Operations and Policies 2017 - 2018

198 South Main Street Northfield VT

LittleCricketSchool.com Crickets2school@gmail.com (802) 971-8449

Family Hand Book

Notes:

Contents Welcome………………………………………………………………………………..page 4 Our Mission………………………………………………………………………….….page 4 About Little Crickets…………………………………………………………………..page 4

Our Philosophy…………………………………………………………………………page 5 Our Play School Team ………………………………………………………………..page 5

Curriculum……………………………………………………………………………….page 5

Programs …………………………………………………………..……………………page 6 All Day Play School After school Care and Activities Summer Program

Meals and Snacks……………………………………………………………..……….page 6 A typical daily menu

Daily Schedule…………………………………………………………………….........page 7 Arrival and Departure Routines Dropping off and Picking Up Sign In-Out Authorized Pick-ups Parking

Program 2017-2018 Calendar………………………………………….………..……page 8 Holiday, Vacation, In-service, Weather Delays and Closings Program Shutdown in August

Commitment and Family Partnerships ……………………………………………page 9 Communications: News Letter, Progress Reports and Parent Conferences

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Holidays and Celebrations…………………………………………………….….page 9 Anti-Bias, Conflict Resolution and Harassment Policy …………………..…page 9

Operation Polices …………………………………………………………..….….page 10 General Health and Safety

Hygiene and Cleanliness Supervision of Children

A Safe Environment - No Smoking on Premises Policy

Illnesses and Excludable Conditions ………………………………………..…page 10 *When to stay Home

Emergency Procedures……………………………………………….…..….……page 10 Evacuation of the Building

Accident and Injuries Reporting

Behavior and Discipline Guidance …………………………………..…………..page 11

Field Trips and Outings……………………………………………………..………page 11 Payment Policy……………………………………………………………….………page 11

Absences and Withdrawal Policy …………………………….…………….….…page 11 Confidentiality Policy……………………………………………………..…………page 11 Reporting Abuse and Neglect …………………………………………..…………page 11

Enrollment ………………………………………………………………………….page 12

Tuition 2017-2018 Deposits and Discounts Subsidy and State financial assistance

Enrollment Process

Handy Information …………………………………………………………………page 13 Clothing and Footwear State weather and school closing information Enrollment Checklist Little Crickets Contact Information

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Welcome to our Little Crickets Family! Hello, we are the Wells family. We are parents of two children 15 and 3 years old as well as passionate educators who love to teach and learn. We have traveled all over this country and many others but have returned to Vermont to be surrounded by nature and a sensible caring mindset amongst our neighbors. As parents we understand the need for a safe caring environment that is nurturing, healthy, and positive.  We also understand the importance of creating consistent expectations, reasonable limits, and realistic goals.  As educators we value the individual child and their personal interest and learning style while facilitating age appropriate activities and language without underestimating their potential and abilities.  We believe early social and emotional awareness is the key to school and life success.  It is important for us to recognize the individual child with affection and encouragement, to model kindness and positive communication, yet also set firm expectations and instill a sense of empathy and personal responsibility.  This is done with lots of love, patience, understanding, routine, flexibility, and a balance of real world working sensibilities and humor!       We look forward to welcoming your family to our home, where your child will feel comfortable and safe while adopting a love for learning that will prepare them for kindergarten and beyond!

Our Mission To operate a state registered “home” daycare that operates like a professional childcare center with a commitment to providing competitively priced, conveniently located, all day childcare and early education opportunities for more than 12 of Northfield’s children and their families. We strive to cultivate an imaginative joyful environment where inclusion of cultures, personalities and ideas are honored. Collaboration between parents and teachers/caregivers is integral to our children's success; as well as a commitment to community connectivity and outreach.

More about Little Crickets

  Little Crickets is both a warm family home as well as a collaboration of professional experienced caregivers, parents, and educators.  We are able to pool from our vast knowledge of early child development and teaching strategies, working together to create a caring safe, positive, and enriching environment where our children practice social skills, life and kindergarten readiness, and learn by playing!  By keeping a small intimate “home” environment we are able to provide a clean, bright, joyful aesthetic within a nourishing family setting. By adopting “center” style operations we are able to provide a strong academic component to care, as well as professional collaboration and support with and for our parents, educators, and caregivers.   We embrace diversity and respect differing cultures and parenting styles and look at our relationship with parents as a caring collaboration. We aim for open communication about their child's development and family goals, as well as supporting parents in the pursuit of their own work and interest.   We have a balanced whole child approach that mixes old school values with modern ideals. We are dedicated to building a positive healthy architecture for our little peoples minds and find their open curiosity and joy for the world contagious, we are grateful to get to do what we love and that you would give us the opportunity to share in the care of your child!         -4

LITTLE CRICKETS All Day School of Play!

