PHILOSOPHY
I believe the purpose of this home day care is to assist the parents in the development of the whole child. The parents and I are partners in providing the optimal environment in which to enhance the natural curiosity and desire to learn inherent in each child. Learning about God, Self, and God's world around us should be the most exciting and worthwhile experience to be had. It begins at birth and should continue for a lifetime. At this home day care, situations are provided to help the child prepare to make the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical adjustments in life. I believe children learn best from their own experiences. In a learning environment, I will help promote self-awareness and perceptual motor skills through planned, Child-Directed activities in which to give the child (ren) the hands-on experiences they need for total growth development.
CURRICULUM STATEMENT
The goals and purpose of The Purpose Gallery are as follow:
OVERALL GOALS
To see that each child is allowed to develop to the extent of his/her abilities: neither pushed beyond neither his /her readiness nor hindered in attaining his /her full potential.
To see that these goals be accomplished in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance, where each child is valued for his/her uniqueness and not degraded for his/her weaknesses.
To ensure an environment that fosters a positive self-image and develops creativity and imagination.
To ensure that each has the opportunity to be introduced to the Lord and his/her world.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS
To learn to understand and accept the feeling of others.
To learn to share and take turns.
To learn to participate in-group activities.
To learn to communicate positively with other children and adults.
To learn responsibility in taking care of property, completing routine chores, and self-help skills,
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
To develop a positive feeling of self-worth.
To learn increasing self-control.
To learn to identify and talk about feelings.
To learn to channel feelings in to acceptable outlets.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS
To become more coordinated and balanced in muscle use.
To learn to use large muscles in climbing, jumping, running, hopping, walking, etc.
To learn to use small muscles in grasping, holding, eye-hand coordination, etc.
To learn to take care of the body with basic hygiene, proper foods, and with rest and relaxation.
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS (CONGN1TTVE)
To learn to communicate through the use of language.
To learn to listen and follow simple directions.
To learn to think and express themselves creatively.
To learn to solve problem.
To develop memory skills.
To learn to use imagination in play and storytelling.
To become curious about and explore the world around them.
To develop skills necessary for later academic achievement through awareness of symbols, left-to-right sequencing, rhythm patterns, etc.
To develop an appreciation for music and basic rhymes
EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Here at The Purpose Gallery each child ages six weeks to five are included in a Learning Activities Curriculum. The curriculum used is called Active Learning Series by Kid sparks. The curriculum will promote growth in all of the skill areas with a wide variety of activities in music, science, creative art, language, movement and more. The program includes learning experiences in social skills; cognitive powers; large muscle and small muscle development; coordination and sequencing; and recognition of colors, shapes, numbers and letters. There will be some weeks that your child brings home papers every day. But there will also be weeks that your child does not bring home any papers, it will depend on the activities that we are doing. Just because you are not seeing any thing in a way of papers does not mean that we have not been busy all day. A lot of our learning is done hands on with things like magnets,
Puzzles, books, our senses, and etc.
HOURS
We are opened Monday through Friday from 6:00a.m. until 6:30p.m for curriculum and 24 hours for drop in, extended evening and night care. There will be a late fee of $5.00 for the 1 minute and $1.00 each additional minute, starting at 6:31pm. The late fee will not exceed $20.00 and such late fee is due at the time of pick-up. The only exception will be a prior agreement or arrangement made in writing. If you will be running late please call. Your child and I will appreciate this. Please respect this pick-up time. All late fees are due on that day at the time of pick up. The Purpose Gallery will be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, MLK, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day. These are all paid holidays. After the first six months of care your child will be allowed a week vacation per calendar year at no charge. However, a minimumof two weeks notice must be given in writing. This free week may not be used as a week of notice.
OPEN-DOOR POLICY
The Purpose Gallery maintains an open door policy. That means you may observe or have access to your child at all times. It is preferred that pick-up and drop-off or visiting NOT be done during the hours of 12:15PM to 2:45 pm as it is naptime. Please make any appointments prior to or after these times.
