Parent Handbook

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Welcome to Bridge Pointe Christian Day Care Academy

We are blessed that you chose Bridge Pointe Christian Day Care

Academy as you child’s start to a bright future of discovery and

learning.

This is your parent handbook which outlines our guidelines,

expectations, rules, regulations and contractual agreements.

We offer a research-based curriculum for ages 6 weeks to 12 years old;

comprised of fun-filled learning experiences led by a dedicated and

specially trained staff of teachers. Our philosophy and the focus of our

curriculum is on the development of the whole child. Spiritual,

physical, social, intellectual and emotional developments are all

emphasized in our Christian based environment.

Your child(ren) will develop skills essential for the success in school and

in life through creative hands-on experiences, discovery, social

interaction, problem solving and FUN!

We reserve the right to modify these policies and procedures at any

time to comply with state regulations or company directives.

We look forward to getting to know you and your child(ren).

Thank you again and Welcome!

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Getting Ready for Your Child’s First Day

Our teachers and staff will do everything possible to make your

child’s adjustment to their new school environment as smooth

and comfortable as possible. Here are a few ideas that you

could try to make your child’s transition easier:

We suggest that you visit the school for a brief period

before your child’s first day. Arrangements can be made for your child to

share lunch or story time with his or her new friends before their first full day.

Talk to your child in an exited way about Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy. Tell your

child what will happen several times before their first morning. Let him or her know that the

teachers will make sure that they are having a great day.

Listen to your child’s feelings about going to school and encourage him/her to feel good about

this new experience. Please share any concerns or fears that your child may have with the

teachers, so that your teacher may pay special attention to these issues right from the start.

If you feel sad for the first few times, please try to hold your emotions until your child is out of

sight. Most of us have had that experience and can identify with your feelings. While it is hard

not to show your emotions, it is best for your child to know that you are happy when he or she

leaves you. Please feel free to call and check on your child. We will let you know how your child

is adjusting.

For your child’s safety, and to maintain compliance with state regulated enrollment forms,

including the application, emergency medical information, medical forms, parent contracts,

feeding plans, immunization records or affidavits against such immunizations must be

completed before your children’s first day of attendance. Parents are expected to update their

files regularly and inform the Director of any changes. It is also important to ensure that your

child’s immunization records are kept up-to-date.

Safe Arrival and Departure

Safety is our first concern and parents are required to bring their child(ren) inside and accompany them

to the classroom each day.

You must notify the teacher in charge when your child has arrived and when they are departing with

you. Parents are required to keep their child close and within direct sight while entering and exiting the

building. Children may not be released to anyone under 18 years of age, so please do not send in

younger siblings or relatives to drop off or retrieve you child(ren). Children will only be released to the

parent(s) or another adult who has been authorized (in writing) by the enrolling parent. Adults will be

required to show picture identification.

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Children must be picked up inside the building; no child may be picked up over the fence or off the

playground. Parents are responsible for signing their child in and out daily. Unless prior arrangements

are made with the Director, all children must be picked up from the school by the scheduled closing

time. If your child is not picked up by the scheduled closing time, we will attempt to contact you and

your designated emergency contacts. Late pick-up fees will also be assessed.

Parental Involvement

Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy strongly encourages parental involvement and participation.

You are welcome here. The children will benefit greatly from your presence and participation. We urge

you to volunteer in you child’s classroom during arts and crafts and story time and to accompany us on

school field trips.

Also you can add to the success of our program by donating materials for art projects or learning

centers. We hope that you will participate in parent conferences and meetings. If you have a concern

about your child(ren) and would like to request a conference, please speak to the Director. Good

communication between parent and teacher is essential. We also encourage parents to ask questions

and make suggestions.

Things You Need To Know

Clothing – Children will spend time indoors and outdoors daily. Please dress your child in

wearable play clothes, suitable for all types of activities including painting and eating. Closed-

toed shoes with at least a strap on the heel MUST be worn at all times. We ask that you label all

apparel. Infants and toddlers are not permitted to wear jewelry or earrings to school. Jewelry

may be removed by teachers for safety; therefore we ask that no jewelry be worn at all.

