PARENT HANDBOOK

To impart lifelong skills that equip individuals in making a significant and sustained impact

on humanity

Bal Swan Children’s Center 1145 E. 13th Ave.

Broomfield, CO 80020 (303) 466-6308; (303) 466-1224 (fax)

E-mail: info@balswan.org Web Site: www.balswan.org

Table of Contents

Page Program Overview

• Core Purpose 1 • Core Values 1 • Philosophy 1 • Educational Programs 2 • Therapy Services 2 • School Psychologist 2 • Licensing/Rating 3 • Days/Hours 3 • Teachers/Staff 3 • Board of Directors 4

Admission Procedures

• Admission/Enrollment 5 • Admission for Special Needs Children 5

Curriculum/Classroom

• Curriculum Overview 6 • Enhanced Activities 7 • Drop Off and Pick Up from Class 7 • Late Pick Up 8 • Field Trips 8 • Snacks 9 • Personal Belongings 9 • Diapers/Toileting 10 • Classroom Specific Information 10

Family Partnership

• Family/Parent Activities 11 • Parent Volunteers/School Support 11 • Communication Between Parents and School Staff 11 • Family Resources 12 • Parent Feedback, Concerns, and Complaints 12 • Helping Your Child at Home 12

Page Safety

• Restricted Access 13 • Parking 13 • Visitors 13 • Swimming 14 • Supervision/Whereabouts of Children 15 • Building Check 15

Emergency Procedures

• Injury/First Aid 16 • Fire 16 • Severe Weather 16 • Emergency Closing 17 • Lock Down 17 • Lost Children 17 • Kidnapping 17

Health/Medical

• Physicals and Immunizations 18 • Medications and Other Health Care Needs at School 18 • Illness Policy 19 • Handwashing 19 • Allergies 20 • Sunscreen 20

Miscellaneous Policies and Procedures

• Anti-Discrimination Policy 21 • Confidentiality 21 • Payment Policy 21 • Child Abuse 22 • Discipline 22 • Birthday Parties 23 • Media Viewing 23 • Videotaping/Picture Taking 23 • Withdrawal from Program 23

Appendix • Severe Weather/Snow Closure • Health History/Physical Exam Form • Immunization Form • Medication Policy • Medication Administration Consent Form • Illness Policy

PROGRAM OVERVIEW CORE PURPOSE The Core Purpose of Bal Swan is: “To impart lifelong skills that equip individuals in making a significant and sustained impact on humanity” CORE VALUES The following Core Values form the framework that guides Bal Swan’s services:

• Provide a caring, nurturing environment • Strive for unequivocal excellence • Pioneer services that meet the needs of our community • Embrace children with all abilities

PHILOSOPHY There are three main cornerstones to the “Bal Swan Way” that have made it successful since it’s founding in 1963. They are inclusion, individualized education, and love. Inclusion We strive to maintain our classrooms with 1/3 children with special needs and 2/3 children with typical needs. Bal Swan believes that children provide a synergy of learning within groups of varying abilities and ages. This synergy occurs when the children with special needs have typical models who encourage them to do things that do not occur naturally in a classroom solely comprised of children with special needs. In turn, the children with typical needs help teach their classmates skills which, in learning theory, is one of the best ways for mastery. This same synergy occurs with younger and older children. Finally, our children develop a sense of compassion and understanding about diversity that is greatly needed in today’s society. It has been said that Bal Swan children can be picked out in the school system because of their wonderful acceptance of others.

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Individualized Education At Bal Swan, we focus on each individual child’s developmental needs. Whether it is physical, language, social/emotional, or cognitive, our teachers assess each child’s needs, develop goals, and work towards achieving them. Each classroom uses the Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum to plan and track our students’ growth. This is a curriculum that 70% of the Colorado educational community has adopted to assess each student’s growth and development. We love the program, and you will too! Love This is something that cannot be measured or described, but it must be mentioned. So many people believe there is a feeling of love and caring that can be felt when you enter our center. We believe it comes from the dedicated staff that is the heart of Bal Swan. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Bal Swan provides educational services in an inclusive environment to both typical children and those with challenges (special needs). The center has a variety of educational programs. These are described in detail in the enrollment packet or on the center’s web site. Most classes meet from September to May for children ages two to six. Our full-day program meets year round. Summer programs are offered for children ages two to eight. THERAPY SERVICES Bal Swan also provides speech, occupational, physical, and warm-water pool therapy for children from birth to age 12. In addition, sensory motor and speech motor groups are available. Services are provided on site at the center. Parents interested in more information about these services should contact the office. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST Bal Swan has a part time psychologist, Dr. Bob Hopper (“Dr. Bob” to our families!) who is at the center one half-day each week. Consultations with Dr. Bob are free to Bal Swan families although his available appointment slots tend to fill quickly. Interested families can sign up for an appointment with Dr. Bob in the front office.

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LICENSING/RATING Bal Swan is licensed as a child care center by the Division of Child Care, Colorado Department of Human Services. In addition, Bal Swan has been awarded a four star rating (the highest rating) by Qualistar, an independent agency who provides on site visits to childcare centers across the state and rates them in the areas of teacher-to-child ratio, classroom environment, accreditation, staff education and training, and parent partnerships. DAYS/HOURS The center is open from 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Several different class options are available. These are described in the enrollment packet (available in the office). They include a variety of ages and days/hours. Most classes meet for either a morning or afternoon session and are held either two, three or four days a week. (Two day a week classes meet Tuesday/Thursday; three day a week classes meet Monday/Wednesday/Friday.) Some classes meet all day (two, three, or five days a week). “Lunch Bunch” (where children spend one hour eating lunch in a supervised setting) and “Extended Day” (where children can stay an additional hour at the end of the school day) are also available on a limited basis to enrolled families. Most morning classes meet from 8:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Afternoon classes meet from 12:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Full day classes meet from 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Lunch bunch meets from 11:30 to 12:30, and extended day is from 3:30 to 4:30. The annual school calendar lists the days the school is closed (e.g. holidays, breaks, and staff training days). On these days, there will be no classes. TEACHERS/STAFF We have the best and the most well trained staff in all of Broomfield! Bal Swan teachers, therapists, and staff are warm, nurturing, highly committed, and trained to provide high quality, developmentally appropriate services to children. Staff work together to offer a well-planned social, educational, and therapeutic program to benefit all children. Our lead teachers all have degrees in an education related field. These teachers could be teaching in the public school system but have chosen to work with your children at Bal Swan. Several staff have graduate level training. All staff undergo a rigorous application and interview process, reference checks, and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation Criminal Record Check.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bal Swan’s Board of Directors is comprised of Bal Swan parents as well as community members who are committed to the mission and philosophy of Bal Swan. A list of the board members and the dates of board meetings is available in the office. Anyone, including parents, may attend a board meeting. Those interested in attending a particular meeting must notify Bal Swan’s Executive Director in advance.

