The whole idea of the Wareham Child Care is to provide parents with the best possible child care. In order to provide such care, our staff works toward maintaining a warm and supportive environment for your children.

Some objectives of our program are to provide:

• An environment directed toward the development of independence, creativity, a sense of self-worth and accomplishment.

• An environment in which the children are encouraged to reach out, explore, question, grow and share as individuals in a free-choice situation and as a member of a larger group.

• An environment emphasizing the unique developmental patterns of each child.

• Help to children so they may make their own discoveries about their community, about each other, and about themselves.

To reach these goals, we have designed a program to meet and challenge the emotional, physical, cultural, intellectual and social needs of each child.

Helping us put these ideas into practice calls for a strong commitment from our entire staff. These individuals are qualified professionals, trained in the area of early childhood growth and development. But more importantly, they are caring and loving people.

We believe this approach assures our emphasis will stay where it belongs – On the children themselves . back to top

SCHEDULE FOR A TYPICAL DAY

Though our activities may vary from day to day, our basic schedule remains the same except for an occasional field trip. For the benefits of parents, teaching plans describing the activities and times those activities occur are posted on the parent bulletin board. Here is an example of the schedule:

6:30 A.M. - the program opens. Free play or child initiated activities are in place at this time.

8:00 A.M. - breakfast is offered and optional to children.

8:30 A.M. - free play/self structured play continues during this period.

9:30 A.M. - meeting time and small group activities, some staff directed activities occur at this time.

10:00 A.M...- clean-up and snack time

10:30 A.M...- outdoor play. Other activities that occur may include stories, language building activities, etc.

11:30 A.M...- story, music and movement time, preparation of tables for lunch.

12:00 P.M...- lunch. Children and staff eat together.

12:30 P.M...- transition time. Children clean up from lunch

1:00 P.M. - quiet time / rest time

2:30 P.M - afternoon snack and clean up.

3:00 P.M. - indoor and or outdoor play with emphasis on large motor activities.

5:30 P.M. - program closes

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Child Guidance/Discipline Policy

Discipline and guidance shall be consistent and based upon and understanding of the individual growth and development of a child. The center will use a discipline policy that has the goal of maximizing the growth and development of the child and for protecting the group and individuals in it.

The Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services requires the following summary statement is presented:

• Corporal punishment shall not be used, including spanking. • No child shall be subjected to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation or abuse. • No child shall be denied food as a punishment. • No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet.

Principles of Discipline :

1. Discipline action must be taken immediately so that the child begins to understand the cause and effect relationship between his/her behavior and the reactions of others. For example: "When I hit people they get angry." "If I can't manage, I can't participate in the activity."

2. Discipline techniques should be consistent for each child. The technique will often vary from child to child, the teacher individualizing his/her approach appropriately to the age and personality of the child.

3. It should be remembered that regardless of the situation, the staff member must retain a respect for the dignity of the child, and maintain his/her own dignity.

4. Discipline should be a learning experience for the child, a chance to learn more about him/herself and others.

5. Preventive Discipline: In order to avoid possible conflicts, staff should constantly survey the situation keeping in mind each child's tolerance, limits, capabilities, and frustration level.

6. Whenever possible, suggestions should be stated in positive terms. For example: “Let's do this!” Rather than “Don't do that!”

7. Provide a choice whenever possible to avoid power struggles. For example: "You may either _________ or __________." Alternatives offered should be ones that the teacher is willing and able to carry through on and within the same day. Most important, staff members must be consistent through their interactions with children.

8. An opportunity must be given, whenever possible, for the child to vent his/her frustrations in an acceptable manner.

Some Discipline/Limit Setting Strategies

State rules in a positive manner in terms of what the child can do.

Say / Don't say: You need to dig in the sand. Don't throw sand! - Turn the pages carefully. Don't tear the book!. - You need to walk inside. Don't run inside! -- or Redirect the child to a different activity.

Help the child channel anger and frustration through socially acceptable means. (i.e. ,using words to express feelings; pounding a pillow; tearing up some newspaper; pounding nails at a wood-working table; pounding some play dough; , etc.) Give a choice only when there really is a choice. For example, if it's time for the child to come inside one might say, "It's time to go inside" rather than, "Shall we go inside?"