What To Bring to School – Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy asks that all parents bring

(2) changes of outer and under clothing for all children to be left in your child’s cubby. This

includes socks and additional diapers, as appropriate. For infants please label all bottles and

caps. Use a permanent clothing marker to write your child’s full name on the inside tag of the

garments. Please be mindful of growth and seasonal changes so that clothing can be changed as

appropriate. Each child should have a soft blanket to use at rest time. Be sure not to write your

child’s name on the blanket. We ask that you NOT allow your child to bring toys from home

because they may create jealously and tension among the other children. However, if your child

uses a soft toy for comfort at rest time, you are welcome to bring it. Bridge Pointe Christian

Daycare Academy is not responsible for any items brought from home. Please check the lost

and found if an item is missing.

Fingernails – Please keep your child’s fingernails trimmed and well groomed at all times. Proper

maintenance will reduce the incidences of children scratching themselves or others. This is

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especially true for children age two and under. You will also help reduce the spread of germs

and assist children with their hand washing skills.

Biting – Although common in young children, biting can be a frustrating problem. The following

is an outline of the preventative strategies our teachers commonly utilize:

For infants and toddlers, positive teething activities will be provided to comfort and

soothe the gums.

When children bite out of frustration or during confrontation, behavior will be

redirected to some other activity or they will be shown an alternative way to get what

they want. We will encourage the use of language in expressing wants and needs.

If a child bites frequently, staff will utilize a more intensive approach which involves

carefully observing and documenting the child’s behavior to determine precipitating

events. Conferences with parents may also be utilized to discuss the child’s actions at

home, search for outside resources and alternate methods, etc. Parents will be notified

if their child is bitten at school. However, in order to protect the privacy of all our

families, parents will not be informed of the identity of the biter.

Biting incidents will also be communicated to the parent of the biter to ensure that staff

and parents work together to understand and prevent this behavior. In order to ensure

the safety of all children, if all attempts to stop the biting fail, we reserve the right to

remove the biting child from the Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy program.

Attendance – Regular patterns of attendance provide the best benefit for your child(ren). We

require that your child be at school no later than 9:15 am. If your child is going to be absent or

tardy, please notify the Director before 9:00 am. If your child attends school for three days of

the week, full tuition fee is required.

Meals – Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy serves a balanced and nutritious breakfast,

lunch and snack daily. There is no charge for the meals. Our menus are created to meet the

USDA food program guidelines. Weekly menus are posted for your review. We do not allow

children to bring food to the school (Infant formula/breast milk exceptions). Menu exceptions

will only be made for documented religious or medical reasons. If a special diet is required,

parents may be asked to supply the necessary food. Please check with the Director for meal

service times. Children arriving late or leaving early may not be served regularly scheduled

meals.

Rest Time – Infant through pre-school age children will be provided with a rest/nap time daily.

We encourage your child to rest during that period. Blankets are to be brought from home and

must be labeled and laundered weekly. Cot and crib sheets will be provided by the school. All

parents are required to sign the state mandated Safe Sleep Policy.

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Payment Policy

No cash payments are accepted at any Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy locations. Our

payment terms are described in the Tuition and Fee Agreement included in your enrollment materials.

Each time you make a payment, we will provide you a receipt within 24 hours of your payment. If you

are not provided a receipt in a timely manner, we ask that you notify the Director immediately. In

addition to your written request, the Director can provide you with a detailed statement of your charges

and payments on your account.

Parent Referrals

We appreciate your support and positive recommendations to family, friends and the community. We

would like to thank you for your referrals through our Bridge Builders Referral Program. For additional

information please speak to our Director about how this program can benefit you.

Transportation

Transportation to and from local elementary schools are provided by Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare

Academy at the Clarkston and Doraville locations ONLY. The Hillandale and Decatur locations provide a

list of companies that provide transportation services to and from home. A Transportation Agreement,

Vehicle Emergency and Medical Information and Authorization form must be completed and signed by a

parent or guardian for your child to be transported using the school transportation program. Regularly

scheduled field trips will be planned. Parents will be notified of these events in advance; and permission

slips must be signed and returned in a timely manner.

Discipline / Conduct Statement

Teachers create a positive and safe environment in which social, intellectual and physical competencies

can be developed and where there is a minimal opportunity for unacceptable behavior. Discipline is the

helpful guidance, encouragement and support that adults utilize to influence children. It is more than

punishment, rules and regulations.

Appropriate discipline helps children learn how to interact and develop self-control. Bridge Pointe

Christian Daycare Academy has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy when it pertains to disobedient students. We

will work with parents to monitor and modify behaviors that require direction and control. We utilize

the following discipline strategies:

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Teachers model appropriate behavior, including both verbal and non-verbal body language.

Teachers set limits, which reflect realistic expectations for the age and development of each

child.

When conflicts occur between children in the classroom, our teachers utilize a stepped

approach to resolve the issues.