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ADMISSION PROCEDURES

ADMISSION/ENROLLMENT A registration packet must be completed for a child to be considered for enrollment in any of Bal Swan’s classes. A new packet must be completed each year. This packet contains important information about the child, emergency contacts, and parent authorizations. Registration packets are available from the Bal Swan office. A non-refundable annual registration fee and a refundable first month’s tuition is required for enrollment for the fall classes in order to hold the child’s space. (Should the child not be offered a class placement, the check will be returned.) Registration for fall classes begins in January. Children who currently attend the center will be given preference for fall classes before new families. Families currently attending the center will be notified of their placement by the end of March; other families will be notified by the end of April. Children not accepted will be placed on a waiting list that is prioritized based on when the enrollment packet was received in the office. Registration forms are accepted at other times of the year to fill slots in classrooms that have openings. We accept registration forms at anytime from families. Some families sign their children up at birth or before. Bal Swan administrative staff makes every effort to place children in the class day/time requested by their parents. However, there are many factors that must be considered when placing children in classes including an appropriate mix of ages, male/female ratio, and typical/challenged student ratio. The center can only accept children of the ages and number for which it has been licensed. ADMISSION FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN Parents of children with special needs will be scheduled to have an interview with the Director of Education to discuss the child’s needs and whether Bal Swan has the resources available to support these needs. For example, Bal Swan staff are not trained to provide medical care to medically fragile children. Likewise, children who will need extra classroom support (i.e. 1:1) may not be able to be accommodated in the classroom, unless the family provides a paraprofessional for that child. Parents need to provide specific relevant information regarding their child’s physical, mental, and medical conditions at the time of registration. Limited scholarships are available to help families with children of special needs.

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CURRICULUM/CLASSROOM

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW The Creative Curriculum functions as a blueprint for planning and implementing our developmentally appropriate program. It is based on a strong foundation of research in early education. Its effectiveness in helping children acquire social competence and the skills they need to excel as learners is well documented. Teachers incorporate their own interests and teaching styles, as well as information about children and their families, to create weekly lesson plans. Individualized teaching occurs through observation of each child’s skills and interests assessed on the Developmental Continuum throughout the year. There is a sequence of steps expected in each child’s progress toward reaching developmental milestones. Skills are assessed in cognitive, motor, social and language areas of learning. Bal Swan has a unique service for each child through the on-line Creative Curriculum program for parents. Families are invited to participate in “Parents Central”. Through this service, you can complete a survey to assess your own child’s development. Once this survey is completed, you can read personalized activity recommendations for your child, learn more about child development, the curriculum, early childhood education, and positive parenting through the CC extensive resource center. In order to sign up, you need to notify the office of your interest and your e-mail address. Once we receive your e-mail address, we will send you an invitation to access your child’s electronic portfolio. You will be asked to register by selecting a User Name and Password. The fee for this service is being paid by Bal Swan. After you have registered, you will be able to log-in. You can visit Parents Central through any computer with access to the internet by going to www.CreativeCurriculum.net/parents. Other learning sites that are recommended include: www.vanderbilt.edu.csefel. (This is the website Bal Swan staff often use to help with resources for children with behavioral challenges.) In addition, www.kodakgallery.com was recommended by a parent to build personalized photo albums, www.starfall.com is a site where your children can “have fun learning to read”, and www.walearning.com provides free parent-child activity handouts for birth-3, preschool, and “On The Go”.

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ENHANCED ACTIVITIES As an enhancement to classroom activities, all children participate in music (usually once a week) and swimming (usually once a month). Field trips are planned occasionally. In addition, several community individuals and groups (e.g. dance instructors, Girl Scouts, Elks, Rotary) come to Bal Swan throughout the year and offer special projects for students. Swimming lessons (after school) and sensory motor and speech motor groups are available for an additional charge. DROP OFF AND PICK UP FROM CLASS In general, parents will drop off and pick up their children from their classrooms. Drop Off and Sign In: Please do not arrive more than five minutes before the start of class as staff are unavailable to supervise children before that time. If the teacher is not in the room, stay with your child until the teacher arrives. NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED IN THE CLASSROOM OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE CENTER! When arriving at the class to drop off your child, help your child to place their backpack and other personal belongings (e.g. coat, show and tell) in their “cubby”, sign them in, and then assist them in washing their hands. When children are dropped off at the beginning of class, an adult must sign the child “in” on the “Sign In/Sign Out” board that is posted outside of each classroom and assure that the teacher sees the child has arrived. If a child is dropped off late and the class is in another area of the building, the adult should sign the child in and escort the child to where the class is meeting. The adult should make sure that the teacher is aware that the child has joined the class. If the class is away on a field trip, the parent may take the child to join his/her class on the field trip. It is critical for parents to follow this sign in procedure so that teachers have an accurate record of which students are attending that day. Pick Up and Sign Out: For pick up at the end of class, please remain outside your child’s classroom until the teacher has opened the door and indicated that it is time to pick up the children. Please keep conversations quiet in the halls as voices can easily carry into the classroom and be disruptive to the children.

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When children are picked up, an adult must sign the child “out” on the “Sign In/Sign Out” board. This helps the teachers/staff to assure that all children have been picked up. Children will only be released to persons designated on the child’s enrollment form. (When the parent completes the enrollment form, they are asked to provide written information regarding persons authorized to pick up their child. This is the list that Bal Swan staff use to determine those adults to whom the parent(s) have authorized to pick up their child.) It is critical that parents notify the center if any of this information changes. If a person picking up a child is unknown to the teacher/staff, they will be asked to show identification prior to releasing a child. Please do not be offended if we ask to see your I.D. (Also let folks like grandparents and nannies know we may be asking for their I.D., especially until we get to know them). We want to make sure your child is safe and that they are released only to an authorized adult. LATE PICK UP Please pick up your child on time. Children become anxious when they are picked up late. Also, teachers often have other commitments after class so it is an inconvenience to them if you pick up your child late. If there is an emergency and you are running late to pick up your child, please contact the office. Bal Swan reserves the right to charge a $1.00 per minute late fee if you are late picking up your child. Should the child not be picked up on time, a staff member will remain with the child and Bal Swan will make every effort to call the parent(s)/guardian(s) or the other emergency contacts listed on the registration form. If unable to contact any of the people listed, the Department of Social Services and/or local law enforcement officials will be contacted. FIELD TRIPS Most field trips are “Meet Us There” style, where a parent/guardian drives their child to the designated location and meets the class. (Teachers/staff are not able to transport children.) For these field trips, parents assume all responsibility for their child both to and from the field trip location as well as the time spent at the location. If a student has routine or emergency medical needs that need to be addressed while on the field trip, it will be the parent’s responsibility to provide this care. For example, parents are responsible for bringing epi pens, inhalers, or other medications that their child might need. If the parent is unable to accompany their child on a field trip, they may designate another adult (e.g. family member or friend) to assume the responsibility for their child during the field trip.