ANIMALS/PETS
We believe that pets are an important part of a child learning to develop relationships and learn responsibility and respect for others. Our pet is very important to our family. Please treat him with respect, kindness, and gentleness at all times. During hours of operation he will be in his crate and allowed out in the morning, during naptime and in the evening, when the children are not in the playground area. He is current on all vaccinations.
1 Yorkshire Terrier- "Petie"
At no time will children be allowed to interact with strange animals.
DISCIPLINE
Children are continuously learning new things. Part of this process is to challenge limits. We will at no time ever use physical punishment. Redirection and positive reinforcement usually are all that are needed. The next step will be a verbal warning. If asked more than twice to comply with rules a child will then be encouraged to participate in an independent quiet activity. Time-out will only be used after all other avenues have failed. Time-out means sitting quietly in a chair or on the floor. At no time will a child be physically forced to be in time-out. Nor will any child be secluded in a room separate from our every day activity areas. If all other measures fail, you will be contacted to determine what actions should be taken. There will be no hash, cruel, or unusual treatment of children in my care. No corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment. Children will never be shaken, bitten, hit with hand or instrument, or pinched, or have anything put in mouth as punishment. Children are never humiliated, shamed, ridiculed, rejected, or spoken to harshly, abusively, or with profanity.
EMERGENCIES
At any time that immediate medical attention is needed we will follow the procedures below:
1) We will attempt to contact you first.
2) If unable, an emergency representative will be contacted.
3) Your child's doctor will be contacted for instruction.
4) 911 will be contacted first when a possible life threatening situation exists. Please ensure that we have a copy of your insurance card to expedite any treatment needed for your child.
The child information record must be kept complete and current. Any changes in telephone numbers, address, or place of employment must be reported immediately. In the event that Parents/guardian cannot be reached in an emergency. Please provide two alternate names for contact. The information must be kept current and complete. Medical emergency information must be current and complete. Any changes in hospital preference, physician, or child's health must be reported immediately. Please ensure that we have a copy of your current insurance card on file to expedite any treatment needed for your child.
FEES
Late fee $5.00 for the 1st 5 minutes and $1.00 each additional minutes starting at 6.31pm. The late fee will not exceed $20.00 and such late fee is due at the time of pick-up.
- Sick child fee $20.00 if not picked up within one hour.
- Return check fee $50.00
- Late tuition fee $10.00 per day
TUITION
Tuition is due on Monday mornings at the start of childcare (drop-off). If your child is absent that day tuition is still due. Therefore, in order to keep an opening for your child(ren), your weekly fee is due even if your child misses 1,2,3,4 or 5 days of the week.
There will be a late fee assessed if paid after 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday... There is no reduction in tuition for weeks in which a holiday falls. If return checks are not paid within three days childcare services will be terminated. After a returned check, fee is payable on a cash, credit/ debit card basis only. Non-payment of fees will result in termination of childcare services.
BAD WEATHER CLOSING
On days when weather conditions are severe, The Purpose Gallery will still be open, if you can get here safe. No refund for a bad weather day.
SIGN IN AND OUT SHEETS
When dropping off and picking up your child, please sign in and out with the time of day and your signature on the sign-in, sign-out sheet.
HEARING/VISION SCREENINGS
The Purpose Gallery requires that all children four years of age and older who attend a childcare be screened for vision and hearing. If your child is four years or older, you will need to have the screening completed. I am certified to perform both hearing and vision screenings.
REST PERIOD
All children are required to rest during the day. Each child is assigned a mat to use during rest time. Please send a small blanket, pillow and small sheet to be used during this time. Please avoid bringing or picking up your child during the rest period as mush as possible. If you find it necessary to do so, please inform The Purpose Gallery ahead to avoid disturbance to the other children. Rest period is between:
12:15pm-2:45pm
OUTSIDE
It is an important part of The Purpose Gallery for the children to go outside for an extended period of time every day. In addition to the learning opportunities provided out-of-doors. It is beneficial to the children's health to breathe the fresh air.
Unless it is pouring rain, or otherwise severe weather conditions, we will go outside for a period of time each day. If your child is unable to go outside for medical reasons, we will need a statement in writing from a physician.
