom slot. This will be dependent on
room availability. However, once you have paid the $26.00 non-refundable processing fee your
child will remain on the class wait list until a slot is available. If you decide to withdraw your
child from a classroom or class wait list, you will be required to pay the $26.00 processing fee
again if later you will need care.

Relative Procedures
If your child enrolls under the Relative policy, we will require a $26.00 nonrefundable
processing fee to place the child on the waitlist. District employee children will be slotted first.

Tuition – (FCLC does not offer part time care)
Full Time Infant Room - $37.00 a day
Full Time Non-Infant Room - $36.00 a day
After-School - $19.00 a day; $36.00 for staff development/professional workdays
Late Fees - $10.00 first 5 minutes; $3.00 every minute thereafter
Supplies - $68.00 per year, per child – Full Time
          $36.00 per year, per child – After-school care
         ($ 36.00 Full Time and $18.00 after school if enrollment occurs during Spring
          Semester.)

** Staff Development/Professional Work Day Child Care for children in grades K-4 th, must
be paid prior to receiving the care (not payroll deducted) $36.00 a day per child.

                                                                                                       6
** Tuition is calculated from the first day of the instructional calendar (August 5, 2021)
regardless of when the child begins attending First Class.

Payments for tuition are made through an authorized deduction from the employee’s paycheck.
Tuition is calculated by multiplying the daily fee by the number of contracted calendar days
(beginning August 5, 2021), and deducted in ten monthly installments from the employee’s
check. Payments begin in September and end in June. No payments are taken out during the
months of July or August. Your December payroll statement will contain an accounting of tuition
paid for tax purposes. Further assistance with childcare credits when filing your taxes may be
obtained through the Business Office – Ask to speak to the Benefits Coordinator.

** Tuition for First Class Learning Center is payroll deducted each month beginning in
September and going through June. FCLC's operational calendar for 2021-2022 begins August
5th with 186 days of care through May 26th. Parents are responsible to pay for the full 186 days
of care, even if their child is absent. In the event of a school closure, parents are still responsible
to pay tuition for the complete 186 days of the FCLC operational calendar.

If a parent enrolls their child after the beginning of the school year, they are responsible for
tuition from their child's first day of enrollment to the last day of the FCLC operational calendar.
For 2021-2022, this day is May 26th, 2022.

First Class Learning Center is a listed child-care provider with Child Care Management Services
(CCMS). CCMS is a government program designed to provide childcare fee stipends for eligible
families. Eligibility is based on financial need. Please call 827-831-0374 for further information.

CCMS
*** CCMS parents are responsible for paying the tuition difference from the first day of
care – August 5th, 2021 until CCMS funds are available for your child. The tuition is
payroll deducted on 23rd of each month until CCMS funds are available and CCMS begins
to pay tuition for your child/ren.

Goldstar and ABM employees will pay directly to Admin business office by August 15,
2020 – May 15, 2021.

Hours of Operation
 FCLC will be open for the 2021-2022 school year on August 5th through May 26th. Employees’
children will be provided childcare on district staff development and professional workdays with
the exception of May 27th. First Class will observe district holidays and breaks throughout the
year.
Hours of Operation are: Monday – Friday 6:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. on district school days.
Hours of Operation on Staff Development days are: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
** We will open for the 2021/2022 regular school calendar August 5, 2021 – May 26th, 2022. As
district employees, FCLC staff will join other district employees at the End-Of-The-Year
celebration, and to close down the center for the summer.
*** Please note there will be no childcare offered by the center on our last professional
work day, May 27th, 2022.

                                                                                                      7
In case of delayed openings, the learning center will open at 8:45 a.m.
Children should not arrive at the center earlier than the scheduled opening times as there will be
no supervision. ECSE students should wait with their ECSE teacher, who will escort them to
their classroom.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Please use the Judd St. entrance when dropping off/picking up your child at FCLC. Please mark
the time and your initials on the sign in-sign out form when you drop off/pick up your child
every day.