1. Our first step is to have a discussion with the child. We will talk with them to let them

know why their behavior was unacceptable. If the behavior continues, we will use

redirection.

2. Redirection offers an alternative choice or different activity for the child. If redirection

does not work, we try teaching them problem solving.

3. Problem Solving is when we try to teach the children how to talk out their problems

amongst each other and try to come to their own solution. When all else fails, we use

quiet time.

4. Quiet time is when we place the child at a table and give them quiet activities to do.

Child Abuse / Neglect

If any of the teachers or staff at Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy suspects that one of our

children is being abused mentally, physically, or neglected in any way, we are required by law to report

all cases to The Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS). All stall are mandated reporters, which

means that if we suspect child abuse and do not report it, we can and will be lawfully held responsible.

We are a Christian facility; we believe children must be raised under discipline, but we also know that

this is primarily the parents / guardians’ responsibility. If a parent suspects that their child has been

abused while in our care, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our administrative staff and/or

the Director immediately. An investigation will be conducted for any allegations.

School Accidents

Our teachers are trained to apply first aid to minor injuries (cuts, scrapes, bruises, etc.). The Director

will report the occurrence to you at the end of the day or during the day as necessary, based on the

nature of the injury. If an accident occurs at our school and the child is injured, the guidelines below will

be administered depending on the type of accident.

If your child sustains a serious injury that requires medical attention, Bridge Pointe Christian

Daycare Academy will notify you immediately and contact 911 for your child to be assessed and

possibility transported to the nearest medical facility.

If the situation warrants, we will contact your child’s doctor for instructions. Be sure to keep

your child’s doctors’ information and medical coverage up to date.

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When You Should Keep Your Child At Home

Illness impacts how children learn, develop, and participate in their environment. We want all children

to come to school every day knowing that they are able to participate. At the entrance of every Bridge

Pointe Christian Daycare Academy location there is a chart posted which lists the most common

Communicable Diseases. This information is also available online at www.decal.ga.gov

Often it is hard to decide whether or not your child is well enough to come to school. The information

below may help you to decide when to keep your child resting comfortably at home. A child should not

come to Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy if they have the following conditions.

Vomiting and/or Diarrhea – Your child may return to school after all symptoms are gone for

one complete school day.

Fever – 100 degrees or higher. A child should be fever free for at least 24 hours without the

use of medication before returning to school.

Pain – Headache, stomach ache, ear ache, etc.

Skin sores or rash – A doctor should evaluate and declare that it is non-contagious.

Lice or scabies – A child should not return until 24 hours after the child and home have been

treated and are found to be free of lice.

Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye – Children with red, itchy, draining or crusty eyes may have

conjunctivitis. Children may return to school 24 hours after successful antibiotic treatment.

Colds – Child may return once progressive sneezing, coughing and runny nasal discharge have

ceased.

It is important that sick children do not come to school and spread any chance of spreading any infection

to other children or staff members. If your child comes to school with any of the symptoms above, or

develops these symptoms while at school, you will be asked to pick up your child within one (1) hour.

Your child will be isolated from the general population until the child can be picked up.

If a child has a communicable disease or serious illness, the parents must have a doctor’s statement that

the child is able to participate in the normal routine before they return to the classroom. Parents must

call the school with the diagnosis as soon as possible so that other families can be notified if their child

has been exposed. Letters will be distributed to all parents of children who have potentially been

exposed to a communicable disease.

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Medication

Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy does not administer over the counter medications, unless

discussed and approved by the Director. If prescription medication is warranted (i.e. chronic asthma,

antibiotics, etc.), Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy will do so only upon receipt of satisfactory

written instructions from the parents or a doctor.

All medications must be in their original containers and indicate the child’s name, type of medication,

date of prescription, amount and time of dosage. Medications cannot be shared between siblings.

When medication is brought to the school, it must be given to the Director who will complete a

Medication Authorization form signed by the parent. Parents / guardians must sign for the pickup

medication after the administrating the last prescribed dosage. Parents will be notified of any adverse

reactions to any medication.

Holidays

Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy operates year-round Monday through Friday with the

exception of the following holidays:

New Year’s Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day (July 4th)

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Our tuition rates are computed on a weekly basis. A full week’s tuition will be charged during a holiday

week and is due the Friday before the week of the holiday.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy is a Christian-directed organization which does not

discriminate against children or families based upon their religion, race, disabilities or medical

conditions. We will try to accommodate you in any way we can to comply with your religious practices,

cultural beliefs, medical stipulations and special needs; as long as they do not exceed our capabilities,

and/or jeopardize any other students., parents or staff members’ rights and as long as they are in

compliance with our established rules and regulations.