Use natural and logical consequences. For example, let's say a child wants to build with the blocks. You know that whenever this child builds with them she often has difficulty cooperating at clean up time. At the onset you might say, "If you play with the blocks you will need to put them away when you are finished." Your expectation is clear. If the child finishes playing and does not want to clean up, you might say, "Remember the rule. If you want to play with the blocks again, then you need to put them away." Follow through is essential to the success of using logical consequences. This approach conveys to the child, through words, that it is in the power of the child to take care of the problem and not that the child must do as the adult states.

TIME OUT to calm down. The child is told to sit down in a designated place and told that he or she can re-engage in the activity whenever he or she feels ready to meet the stated expectation. Leaving the choice up to the child to decide when he or she is ready helps the child to build internal control and diverts the situation from turning into a power struggle. Time out should never be for more than five minutes .

A staff person may have to firmly hold a child who temporarily loses physical or emotional control and who is in danger of causing harm to him or herself or others. Such physical holding shall be the minimum in type, degree and duration required to prevent the child from physically hurting him/her self or others. When a teacher needs to physically restrain a child by holding him/her, she will acknowledge the child's feelings by saying something like, "I know you are angry, but I cannot let you hurt anyone." Parents will be notified in writing whenever a child's behavior has necessitated the use of protective holding. *Child will be held firmly with arms crossed over stomach area. The staff person will stand behind the child or set child in the staff's lap. If a child does not regain control after 1 or 2 minutes, the parent will be called and asked to remove the child for the remainder of the day. The parent will need to make arrangements to have the child picked-up immediately. Refusal to comply with this policy may result in termination of the child from the program.

Staff will work to eliminate criticism and minimize mistakes. Build on children's strengths. Respect the child's needs and feelings and respect your own. Sometimes humor helps and/or a game like approach, i.e., "I'll wiggle my nose, toes and feet, then you will be in your seat."

Explain the problem to the child and ask for help in solving the problem. Many times children come up with helpful ideas of their own.

YOU WISH statements...You wish you could stay and play on the climber but your mom is here and it is time to go home. Give the reason for the rule for the particular limit you state. - Children need a chance to try again. Offer them this chance. Be prepared to repeat a rule or limit more than once. Children can't always jump to command. - Acknowledge the child when the child exhibits desirable behavior. "I like the way you used words to let Tom know you are angry." - Some behavior may be typical of the child's stage of development. Check to make sure your expectations are realistic. Children need limits. They provide children with a sense of order and security. If there are no limits, the children will keep reaching to see how far they can go. It can be very frightening when there are no limits and boundaries set for behavior. There are reasons why children behave the way they do. If a child is acting out or, acting out of character one might examine the following considerations:

• Is the child feeling well? Is there a physical/health related basis for the problem? • Perhaps the child is simply having difficulty because he/she is not in a very good mood on a given day. We all have our "bad" days. • Has there been a change in the child's environment or home life? • Is the child seeking attention or crying out for help? • Are there any patterns to the child's behavior that might help explain why it is occurring? • Are there any emotional issues underlying the child's behavior? • Do the child's actions stem from fear of somebody or something?

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TERMINATION POLICY

The goal of Wareham Child Care is to meet the individual needs of the children enrolled in its program. With this goal in mind, it may be necessary to terminate services for a child if it is determined that 1) the program can not meet the developmental needs of an individual child or 2) the program can not meet the needs of other enrolled children because of the behavior of a particular child - for example, a child who repeatedly hits, bites, kicks, throws objects or engages in any physical action that may cause harm to other children or adults; or a child who repeatedly verbally abuses, taunts, teases, uses obscene language, spitting or other forms of degradation towards children or adults; or a child who repeatedly refuses to comply with classroom rules and engages in behavior that is potentially harmful to him or her self.

A child may be terminated from the program if the adult responsible for the child engages in disruptive and inappropriate behavior; i.e. physical abuse, verbal abuse, swearing or other acts of aggression.

A child may be terminated from the program if the adult responsible for the child does not follow the agency's policies.

If agency staff make an initial determination that the program is not meeting the needs of a particular child or other children because of the behavior of a particular child, agency staff and the parents will hold a conference to establish an appropriate course of action.

a) A plan may be developed by which the family will receive continuation of agency­-provided services contingent upon utilization of other specialized services, such as counseling, that can help address the child's adjustment problems. A daily log will be established to keep parents informed about the child's progress.

b) Families may be referred to other educational, therapeutic or other community services when the agency's programs are deemed not appropriate.

