IQRA’A LEARNING
CENTER
2 | P a g e POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL (2016)
IQRA’A LEARNING
CENTER
Ta'aleem Educational Support Foundation. 2016
Plot 19B, Caroline Atounah,Lekki Phase 1, Lagos Phone 09099999016
Email: [email protected] Website: www.iqraa.com.ng
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Table of Contents
Cover Page ................................................................................................. 1 Table of Contents ....................................................................................... 2 Introduction .............................................................................................. 4 About The Center ....................................................................................... 4 Center Opening Hours ............................................................................... 6 Enrolment / Admission Policy .................................................................... 6 Tuition / Payment Policy ............................................................................ 7 Child’s Record Updates .............................................................................. 7 Attendance ................................................................................................ 8 Signing In / Out .......................................................................................... 9 Discipline Measures ................................................................................... 9 Communication Policy ............................................................................... 9 Complaint Procedure ............................................................................... 10 Sick Child .................................................................................................. 10 Administering Medicine ........................................................................... 11 Incidents and Accidents ........................................................................... 11 Major Accidents Procedure ...................................................................... 11 Health and Safety Measures .................................................................... 12 Termination Policy ................................................................................... 12 Monitoring and Evaluation ...................................................................... 13 Staff & Employment Practices .................................................................. 13 Revision to Handbook and Contract ........................................................ 15
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INTRODUCTION
Iqra’a Learning Center and its staff would like to welcome you to the center. Please take a
moment and read through this policy and procedure manual as we find it very beneficial to
parents and child care providers. We expect a 100% compliance to ensure a smooth running of
the center.
The purpose of this policy is to support our employee’s ability to develop a sense of self-
discipline and self-worth in every individual attending the IQRA’A Learning Center program.
Each child will be treated with respect and dignity. There will be no verbal or physical abuse of
any child at any time.
Parents will be informed of the Centers Policy by distribution of this manual
Should you have questions or further queries, kindly contact us via our phone line:
09099999016 or send us an email: [email protected].
Thank you!
ABOUT THE CENTER
We are an Arabic and Islamic teaching community which offers a dynamic and constantly
evolving After School program for both children aged 3 to 13 years and adults in a safe, positive
and fun learning environment. The center is located and managed from a well-equipped facility
in Plot 19B, Caroline Atounah, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENT
At IQRA’A Learning Center, our Vision is to “be the Islamic learning community of choice that
produces young leaders with very high academic excellence, morals, ethics and commitments
to Islamic principles”.
Our Mission is to “provide a safe, positive, and fun environment for children and women to
achieve their highest potential, founded on Islamic principles, scholastic excellence, and good
citizenship experience”.
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PHILOSOPHY OF IQRA’A LEARNING CENTER
Students: Our students; both the children and the women are entitled to a safe and nurturing
environment with a schedule of activities that best meet their individual needs. Everyone is
treated with respect and as a valuable individual.
Parents: Are entitled to individual respect, support and quality care for their children while at
the center.
Staff: Are entitled to work in an environment which recognizes and respects their training, skills
and commitment to Islamic teachings and values.
Centre:
Enhances the lives of our students by providing a caring and supportive Islamic School
service.
GOALS OF IQRA’A LEARNING CENTER The aims and objectives of the center are: We aim to offer a dynamic and constantly evolving After School program for both
children aged 3 to 13 years and adults in a safe, positive and fun learning environment.
We aim to promote Islamic spiritual and moral values based on the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) to give every child and the Muslim woman the opportunity to achieve their personal best and to develop lively enquiring minds by providing individually tailored Islamic teachings which allows spontaneity and encourages purposeful learning.
We aim to inculcate within all students, staff and parents the love of life-long learning, leadership skills and the ability to become an inspirational Muslims with skills fit for the 21st Century.
We are committed to enabling both children and women to become confident in their identity as Muslims with an enduring desire to perform their religious duties, live in harmony with fellow citizens and contribute positively to their community and their country of residence.
We aim to provide a variety of experiences through structured and purposeful activities
and a balanced curriculum, which will broaden children’s understanding and develop
their skills.
We aim to expose our students; both children and women, to fluent conversations in
Arabic to aid their learning of the meaning of the Holy Quran al Kareem as well as create
a competitive edge to survive in Arabic speaking environment.
We aim to build a team of staff Supporting and developing the highest quality of
professional staff.
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1. CENTER OPENING HOURS
For admission/general enquires purposes, the center will be open from:
12noon -6:00pm (Mondays –Thursdays)
9am - 4pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
***The Center is closed on Fridays***
Program / Class Schedule
Program Days of the Week
Time
For whom?
