SPROUTHOUSE PRESCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK 2020/2021
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SproutHouse Preschool Parent Handbook 2020/2021
This handbook is designed to give you information about Sunflower Farm’s policies and general
practices. We hope you find it helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions
or concerns. Our goal is to have open communication with parents to ensure the best possible
camp experience for you and your children.
- Sunflower Farm
Sunflower Farm Vision:
To be a wholesome, rural, agricultural environment for the Community to enjoy now
and many years to come.
Sunflower Farm Mission:
To cultivate an appreciation for farming, nature and our sustainable future by providing
a safe and mindful education and memories through daily farm routines, experiential
play, family time together and stillness.
Program Overview & Philosophy:
This farm-based preschool cultivates all learning (art, science, reading, writing, fine and
gross motor, social and emotional) through the lens of the farm. The daily rhythm
includes chores appropriate for Sprouts, outdoor play and gardening and inside center
play.
Preschool Age:
Sprout House Preschool welcomes children ages 3-6. All children must be actively
working on potty-training independence. Please provide extra clothes for accidents.
Hours & Calendar:
School Year preschool is in session Mon-Fri. 8:30am-4:00pm.
Morning program: 8:30-12:30pm; Quiet time: 12:30-1:30pm; Afternoon program:
1:30-4pm.
This program follows the St. Vrain school calendar (37 weeks), with the exception of the
following:
• Sunflower Farm SproutHouse begins on Aug. 10, 2020
• We do not observe late start days.
• We do not observe St. Vrain no contact days (Oct. 16, 19, Jan. 4, 5)
• School IS in session on these days: Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2020), Martin Luther King Day
(Jan. 18, 2021). Presidents Day: (Feb. 12 and 15, 2021), April 30, 2021.
First Day of classes: Aug. 10, 2020
Thanksgiving break: Nov. 21-27, 2020Winter break: Dec. 21-Jan. 3, 2021 (class resumes on Jan. 4, 2021) Spring break: March 22-26, 2021 Last day of classes: May 22, 2021 Summer preschool is in session Monday-Friday 8:30am-3pm. Children have the option of attending 8:30-12:30 or 8:30-3pm. Summer session is June 1-July 31 2020. This is a 9 week summer program with no breaks. Inclement Weather: In extreme weather conditions, we will defer to St. Vrain protocol. All parents will be notified via email/and phone calls by 7am the morning of and by 11am for afternoon classes. However, cancellation will only occur due to extreme weather conditions. Rain is acceptable. We will have a recorded message indicating cancellation at 303-774-8001 and emails will be made by 7:00am the morning of your child’s class. If you have not received an email, and are still in doubt as to whether Preschool has been canceled, please call 303-774-8001. Refunds will not be given for cancelled school days, due to inclement weather. Admission and registration: Online registration is available at www.sunflowerfarmininfo.com. All children must complete and submit a registration form, Medical and Health History, an Emergency Medical Form (for Epi-pen & Inhaler use) and a Liability waiver agreement. If not submitting online, all additional medical forms must be submitted during public Farmfest public hours prior to the first day of preschool. All state immunizations must be current or sign waiver opting out must be on file. Tuition & Fees: A $125 non-refundable enrollment fee is required to secure your child’s spot. Assuming your child starts the first day of the school year, your full tuition will be prorated into eleven payments. Your first monthly payment will automatically be deducted after your registration. Second payment will be due on August 1, 2020. The final (eleventh) payment will be due on May 1, 2021. If you would like to pay tuition all up front via check or cash, please contact the office at 303-774-8001 for a 6% discount. GENERAL FEES for the school year program: 1 afternoon=$37 2 afternoons= $35 3 afternoons=$33 4 afternoons=$31 5 afternoons= $29 1 morning: $68 + 1 afternoon $35.00 + $10.00 = $113.00 2 mornings: $65 + 2 afternoons $33.00 + $10.00 = $108.00 3 mornings: $63 + 3 afternoons $31.00 + $10.00 = $104
4 mornings: $61 + 4 afternoons $29.00 + $10.00 = $100.00 5 mornings: $59 + 5 afternoons $ 27.00 + $10.00 = $96.00 37 Week=11 payments $125 non-refundable registration fee and 1-month payment up front at checkout 1 morning: $2,516 per year - $228.73 per month 2 mornings $4,810 per year - $437.27 per month 3 mornings 6,993.00 per year - $635.72 per month 5 mornings $10,915 per year $992.28 per month Tuition & Fees for the summer program: Because the Summer Program is brief (9 weeks total) there is no registration fee. However full summer tuition is due up front. Half Day Pricing: 1 Friday morning only: $612 2 Mornings Mon/Weds or Tues/Thurs: $1170 3 Mornings: Mon/Weds/Friday or Tues/Thurs/Friday: $1701 5 Mornings: $2,655 Full Day Pricing: 1 Full Day Fridays only: $909 2 Full Days Monday/Wednesday or Tues/Thurs: $1782 3 Full Days Mon/Weds/Fri or Tues/Thurs/Friday: $2592 5 Full Days: $4230 Discipline: Sunflower Farm staff uses the positive techniques of guidance, including logical or natural consequences applied in problem situations, redirection of children to more acceptable behavior, anticipation of and elimination of potential problems and encouragement of appropriate behavior rather than comparison, shame, competition or criticism. Consistent and clear rules are established. Staff members encourage the children to solve the problems rather than imposing a solution. They help children to recognize and respect each other’s feelings. The staff members encourage pro-social behavior such as cooperation, helping, taking turns, and constructive verbal communication to solve problems. The goal is to help children internalize rules and become self-directed in their behavior. Sunflower Farm reserves the right to dismiss any child due to circumstances that indicate the child’s needs can no longer be met. This will occur only after parent / staff discussion.