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During some of the summer programs, we rent a bus or vehicle from the Boulder Valley School District to provide transportation for field trips. In these classes, teachers will ask parents to complete specific permission forms. These forms will explain all the important information for parents. On field trips, teachers carry a first aid kit, cellphone, and a list of emergency contact numbers. SNACKS Snack will be served daily. Classroom teachers will share information regarding how they structure classroom snack time. For most classrooms, parents are either assigned a day to bring snack for the entire class or they sign up for snack day. This is usually listed on the class calendar. Healthy snacks are encouraged. See Bal Swan’s “Healthy Snack Guide” for further information and suggestions. Bal Swan is a “Nut Free” school. Because there are several children attending the school with potentially life threatening allergic reactions to nuts, Bal Swan does not allow nuts of any kind (peanuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, etc.) in the school. This includes nut butters and nut oils. Please plan snacks accordingly. For store bought items, please check labels to assure they are nut free and have been processed in a nut free environment. If there are other significant food allergies in your child’s class, the classroom teacher will notify you. If your child has severe/significant food allergies, the teacher may ask you to send snacks specifically for your child so we can assure that your child has a “safe” snack. PERSONAL BELONGINGS Please send a backpack to school with your child every day. For children who are not yet toilet trained, please send diapers/pull-ups in their backpack, as well as a change of clothes. Send your child to school in comfortable play clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Although the school tries to use mostly washable supplies (e.g. paints and markers), we cannot guarantee that children will stay clean. Many of our fun projects can also be messy! Make sure that your child is dressed in layers and is appropriately dressed for the weather. We try to have “outdoor” time as much as possible (unless it is really cold outside) so send coats, mittens, hats, boots, etc. on cold days.

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Also, make sure your child wears sturdy shoes for play (e.g. on the playground or gym). Tennis shoes are best. Sandals, flip flops, crocs, etc. can be difficult for some play/climbing activities and are not always safe. Children not wearing “safe” shoes may not be allowed to play on some of the equipment. Children attending full day classes will need to provide bedding (e.g. blankets, pillows) for naps/rest time. Classroom teachers will give parents specific information. Please do not send your child to school with any kind of neckware (e.g. necklaces, lip balm on a rope, scarves, ties). These can be a safety hazard. For show and tell items, make sure the item sent is not the child’s “treasure” that would cause great duress if it was lost or misplaced. Please do not send money with your child. Please make sure that all items sent to school are marked with your child’s name. This includes backpacks, coats, mittens, hats, swimsuits, towels, change of clothes, and show and tell items. A lost and found box is located near the office. DIAPERS/TOILETING Diapering is done in the bathrooms on changing tables covered with paper and changed following each child’s use. Staff use gloves and dispose of diapers in plastic bags. Bleach water is used to wash the changing table at the end of diapering. For children three years and older, toilet training is encouraged unless there is a medical reason for their inability to be toilet trained. If you are working on toilet training with your child, please talk with your child’s teacher so we can work together on helping your child with this process. CLASSROOM SPECIFIC INFORMATION Each classroom teacher will provide specific information to parents regarding that particular class. For example, teachers will distribute a class calendar and talk about the class routine. Some teachers might request certain school “supplies” be brought to class.

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FAMILY PARTNERSHIP

Bal Swan believes that a strong partnership between families and school staff helps enhance the educational experience of the child and also supports the family. Therefore, parents are encouraged to participate both in their child’s classroom activities as well as other school sponsored family activities. FAMILY/PARENT ACTIVITIES Several family fun activities are organized by the school each year. These include an Ice Cream Social, Pint Size Ball, Family Fitness Challenge, Easter Egg Hunt, and End-of-Year Family Picnic. Bal Swan also participates in and/or posts notices of many community events (e.g. Children’s Wellness Day, Library Programs) that might be of interest to families. In addition, Bal Swan usually offers parenting classes every year. If you are interested in these classes, please ask in the office for more information. PARENT VOLUNTEERS/SCHOOL SUPPORT Parent volunteers are a vital part of Bal Swan! All parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer in some way. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved. A list of volunteer opportunities is distributed early in the fall. Also, because fund raising is such a vital component of supporting our center, parents are encouraged to volunteer/participate in school fund raising activities. All parent volunteer hours should be recorded in the “Volunteer” notebook kept in the main office. These documented hours help the center when applying for grants. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL STAFF There are several avenues for parents to communicate with teachers/school staff. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times a year. During these conferences, information regarding the child’s behavior, progress, and social and physical needs will be discussed. Parents and teachers will mutually set goals for the child. Staff members will conduct home visits as needed. Children with IEP’s will have an annual review. Parents are also encouraged to provide ongoing communication with their child’s teacher via the sign in/out board, E-mail, cc.net, or direct conversation. The entire center is open to visitation by parents/guardians of the child at any time that the center is in operation.

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FAMILY RESOURCES A Family Resource Room is located just to the left of the main entrance (across from the office). This room has many resources that are helpful for families. There is a family resource file that has information on such topics as toilet training, transitioning to kindergarten, and immunizations. A family lending library is also housed in this room. Families may check out books or audiovisual materials. Community resources are also available. If you need help finding a particular resource or parenting topic, please ask in the office. Bulletin boards in the north wing hallway contain much information regarding family and community events, health topics, and family fun ideas. PARENT FEEDBACK, CONCERNS, AND COMPLAINTS Bal Swan always welcomes feedback from parents regarding any specific concerns, complaints, or suggestions for improving our services. Should a concern arise, parents are encouraged to address it with any staff member including the child’s teacher, the Executive Director, or the Director of Education. Also, parents are asked to complete an end of year evaluation that describes what parents see as the strengths of the program as well as the areas for improvement. Parents also have the right to file a complaint with the State Licensing Department. Parents can contact the licensing department directly at: Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care, 1575 Sherman St., First Floor, Denver, CO 80203-1714. Telephone (303) 866-5700. HELPING YOUR CHILD AT HOME As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. Your attitude and example are very important. Take time each day to sit down with your child and let him/her tell you about their school day. Let your child tell you about the art projects, songs, or circle time discussions. Use your child’s class calendar as needed to help prompt your child. Let your child know that you are interested in what he/she does in school. For preschoolers, listening is a very important skill. Make sure that he/she is listening when you talk or read to him/her. This helps in reading readiness. At Bal Swan, we promise a nurturing, caring, environment for your child. We want your child to feel valued and important. We will do our very best to build strong self-esteem and provide a climate conductive to learning and growth. Children are our most valuable resource! Our love and concern for the children we serve goes beyond school walls and hours.