**All children must be picked up by the posted closing time, 5:15 p.m.
There will be a late fee of $10.00 during the first five (5) minutes after closing time, 5:15
pm, and an additional fee of $3.00 for every minute thereafter.

A form listing the fee for late pick- up will be presented for the parent’s signature, and a copy
will be provided to the parent. Late Pick – up fees will be paid online on the day after payday
during the month of each occurrence. In case of a child who has not been picked up by 5:15 p.m.,
the district police will be notified for help in locating the parent or an approved person listed on
the enrollment form. If district police are not available, we will call upon the White Settlement
Police Department for assistance.

Children will not be released to anyone without prior consent of the parents. Please make sure
the office has a list of persons who may pick up your child. When an unfamiliar person, who is
on the list, arrives to pick up your child, we will Xerox their photo identification, then an FCLC
staff will bring the child to the office. We will not release a child to anyone whose name is on the
approved pick-up list without proper identification. We are allowed to release the child to anyone
who is listed on the form, without prior notification to the parent, so please be conscientious
about the names that you list on the form.

Visitors
We welcome all parents to participate in their child’s classroom activities and programs.
All visitors to our center will be required to read and abide by our established Visitor Guidelines,
in addition to signing in and out through the FCLC office. All visits will be subject to the
discretion of the FCLC Director/ Assistant Director.

                                                                                                     8
Illness

** We will follow Child Care Regulation Guidelines and Tarrant County Health
Department Guidelines for illness.

 ** We will send home any employee or child who has any of the following new or worsening
signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19:
- Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Sore Throat
- New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (or, for students with a chronic
allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
- Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19
When to keep your child at HOME:
  ● Temperature of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  ● Diarrhea or vomiting
  ● A rash of unknown origin (a doctor’s note may be required) unexplained rash
  ● Lethargy or uncontrolled breathing
  ● Red, runny eyes or wakes up with eyes “glued” shut
  ● Any potentially contagious condition as identified by our school nurse or as listed under
      Appendix VI in Minimum Standards and Guidelines for day Care Centers which may be
      viewed at http://www.tdfps.state.tx.us.
  **You will be notified by phone and asked to collect your child for the above stated reasons.

Your child may return when he/she has:
   ● Documentation from a doctor that symptoms are not related to COVID-19 and the
      documentation is provided, or a negative COVID-19 test (A negative rapid return
      COVID-19 test will not be accepted.)

**If the documentation states it is unrelated to COVID-19 –

   ● Fever free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or other fever reducers
   ● Free of diarrhea or vomiting for 24 hours
   ● Released after consulting a health care professional for antibiotics therapy or appropriate
       care.
Health alert forms will be posted on the learning center care bulletin boards and doors to inform
you of confirmed contagious conditions; when we are notified by the parent.

                                                                                                    9
Administration of Medication/Illness Procedure
First Class will only administer the following over the counter medications;
Diaper creams, Sunscreen, and hand lotion.
First Class will only administer the following prescription medications:
Breathing Treatments/Nebulizer’s or Lifesaving medication as prescribed by your child’s
medical physician.
The medications listed above cannot be administered by the center without proper forms
completed by the parent.
Medications need to be:
    ● Clearly labeled with the child’s name and date
    ● In the original container, with prescription attached (if doctor prescribed)
    ● Specific directions given in writing (medication form completed by parent.)
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, by which we are governed, will not
allow us to administer over – the – counter medications if the appropriate age or weight of the
child and the corresponding dosage is not clearly listed on the medication (or if the medication
has not been approved by the U.S. food and drug Administration). In this circumstance, you will
need to supply us with a statement from your pediatrician listing the medication and the
appropriate dosage. We will maintain parent- provided medications on hand for children who
experience periodic and recurring medical conditions. However, these forms must be updated
every three months. You will be notified each time as such medication is administered to your
child.