DRESS CODE
Children should be dressed in comfortable clothing that is washable. Weather conditions and temperature should be considered daily since the children will go outside every day. Shoes should be such as to allow for sure footing when climbing, jumping, and running. Please no cowboy boots or open toe, sling- styled sandals. Keep in mind they will be painting and taking part in other messy activities.
MEALS AND NUTRITION
Well-balanced and nutritious meal and snacks will be served at the day care each day. Menus and food preparation are monitored closely by The Purpose Gallery. Menus are posted on the parent board and in the kitchen for your convenience. Snacks and meal will include at least one serving selected from the grain, milk, meat/meat alternative, or fruit and vegetable food groups, and second servings of some foods will be available We try to offer a variety of foods from many different cultures. If you have a recipe you would like to make and share with us we would be happy to try.
Lunch is served between: 11:30pm-12:00pm
SNACKS SCHEDULES
AM snack is served from 10:00am-10:15am PM snack is served from 4:15pm-4:30pm.
INFANT FEEDING SCHEDULES
All infants must have a detailed feeding schedule on hand. These must be updated periodically as the needs of your infant change. You can obtain an infant feeding schedule form from The Purpose Gallery.
FAMILY STYLE
Meals and snacks served at the day care are served family style. By this we mean the children will sit together in a group. They may choose what it is they would like to eat from the foods offered. The children are encouraged to try everything offered, but they are not forced to eat. The Purpose Gallery model good eating habits by eating with the children and trying all the foods offered. We talk about the foods we are eating in a positive manner. We have found through this system that the children are more likely to try new foods. They learn good eating habits, develop social skills, and gain a positive self-image from making their own choices.
CONFERENCES
Parent/teacher conferences are held twice a year, usually in October and April, to discuss your child's progress in the program. You may request a conference with me at any time during the year. We ask that you call ahead of time to schedule the conference for a time when I am free from classroom responsibilities. Additional conferences may be requested as needed for reviewing guidance and /or developmental challenges.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Your participation in our program is welcome. Contact me on information on how you can help in the classroom, on field trips, with Planning, etc. We also invite parents to share resources with the day care. This may be materials, equipment, ideals, and talents, or time.
Holiday Celebrations
The day care celebrates all holidays with the children. Please feel free to come
celebrate with us. Please feel free to bring cakes, cookies, candy, punch and or etc.
NONDISCRIMINATION
People who are eligible to participate in the program must not be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, or political belief. If you think you have been discriminated against you must write immediately to:
Director of Civil Rights
Texas Department of Human Services
70 W. 51st Street
Austin, Texas
Or my local Licensing Office:
3612 E. McKinney
Denton, Texas 76209
940-591-6279
COMMUNICATION
Whenever you need to talk to me. Please call me anytime or send me written messages. My door is always open, to and for questions, comments and suggestions. Messages relayed through a child or third party is often misinterpreted or forgotten.
TRANSPORTATION
Any vehicle that is owned by the day care for the use of transporting children will be licensed and operated in accordance with the laws governed by the State of Texas and by my insurance coverage.
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
The State of Texas requires that all members of child care to be on the lookout for, and report to the State, any and all cases of child abuse. The Purpose Gallery is obligated to report to the State any suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect.
Immunizations
All children must receive the required immunizations prior to admission. Health records listing immunizations received must be signed by the child’s physician and must be on file in the center’s office at the time of enrollment. You are responsible for keeping your child’s immunization record updated by giving the Director a written statement/copy of any new immunizations received. The center must keep up to date records on every child.
TERMINATION OF CHILDCARE AGREEMENT
If you have any question regarding these policies please discuss them with me immediately. We appreciate the opportunity to provide childcare services to you and your child. We want you and your child to be happy with the program The Purpose Gallery provides. If you are not, please discuss this with me so that we can find a mutual solution.
Most problems concerning childcare can be resolved. However, if a mutual solution cannot be reached, we reserve the right to terminate services and this agreement with a two week notice given.
If you chose to withdraw your child two weeks notice must be given in writing. If notice is not given the full tuition as well as any late fees will be due. You may not use your free week as part of this notice.
The first two weeks your child is enrolled at The Purpose Gallery is to be considered a trial period. During this time either party may terminate this agreement without notice.