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SAFETY

Safety of children attending the center is a top priority. Safety regarding dropping off and picking up children from the classroom is contained in the “Curriculum/Classroom” section. In addition, the following policies are designed to keep children safe: RESTRICTED ACCESS All of Bal Swan’s outside doors remain locked to the outside at all times. All families and visitors must enter only from the main (front) entrance. Families may exit the center by the west doors. If exiting from the west doors, please make sure the doors close and lock behind you. Families are asked not to let anyone in these doors (even if you know them); they should be told to use the main entrance. This is for the safety of everyone. If a parent observes a suspicious person or activity around or in the center, they should report it to a staff person immediately. PARKING Parking is available on the south and west side of the building. Please drive slowly and carefully in the parking lots as there are many children in these areas. Please enter the front driveway from the east and exit on the west. As much as possible, we ask that families park in the west parking lot and reserve the south parking lot for families with infants and very young children. Please do not park along the yellow curb near the main entrance. This space is reserved for bus loading and unloading or families unloading children in wheelchairs. NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED IN YOUR CAR! It is not safe, nor is it legal, to leave children (e.g. siblings) unattended in cars while other children are brought into the center. If you are unable to escort your child into the classroom (e.g. sleeping sibling in car) and would like a staff member to escort your child to the classroom, please ring the doorbell (or call the front office from your cell phone) and wait until a staff member who is known to you arrives at the door to assist your child. VISITORS All visitors to Bal Swan must sign in and out at the main office. If the person is unknown to center personnel, the visitor will also be asked to show their I.D. and leave it with the front office until they leave the center. They will also be asked to wear a visitors badge.

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SWIMMING Class swimming, swimming lessons, and warm-water pool therapy are a fun part of Bal Swan’s services. However, special precautions must be taken during swim activities in order to assure the safety of all children. Written permission from the parent/guardian must be obtained for pool use. (This is obtained in the enrollment packet.) In addition, the child’s health care provider must indicate on the child’s physical exam form whether the child is able to safely participate in pool activities. The door to the pool room must remain locked at all times! Anyone entering or exiting the pool room is responsible for locking the door behind them. Swimmers need to wear swimsuits; no street clothes (e.g. cutoffs) are allowed. A swim diaper (provided by the parent) is required for all children who are not yet toilet trained. Should feces be found in the pool at any time, everyone must exit the pool. No one will be allowed to re-enter the pool until it has been chemically treated/tested and determined to be safe (usually 24 hours). In order to keep children safe, there must be a certain ratio of adults to children. For children two years and younger, a 1:1 ratio is required. Children with special needs or needing special attention may also require a 1:1 ratio. For children three years and older, a student to adult ratio must be 3:1. Although a teacher/staff will always swim with the children, parent volunteers are also needed to assure the appropriate student to adult ratio. Since a life guard is not provided by the center, classes are required to provide a fully dressed adult as a safety monitor observing from the side of the pool during pool use. If a staff member is not available to fulfill this role, a parent volunteer will be needed. There must be enough parent volunteers on swim day to provide the appropriate ratio in the pool as well as the safety monitor. If there are not, swimming for that class will be canceled that day. Pool use rules and emergency procedures are posted in the pool area. Pool rules are also reviewed with students. A shepherd hook, life preserver ring, and ready pole are available in the pool area for use as needed. Pool maintenance and chemical check occurs daily. If the chemicals are found to be out of balance or there is another type of pool malfunction, Bal Swan may need to close the pool. We will try and call families scheduled for swimming that day, but since the necessity of a pool closing may happen at any moment, we ask for understanding from parents if we are unable to notify them before swim time.

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SUPERVISION/WHEREABOUTS OF CHILDREN While attending Bal Swan, children are always supervised by a staff member. If the class leaves their room to go to another location either in or out of the center (e.g. gym, playground, nearby park), a note will be left on the classroom door so that the whereabouts of the class will be known. BUILDING CHECK At the end of each class period, teachers will check the sign in/sign out board to make sure all students have been picked up. At the close of each day (before the building is locked), a staff member checks all rooms to make sure there are no children still in the building. All outside doors are also checked to make sure they are locked.

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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Parents must keep the school informed of current phone numbers where they can be reached. When your child is in class, you must always be available to receive a phone call from the school in case of an emergency situation. INJURY/FIRST AID All staff are trained in basic first aid and CPR. If a child is injured or becomes seriously ill, staff will provide care as indicated. For emergency situations, 911 will be called. Parents will also be notified. FIRE Fire drills are conducted periodically at the center. Should the building ever be evacuated because of a fire alarm, teachers will take class lists with them to assure all students are accounted for. No one will re-enter the building until the fire department has indicated it is safe to do so. In the case of an actual fire, once all children are safely evacuated, parents would be called to pick up their child. SEVERE WEATHER Bal Swan has a weather alert radio in the office that can alert the center to severe weather watches and warnings. Snow: Bal Swan Children’s Center follows the severe weather (e.g. snow) closing decisions made by Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). If BVSD schools are closed because of severe weather, Bal Swan will be closed as well. Announcements for school closures are usually made by 6:30 A.M. Parents can obtain information on BVSD school closures from the BVSD website at www.bvsd.org . Announcements are also made on several local television and radio stations. See “Severe Weather/Snow Closure” information in the appendix for specifics. Should severe weather develop after the children are already at school, the director will make the decision whether to close the school for the rest of the day. Parents would be notified to come to the school to pick up their children. Tornadoes: Should the community emergency sirens sound indicating a tornado warning, children would be taken to inner rooms of the center or the pool bathrooms (without windows). Staff would then await directions from local authorities regarding dismissal.

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Floods: Bal Swan is located on high ground away from lakes and streams. It is doubtful that it would be necessary to evacuate for this reason Excessively hot weather: Bal Swan has evaporative coolers. However, should it be determined that the temperature inside the center is too hot, parents would be called to pick up their children. EMERGENCY CLOSING Should the center need to be evacuated for an emergency (e.g. fire, gas leak), children would be taken to the park next door. Parents would be contacted to pick up their children at a designated location. LOCK DOWN If Bal Swan is notified by local law enforcement that a school lockdown is needed, all doors would be checked to make sure they are locked. Children would be escorted away from windows and doors. No one would be permitted to enter or exit the building until law enforcement officials indicated it was safe to do so. LOST CHILDREN Fortunately, Bal Swan has never had an incidence of a lost child. Every effort is taken to assure that this never occurs. However, should it occur, 911 would be called immediately, and staff would undertake an immediate search for the child. The parents would be contacted as well. KIDNAPPING Should a person who is not authorized to pick up a child attempt to do so, staff would intervene and authorities would be called immediately.