Notifying parents of illnesses, accidents, and injuries: Children showing signs of illness should not come to class. Parents will be contacted if illness conditions are observed during the day. The director will assess the situation. If there is an accident or injury, we will use the emergency contact information provided to us upon registration to try to reach someone. Upon pickup, an accident report will be filled out and a copy kept on file. The child will be kept as safe and comfortable as possible until picked up. If it is necessary to transport your child to a hospital we will call 911 to assist transport and you will immediately be notified. Absences due to illness: Please contact Sunflower Farm if your child is ill or on vacation: (303-774-8001) or email (sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com). Tuition refunds or credits are not available for the day of the absence. Lost Children and/or Other Emergencies: All children are under direct supervision at all times. However, in the unlikely event that we were unable to account for a child, we would (1) make a quick search of the area (2) seek assistance from other adults to mount a search of the entire area and grounds (3) close off entrance to the farm, and not let anyone in or out of the property until the child has been located (4) notify a parent or other person on the Emergency Form and (5) seek help from the police (at which point, within 48 hours, we will submit a written report to the Colorado Department of Human Services.) In the event of a natural disaster, Sunflower Farm will adhere to the following procedures: In case of building fire: Staff members will evacuate children to an area well away from the building. Teachers will take their sign-in sheet and attendance will be taken in order to make sure that all children are accounted for. In case of flood: Staff members will evacuate children to a high area well away from the flood area. Parents will be notified by telephone as to the location of Preschoolers and Sunflower staff will stay with these children until they can be picked-up. In the case of a tornado: Staff members will evacuate and everyone will take shelter in the ditch along Prospect Rd. or to lower ground nearby. In the case of extreme weather: Staff members will take preschoolers to shelter in a pre-designated indoor area. Staff and children will practice emergency drills on a regular basis. Lock Down Procedure: Lock door, close window treatments, gather children and emergency supply kit and seek shelter in bathroom. Lock door. Transporting children: Children will not be transported anywhere off site (except for in emergency situations). Evacuation: In case of the need to evacuate our site, the following procedures will be followed:
Evacuation routes/exits: Children are cared for at the Woodshed, there are two entrances. Exits (all windows and doors are checked regularly to ensure opening): Notification: Once all children are safely evacuated: 911 will be called. Parents will be notified of the evacuation Emergency Kits/Information: • Emergency backpacks will be carried when outdoors. • Each backpacks will hold an envelope with each child’s emergency contact information. Each teacher will carry a cell phone at all times. Evacuation Sites: Neighborhood (e.g., for fire): Marilyn Zabowski, 11130 Prospect Road, Longmont, CO 80504 Out-of-neighborhood (e.g., explosion, flooding): Longmont Recreation Center, 310 Quail Rd, Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: (303) 774-4800 Field trips, television, video, and special activities: Permission slips will be required for all special events, outings, field trips or special photography. Vehicle Use: Children will not be transported anywhere, and vehicles are not used (except for extreme emergency situations). Releasing Children from Sprout House: To ensure the safety of each child and compliance with child-care licensing regulations, parents/guardians are required to sign their child in and out daily. Persons designated by the parent/guardian on the registration form may only pick up the child/ children. If anyone other than those listed are to pick the child up, Sunflower Farm must be notified in writing by the parent/guardian before the child can be released. In an emergency, the child may also be released to an adult for whom the child’s parent or guardian has given verbal authorization. If the staff member who releases the child does not know the adult, identification must be required to assure the adult is authorized to pick up the child. If the person is not listed, the staff member will not release the child to that person. Any person(s) attempting to pick up a child will be asked to provide photo ID. In the event an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child they will be asked to leave the facility. If the person does not leave the property the local law enforcement will be contacted. At the conclusion of camp, staff verifies that all campers have been signed out and that no one remains on site. Drop off & Pick-up: Drop-off is at 8:30am and 1:30 (school year afternoons). Pick-up is at 12:30pm and 4pm.