Our Philosophy   Our basic philosophy is to encourage kindness, creativity, independence, an appreciation for our unique abilities, and a respect for ourselves, our world and our neighbors.     We do this by creating a healthy respectful environment with positive social interactions and modeling.  Our play space is bright clean and organized. We try to use simple, high quality, imaginative toys and supplies to minimize the distractions that often overload our little one’s minds, as well as instill an early sense of appreciation and respect for our environment.       We will learn to appreciate our play “work” because it is fulfilling and fun!  Everyday will be filled with a mixture of free play as well as interest guided learning influenced by a state approved preschool curriculum.  We will have a circle time and choice play center time.  These developmental areas include:  indoor and outdoor gross motor space, open ended as well as guided art projects to encourage fine motor skills, self confidence, and creativity. We have a dramatic play space for social and imaginative development, and blocks and building for spacial awareness.  We will incorporate music, literacy, games/puzzles and sequencing activities daily; as well as introduce basic letter recognition and sounds, math, science, and problem solving skill practice.

We believe in balance and practice a flexible style of care. For instance, we thrive and feel safe with routine but sometimes life demands a bit of flexibility - if we are caught up in an extraordinary moment of creative genius, we'll keep going with it.  If it's beautiful outside, we may stay longer in nature and the sunshine! 

It is also important for us to encourage a sense of community by venturing out into our village and getting to know our town workings as well as make friends with our neighbors and local businesses.  We are committed to inviting all of our young children and parents in the community to join us on these outings and Little Crickets social events. 

Our Play School Team All of our care givers adhere to a strict set of standards and polices that assure the safest and most nurturing care for your child. We are all first aid and infant CPR certified, and we all have thorough background criminal checks that are registered with the state. We have outstanding credentials, references, and experience; and we participate in ongoing developmental trainings. We collaborate monthly for inspiration, ideas and support, and strive to make our daily environment as fun and positive as possible for all of us.

Curriculum

We use a preschool curriculum called the Complete Resource for Preschoolers as well as referencing, “The Creative Curriculum” and “Ages and Stages”. We also reference VELS state standards for Kindergarten preparedness to plan lessons. We will incorporate basic cognitive and social kindergarten readiness through center play, creative art, community, and nature elements while considering each individual child’s interest and needs.

Play is the means by which children develop these skills; the manipulation of materials as well as interaction with other children and adults. We have a large open play area for blocks, puzzles, and games. We have a library office for quiet/literacy time, an indoor gross motor room for bouncing and climbing, a kitchen for meals, science, arts/crafts, a dramatic playroom, and an outdoor area with sandbox and play/climbing structures.

We consider ourselves a “Play School” as we are not affiliated with the public Preschool system. As a private hybrid all daycare/preschool provider, we believe this most accurately describes our program and what we do.

ProgramsAll Day Play School and CareFollows Northfield School’s Calendar   Play School opens its morning doors at 7:45 AM and closes at 5 PM. Our daily activities will begin about 9:30 AM and end about 3 PM; before and after those times children will be participating in choice play.   

After School Care and ActivitiesWe have 4 slots for school aged children to join us for a snack, play and activities after school from 3 PM to 5 PM.  Preference will be given to the siblings of enrolled preschool aged children and then to the youngest children on our waitlist.    

Summer ProgramWe will offer a summer program structured much like our school program with a lighter emphasis on curriculum and added seasonal and age appropriate activities for the older kids who will be joining us.  Children enrolled in the previous program will be given preference. Hours are from 7:45 AM to 5 PM.

Meals and Snacks Little Crickets participates in the Child Care Food Program, which insures that we receive ongoing training in nutrition and that your children receive healthy meals and snacks. Your child will be provided a morning breakfast/snack, a lunch, and an afternoon snack.  These will be based on the USDA standards for balanced and nutritious food groups and will include an offering of fruit and vegetables daily as well as milk. Children will have water available to them at all times. We strive to serve a varied menu with the highest quality ingredients; local and organic when available.         Children will often help prepare, serve, and clean up after meals.  They will be encouraged to serve themselves and will eat family style with their teachers.  

*Nutrition is important and we implement a balanced healthy diet created with great care.

However, we believe life sometimes calls for an afternoon cookie or popsicle.        *You are welcome to bring or contribute snacks anytime you are able, or treats for special occasions.  We ask that families follow  the general guidelines for toddler food safety and cut hard round foods like carrots and grapes in half. Also please refrain from bringing highly processed and sugared packaged foods or candy to school.  