Discipline and Guidance Procedures
Young children need structure to feel secure in their lives. Our philosophy is to accentuate the
positive and reduce the negative. We encourage acceptable behavior by modeling it, recognizing
it, and praising it. Discipline must be individualized and consistent for each child, and
appropriate to the child’s level of understanding. Each teacher will carefully explain what
acceptable and unacceptable behavior is, during appropriate times. Since we do not expel or
suspend students, parents may be asked to conference with the FCLC Director and/or teacher if a
child’s behavior is disruptive to care and learning. Teachers will use verbal praise, stamps,
stickers, quiet places, redirection, reflection and logical consequences to encourage your child’s
efforts in acquiring acceptable behavior.

Parent Involvement/Communication
It is important to develop good communication and cooperation between home and FCLC. We
encourage all parents to become actively involved by checking backpacks and reading all notes,
and whenever possible attending any event. There is a Parent News board in the foyer with
information about our center, calendars, menus, and special upcoming events. Newsletters and
emails about your child’s activities will be sent home periodically. Early Years’ Newsletters are
sent home to Cuddle Bear, Little Bear, and Mighty Parents each month.

                                                                                                10
Child Abuse & Neglect
WSISD staff members are required to annually take Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services’ course on Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Child, which increases employee
awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect, increases employee awaremess of
prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect, provides strategies for coordination between
FCLC and community organizations including the Online Texas Abuse Website and Hotline
(800-252-5400), WSISD school counselors, and support for parents of children who are victims
of abuse or neglect in obtaining assistance or intervention. Procedures for using the child abuse
hotline are listed here, as is the reporting number, 1-800-252-5400. Our regulations office is
located at 1501 Circle Drive, suite 310, intake 817.321.8604.

Breakfast/Lunches/Snacks
All children eat in their rooms. Parents are welcome to provide breakfast or lunch if so desired,
or to order and pay for a meal from the West Elementary cafeteria for their child. Snacks will be
provided by FCLC. All children are served an afternoon snack daily, once they begin to eat table
food. You are welcome to provide your child’s snack, or one will be served by the center. Menus
of our meal and snacks will be sent home monthly and posted in each classroom. As per
minimum standards, any child in care at a licensed facility must be offered a snack or meal every
three hours.

You will receive your child’s meal account number from our FCLC Director/Assistant Director,
after registration and before the beginning of the instructional school year or when they begin to
eat table food at your request. After receiving your child’s number, you may register on-line at
www.schoolcafe.com to make payments and check balances. District employees may also make
payments in person at the campus of their employment or in the locked mailbox, which will be
located at FCLC. We ask that accounts be kept in good standing and expect that our FCLC
employees will not be made responsible for accepting payments or ordering meals.

FCLC employees may not accept payment for meals
Charges for meals during the 2021/2022 school year will be as follows:
Breakfast – All Children = $1.30
Lunch – Infants through Two’s = $2.30 Three’s & Four’s = $2.40
** WSISD child nutrition office does not receive state reimbursement for meals ordered for
Learning Center children, as they are not district students, thus the price differential between
student and FCLC child meals.
Snack and water are provided daily.

FCLC Breakfast/Lunch Procedures
Each morning, as you sign your child in, you will need to indicate on a class meal order form
whether lunch for that day and/or breakfast for the following day should be ordered for your
child from the cafeteria.

All class meal order forms will be collected, tabulated, recorded, copied and sent to the cafeteria
by 8:45 a.m. If the form is not marked for your child, and your child is present, we will check
your child’s belongings for a lunch. If the child does not have a lunch for the immediate day, then
a lunch for the immediate day and breakfast for the following day will be ordered for the child.
Your child’s meal account will be charged for ordered meals in this circumstance.
                                                                                                   11
**If the form is not marked for your child because your child is absent, no meals will be
ordered. If the child arrives after 8:45 a.m, the parent will need to supply lunch for that day and
breakfast for the following morning. Before the cafeteria staff leaves from their duty at 2:00 p.m.,
they begin breakfast preparations for the following day. Breakfasts for the day are finalized each
morning before the center opens. Due to these circumstances, breakfasts that are pre-ordered will
be deducted from the cost of the employees account, regardless of the child’s attendance.