These times are very important to us at the farm, and we appreciate your compliance. Staff uses the time before preschool to prepare for the day and the time afterward for cleanup. The farm closes promptly 15 minutes after pick up time. Parents are asked to exit the farm right after drop-off and pick-up. Please do not come early to play, or linger after pick- up. It is important to recognize Sunflower Farm is a private home as well as a business. Let’s respect this boundary. In case of late pick-up, there is a late fee of $1.00/minute for every minute after 12:40pm and 4:10 that the child/children remain at the farm. This rate is assessed per child. In the event a child is not picked up and the parent does not contact Sunflower Farm, we will notify each person on the authorized pick-up list until someone contacted can pick- up the child. When none listed are available, a guardian cannot be reached, and it is past 5pm, the police department and child protective services must be contacted. It is our expectation that Sunflower Farm would be contacted in an emergency situation that prevents a parent/guardian from promptly picking up a child to avoid the last step. At the conclusion of camp, staff verifies that all campers have been signed out and that no one remains on site. Late Arrival: Please be on time and thoughtful when dropping off your child. If you arrive after 8:45 or 1:45, and no one is present at the Sprout House facility, please make direct contact the director/teacher before dropping off your child. DO NOT just drop off your child unattended. When you cannot avoid being late, Please sign in your child with as little disruption as possible. Administering Medications: Due to the length of the Sprout House program, it is very unlikely that standard medications will need to be administered. Please plan to give any needed medicine either before or after class time. In order for your Preschooler to attend with emergency medications (such as an inhaler or Epi-Pen), an “Emergency Medical Form” MUST be filled in and signed by a physician. You may email the form to sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com prior to the start of preschool, or you may bring it with you on the first day of preschool. This form can be found as an attachment to the confirmation email you received after registering your child. If this form is not completed, Sunflower Farm WILL NOT be able to take the epi- pen or inhaler, or keep them on site. Medications must be kept in the original labeled bottle or container. Prescription medications must contain the original pharmacy label that lists: Child's name Prescribing practitioner's name Pharmacy name and telephone number Date prescription was filled
Expiration date of the medication Name of the medication Dosage How often to give the medication Length of time the medication is to be given Sunscreen & insect repellent Parents are asked to apply sunscreen and insect repellent (if needed) to their children before they arrive each day. Staff will assist and supervise children to reapply sunscreen to children’s exposed skin prior to outdoor activities. If sunscreen is needed and a child has not provided his or her own, the camp may provide sunscreen to be applied unless there is written notice to the contrary from a parent or guardian. Children in the program may apply sunscreen to themselves under direct supervision of a staff member. Sunscreen must be labeled with the child’s first and last name. Staff will carry medications in the field unless otherwise specified in writing on a Health Care Plan in the case of inhalers or Epi-Pens. All medication administration is undertaken in compliance with the Nurse Practice Act. We are not allowed to apply ointments to wounds. In the rare case a wound requires more than soap and water, we will call you to pick up your child. Special Needs Children with disabilities or developmental delays, including children with social, emotional and behavioral needs, are admitted on a case-by-case basis and in alignment with the training and ability of staff and in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. If needed the parent provider and a mental Health Consultant will work together on persistent challenges. As a team we will identify an action plan to support the child. Conferences Pick-up and Drop-off time provides brief periods of communication between staff and parents. However, if you would like a more comprehensive exchange, please request a private parent-teacher conference (usually in October or November) by emailing: sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com. Parent Teacher Conferences will be scheduled once a year, and are optional usually in the spring. Confidentiality The privacy of all families enrolled in the Sprout House is important to us. We keep all information about children and their families strictly confidential; please do not ask any questions that could be a breach of confidentiality, please speak directly with that family.
Office
The office is an important source of information including the program’s licensing
certificate. In addition, lost and found items are collected in this space. Please take a
moment to look around to familiarize yourself with this area.
Experience
All of the teachers at the Sprout House are Early Childhood Teacher qualified via
Colorado Department of Human Services; Childcare division.
Insurance
Sunflower Farm carries general liability insurance on the premises. Professional liability
insurance is also carried for substitute caregivers.