Faslul Noor Mondays – Thursdays (3pm – 5.30pm)
Sundays (10am -2pm)
For Children
Faslul Iman Saturdays – Sundays (10am – 2pm) For Children
Faslul Anal Mondays – Thursdays (10am – 12.30pm) For Women
Children that come before classes start will be free to be on the playground. At
the close of class, all children are expected to be picked latest by 6.00pm on
weekdays and by 2.30p.m on Weekends.
Every 30mins after this deadline will attract a late pick up fee of N1, 500 which
must be paid before the child is allowed into the classroom the next day.
2. ENROLMENT / ADMISSION POLICY
Our Enrolment process starts with a school tour. Prospective parents are
encouraged to visit the school premises to see the facility and learn about what the
center offers.
To be eligible for admission to ILC, children must be aged between 3 and 13 years.
There are several forms that make up the ILC enrolment packet. This enrolment
forms must be completed and in our possession before we can assume the
responsibility of caring for your child.
The front desk officer shall conduct a check list to ensure that all the forms are duly
completed before submission.
The registration form will include emergency contact numbers and any particular
needs of the child. If there are changes to any of the forms in the enrollment pack,
parents should please notify the center to update the records.
Registration Fee: There is a ₦10,000 Non-Refundable registration fee per student at
time of enrolment. If you terminate the After School services and are gone more
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than 90 days and wish to return to Iqra’a Center, you must pay a ₦5,000 re-
application fee.
A file will be opened and an Identification number alloted once a student’s
registration is confirmed.
The Facility is licensed for a maximum of 70 spots, and when all the places are full, a
strict waiting list will operate. Names will be added on a first come, first served
basis, with the exception of siblings who will have priority.
3. TUITION / PAYMENT PROCEDURES
The price has been calculated to provide value for money, whilst allowing the center to be
financially viable.
The current price list is as follows:
S/N Program Days / Time Term Fees ( N) For whom?
1 Faslul Noor
(Class of Light)
Mondays – Thursdays (3pm – 5.30pm)
Sundays (10am -2pm)
90,000 For Children
2 Faslul Iman
(Class of Belief)
Saturdays – Sundays (10am – 2pm) 50,000 For Children
3 Faslul Anal
(Class of Hope)
Mondays – Thursdays (10am –
12.30pm)
30,000 For Women
All Payments are in advance
There is a ₦10,000 Non-Refundable registration fee per student at time of
enrolment.
Payment Options: Cash
Cheque made payable to: Taaleem Educational Support Foundation Zenith Bank 1014207506
4. CHILD’S RECORD UPDATES
Having up-to-date data about each child is of great importance to us. Therefore, at
every point in time, there must be a complete file on each child updated with all
required emergency information, addresses, phone numbers, and signatures duly
completed by parents. Parents must be conscientious about updating their child’s file,
as we expect parents to send us an email should there be any changes relating to child’s
information.
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5. ATTENDANCE
Attendance is crucial to effective learning and the continuity of a child’s learning experience. We place great emphasis on it. We believe that children can only learn effectively if they attend classes regularly. Authorized absence An absence is classified as authorized when a child has been away from class for a legitimate reason and the center has received notification from a parent or guardian. For example, if a child has been unwell, the parent writes a note or telephones the center to explain the reasons for the absence.
Only the center can make an absence authorized. Parents do not have this authority. Consequently, not all absences supported by parents will be classified as authorized.
There are only 4 reasons for the school to authorize an absence:
Illness of the child
Family bereavement
Medical appointments/reasons
Religious observance Discretion will apply for other unforeseen reasons.
Unauthorized absence An absence is classified as unauthorized when a child is away from the center without the permission of both the center and a parent. Therefore, the absence is unauthorized if a child is away from the center without good reason, even with the support of a parent. For Parents / Guardian:
If a child will be absent, it is the responsibility of the parent, carer or guardian to contact the center to report an absence or late arrival.
This should be done by 3.15pm for weekdays and 10:15am at the weekends.
Lateness can cause children to miss key learning that happens immediately as children enter to start their day and so it is vital that your child is at the center on time every day.
If your child is going to be late for any reason please contact the front desk before 3:15pm weekdays and 10:15am at the weekend to explain reasons for this.
All lateness, before and after the close of registers, will be logged and you will be asked to meet with the Management and further actions taken should this become a regular occurrence.
Front Desk Officer will:
Contact parents or guardians when a child has had five unauthorized absences or lateness days of class per term.
Establish with parents or guardians the reason for the absence.
If after two weeks the Center staffs have been unable to reach the parents, the child will be dismissed from the program.
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6. SIGNING IN/OUT
Upon arrival:
All parents must fill out our Sign-In sheet each day upon arrival
Parents/guardian must accompany their child into the center.
Upon departure: All children will be handed over to the authorised collector on receipt of the
correct password for the child, and the children will be signed out by the authorised collector.