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HEALTH/MEDICAL

PHYSICALS AND IMMUNIZATIONS State licensing regulations require that all children attending the center must submit a completed Physical Exam Form (exam must have been done in the last 12 months) and a current immunization record (or exemption). The physical exam form must be signed by both the parent AND the child’s health care provider. These items must be in place BEFORE the child starts attending any of the school’s programs. In addition to submitting the forms at the child’s initial entrance to the Center, each child must have an annual updated physical exam, and the new Physical Exam Form must be completed and submitted to the office. In addition, if a child receives additional immunizations, an updated immunization form must be submitted to the office. Please keep us informed if anything changes during the year regarding your child’s health status. See the Appendix for copies of the Physical Exam and Immunization Forms. MEDICATIONS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE NEEDS AT SCHOOL No medications (either prescription or over the counter) can be administered to a child at the center without a signed medication consent form. This form must be signed both by the child’s parent and the child’s health care provider. A copy of the medication policy and the Medication Consent Form are included in the appendix. Please contact the school nurse for additional information regarding the school’s medication policy. If your child needs medications kept at school for a potential emergency situation (e.g. severe allergy, asthma, seizure, or diabetes), all the forms must be signed and reviewed by the school nurse BEFORE your child starts attending the center. Medications are stored, administered, and delegated for administration in compliance with the Colorado Nurse Practice Act. Bal Swan does not employ a full time medical provider on site. A part time nurse is available to consult with parents as needed. Children with special health care needs will have a health care plan developed in conjunction with the school nurse and the parents. Contact the school nurse for further information.

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ILLNESS POLICY All parents are given a copy of the school’s illness policy. (See Appendix.) The purpose of the illness policy is two fold: 1) to help assure that students with highly contagious illnesses do not expose other children or staff to these illnesses and 2) to assure that children are well enough to participate in school activities. If your child has an illness that is listed on the “exclusion” list, please do not send them to school. Also, even if your child’s illness is not specifically indicated as an exclusion on the illness policy, please do not send your child to school if they are feeling so bad that they will be unable to participate in school activities. If you send your child to school and they become ill or are not able to participate in class activities, you will be called to come pick up your child. Sick children will be separated from other children and supervised by a staff person until their parent can come to the school to pick them up. If your child will not be attending school (either due to illness or for any other reason), please notify the school. You can call during regular office hours or leave a message on the answering machine after hours. Please let us know if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable illness (e.g. pink eye, strep throat, chickenpox). We will leave a note outside the classroom informing other parents of the illness so they can be alert to the possibility of this illness in their child. Some significant communicable diseases (e.g. measles, meningitis) must be reported to the local health department. HANDWASHING Handwashing is an important method of preventing the spread of disease. All children must wash their hands upon entering their classroom, before and after snack, and after using the restroom. Teaching the proper handwashing technique is an important part of the classroom curriculum. In addition, parents will be given a handout regarding the center’s handwashing technique and will be asked to practice it at home with their child.

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ALLERGIES Make sure you have notified the office AND your child’s teacher of any allergies your child has. Because several children at the school have a potentially life threatening reaction to peanuts or other nuts, Bal Swan is a “No Nut” School. No nuts of any kind (e.g. peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.), nut butter, or nut oil are allowed at the center. If there are children in your child’s class with other severe allergies, the teacher will inform you. We appreciate the cooperation of parents in helping to assure that all children are safe from severe allergy exposure. SUNSCREEN Because all children spend some time outside each day (unless the weather is severe), we want to protect children from too much sun exposure to avoid the risk of sunburn and skin cancer risk later in life. Therefore, we ask for the cooperation of parents in applying sunscreen. We also ask that parents consider sending a sun hat with your child each day. (Consider a hat with a wide brim for maximum sun protection.) For children in half day classes: Teachers/staff in the half day classes will NOT be applying sunscreen. We ask that parents apply sunscreen to their child BEFORE dropping them off at class. For children in full day classes: We ask that parents apply sunscreen to their child BEFORE dropping them off at class. Teachers will NOT apply sunscreen to children in the morning. For children in full day classes, teachers will reapply sunscreen to exposed skin before going outside in the afternoon. Consent for application of sunscreen is given by the parent at the time the registration forms are signed. If staff apply sunscreen, it can only be applied to healthy skin. (For example, if the skin has a rash or injury, sunscreen will not be applied to this area.) The sunscreen used at Bal Swan is Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50+ High Exposure Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen. If you want more information regarding this sunscreen, please see the company’s website at www.rmsunscreen.com.

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MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Bal Swan Children’s Center believes that equal opportunity is important for the continuous success of the organization and strives to comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws which preclude discrimination because of race, disability, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, or any other protected classification. This applies to all activities of Bal Swan Children’s Center, including but not limited to employment, selection of volunteers, purchasing, and selecting vendors or consultants. Services offered for children with special needs are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. CONFIDENTIALITY All registration information and health information are kept in a locked file cabinet. Only those teachers/staff members who have direct contact with a particular child have access to that child’s information. PAYMENT POLICY The itemized tuition schedule and payment policy is contained in the enrollment packet. The tuition listed is the amount due every month and is not pro-rated based on school closings or if the child does not attend for some reason (e.g. illness, vacation, etc.) Bal Swan endeavors to keep tuition rates as low as reasonably possible. As a non-profit center, Bal Swan engages in many fund raising activities throughout the year to help offset the cost of tuition to individual families. Some children with IEP’s may not pay tuition if their school district supports the services at Bal Swan. Bal Swan also has a limited scholarship program. Families who wish to apply for a scholarship should contact the office and request the scholarship application.

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CHILD ABUSE Bal Swan staff members have the legal obligation to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services or the local law enforcement agency. If parents have concerns regarding possible child abuse at the center, they should contact the Department of Social Services or the local law enforcement agency. DISCIPLINE Children at Bal Swan are treated with respect and caring. Bal Swan’s discipline policy is that children will not be subjected to physical or emotional harm or humiliation. Bal Swan prohibits the use of corporal or other harsh punishment including but not limited to pinching, shaking, spanking, punching, rough handling, hair pulling, or any humiliating or frightening method of discipline to control the actions of any child or group of children. In addition, verbal abuse (e.g. shouting, screaming, swearing, name calling) or derogatory remarks about the child, his family, or his race, religion, or cultural background is not permitted. Punishment will not be associated with rest or toileting. No child will be punished for toileting accidents. Food will not be denied or forced upon a child as a disciplinary measure. Children will not be subject to threats or coercion including but not limited to force feeding, threats of loss or denial of food, or other punishment for refusal to eat. Likewise, children must learn to respect others and not pinch, bite, hit, or hurt other students or staff. The number one rule we teach at Bal Swan is “Never hurt anyone on the inside or the outside.” Behavior management is part of the daily structure so children learn what is acceptable and how to work together in a group setting and get along with others. Redirection is the discipline most frequently used. Separation, when used as discipline, will be brief and appropriate for the child’s age. The child will be within sight of an adult in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated area. No child will be isolated in a locked, closed room or closet. If indicated, written behavior modification plans can be developed collaboratively with the staff, school psychologist, and parents. Parents must approve the plans and sign written copies of the plans prior to implementation.