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Birthdays

Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy loves birthdays! You may celebrate your child’s birthday here

with us as long as you do so after rest time. All parties are held in your child’s class. You may bring cake,

treats, 100% fruit juice, and/or snack items (enough for all children). Clowns and other party favorites

are also welcome as long as the toys and games are age appropriate.

Plans for the party must be discussed and approved by the Director at least two weeks prior to the party

date. Balloons are not allowed in the classrooms. All items (candy, treat bags, etc.) distributed to the

class will be held until parents pick the children up at the end of the day.

Inclement Weather Plans

During severe weather, the Director will contact local emergency personnel for information. Should an

emergency requiring evacuation occur, you will be notified immediately and the children will be

relocated to an alternate location. Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy staff shall not impede the

delivery of emergency care of services by authorized health care professionals.

If it becomes necessary to close due to inclement weather or other circumstances, calls will be made to

parents or announcements will be posted on local news channels. Please check for these updates. The

Director will provide you with more information regarding the schools emergency plans; which are

posted at the entrance of all locations for parent viewing.

If the local county public schools close due to inclement weather, Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare

Academy within the local will be closed. Our schools’ designated local station for emergency

information is Fox 5 News Station.

In the event of severe weather warnings, we have procedures in place to keep the children safe. We

practice our severe weather and fire drills regularly so that your child(ren) will feel safe when it is

necessary to remain in the drill position for an extended period of time. Moreover, emergency plans are

posted in all access areas and in each classroom. In the event of a power or water outage, Bridge Pointe

Christian Daycare Academy will be closed until the power or water is restored.

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Withdrawal

A two (2) week written notice is required if you choose to withdraw your child from our program for any

reason. The notice is not effective until given to the Director. Your satisfaction is our number one

priority. If you have a comment or complaint about our program, we ask that you adhere to the

following guidelines.

Call or visit the Director’s office. If the Director is not in; leave a message and the Director will

contact you upon returning.

Please allow up to 24 hours for a follow up call. We are certain that we can work together to

resolve the situation. The Director will work with you to resolve your issue by developing a plan

of action that is appropriate for you and the program.

Quality Control

If you are not satisfied with the plan of action and feel your issue was not addressed properly by the

Director, or if the issue cannot be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the school and the parents;

under such circumstances it may be necessary to contact the Owner (678) 654-6555.

Please feel free to submit positive comments or ideas! We appreciate your feedback!

Potty Training Policy

When you feel your child is ready for toilet teaching, we ask that you begin this teaching at home during

a weekend or vacation. We will follow through and encourage your child while in our care. Toilet

training will be done in a relaxed manner. We require that the child must be at least 18 months old and

must be showing signs of readiness. The child must be kept in pull-ups at all times.

Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an urge to use

the potty, more so than at your home. Therefore, we will continue to use diapers until your child can

and will announce that he/she must use the bathroom (not just at home, but here as well) and can

control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement.

Do not bring your child in panties or underwear until he/she has naptime and bedtime control

established. During potty training the child needs to be dressed in “User Friendly” clothing as much as

possible. The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists. Try to avoid really tight clothing, shirts

that snap in the crouch, pants with snaps and zippers and overalls as often as you can. Your child will

want to help pull pant, etc. up and down, plus clothing with too many buttons or snaps makes it harder

to get the child on the potty on time.

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We will only begin helping to potty train a child if you have successfully began training at home for a

week prior. We will gladly follow your means of potty training if you just let us know what it is. For

example, if your child is rewarded a sticker for each potty in the chair, just provide the stickers and we

will follow your lead and we will not discipline your child if he/she has an accident.

During potty training you are asked to supply us with at least 3 extra full changes of clothing, including

socks and training & plastic pants or pull ups. These are to be left at the day care and replaced as

needed. Soiled clothes will be returned in a plastic bag at the end of the day.

Toilet Learning Readiness

Verbal Stages of Readiness:

Basic verbal skills: The child is able to speak in three or four word sentences.

Stage 1: The child tells you he/she has wet a diaper, recognizes when he/she is wet.

The child tells you he/she is wetting, recognizes the sensation of being wet.

The child tells you he/she will wet diaper, can control her/himself and use a toilet.