Parents / Authorised collector must make personal contact with a staff member
A register of contact details will be maintained in case of emergency or if a child is not collected as arranged.
Any parent/carer who collects later than 6pm will be charged N1500 per 30 minutes to help cover additional staffing costs.
If anyone other than a child’s parents or authorized person will be picking up a child, the parent must notify the center, call 09099999016.
7. DISCIPLINE MEASURES
We maintain a positive discipline policy, which focuses on prevention, redirection, love, consistency and firmness. We stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property.
The children are explained the rules of the center frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines.
Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit, throw toys, bite, etc. We will try to prevent problems, redirect when appropriate, discuss inappropriate behavior, encourage making amends when offense involves another person, and sometimes withdraw privileges based on the principle of "natural consequences".
The Center has zero tolerance for Bullying
8. COMMUNICATION POLICY
Good communication is of the utmost importance. When a new family is accepted
into our center, we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or
questions that may arise.
It is important that there is a similar child care philosophy between the center and
the parents. We welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are
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oriented towards a positive outcome for the child(ren). Sensitive issues will be
discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time.
A weekly communication book will be used to enhance the communication between
the centre and the home while Monthly assessments updates will be sent home.
These progress reports are provided to give parents insight into the child’s
performance.
9. COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
If a parent/carer has an issue either involving their individual child or the
school as a whole, they should in the first instance raise the issue with
the Center Administrator.
If the parent/carer feels unable or willing to raise the matter in this way
they can write a letter or send us a mail; [email protected] .
In the first instance, every effort will be made to resolve any matter
within the setting of the school
10. SICK CHILD
If a child is unwell, he/she should stay at home for the first 24 hours. If parents
have prescribed medicine for their child, they will be requested to fill the
medical form and details are put in the medicine book, provided the illness is not
infectious
Medicine to be administered and recorded in the medicine book with staff
initials. If possible witness should also sign medicine book upon collection of the
child
If child becomes unwell after coming into the center depending on illness:
Child to be isolated
Comforted and monitored
Inform parents accordingly
If a child suffers a bout of continuous diarrhoea, then the child should stay at
home for a period of at least 48 hours until he/she is certified medically fit
if a child has an infectious complaints then the child should stay at home until
he/she is certified medically fit
If a child comes down with a high temperature;
Admission form should be checked to make sure of child’s need and
allergies
Capol to be given to reduce high temperature except expressly prohibited
by parents
Child to be cooled down with cool flannel
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Parents to be informed immediately
11. ADMINISTERING MEDICINE
a) Parents are to sign medicine permission form at the Front Desk
b) Front Desk Officer to ensure that the name of the child is written on the medicine, how
much to be administered and how often. This is to be confirmed with the parents/carer
c) The date, child’s name, name of medicine and time administered should be documented
in the medicine book.
d) Staff will put up a written reminder on the wall
e) Medicine should be placed in the fridge
f) Administer medicine to the child as directed by parents, sign medical book and have a
colleague countersign
g) When parent/carer comes to collect child please have the parent/carer sign the medical
book. Verify medical records
h) The school is currently registered with the Paediatric Partners Victoria Island
12. INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS
The Center aims to provide a safe environment. However, there is the possibility that a
child may suffer an accident while at the center.
Minor accidents are dealt with at the center. It is our policy that parents will be contacted and informed of any accidents that occur during the day.
The Center will maintain an incident and accident register in which all incidents
and accidents will be recorded.
An accident form will be completed in duplicate for every accident, the parent
will be informed and asked to sign the form and then given a copy.
There will always be a first aider on the premises, and the center will keep a fully
stocked first aid box on the premises.
If a child needs to go to hospital, the parents will be contacted. An escort will be
provided if the parents are unable to get to the Center quickly.
A home incident form will be maintained at the Center, to be completed by
parents concerning accidents or incidents that have occurred at home. These
forms will be held in confidence and will only be seen by the child’s parents and
the Supervisor.
13. MAJOR ACCIDENTS PROCEDURE
If a major accident occurs, the procedure is as follows:
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If able to be moved the child is taken to a quiet area and the Administrator is
notified. The Administrator will now assess the situation and decide whether the
child needs to go immediately to the hospital or whether the child can wait for
the parent/carer to come.
If the child needs to go to the hospital, a vehicle will be provided, then the
parent will be contacted and arrangements will be made to meet the
parent/main carer at our hospital; Paediatric Partners Victoria Island or the
Family Hospital as indicated in the Admission Form.
A member of staff will accompany the child to the hospital but will not sign for
any treatment to be carried out except in real emergency.
A report of the accident will be shared with the Administrator verbally first and
then recorded in the accident book. At a convenient time, parents will be asked
to sign the accident book to verify that they have been notified and agree with
the details.
14. HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES
No smoking in the premises
Inappropriate jewelry that might cause a child harm should not be worn
Dress code: smart and practical with sensible shoes
No running inside the premises
Children should be encouraged to run outside in a safe environment
All electrical sockets should be protected by a safety plug, no trailing wires.
All cleaning materials should be placed out of the reach of the children
All fire exits should be clearly marked and free from obstruction
All fire extinguisher shall be clearly labeled
A copy of fire drill should be clearly visible at exits
Never leave potential dangerous objects lying within reach of children.
Any accident involving body fluid should be reported to the School Administrator
All staff should familiarize themselves with the first aid box
No child should be left unsupervised any time and children must be supervised
at all times
Under no circumstance should a member of staff take a child from the school
unless written consent has been obtained from the parent of the child.
15. TERMINATION POLICIES
We reserve the right to terminate a child for the following reasons (but not limited to):
Failure to pay
Routinely late picking up your child
Failure to complete the required forms
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Lack of parental cooperation
Failure of child to adjust to the center after a reasonable amount of time
Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
Our inability to meet the child's needs
Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
Serious illness of child
We appreciate as much advance notice as possible when terminating, and will give the
same courtesy in return. Parents are required to give two weeks written notice when they
decide to terminate child care. The two weeks will be paid in full, regardless of whether or
not the child is in attendance.
We will give two weeks notice of termination for which full tuition is due, whether or not
the child is in attendance. The provider reserves the right to give written notice of
immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well-being of
the provider or other children in attendance.
16. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
The Center aims to provide a varied and stimulating environment for the children and adults
attending. We will regularly consult with the students to ensure that we are meeting their
needs. From time to time we will send out a questionnaire to parents/carers for feedback
about The Center. However, we do encourage parents to consult with the Administrator or
committee on a regular basis about the needs of their family. Any concerns will be dealt
with in a confidential manner.
17. STAFF AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
The commitment of the Board of Directors of Ta'aleem Educational Support Foundation;
the parent company, is that the most professional and highly competent staff are recruited
and hired. In line with the goals of the corporation for the most professional and competent
staff, staff receives on-the-job training when necessary and as required.
The Board further supports and encourages career development of staff. Staff receives
mandatory CPR, First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, Childhood Development and Customer
Service training during the first quarter of employment. Quarterly in-service training is
provided to further enhance staff skill in delivering quality services to our customers.
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Orientation and Training Requirements
Staff must receive orientation to all policies and procedures of the program during
their orientation period.
In service training will be provided to staff to ensure the policies and procedures are
regularly reviewed.
The documentation of staff orientation and training is kept available for review in
the administrative files of the primary facility. Such documentation is signed and
dated by the staff member and administrative staff upon completion of each
requirement.
At least one staff with required CPR and First Aid Training must always be on
premises or assignment wherever children are present.
Each staff member will be given a copy of this manual for their personal review and
support.
Employment Packages
Staff is required to complete an application, supply references, interview with a
panel of the Board and undergo a criminal record background check as a part of the
employment process.
Staff may be randomly drug screened. Staff may have a background check
completed at any other time as may be indicated or believed to be in the best
interest of the program. Positive findings of illegal drugs will result in termination
from employment or denial of employment with the center.
Employees are required to work their contracted period of employment. Upon
hiring, the employee will sign a contract which outlines the agreed upon hours of
their ILC AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANUAL employment and the
compensation which will be provided for each hour of employment.
On a daily basis employees are required to sign in documenting their time of arrival,
lunch time and their time of departure.
Employees who are employed in the after school program are part time employees
and are not entitled to paid sick and annual leave.
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An employee requiring an absence from work is expected to give as much notice as
is possible in order that arrangement may be made to adequately staff the after
school program.
Employees in the after school program are encouraged to take a break each
afternoon not to exceed 15 minutes.
Due to the nature of this business, employees are expected to use good judgment as
relates to coming to work when they are not well.
Employees may not work when they have fever or have a contagious illness or
condition which threatens the health and safety of the children, other employees or
clients of the program.
Employees who require three days or more of absence from work due to illness
must provide documentation from their physician of the need for such absence.
Failure to provide such documentation will result in the employees’ wages being
docked for the absence.
Work time is documented on the weekly time sheet. The work week is Sunday
through Thursday. The employee and his/her supervisor must sign their weekly time
sheet on the Thursday at the end of the work week.
Time sheets are turned in to the administration for payroll purposes. Employees are
paid on a monthly basis.
18. Revisions to Handbook and Contract
There will be a yearly revision to this handbook and the accompanying contract. All families
will sign a new contract each year. We reserve the right to make changes in rates and
policies as we deem necessary. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes that may
occur. Every attempt will be made to give at least two weeks’ notice of changes.