*We are not a peanut/fish/gluten/dairy restricted home so please let us know if you have any concerns or allergies. We are happy to work with you to accommodate this. A typical daily menu will include items

like: Veggies and Hummus or yogurt dip, grilled chicken and vegetable stir fry with brown rice/quinoa, homemade turkey/veggie meatballs and pesto pasta, spinach/kale and cheddar quesadillas, zucchini/pumpkin muffins, pulled pork tacos with slaw, hard boiled eggs, organic dino-chicken nuggets and peas, daily fresh assorted fruits, dried fruits and nuts, Annie's Mac-cheese with broccoli, greek yogurt with organic granola, strong black coffee...(just seeing if you’re still paying attention, that last one is just for staff and parents, or the really mature kids.)

Breakfast/Morning Snack 8:45-9AM 1/2 c Milk or Dairy/100%Fruit juice 1/2 c Fruit, fresh sliced1/2 c Grain/Bread/Cereal

Lunch -Noon1/2 c Milk/Water1 1/2 oz Meat/Protein3/4 c Vegetable 1/2 c Grain/Carb

Afternoon Snack 3 PM

(1/2 c Protein/Meat/Nut)1/2 c Fruit/Vegetable -fresh or dried1/2 c Grain/Carb

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Daily Arrival and Departure Routines

We find dropping off and picking up can be a chaotic and sometimes emotional time for all of us. It is our experience that the longer and more drawn out this process is the harder it is for everyone.

For the drop - trust us when we say, the quick goodby kiss and run, really is the best maneuver. It is surprising how quickly fear or reservation dissipates when Mom and Dad are strong and confident and show no reservations in their trusted care giver. The quicker you’re outta sight the quicker the playing starts. You know this, so we ask that you set this routine from the first day:

Drop off - good-bye happens in the entry hall with parents help to put away coat and shoes - child continues to play area, parent exits front door. Give us a call if you need to hear your child is fine or you want us to know you’re ok. I guarantee they will be. You’ll get an extra hug at pick-up (maybe a cookie too).

Pick-up - teacher directs child to meet parent in the entry hall or outdoor gate, parent helps child get ready to go and they exit together through the front door.

* We can’t wait to visit with our parents and invite you to join us at our outings and social events as well as planed parent conferences. If you’d like to visit during the day we’d love to schedule a time and welcome your involvement. However, please be conscious and considerate about “popping-in” or lingering before and after pick-up as it becomes not only a distraction from the daily schedule and attention we need to provide other children but it can also infringe on the professional boundaries and time staff need to clean and prepare for lessons or end of the day responsibilities. We need to be home to our families, as well as rested and prepared for the next days adventures!

* Child must be signed in and and out daily.

* Only authorized persons listed on contract will be allowed to pick-up child. Id will be required. If there is a change in authorized persons, written permission will need to be given in advance and verbally in the case of an emergency.

*Parking in the lot is for quick drop and pick-up. Please park across the street if the lot is full or you will be staying for any length of time. -7

We follow the Northfield School system for Holiday closings as well as Weather related closings and Delayed Openings.

* Our program week shut down will be the week before school starts in August 2018. This is necessary for maintenance and state regulated trainings. We may also be closed the week after school ends in June 2018, depending on families needs and enrollment at that time.

* Little Cricket’s In-services, staff training, and vacation days are vital for healthy quality providers. Parents are responsible for finding alternate care arrangements for these closed days, however we know it is sometimes difficult for busy parents to arrange this, so we are committed to make these as few as possible and if there is enough need we are dedicated in helping you find safe alternatives at reasonable substitute rates.

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Commitment and Family Partnership We understand the difficulty parents face when searching for safe enriching all day childcare. It was a serious, expensive, and frustrating challenge for us.

We have learned that, as expensive as it is for families to pay for childcare, unfortunately there is little financial gain in providing quality childcare either; it is truly a labor of love. To take care of children is an enormous honor as well as responsibility. The liabilities, demanding regulations, and expensive home and employee tax/insurance cost are just part of the unseen expenses involved. Providers are responsible for continuing education and training, as well as time consuming, record keeping and reporting. This is all crucial for the accountability of providers and for the safety of our children. We also believe that having several team members regardless of cost, is the key to a healthy care environment. (These folks are paid mostly in smiles and snacks - believe me).