Physical and Psychological Signs of Readiness:

Stays dry for a long time. (The child is able to “hold” his/her urine and bowel movements)

Can recognize when diaper is wet or soiled

Has bowel movement at regular times. (Child chooses when to move his/her bowels)

Adults can recognize when a child is moving their bowels. (Child is deliberately moving bowels)

Can undress and pull up his/her pants. (Important because this is the work of the child not the

caregiver)

Initiates interest in using the toilet and ask to wear underwear.

Wants to be independent. (Which is very important for the learning process)

Child is emotionally ready and is open to learning. (Is child generally cooperative?)

Child has an awareness and knowledge of the world beyond him/herself. (The sign may seem

unrelated to toilet learning, but it is behavior that has been seen in children who are ready to use

the toilet)

Can follow three and four step instructions. (This is critical for learning to urinate or move

bowels, wipe him/herself, flush the toilet and then wash hands)

Can use consistent words or gestures to communicate.

Is able to physically get to the toilet and sit on it without assistance.

Must show a willingness to want to sit on the toilet and understand its function.

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Our Policy Requires the Following

Child wears loose fitting clothing (which is easy to pull down and pull up).

No overalls, bib-type pants, onesies, or T-shirts with snaps between the legs.

No pants with belts or one-piece outfits.

Determine from the beginning of learning whether child will sit or stand (boys).

A minimum of 3 changes of clothing, including socks, 3-4 pairs of training pants to leave here (an

extra pair of shoes would also be helpful).

Positive reinforcement must be continued at home.

For the first week, the child will be scheduled to use the toilet at consistent times of the day

whether the child indicates the need to use the toilet or not:

o Before and after breakfast

o Before and after lunch

o Before and after going outside

o Just before going home

o As needed

Daily Schedule

We include the following meals at the following times.

Breakfast 7:30am – 8:30am (cut-off time to be served is 8:15am)

Lunch 11:00am

Snack 2:30pm

Child Care Programs

Infant Program (6 weeks – 12 months):

Items your child will need daily

Diapers

Wipes

Tissue box

Change of clothes

Wash cloth or cloth diaper

Receiving blanket

Bibs

Pre-prepared bottles of formula*

Baby food

* Have a full bottle prepared for your child when you drop your child off at the facility.

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Activities

All infants will be required to have a current feeding plan

Infant will have learning activities

Infant will be fed on demand

Infant will get individual time with their childcare providers

Infant will spend at least 1 hour a day outside

Toddler Program (12 months – 36 months):

Items your child will need daily

Backpack or diaper bag

Diapers or pull-ups

Slippy™ cups (labeled)

Wipes

Tissue box

Change of clothes

Educational Goals

Colors

o Primary Colors – Red, Yellow, Blue

Letters

o Say ABCs

Numbers

o Count 1 – 10

Shapes

o Basic – Square, Circle, Triangle

Miscellaneous

o Know whole name

o Birthday

Basic Body Parts

Songs and Nursery Rhymes

o Various

If not potty trained, the toddlers will be encouraged to use the potty; but this will be determined by the

effort of the child.

Preschool Program (3 years – 4 years):

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Items your child will need daily

Backpack

Change of clothes

Educational Goals

Colors

o Primary Colors – Red, Yellow, Blue

o Secondary Colors – Green, Orange, Purple, Brown

o Other Colors – Black, White, Pink, Peach, various shades of colors

o Color Mixing

Letters

o Write upper and lower case ABCs

o Write first and last name

Numbers

o Count 1 – 100

o Write numbers 1 - 10

Shapes

o Primary – Square, Circle, Rectangle, Triangle

o Secondary – Diamond, Oval, Heart

Miscellaneous

o Know whole name

o Parent’s name

o Address

o Phone number

o Birthday

o Body parts

Songs and Nursery Rhymes

o Various

Preschool will have 1 ½ hours of outside time a day (weather permitting)

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From infancy through the toddler and child exploration years, Bridge Pointe Christian Daycare Academy

offers an educational training program suited to meet the needs of your child. We are pleased to serve

as the bridge between your child’s potential and their ultimate spiritual, intellectual, social, personal and

academic development.

Hillandale Campus

6001 Hillandale Road

Lithonia, GA 30058

(770) 593-1977

Decatur Campus

5341 Snapfinger Park Drive

Decatur, GA 30035

(770) 987-2200

Clarkston Campus

1144 North Indian Creek Drive

Clarkston, GA 30021

(404) 292-9550

Doraville Campus

2861 North Dekalb Drive

Doraville, GA 30340

(770) 458-7714