Force Majeure
In the event of an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of Sunflower
Farm, such as an epidemic, natural disaster, flood, fire, tornado, war, strike or “Act of
God” that would prevent Sunflower Farm from operating their daily classes or camps,
parents or guardians, are required to pay 2 weeks tuition from the initial date of closure
for their scheduled classes or the remainder of their weekly camp.
Withdrawing from the program:
This can happen one of two ways:
1. Voluntarily by parents. Should you, for any reason, reconsider your child’s
enrollment in the Sprout House, you are required to give Sunflower Farm a 30-
day notice. If you happen to give a 30-day notice at the end of the month,
Sunflower Farm will require the next month’s tuition payment as your 30-day
notice. If you choose to unenroll before classes start, you are also required to give
a 30 day notice before your classes begin, and will be charged a 5%
administrative fee.
2. Should Sunflower Farm staff decide, for whatever reason, your child is not ready
or, perhaps, needs more one-on-one time then we are able to provide, we will
contact you as soon as possible to let you know our concerns and hopefully get
your input before giving a notice. It is our desire to work through these issues
with utmost honesty and support. If at any given time, Sunflower decides this is
not a good fit, you will be refunded all unused tuition, minus a $40 transaction
fee.What to bring to Preschool and Personal belongings: While at the Sprout House, children will store their personal belongings in their backpack. Please do not send your child with toys or money. Please send your child wearing inexpensive, old clothes. Sunflower Farm will not take responsibility for clothes or shoes that go home dirty, stained or damaged. Children will get wet, muddy and dirty, and will have access to a variety of paints. While Sunflower Farm makes every effort to use “washable paints,” we cannot guarantee that paint, bubbles, shaving cream, mud, etc. will come out of clothing and/or shoes. All items must be clearly labeled with the child’s first and last name. Money should not be brought to the program or kept in the child’s belongings during program hours. Parents are asked to provide their child/children with the following items everyday: A backpack that can hold all personal belongings listed below: We strongly advise writing your child’s name of their clothing, shoes, bag, and other personal items to help with organization. If you prefer a specific type of sunscreen, please include in your child’s backpack; otherwise, we will use ours. A complete set of spare seasonal clothes and a sunhat. Small water bottle. Swimsuit packed (for sprinkler play); please include a towel. In the winter children are expected to have snow pants, boots, hats, water-proof gloves and warm layered clothes. We go outside every day. Your child will need to come to preschool dressed in appropriate seasonal attire that can and will get dirty and messy. Children must wear sturdy shoes for outdoor play that cover their toes and have a strap on the back and a pair of soft-soled shoes or slippers for inside play. No flip-flops. Meals and snacks: Parents are asked to provide their child with a nutritious snack labeled separately in the morning and lunch (morning class only) Sorry, no refrigeration or microwave is available and just a snack in the afternoon. Visitor Policy: Due to security purposes and the nature of the program, parents are not invited to stay onsite unless they have made prior arrangements with the Director of the Program or Liz Napp the Farm Manager. Additionally, all visitors are required to have an appointment or to make prior arrangements with the Director before visiting and are required to sign-in in the office. The gates at the farm are always closed every day after drop-off at 9:00 and 2:00 and reopened for pick-up at 12:15 and 3:45 for pick-up. The vehicles in the parking lot and visitors are heavily monitored by Sunflower Farm staff and no one is ever allowed on the property unless it has been cleared by the office or Director.
Reporting of Child Abuse: Parents as well as teachers are required by law to report any case of suspected abuse to the Department of Human Services. If you believe that your child has been abused, you should seek immediate assistance from your county Department of Social Services. In Longmont, you may reach them by calling (303) 678-8000. Complaints: If a parent has a complaint about an action taken by a staff member, or about an incident observed, please call us at 303-774-8001 or email us at sunflowerfarmmail@gmail. If a parent is still not satisfied he/she may call the State of Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Child Care at 303-866-5958 or send correspondence to: Colorado Division of Child Care 1575 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203-1714 You can also voice concerns to: Colorado Department of Education 201 E. Colfax Denver, CO 80203 303-866-6600 Discontinuation of Services: If, for some unforeseen reason, the services at Sunflower Farm’s Sprout House Preschool are discontinued or withdrawn, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and unused tuition will be refunded. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify the Preschool Director if they would like to withdraw their child from the program for any reason. See fee schedule for policy regarding fees and credits. Questions: Please contact Sunflower Farm: Web: www.sunflowerfarminfo.com Office Phone: 303-774-8001 Emergency: 303-774-8001 Email: sunflowerfarmmail@gmail.com Mail: 11150 Prospect Rd, Longmont, CO, 80504 Sunflower Farm / 11150 Prospect Rd, Longmont, CO, 80504 / 303-774-8001 11
Addendum to Preschool Summer Program Handbook
COVID-19 Protocols and Guidelines:
Pick Up Procedure for Sprout House and Livery
• Upon arrival to either the Sprout House or the Livery you will go in via the playground
door (where you dropped off) and wait for the teacher and your child.