The focus in developing such a plan will be to establish what will be the most advantageous for the well being of the particular child and of the other children enrolled in the program.

If the child's behavior persists in being harmful to the individual child or to other children, the parent will be asked to remove the child from the program for a day. The parent must meet with the appropriate staff before the child can be readmitted to the program.

If harmful behaviors reoccur the parent will be asked to remove the child from the program for another day. The parent must meet with the appropriate staff before the child can be readmitted to the program.

If harmful behaviors continue, the parent will be asked to remove the child from the center permanently. Program staff will prepare the child for termination in a manner consistent with the child's ability to understand. back to top

DELINQUENT PAYMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The following policies and procedures are used in cases of non-payment of fees:

All fees are to be paid during the week prior to the week to which payments apply. Fees are paid no later than the last day of business in the week prior to the week being paid for. All fees are to be paid in person or by mail at the Wareham Child Care, 2438 Cranberry Highway, Wareham, 02571

A fee will be considered delinquent if it is not received by the end of the day on which it is due. A termination of services' notice will be issued.

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LATE PICK-UP POLICY

Wareham Child Care is open from 6:30 a.m. and closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. We understand that emergencies do arise, however, should you anticipate arriving late to pick up your child/ren, please telephone the Center as early as possible to let us know. Otherwise, please arrive before 5:30p.m. to pick up your child/ren from day care, since staff who are staying past 5:30 p.m. will be working overtime. If you arrive after 5:30 p.m., you will be responsible for paying the Center for the employee's overtime accumulated while caring for your child/ren after 5:30p.m. Should you be later than 5:30 p.m. you will be charged .40 / minute for each minute after 5:30 p.m. Child care for the chronically late family (over five late pick-ups in one fiscal year) will be discontinued.

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PLAN FOR MANAGEMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Policies for the care of mildly ill children:

A quiet place will be made available for the child to rest. If he/she is running a fever or is particularly uncomfortable, the Coordinator will contact the parent to pick up the child.

Criteria regarding signs or symptoms of illness which will determine whether a child will be included or excluded from the Center:

Whenever a child has a fever of 101, he/she will be denied admittance to the Program, or will be sent home if it occurs while the child is at the Program. Other criteria for exclusion include: vomiting, diarrhea, discharge from eye, ear or any wound, communicable disease or infections of any kind (to help screen for such diseases, you maybe asked to verify a skin rash as non-contagious with MD note), extreme pain or discomfort, lice, scabies or other organisms. Hair must be completely nit free before readmission.

Procedures for dealing with a child who has already been admitted to the Program and exhibits symptoms requiring exclusion until he can be taken home, or elsewhere or is evaluated by a physician, physicians assistant, or nurse practitioner and considered to pose no serious health risk to himself or other children:

If the child develops symptoms while at the Program, the parent will be notified immediately by the Coordinator. The parent will be expected to arrange for the child's pick-up within the hour. If the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be expected to make these arrangements.

Policies for when excluded children may return:

A child must be fever-free for 24 hours before he/she can be readmitted. A child must be on a prescribed medication for at least 24 hours before being readmitted to the Center.

Procedures for notifying parents when any communicable disease has been introduced to the Center:

Signs will be posted on the bulletin board whenever a communicable disease has been introduced to the Program.

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PLAN FOR DISPENSING PRESCRIPTION AND NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION:

Prescription Medication: Requires both written physician and parent permission.

Plan for administering medication : Prescription medication will be administered by appropriate staff after permission form is filled out completely and signed by parent(s). All medication must be in its original container and labeled with the child's name. Any unused portion will be returned to the parent. The staff person will sign the medication form at the time the medication is administered. The form will then be filed in the child's folder. A medical permission form signed by a parent(s) will be posted on the classroom bulletin board. Documentation of drug administration will be filled out at the time of dosing by staff administering same.

Non-Prescription Medication : Requires both written physician and parent permission. If authorization statement from physician includes medication, dosage, criteria for administration, and is signed and dated by the physician for an open span of time, it can be valid for one year. Parent permission for this medication may also be for the open time span, as directed by physician. When using this open permission the Center will notify parents in writing each time the medication was administered to the child.

Topical Non-Prescription Medication : Requires statement from the parents, listing the specific medications (topical only) and criteria for administering, and is valid for one year from date of signature.