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES Teachers will give parents information regarding celebrating birthdays in class. If children want to invite classmates to birthday parties held outside of class, we ask that the following procedure be followed: If all classmates are invited to a party, it is o.k. to distribute invitations during class (or placed in children’s cubbies). If only a select few classmates are invited, we ask that invitations be distributed at a time other than class time (so that other children’s feelings are not hurt). MEDIA VIEWING (“Screen Time”) Bal Swan believes that media time (i.e. “Screen Time”) should be very limited for children. This is also supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics. We believe that it is better for children to be engaged in play activities rather than watching TV, DVD’s, playing computer games, etc. Consequently, TV/DVD viewing at Bal Swan occurs only on rare occasions when a media program is shown to enhance the educational curriculum. VIDEOTAPING/PICTURE TAKING Parents must give permission on the registration form to authorize the taking of photographs or videotaping of their child. Once permission is granted, these photos/videos may be used in advertisements or other marketing materials. All parents are asked to respect the wishes of other parents as it relates to this. If you are taking pictures or videotaping your child’s classmates (e.g. at a class birthday party), please check with their teacher first to make sure that a child’s parent has given consent. WITHDRAWAL FROM PROGRAM Families that wish to disenroll must give written notice to an employee in the front office two weeks prior to the student’s last day. If proper notice is not given, Bal Swan has the right to charge the family an additional month of the student’s regular tuition. In the event of the account becoming in default, the responsible party agrees to pay court costs, collection costs, attorney fees and any other costs incurred to collect the debt.

8/09

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APPENDIX  

Severe Weather/Snow Closure Bal Swan Children’s Center follows the severe weather (e.g. snow) closing decisions made by Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). If BVSD schools are closed because of severe weather, Bal Swan will be closed as well. Announcements for school closures are usually made by 6:30 A.M. Parents can obtain information on BVSD school closures from the BVSD website at www.bvsd.org . School closure announcements are made on the following television stations: KWGN (Channel 2) KUSA (Channel 9) KCNC (Channel 4) Fox 31 (Channel 31) KMGH (Channel 7) Announcements will also be broadcast on the following radio stations: KBCO (97.3 FM) KGNU (88.5 FM) KOA (850 AM) KOSI (101.1 FM) KCFC (1490 AM) KJMN (92.5 FM) KLMO (1060 AM) KBNO (1280 AM)  

Child’s Name: Date of Birth: Gender: M F

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Phone:

Primary Health Care Provider: Phone:

Has this child had any operations (e.g. ear tubes), hospitalizations, or serious injuries? “ No “ YesIf yes, please describe, including date of occurrence:

Does this child have any significant or chronic health problems (e.g. asthma, seizures, diabetes, frequent ear infections, etc.)? “ No “ Yes If yes, please describe:

Does this child have any allergies (e.g. food, medicines, insects)? “ No “ YesIf yes, please describe, including type of reaction:

Does this child have any special dietary requirements? “ No “ YesIf yes, please describe:

Does this child use any assistive device or prosthesis (e.g. eyeglasses, hearing aid, wheelchair, artificial limb)? “ No “ YesIf yes, please describe:

Additional health information or instructions for school staff (e.g. hearing/speech issues, physical limitations, developmental challenges, medications needed at school): “ No “ YesIf yes, please describe:

Parent: Please complete this page prior to giving form to Health Care Provider

Health History

Parent or Legal Guardian Signature Date

Signature:

Bal Swan Children’s Center • (303) 466-6308 • Fax (303) 466-1224

Reverse side to be completed by Health Care Provider

Child’s Name:

Date of Last Physical Exam: Recent Weight:

Vision Exam: Hearing Exam:

Physical Exam: “ Normal “ AbnormalIf abnormal, please explain:

Significant Health Concerns: “ None “ Reactive Airway Disease “ Seizures “ Diabetes

“Developmental Delay “ Vision “ Hearing “ Hospitalizations “ Operations “ Severe Allergies

“ Other (please describe):

Explain above concerns (if necessary, include instructions for school staff):

Current Medications: “ None “ Describe:

Do Medications Need to be Kept/Given at School? “ Yes “ No(If yes, a separate medication consent form must be completed.)

Special Diet: “ None “ Describe:

Immunizations Up to Date? “ Yes “ No (Please attach immunization record.)

Any additional information, recommendations, or restrictions?

Health Care Provider: Please complete this page

Physical Exam

I attest that this child is healthy to attend Bal Swan Children’s Center and participate in routine activities, including swimming. Any concerns or exceptions are identified on this form.

Name of Health Care Provider:

Title:

Signature of Health Care Provider:

Signature:

Bal Swan Children’s Center • (303) 466-6308 • Fax (303) 466-1224

Office Stamp:(or print address, phone, and fax number)

Date:

COLORADO LAW REQUIRES THIS FORM BE COMPLETE AND PROVIDED TO THE SCHOOL

Name_____________________________________________________________ Date of Birth________________________________________

Parent/Guardian _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT—CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION

Vaccine Enter complete date each immunization was given

Hep B Hepatitis B

DTaP/Tdap Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

DT/Td Tetanus, Diphtheria

Hib Haemophilus influenzae type b

IPV/OPV Polio

PCV7 Pneumococcal Conjugate

MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Varicella Chickenpox Healthcare Provider Documentation Date __________________________________ Lab Verification Date_________________________________

Vaccines recorded below this line are recommended. Recording of dates are optional.

HPV Human Papillomavirus

Rota Rotavirus

MCV4/MPSV4 Meningococcal

Hep A Hepatitis A

TIV/LAIV Influenza

Other

To the best of my knowledge, the person named above has received the above immunizations.

DO NOT SIGN UNLESS ALL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS ARE METSigned ____________________________________________ Title ___________________________________ Date _______________________

(Physician, nurse, or school health authority)

Table 1. MINIMUM NUMBER OF DOSES REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION

a: Vaccine doses administered ≤ 4 days before theminimum interval or age are to be counted as valid.b: Five doses of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheriavaccines are required at school entry in Coloradounless the 4th dose was given at ≥ 48 months (i.e.,on or after the 4th birthday) in which case only 4doses are required.c: For students ≥ 7 years who have not had therequired number of pertussis doses, no new oradditional doses are required. Any student ≥ 7years at school entry in Colorado who has notcompleted a primary series of 3 appropriatelyspaced doses of tetanus and diphtheria vaccinemay be certified after the 3rd dose of tetanus anddiphtheria vaccine (or tetanus, diphtheria, andpertussis vaccine if 10 or 11 years) if it is given > 6months after the 2nd dose.d: The student must meet the minimum priorrequirement for the 4th or 5th doses of diphtheria,tetanus, and pertussis vaccine and have 1 tetanus,diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine dose.e: For polio, in lieu of immunization, writtenevidence of a laboratory test showing immunity isacceptable.