Without our parents understanding, support, and involvement, it is almost impossible to imagine being able to maintain a professional wholesome enriching care environment for our children that would outweigh the financial and personal risk for us little guys operating on a dime. We love this small town and we want to be a part of building and keeping our community, families, and children together! We are dedicated invested parents and educators, and we trust in the respect and generosity of our parent partners to honor our policies and procedures, to respect and pay tuitions promptly, as well as contribute to this partnership however possible. That might include volunteering for an outing or providing needed materials or a snack...

We are dedicated to creating a partnership with you and we are so grateful you are trusting us to care for your children. Thank you for helping us to do what we love, and for allowing us to build something amazing for our family and yours!

Little Crickets Communications you can look forward to this year!

* News Letter with whats happening at school.

* Individual Progress Reports and Parent Conferences available at or on request.

* Convenient access to our Hand Book, Enrollment, Policies and forms on our Website Littlecricketschool.com

* Social Media account and access to photos and events.

* Social and Community Outing Opportunities.

Holidays and Celebrations We are not affiliated with nor do we practice any particular religion. However, at Little Crickets we believe in joy and celebrating life in as may ways as possible. With that said, we will observe and participate in traditional holiday activities and festivities.  We also respect and welcome the traditions and customs from our enrolled families. *We follow most of the state and local observed holidays. Please see our calendar to note days the Play School will be closed.

Our Policy regarding Anti-Bias, Conflict Resolution, Harassment and

Differences. We will work together positively, and teach with Anti-bias views; respecting and honoring each others personal values, race, gender, backgrounds and cultures.

Harassment, weapons, or physical violence of any nature from any adult, will not be tolerated and will be cause for expulsion of the family from our program.

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Operation Polices

General Health and Safety

* We will maintain high standards for personal hygiene and home cleanliness. Hand washing will be required at the beginning of day, after toilet, and before meals.

*All toys, mats, equipment, floors, rugs and furnishings will be cleaned daily and inspected for issues. Home (kitchen, play rooms, bathroom) outdoor and indoor deep cleanings will be scheduled monthly.

*Will will use safe non-toxic cleaning products and procedures. No Toxic/cleaning Materials are accessible to children.

*We will maintain a safe environment at all times, free of clutter and debris. Trash will be properly stored in containers with lids and disposed of daily. Cleaning products, scissors and art supplies will be out of reach. Furnishing, toys, and equipment will be secured and in good working condition.

*Shoes are required outside. No shoes indoor rule. (Children are encouraged to bring a soft soled indoor shoe or slipper).

*All Medicine will be stored in a locked area and only distributed with written permission from parent and physician.

*Children will be supervised at all times and never left alone.

*Closed doors and gates will be unlocked/opened by adults only.

*There is Absolutely No Smoking or Drugs at anytime on any part of the property. There will be no alcohol on the premises during operating hours.

Illnesses and Excludable Conditions

*We will post a notice of exposure in the event of detection of contagious illness or lice. It is important to keep your child home when they need to rest for their health as well as not to spread infection or illness to other children.

*When Your Child should Stay Home: If child has a fever (>100*) unknown rash, is

vomiting or has diarrhea, or suspected lice. If your child has untreated scabies, a severe cold or sore throat, ear infection, pink eye or any

other contagious symptom: unusually tired, pale, difficult to wake, confused or irritable, with

lack of appetite, difficult or rapid breathing, swollen glans, green discharge from nose,

frequent cough.

*When to Return, when symptoms and fever

have been gone for at least 24 hours or by permission of physician.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES We have an Emergency Plan with exit locations in place and posted in the kitchen. All state safety and health codes for the building are met and checked periodically through the year. Staff are trained and conduct monthly drills and supply/maintenance checks to assure emergency preparedness.

*In the event of Evacuation of the Building (For instance, fire or flood) we will lead children to the church parking lot just north of us or across the street to Saint Mary’s Church. We will call parents immediately if it is deemed unsafe to return.

Accident and Injuries Reporting All incidents/accidents involving the head/spine/eye, or that require washing with soap and water, or the application of first aid/ ice pack - will be documented and reported to parents, then recorded in child’s file.

In all immediate emergency situations 911 will be called. Parents will be called while 1st aid is administered. A staff member will accompany the child to the hospital with authorized information and act for parent until they arrive. For non-emergency concerns a recommendation will be made to parent via phone or upon pick-up. -10

Behavior and Discipline Guidance We will guild children through disagreements, sharing, and how to be and behave safely through positive modeling and redirection. Uncontrolled or lashing out behaviors are often a result of not being able to identify or express a feeling or need. Our work is to redirect anger and dangerous behavior or actions by helping children to identify these feelings, teaching them words, tools, and techniques to use to diffuse and express themselves in a positive way.