When a child is absent, their parent must pay for any breakfasts ordered and delivered on
that day, and supply breakfast for the following day.

Baby food and formula must be provided by the parent. Please prepare and clearly label all
bottles and food with child’s first name and last initial. Transitioning your infant from strained
foods to table foods should be discussed with our lead teacher in the infant room when you feel
your child is ready to begin trying new foods. Table food may be ordered from the cafeteria
when the child is regularly eating the main entrée. Please notify the Director/Assistant Director
when your child is ready to order from the cafeteria so that nutrition may assign your child’s
meal number.

** Please advise FCLC Director and classroom teacher of any known food allergies **

Immunizations
Upon enrollment, your child’s immunization record will be screened for up-to-date
immunizations. Required immunizations refer to those required by state law. A copy of these
immunizations is posted on our bulletin board and available upon request. Your child’s
immunizations must be current in order to attend First Class Learning Center; we must receive
an updated copy every time your child receives new immunizations. Currently, our Health
Department does not require tuberculosis testing unless exposure to another child/adult with
tuberculosis has occurred.

Vision/Hearing
The Texas Health and Safety Code requires that all three and four year old children enrolled in a
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services licensed daycare/learning center are
provided with a vision and hearing screening. FCLC Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator conducts
these yearly screenings and reports the results to the Bureau of Children’s Health. If for any
reason, your child requires a second screening, you will be notified as to the results.

Change of Address/Absences
Should you move or change your phone number during the school year, please let the office and
your child’s teacher know immediately in writing. Please keep emergency numbers current, they
are extremely important if your child needs you. Please notify the school as soon as possible if
your child will not be attending that day.

                                                                                                 12
Child’s Participation in Program
We work and play hard at the learning center. So expect your child’s clothes to show the
consequences of an active day. Please do not send your child to the center in something he/she is
afraid of ruining. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. Tennis shoes provide your
child’s foot with the safety and structure that an active child needs for their feet.
**We do ask that you DO Not send your child in flip-flops or sandals with a high heel for
the safety of your child.
Children participating in the ECSE inclusion program are required to wear tennis shoes
for adaptive PE.
Please dress your child in accordance with the weather. We will go outside for a short time each
day, weather permitting, sometimes three a day.

FCLC requests that each child have a complete set of extra clothing, appropriate for the season,
available at the center. If your child is not toilet-trained, please send multiple sets of clothing.
These articles of clothing should be labeled with your child’s name.
Children who are still napping will have their name placed on a cot/crib and will use the same
cot/crib every day. The cots are sanitized daily. You are encouraged to bring a blanket or nap mat
from home to enhance their sleep. All blankets should be taken home on Friday for washing
over the weekend. Please leave all other toys at home. The teachers will notify you on days
when children are requested to bring special items from home as part of the curriculum.

** Per minimum standards and the “Back to Sleep” campaign, we do not place soft bedding
materials such as stuffed animals, comforters, pillows, bumper pads, pacifier clips, blankets of
any kind or quilts in cribs with infants.

Pesticides
Please be advised that pesticides are periodically applied indoors. These applications are
accomplished through our Operations Department. Information regarding the times and type of
applications is available upon request. Notices regarding the pest control treatment will be posted
48 hours prior to the application.

FCLC Emergency Procedures
If a medical emergency exists, we will call our school nurse (not always available) and the parent
will be notified by phone as to the nature of the situation. If a medical emergency exists while on
a study trip, we will contact parent/ EMS and have your child transported to the hospital,
accompanied by the FCLC Director/Assistant Director/teacher. First Aid/CPR will be
administered by certified personnel if the situation warrants. You will be notified immediately of
the situation.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police/Fire/Medic – 911
Local Police Dept. – 817-246-7070
School Police – 817-367-1356
WS Fire Dept. – 817-246-1761
Poison Control – 800-222-1222
DFPS Child Abuse Hotline – 800-252-5400