In the event of non-prescription (topical) such as petroleum jelly, sunscreen or other ointments a parent permission is required and will be effective for one year from date of form signing.

Medications must be labeled in original container, with the child' name, name of drug, directions for administration and storage. Written records of administration must be in the child's file. medication must be stored properly and unused portions returned.

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PROCEDURES FOR USING FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

If, in the event illness or an emergency situation occurs, trained staff will apply necessary first aid; call Rescue Team, only if necessary, and attempt to contact parent and/or other individuals listed on the EMERGENCY FORM.

PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN CASE OF ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY

Transportation will be made by ambulance to hospital. Notification to parents will be made as soon as possible by designated personnel. If parents are unreachable at the listed numbers, the alternates on the emergency procedure card will be called. In the event no one is available, the Director or a familiar staff person will be called.

Procedure to be followed for field trips (in the event of illness or emergency): A First Aid Kit containing a cell phone will be taken on field trips, as well as copies of each child's emergency procedure form and the signed permission slip. The procedure will be the same as at the Program for First Aid and parent contact.

CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES

Because of the nature of activity that occurs in child care programs; painting, sand and water play, gluing, children frequently require a complete change of clothing. We would appreciate your providing one complete changes of clothing (pants, shirts, socks, sweater, and underwear) on full days. If you have concerns about school clothes becoming soiled in the child care program, please send in a change of clothes. Please clearly mark or label your child's name in all of his/her clothing. The Program is not responsible for lost articles .

FOOD AND NUTRITION PROGRAM

Wareham Child Care provides a lunch, breakfast and two snacks on daily. A weekly menu is posted on the bulletin board. The Program attempts to make meal time an important component of our curriculum. This activity allows the children opportunities to further develop their language, fine motor and social skills. Please notify the Program if your child: • follows a special diet, • is allergic to specific foods, or • needs vitamin supplements

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SOCIAL SERVICES

The Social Service program of Wareham Child Care realized that each family has different needs and each family is unique. As with the children we enroll, we attempt to serve the whole family. In order to accomplish this goal, the Center assists in the following procedures: • Enrollment , • Attendance , • Observation of children, • Maintaining children's records, • Providing general counseling to parents on issues related to child care and development. While the Program may provide guidance in the areas listed above, most of our work involves referrals to the appropriate resources and agencies in the Wareham area. Family assistance is their greatest strength.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

This is to notify all persons that Wareham Early Childhood Education and Development Corporation does not discriminate against any person because of his/her race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, disability, marital status, cultural heritage, or political beliefs In the provision of or access to services, employment or activities. This is in accordance with all applicable federal and state law, including but not limited to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Article 114 of the Massachusetts General Laws and Executive Orders 227,246 and 253.

Carol Couture is designated to administer compliance with the law and the regulations. For further information about our policies and grievance procedure for the resolution of complaints contact:

Carol Couture Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Manager, Programmatic Access Manager , Wareham Early Childhood Education and Development Corporation, 2438 Cranberry Highway, Wareham, Ma., 508-295-1734

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TRANSPORTATION

Bussing for field trips is contracted out to a local bus company. Drivers are provided by the bus company. All staff and the program coordinator will accompany their respective classes on all field trips. Field trips have specific permission slips and are usually announced 2 - 3 weeks in advance. Most field trips occur during the summer months to help break up the routine and provide the children with a necessary change of scenery. Wareham Child Care carries an emergency first aid kit on all trips as well as emergency treatment forms for each child.

Transportation to and from the Program is the sole responsibility of the parent. Each parent is responsible for arranging public school transportation pick up from and to the child's school.

Please contact the Center if your child will not attend after school so that we will know that he/she is safe.

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PARENTAL RIGHTS

Chapter 28A, Section 10 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates to the office for Children the legal responsibility of promulgating rules and regulations governing the operation of day care centers (including nursery schools).

In accordance with this law, the office for Children published the requirements now in effect on March 31, 1977. These regulations must be complied with by the licensee in order to ensure a minimum level of care for the children serviced by the day care center and/or nursery school.

The licensee (day care center owner) is required to inform all parents of "the rights of parents' as stated in the regulations at the time of admission of their child to the center.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

7.05(12) Parent Visits. The licensee shall permit unannounced visits by the parents to the center and their child's room while their child is present.