Illness
Please do not send your child to day care with signs of illness if you notice any symptom of infection or contagious disease while at home. Please keep your child with you until the symptoms subside. Symptoms may include fever, thick runny nose, coughing, red/matted eyes, vomiting, or diarrhea. A child may only have one of these symptoms to be contagious to others. Parents are required to notify The Purpose Gallery when your child is known to have been exposed to a contagious disease outside the day care.
Since we will not bar your child from the day care during the incubation period. We ask your cooperation in checking your child carefully before leaving for the day care each day. We will also check for signs of illness at the day care. If there is any sign of approaching illness discovered in your child; while at the day care, the child will be sent home. A child becoming ill at the day care will be removed to an isolated area and the parents called. You are expected to remove your child from the day care immediately to prevent the infection from spreading to the other children. If you cannot come for your child. Please arrange to have someone else come. This is for the protection of your child as well as the other children. Parents will be notified when there is a contagious illness or disease within the day care. When your child is sent home ill. You will receive an illness report stating your child's symptoms. What type of illness would prohibit a child from being admitted for care?
1. The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in child-care activities, including
Outdoor play;
2. The illness result in a greater need for care than caregivers can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children in care.
3. The child has one of the following, unless medical evaluation by a health-care professional indicates that I can include the child in the child-care activities;
(A) Oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater, accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness;
(B) Rectal temperature of 101.4 degrees or greater, accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness;
(C) Armpit temperature of 99.4 degrees or greater, accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness;
(D) Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness, such as lethargy, abnormal breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea, two are more vomiting episodes in 24 hours, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, wheezing, behavior changes, or other signs that the child may be severely ill;
4. A health-care professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable disease, and the child does not have medical documentation to indicate that the child is no longer contagious. We must provide a healthy environment for all of the children in my care. If any of these symptoms should arise while in care you will be contacted to pick-up your child. Your child must be picked-up within one hour of notification. If not, you will be charged a sick child fee of $20.00. In order for child to return, your child must be free of these symptoms for 24 hours, or a written doctor's statement will be necessary.
MEDICATIONS
When your child requires medication that must be given at the day care. Please remember to fill out and sign a medication authorization form. We cannot administer medication to your child without this signed form. Medications must be in their original container with the original prescription attached. We can only administer medications according to the instructions on the container. All medications must be clearly labeled with you child's name and the date. Prescription medications must have the prescribing physician's name and prescription number. NOTE: Many non-prescription medication state on the label that a physician must be consulted for a specific ages. When this occurs, we cannot administer the medication unless we have a written statement from a physician with regard to dosage.
PICK-UP AUTHORIZATIONS
YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO ANYONE WITHOUT YOUR WRITTEN PERMISSION. Please be sure to list anyone whom you might ask to pick-up your child on your enrollment form. Also list anyone whom is NOT allowed to visit or pick-up your child at any time. Picture ID will be required when anyone is picking up your child. If at any time we feel uncomfortable with any persons picking up your child you will be notified immediately. If we feel someone's action, physical or mental state may endanger your child; we will not allow your child to leave with this individual. Again you will be immediately notified and if we feel it is necessary we will contact the police. Please provide the center with a copy of any legal papers regarding custody and visitation.
MUTUAL RESPECT
It will be of the utmost importance for parents, staff and me to always interact in an acceptable manner. Respect for both parties is essential. We both have a great responsibility in caring for your child (ren). You as the parent are the primary focus for your child. During the day, however, we will provide important, positive roles and emphasis in your child's life.
We look forward to building a long and lasting relationship with you and your child (ren).
From the Desk of the Director
We really look forward to meeting your every expectation!!! The start begins with building a strong foundation and structure to ensure that your child (ren) gains the essential nourishment in learning to excel in his/her endeavors to embrace the world as his/her oyster. If you should have any questions, or suggestions..... Please feel free to comment, as we are always open to enhancing our services to better serve you, your child (ren) and the community.
With the Warmest Regards,
Iris Thomas- Owner/ Director
The center will provide a copy of the most recent Licensing Inspection Report and Minimum Standards for review upon your request.
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