f: Four doses of polio vaccine are required atschool entry in Colorado unless the 3rd dose wasgiven ≥ 48 months (i.e., on or after the 4thbirthday) in which case only 3 doses are required.Four valid doses are a complete series regardlessof age at completion.g: For measles, mumps, and rubella, in lieu ofimmunization, written evidence of a laboratory testshowing immunity is acceptable for the specificdisease tested. The 1st dose of measles, mumps,and rubella vaccine must have been administeredat ≥ 12 months of age (i.e., on or after the 1stbirthday) to be acceptable.h: The 2nd dose of measles vaccine or measles,mumps, and rubella vaccine must have beenadministered at least 28 calendar days after the 1stdose.i: Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is notrequired for college students born before January1, 1957.j: The number of Hib vaccine doses requireddepends on the student’s current age and the agewhen the vaccine was administered. If any dosewas given ≥ 15 months, the Hib vaccine

requirement is met. For students who began theseries < 12 months, 3 doses are required of whichat least 1 dose must have been administered at ≥12 months (i.e., on or after the 1st birthday). If the1st dose was given at 12 to 14 months, 2 dosesare required. If the current age is ≥ 5 years, no newor additional doses are required.k: The number of pneumococcal conjugatevaccine doses depends on the student’s currentage and the age when the 1st dose wasadministered. If the 1st dose was administered at:(i) ≤ 6 months, 3 doses are required at 6 to 14months and 4 doses are required at 15 to 23months with 1 dose administered on or after the1st birthday; (ii) 7 to 11 months, 2 doses arerequired at 6 to 14 months and 3 doses arerequired at 15 to 23 months with 1 dose on or afterthe 1st birthday; (iii) 12 to 23 months, 2 doses arerequired. If the current age is ≥ 2 years, no new oradditional doses are required.l: For hepatitis B, in lieu of immunization, writtenevidence of a laboratory test showing immunity isacceptable.

m: For varicella, written evidence of a laboratorytest showing immunity or a documented diseasehistory from a health care provider is acceptable.The 1st dose of varicella vaccine must have beenadministered at ≥ 12 months of age (i.e., on orafter the 1st birthday) to be acceptable.n: The second dose of varicella vaccine must havebeen administered at least 28 calendar days afterthe 1st dose. See Table 2 for the year ofimplementation for the second dose of varicella; forschool year 2007–2008, the second dose ofvaricella is only required for kindergarten entry.o: If the 1st dose of varicella vaccine wasadministered at ≥ 13 years, 2 doses are required,separated by a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks.p: Information concerning meningococcal diseaseand the meningococcal vaccine shall be providedto each new student or if the student is under 18years, to the student’s parent or guardian. If thestudent does not obtain a vaccine, a signaturemust be obtained from the student or if the studentis under 18 years, the student’s parent or guardianindicating that the information was reviewed.

Vaccinea

Level of School/Age of Student

Child Care2 to 3 mos

Child Care4 to 5 mos

Child Care6 to 7 mos

Child Care8 to 11 mos

Child Care12 to 14

mos

Child Care15 to 17

mos

Child Care18 to 23

mos

Preschool2 to 4 yrs

K Entry 4 to 6 yrs

Grades K to 5

5 to 10 yrs

Grades 6 to 12

11 to 18 yrsCollege

Pertussis/Tetanus/Diphtheria

1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5/4b 5/4b,c 6c,d

Polioe 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4/3f 4/3f 4/3f

Measles/Mumps/Rubellag 1 1 1 1 2h 2h 2h 2h,i

Haemophilusinfluenzae type b (Hib)j 1 2 2 3/2 3/2 3/2/1 3/2/1 3/2/1

PneumococcalConjugatek 1 2 3/2 3/2 4/3/2 4/3/2 4/3/2

Hepatitis Bl 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Varicellam 1 1 1 1 2n 2n 2n,o

Meningococcal p

Name ____________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________

IN THE EVENT OF AN OUTBREAK, EXEMPTED PERSONS MAY BE SUBJECT TO EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL AND TO QUARANTINE. SI SE PRESENTA UN BROTE DE LA ENFERMEDAD, ES POSIBLE QUE A LAS PERSONAS EXENTAS SE LES PONGA EN CUARENTENA O SE LES EXCLUYA DE LA ESCUELA.

MEDICAL EXEMPTION: The physical condition of the above named person is such that immunization would endanger life or health or is medicallycontraindicated due to other medical conditions.EXENCIÓN POR RAZONES MÉDICAS: El estado de salud de la persona arriba citada es tal que la vacunación significa un riesgo para su salud o incluso su vida; obien, las vacunas están contraindicadas debido a otros problemas de salud.

Medical exemption to the following vaccine(s):La exención por razones médicas aplica a la(s) siguiente(s) vacuna(s):

Signed (Firma) _________________________________ Date (Fecha) ___________ _______________________________________________Physician (Médico)

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION: Parent or guardian of the above named person or the person himself/herself is an adherent to a religious belief opposedto immunizations. EXENCIÓN POR MOTIVOS RELIGIOSOS: El padre o tutor de la persona arriba citada, o la persona misma, pertenece a una religión que se opone a la inmunización.

Religious exemption to the following vaccine(s):Exención por motivos religiosos de la(s) siguiente(s) vacuna(s):

Signed (Firma) _________________________________ Date (Fecha) ___________ _______________________________________________Parent, guardian, emancipated student/consenting minor(Padre, tutor, estudiante emancipado o consentimiento del menor)

PERSONAL EXEMPTION: Parent or guardian of the above named person or the person himself/herself is an adherent to a personal belief opposedto immunizations.EXENCIÓN POR CREENCIAS PERSONALES: Las creencias personales del padre o tutor de la persona arriba citada, o la persona misma, se oponen a lainmunización.

Personal exemption to the following vaccine(s):Exención por creencias personales de la(s) siguiente(s) vacuna(s):

Signed (Firma) _________________________________ Date (Fecha) ___________ _______________________________________________Parent, guardian, emancipated student/consenting minor CDPHE-IMM CI RCRev. 8/07(Padre, tutor, estudiante emancipado o consentimiento del menor)

STATEMENT OF EXEMPTION TO IMMUNIZATION LAW (DECLARACIÓN RESPECTO A LAS EXENCIONES DE LA LEY DE VACUNACIÓN)

Table 2. TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED IMMUNIZATIONS FOR GRADES K TO 12

Refer to Table 1 for the minimum number of doses required for a particular grade level. Table 2 shows the year of implementation for a requirement fromTable 1 and is restricted to varicella vaccine dose 1 (Var1) and dose 2 (Var2) and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine (Tdap). Requirements andeffective dates for other vaccines are listed in Table 1. In this table, after a vaccine is required for grades K to 12, it is no longer shown, but therequirements listed in Table 1 continue to apply.