                                                                                                   13
Center’s Planned Evacuation Sites
Off-site (Alternate Shelter):
The Freedom Church, 9000 White Settlement Rd. White Settlement, TX. 76108
Offsite (Secondary Location):
Brewer High School, 1025 W Loop 820 N. Fort Worth, TX. 76108
On-site:
The far end of the sidewalk by the parking lot entrance on Judd St.
*Per CCR, we may transport children via school bus in case of emergency
During any evacuation, each class must:
  *Exit the FCLC entrance doors located on Judd St
  *Use Judd St for evacuation
  *Wear emergency vest (FCLC breakroom, in filing cabinet labeled First Aid/Vests)
  *Cuddle Bears, Little Bears & Mighty Bears; use walking ropes if needed
  *Care Bears; use buggies
  *Snuggle Bears & Honey Bears; use evac cribs
  *Each class must take evacuation bags/roll sheet/folder with parent name-phone#/
authorization  for emergency care
  *Face to Name count when leaving room/at destination/ when-if returning to FCLC
  *Radio Communication
Emergency Evacuations
WSISD and FCLC administration will notify parents of emergency evacuations.
We will receive further instructions from the WSISD communications office.
Assigned personnel (Director/ Assistant Director/ or assigned staff) will make all cell phone calls
to authorities/parents/HHS 817-321-8604 FCLC – 817-367-1354
Dangerous Persons
If a person at or near the school is making children or staff uncomfortable, the teacher will alert
the Director or Assistant Director to monitor the situation and proceed indoors to your
classroom.

                                                                                                  14
Lockout/ Lockdown

LOCKDOWN: (An announcement will be made over the P.A. and DIR-S will be activated)

FCLC will...

   1. Look outside their door and adopt any child that is in transit.

   2. Lock their door.

   3. Move students to the designated spot that is away from the door and windows.

   4. Keep students still & quiet (until you hear the “ALL CLEAR” announcement).

   5. Turn off all lights and close all curtains/blinds.

   6. DO NOT open the door (even if someone knocks) and REMAIN silent.

   7. DO NOT draw attention to yourself or your classroom.

   8. Have their roll book in hand in case of evacuation.

   9. WILL NOT use walkies, make sure they are turned off.

   10. WILL NOT use cell phones.

   11. Teachers without students– will stay in lockdown mode where they are until notified.

(If they are outside of their room with students, they will go into the closet classroom or safe space).

P.A. question “IS YOUR ROOM SECURE?”

Responses: If secure– Answer “YES” , If not secure– Answer “LOCKDOWN IS WORKING”

Fire

Staff and children will evacuate the building quickly and calmly:
If caught in smoke, teachers will have everyone drop to hands and knees and crawl to exit.
Teachers will pull clothing over the nose and mouth to use as a filter for breathing.
If clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL until the fire is out.
Teachers will take attendance sheets and emergency forms with them.
The director/assistant director will check areas where children may be located or hiding before
leaving the building.
Gather in the meeting spot outside and account for all children, staff and visitors.
Will not re-enter the building until it is cleared by the Fire Department.

                                                                                                  15
Heat Wave
FCLC will…
Limit outdoor play when the heat index is at or above 95* F.
Ensure everyone drinks plenty of water.
Be alert for signs of Heat Exhaustion which are:
   ●   cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin
   ●   heavy sweating
   ●   headache
   ●   nausea
   ●   dizziness
   ●   exhaustion
   ●   normal or below normal body temperature
Be alert for signs of Heat Stroke which are:
   ●   very high body temperature (>102 F)
   ●   changes in consciousness
   ●   weak, rapid pulse
   ●   rapid, shallow breathing
   ●   vomiting
If a teacher suspects Heat Exhaustion/ Heat Stroke they will call for Director or Assistant
Director to come *NOW* and take steps to cool the child/teacher down.
(For cold weather, the outside “real-feel” temperature must be at least 45* F for Little Bears and
Mighty Bears and 50* F for Snuggle Bears, Honey Bears, Care Bears, Cuddle Bears)
Pandemic/ Flu/ Contagious Disease
FCLC will...
Teachers and children will wash their hands well and often!
Enforce illness exclusion policies for children and staff.
Have and follow a plan to keep ill children away from well children while they are waiting to go
home.
Reinforce teaching about good respiratory etiquette, which are:
 *Use a tissue (or elbow) to catch a sneeze or cough.
 *Throw used tissues away.
 *Wash your hands after using a tissue or helping a sick child.
Monitor local and state Public Health websites for current pandemic/ flu status, information, and
instructions.