7.05(13) Parent Input . The licensee shall have a procedure for allowing parental input in the development of center policy and programs. The licensee shall provide an explanation to the parent(B) when a parent makes suggestions as to the program or policy of a center and the suggestions are not adopted by the licensee. If the parent requests a written response, the licensee shall respond in writing to the parent.

7.05(14) Reports to Parents . The licensee shall periodically but at least every six (6) months, prepare a written progress report of the participation of each child in the center's records. The licensee shall provide a copy of each report to the parent(s) or meet with them at least every six (6) months to discuss their child's activities and participation in the center. In addition: a) for infants and children with disabilities, the licensee shall complete a written progress report of the child's development every three (3)months, and provide it to the parent(s); b) the licensee shall bring special problems or significant developments particularly as they regard infants, to the parent's attention as soon as they arise.

7.05(15) Parent Conferences . The licensee shall make the staff avail­able for individual conferences with parents at parental request.

7.05(19) Confidentiality and Distribution of Records. Information contained in a child's record shall be privileged and confidential. The licensee shall not distribute or release information in a child's record to anyone not directly related to implementing the program plan for the child without written consent of the child's parent(s). The licensee shall notify the parent(s) if a child's record is subpoenaed.The child's parent(s) shall, upon request. have access to his child's record at reasonable times. In no event shall such access be delayed more than two (2) business days after the initial request without the consent of the child's parent(s). Upon such request for access the child's entire record regardless of the physical location of its' parts. shall be made available. The licensee shall establish procedures governing access to, duplication of, and dissemination of such information; and shall maintain a permanent, written log in each child's record indicating any persons to whom information contained in a child's record has been released. Each person disseminating or releasing information contained in a child's record, in whole or in part, shall. upon each instance of dissemination or release. enter into the log the following: his name, signature, position, the date, the portions of the record which were disseminated or released, the purpose of the record which were disseminated or released, the purpose of such dissemination or release, and the signature of the person to whom the information is disseminated or released. Such log shall be available only to the child's parent(s) and center personnel responsible for record maintenance.

7.05(20) Charge for Copies . The licensee shall not charge an unreasonable fee for copies of any information contained in the child's record.

7.05(2i.) Amending the Child's Record,

(a) A child's parent(s) shall have the right to add information, comments data or any other relevant materials to the child's record;

(b) A child's parent(s) shall have the right to request deletion or amendment of any information contained in the child's record. Such request shall be made in accordance with the procedures described below:

1. If such parent(s) is of the opinion that adding information is not sufficient to explain. clarify or correct objection­able material in the child's record, he shall have the right to have a conference with the licensee to make his objections known;

2. The licensee shall, within one (1) week after the conference, render to such parent(s) a decision in writing stating the reason or reasons for the decision. if his decision is in favor of the parent('s), he shall immediately take steps as may be necessary to put the decision into effect.

7.05(22) Transfer of Records. Upon written request of the parent(s) the licensee shall transfer the child's record to the parent(s), or any other person the parent(s) identifies, when the child is no longer in care.

7.05(23) Notification to Parents . The licensee shall notify the parent(s) in writing of the provisions of 7.05(19) through 7.05(22) and 7.05(24) at the time of the child's admission to the center and thereafter, in writing, at least once a year.

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Closure List

July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006

July 4, 2005 Independence Day

September 5, 2005 Labor Day

October 10, 2005 - Columbus Day

November 11, 2005 - Veteran's Day

November 24, 2005 - Thanksgiving

November 25, 2005 - Day After Thanksgiving

December 26,2005 Christmas Day observed

January 2, 2006- New Year's Day observed

January 16, 2006 - Martin Luther King Birthday

February 20, 2006- President's Day

March 27, 2006 - Teacher Workshop

April 17, 2006 - Patriot's Day

May 29, 2006 - Memorial Day

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SNOW AND EMERGENCY CLOSURES

The Center will close and remain closed on these occasions:

1) When weather conditions prevent the safe arrival and or departure of children to the program.

2) Should a lengthy and serious heating or power failure occur in the geographical area of the Center that would prevent following the Center's daily routine.

3) Should any other natural or unexpected misfortune occur that would prevent the daily operation of the Center.

The Center Director is responsible for the decision to close or remain open. Should the Center close under any circumstances these radio stations will be contacted:

WCIB 102FM -----WCOD FUN 107-----WNBH 1340 AM-----WJFD FM-----WLI - LITE 105 FM

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