School YearGrade Level

K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

2007–08 Var2 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1Var1Tdap

Var1 Tdap

2008–09 Var2 Var2 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1Var1Tdap

Var1Tdap

Var1 Tdap Tdap

2009–10 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var1 Var1 Var1Var1Tdap

Var1Tdap

Var1Tdap

Var1 Tdap Tdap Tdap

2010–11 (Tdap requiredfor grades 6 to 12)

Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var1 Var1Var1Tdap

Var1Tdap

Var1Tdap

Var1Tdap

Var1Tdap

Tdap Tdap

2011–12 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1

2012–13 (Var1 requiredfor grades K to 12)

Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1 Var1

2013–14 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2

2014–15 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2

2015–16 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2

2016–17 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2

2017–18 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2

2018–19 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2

2019–20 (Var2 requiredfor grades K to 12)

Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2 Var2

Bal Swan Children’s Center Parent Information Regarding Medications at School

(Medication Policy)

In order to assure that medications are given safely and appropriately, we believe that medications are best administered by a child’s parent. Therefore, we prefer that medications not be sent to school. If your child needs a medication, please ask your child’s health care provider if the medication can be prescribed at times when you can give it at home. (Many medications can be prescribed to be given twice a day instead of three or four times a day.) However, we recognize that there are some situations when medications may need to be given at school. For example, some children with severe allergies or asthma may need to keep medications at school in case of a severe allergic reaction or an asthma attack. If your child needs any medication at school (prescription or over the counter), please contact the school nurse. The following will be required:

1. A Medication Administration Consent Form (available in the office) must be completed and signed by the parent and the child’s health care provider.

2. For prescription medication, the medication must be in the original

pharmacy labeled container with the child’s name, medication name, time medication is to be given, dosage, date medicine is to be stopped, and licensed health care provider’s name. Pharmacy name and phone number must also be included on the label.

For over the counter medications, the medicine must be packaged in the original container. The container must be labeled with the child’s name. The dosage must be identical to that which is indicated by the health care provider on the medication administration consent form.

If the medication is a liquid, please provide a medication spoon available from the pharmacy.

The Division of Child Care Licensing requires that these items be in place before we can accept the medication at school and before we can administer any medication to your child. If your child needs to have medication kept at school for a potential emergency situation (e.g. severe allergic reaction, asthma, seizures, diabetes), your child will not be able to begin attending the school until all items are in place. We want to make sure that school staff have been trained to appropriately give the medication. Please do not send any medication to school in your child’s backpack; please hand deliver the medication to school staff. Please note the expiration dates of medications sent to school so you can replace them before they expire. If you have any questions, please ask in the office or ask to speak to the school nurse.

Medication Administration Consent (One form per medication)

ILLNESS POLICY WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME

Young children frequently become mildly ill. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers experience a yearly average of six respiratory infections (colds) and can develop one to two gastrointestinal infections (vomiting and/or diarrhea) each year. Deciding when children can go to child care or school can be difficult. Parents and caregivers should discuss the child’s symptoms and decide what to do. Parents should contact the child care program or school when their child is sick and describe the symptoms. If a specific diagnosis, (such as strep throat or “pink eye”) is made by a doctor (health care provider), let program staff know so other families can be alerted. Sometimes it is necessary for a child to remain at home.

There are three reasons to keep (exclude) sick children out of child care or school: 1. The child is not able to participate in usual activities. Child may be very tired, irritable or cry a lot. 2. The child needs more individual care than program staff can provide. 3. The illness or symptoms are on the exclusion list.

Look at the symptoms and/or illness list below to help you decide if your child

should be kept home from child care or school:

ILLNESS OR SYMPTOM

EXCLUSION IS NECESSARY CHICKEN POX Yes - until blisters have dried and crusted

(Usually 6 days). If blisters occur after vaccination, refer to Colorado Health Department guidelines

CONJUNCTIVITIS (pink eye) (pink color of eye and thick yellow/green discharge)

Yes - until 24 hours after treatment (if indicated) If your health provider decides not to treat your child, a note is needed authorizing return to group care

COUGHING (severe, uncontrolled coughing or wheezing, rapid or difficulty in breathing)

Yes - medical attention is necessary.

Note: Children with asthma may be cared for with a written health care plan and authorization for medication/treatment

COXSACKIE VIRUS (Hand, foot and mouth disease)

No - may attend if able to participate in usual activities, unless the child has mouth sores and is drooling

CROUP (see COUGHING) Seek medical advice

Note: May not need to be excluded unless child is not well enough to participate in usual activities

DIARRHEA (frequent, loose or watery stools compared to child’s normal pattern; not caused by diet or medication)

Yes – if child looks or acts ill; diarrhea with fever and behavior change; diarrhea with vomiting; diarrhea that is not contained in the toilet, (infants/children in diapers should be excluded)

EARACHE No – unless unable to participate in usual activities or fever with behavior changes (see FEVER)

FEVER with behavior changes or illness (an elevation of body temperature above normal)

Note: An unexplained temperature of 100°F or above is significant in infants 4 months of age or younger and requires immediate medical attention

Yes - when fever is accompanied by behavior changes or other symptoms of illness, such as rash, sore throat, vomiting, etc.

Note: Fever alone is not a reason to exclude from care

The Children’s Hospital School Health Program Denver, CO 2005 1

The Children’s Hospital School Health Program Denver, CO 2005 2

Illness Policy List continues on Page 2 Illness Policy Page 2

ILLNESS OR SYMPTOM

EXCLUSION IS NECESSARY FIFTH’S DISEASE

No - child is no longer contagious once rash illness appears

HEADLICE OR SCABIES May return after treatment starts HEPATITIS A Yes – until 1 week after onset of illness or jaundice

and when able to participate in usual activities HERPES No – unless child has mouth sores and blisters and

does not have control of drooling IMPETIGO Yes – until 24 hours after treatment starts BODY RASH with fever Yes - seek medical advice. Any rash that spreads

quickly, has open, weeping wounds and/or is not healing should be evaluated

Note: Body rash without fever or behavior changes usually does not require exclusion from the program; seek medical advice

RESPIRATORY OR COLD SYMPTOMS (stuffy nose with clear drainage, sneezing, mild cough)

No – may attend if able to participate in usual activities

RINGWORM May return after treatment starts Keep area covered for the first 48 hrs of treatment

ROSEOLA No – unless child cannot participate in usual activities and has fever with behavior changes.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Seek medical advice. Once a child has been infected, spread is rapid.

Note: A child does not always need to be excluded unless child is not able to participate in usual activities

STREP THROAT Yes - until 24 hours after treatment and the child is able to participate in usual activities

VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German Measles), Pertussis (Whooping Cough).

Yes – until judged not infectious by the health care provider

VOMITING (2 or more episodes of vomiting in the past 24 hrs; vomiting with fever; recent head injury)

Yes – until vomiting resolves or a health care provider approves return to program.

YEAST INFECTIONS (thrush or candida diaper rash)

No Follow good hand washing and hygiene practices

Handout developed by The Children’s Hospital School Health Program, Denver, CO (303)-281-2790, 1995, revised 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005

References - American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care, Caring for Our Children:

National Health and Safety Performance Standards, Second Edition, Elk Grove Village, IL 2002 - American Academy of Pediatrics, Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, Elk Grove Village, IL 2005 - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Communicable Disease Epidemiology Program, Infectious Disease in Child Care Settings: Guidelines for

Child Care Providers, Denver, CO., December 2002 - Kendrick AS, Kaufman R., Messenger KP, Eds. Healthy Young Children: A Manual for Programs. Washington, D.C. National Association for the Education of Young

Children; 2002