If a child has escalated beyond redirection or reason and has become a physical or emotional danger to themselves or others, it may be necessary to separate them from the action and be given time and space to maintain composer. In these situations it will always be discussed with the child why they were removed, followed by a conversation that is supportive and constructive. Any type of corporal, demoralizing, or punitive punishments will not be allowed.

Field Trips and Outings

We believe children benefit from learning about and interacting with the community and we hope to do it at least once weekly. We are fortunate in our location to be able to walk to the library, post office, Norwich track, Dog Wood river, NFLD common and local municipalities and business. We will be visible locally and will post a note on the front door saying where we are. If we intend to go inside another building we will plan ahead of time and post it on our bulletin board and online.

*These weekly outings will generally be scheduled from 10 AM until lunch or to include a packed picnic lunch.

*In the event we schedule an off site outing or field trip that is not within walking distance, a field trip form will need to be signed and proper transportation secured.

Payment Policy Tuition is due prior to the start of every month. Payment may be made via check to Little Crickets, or by direct deposit at no fee. Online credit payment may be made through PayPal on the Littlecricketschool.com website with an additional 4% fee. Please do not send payment with child and if paying in cash please make sure to contact us if you do not receive a receipt or email confirmation within two business days.

Should circumstances prevent a payment, it is the responsibility of parent to make arrangements and keep LC director informed of your payment plan. In the event account is continually delinquency or is more than two weeks due, this may result in temporary or permanent removal of your child from the program.

Absences Parents pay for their child’s contracted time whether or not the child attends. This includes holiday, vacation, and in-service days.

*If your child is unable to attend or will have any scheduled/unscheduled absences, please let us know as soon as possible so we may be able to offer another family a day of care.

Withdrawal Policy If you choose to withdraw your child within the program year, it is expected that a conversation and understanding is made between parent and director as soon as possible and at least 30 days written notice given. Payment through the end of the current month must be made.

Confidentiality Policy Any information we have or discuss with you about your child and family is kept in strict professional confidence.

Abuse and Neglect Policy All Childcare providers are Mandated Reporters and required by the state of VT to report and suspected abuse or neglect.

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Enrollment Policies

*Late Payment and Late Pick-up Fee $5 for every day tuition is late for the month or for every 10 minutes at the end of the day. Please

pay this of your own accord.

*We are not a Universal “Pre-K” program, which unfortunately means we do not get federal pre-K funds. However, we are Licensed with the state so we are able to take state subsidy and distribute EOY form W-9 which allows parents to receive tax credit for child care expenses paid.

The Enrollment Process *Fill out the LC enrollment form and send in with the $15 processing fee - you will be placed on our wait list and notified when a spot becomes available. *A pre-enrollment interview and visit will be scheduled. *Enrollment acceptance or change letter will be sent. You will have one week to decide if you would like to accept the spot or remain on the waitlist. *Upon acceptance, you will receive an enrollment packet with a contract to be signed and sent in with your deposit within that week. Your child is officially enrolled for the year.

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Web: Littlecricketschool.com

Email: crickets2school.com

Phone: (802) 917-8449

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Little Cricket’s Play School Director Christa Wells 198 South Main Street Northfield VT 05663

Handy Information

Clothing and Footwear • Be prepared to send your child in

appropriate active, messy, weather ready attire. We will be outside almost everyday so seasonal provisions like swim suits, snow suits, boots, are necessary.

*Please provide one or two extra daily change of clothing, underpants and socks.

*Children will need a pair of soft soled clean indoor designated shoes or slippers. Please check child’s bag daily for soiled clothes or notes and projects to go home.

• If you have a preferred brand of sunscreen/bug spray etc. you are welcome to send it in labeled with child's name.

• We have quiet-time/nap pads; if your child has a favorite crib sheet or small blanket they would like to use to make them feel comfortable they are welcome to bring it.

Except for special occasions, we ask that personal trinkets and toys be left at home

Closing and Delayed Notifications are made by 6:15 AM on the following Stations and Web site WWW.VPR.net WCAX TV Ch. 3WPTZ Ch.5WDEV 550AM & 96.1FMWSNO 1450 AM

Enrollment Forms Checklist * Enrollment form with $15.

* Admission Contract and Deposit * Health Exam and Immunizations * Permissions Statement

* About your Family Form * Additional forms or special

considerations for consent: food, holiday or video activities,

medications, referrals, outings…

Please feel free to communicate any ongoing information, concerns or events that affect your child or family -this will only strengthen our collaboration!