• We will allow one parent in at a >me, so please wait along the sidewalk un>l it is your
turn. Please gather your child’s things quickly so that parents aren’t wai>ng in line for a
long >me.
• If your child is at the Sprout House, please exit out the door and down the stairs by the
garden so you are not walking by current parents wai>ng to go inside.
Drop Off Procedure for SproutHouse and Livery:
Please note that all drop off’s will take longer due to our health screening prior to
your child entering the playground so please plan accordingly.
• When you arrive at the Sprout House or Livery you will be asked to come inside the gate
and stay with your inside the gate while the health check list is completed.
• The child health check list is listed on the web page.
• If you see the teacher is with another child/parent, please wait for your turn while giving
6-foot distancing and wearing your face covering. We will have an X marked on the
sidewalks so you know the distance to keep.
• Once your child’s teacher is ready for you/your child you will be asked to come into the
playground and stay right at the gate un>l your child’s teacher is done with your child’s
health check.
• Once completed, you will be asked to leave your child’s belongings (there will be hooks
to hang their belongings on) and say goodbye. Your child will join their group ou>sde on
the playground.
Daily Health Checks for Children
Each child will be screened during our daily health checks before they enter care for the day.
They will be screened for the following:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Shortness of Breath4. Other symptoms (running nose, lethargy, diarrhea, stomach cramping, vomi>ng, general
overall appearance)
5. Possible exposure to COVID-19
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms OR has a fever of 99.5 AND ABOVE they will be sent
home.
If a child is sent home sick with the above symptoms, your child’s class will be noKfied and
class will be canceled for 24 hours while the staff disinfect.
OR, if a family member is exhibi>ng any of these symptoms, the child will be asked to stay
home.
If you child exhibits any of these symptoms during care, they will be taken to the office, and
parents will be called to pick them up, and Boulder County Health Department will be no>fied
and will follow up with the family.
They will also be asked to self-isolate at home un>l the following are true:
1. The child has not had a fever for 72 hours (that is three (3) full days of no fever without
the use of medicine that reduces fever.
2. Other symptoms have greatly improved (for example, cough, shortness of breath,
fa>gue, etc).
3. At least 7 days have passes since symptoms first appeared.
Daily Health Checks for Staff:
Each staff member will be screened prior to star>ng their shic for:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Shortness of Breath
4. Other symptoms
5. Possible personal exposure to COVID-19
If any staff member exhibits any of these symptoms or exposure they will be sent home prior to
their shic. If they exhibit symptoms during their shic, they will be sent home, and the director
will place a call into Boulder County Health for tracking purposes.
Protocol for DisinfecKng
Staff will limit the toys in use to those that are easily cleanable, and eliminate soc, fabric toys as
well as sensory items in a sensory tub.
Disinfect all indoor, high touch areas at the start and at the end of the day, and when possible,
throughout the day.
When bathrooms are shared, staff will disinfect throughout the dayShould there be a morning class and an acernoon class (separate children) staff will disinfect in between classes. Protocol for Face Coverings for Staff, Children, and Parents Staff will wear a face covering during parent drop off, while interac>ng with the children during the day, and during parent pick up. Children are not required to wear a face covering. Should the parent request that the child DOES wear a face covering, the parent must provide that along with instruc>ons for use. If the teacher feels like it is doing more harm than good (child’s hands are always touching it, it’s falling off, etc) the teacher can recommend that the child not wear it to the parent. Parents are asked to wear a face covering at drop off and pick up. Parent Handbook Acknowledgment and Receipt I have received my copy of the Parent Handbook. The parent handbook describes important information about Sunflower. relationship with Sunflower Farm voluntarily and acknowledge that there is no specified length of employment. This handbook and the policies and procedures contained herein supersede any and all prior practices, oral or written representations, or statements regarding the terms and conditions of my employment with Sunflower Farm. By distributing this handbook, the company expressly revokes any and all previous policies and procedures that are inconsistent with those contained herein. I have received the Parent Handbook, and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with the policies contained in this handbook and any revisions made to it. _____________________________________ ________________________________________ Parent Signature Parent Name (Print) Date ____________________ (By printing your name here you are authorizing this as your signature) TO BE PLACED IN CHILD’S FILE
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