                                                                                                16
Severe Storm/ Tornado
FCLC will...
Be aware of any STORM WATCH or STORM WARNING in the area.
The Director or Assistant Director will alert all staff if Duck and Cover is needed.
If duck and cover is necessary, they will go to the designated spot in their classroom or the
classroom nearest to you.

Lightning

Indoors:
Staff and Children will move away from windows, cover the windows with shades or blinds if
possible.

Outdoors:

Staff and Children will seek shelter inside the building immediately.

Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers
We maintain a copy of the Minimum Standards by which the state of Texas governs and licenses
child care centers. It is available in our office for you to browse through (please do not remove)
or you can access it online by the link below. A copy of our most recent inspection from the
Texas Health and Human Services is posted on our bulletin board or you can access it online by
the link below.

How to contact Child Care Regulations:
Texas Health and Human Services: www.hhs.texas.gov
1501 Circle Dr, Ste 310, ft. Worth, TX. 76119
817-321-8604

You may use the following link to access Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/provider-p
ortal/protective-services/ccl/min-standards/chapter-746-centers.pdf

You may use the following link to access information about FCLC and our recent
inspections:
https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child_Care/ppFacilityDetails.asp?p
type=DC&fid=1330931&resCareFlag=F

FCLC Staff Vaccinations
FCLC staff members are not required to receive flu or communicable disease vaccinations.

                                                                                                17
FCLC Staff cell phone use Minimum Standards 746:1203 (6-D):
Please remember FCLC staff may NOT utilize their cell phones during supervision of children;
please do not text or call your child’s teacher to ask questions concerning your child. If you need
assistance during work hours related to your child, please notify the FCLC office 817-367-1354;
we will forward any messages to your child’s teacher.

We consider ourselves not to be babysitters, but facilitators, stimulators, guardians, caregivers,
observers, and bearers of affection for your child. Our responsibility is to care for your child
physically, emotionally and socially while you are working. We take our responsibility very
seriously. Please feel free to call or email us at any time if you have any questions.

Please contact the FCLC Director/Assistant Director with any questions or concerns about our
procedures. Our phone numbers and e-mail addresses are located on the front of this handbook
and our offices are down the hall from your child’s classroom. Usually all of us are present in the
Center, but one of us is in the facility at all times with an open door to your concerns.

It is our pleasure to serve your child care needs, our door is always open. We wish you an
amazing year taking care of our precious little ones as we take care of yours.

Coleen Seeker
FCLC Director
cseeker@wsisd.net Ext: 6290

Sarah Cato
Assistant Director
scato@wsisd.net Ext: 6291

Dr. Karen E. Gonzales
Early Childhood Education Director
kgonzales@wsisd.net Ext: 5335

FCLC Office Phone – (817) 367 – 1354
Fax – (817) 367 – 1352

                                                                                                     18
First Class Learning Center Staff

       Natalie Brightman
        Lyndsey Conn
         Alicia Erion
        Mariah Garcia
        Tamara Garza
       Danielle Gibson
       Rebecca Gibson
         Sara Leyerle
       Amanda Moore
         Joan Morton
         Shay Powell
       Taylor Ramirez
       Andrea Redmon
        Sharla Rome
       Megan Sessions
        JoAnn Smith
         Lisa Wilson

      ECSE 3s Inclusion
       Laura Lunceford
        Allison Weed

                                    19
You can also read