Infant/Toddler Handout Printer Friendly Version
Our commitment to quality care begins with the partnership between our teachers and parents, which is essential for providing care for your infant. Together, parents and teachers develop a daily schedule that meets the individual needs of your child. This open communication will be ongoing during your time with Discover Little Miracles.
The following information lists policies and reminders for parents enrolling infants and toddlers. For additional information, refer to the registration and tuition forms.
Health Exams and Intake Forms
Intake information for children under 2 years
The intake form includes essential information about the child’s eating, sleeping, toileting, communication and comforting needs. It shall be reviewed and updated periodically to better coordinate care between the center and home.
Immunization record
Each child must have an updated immunization history on file.
Physical completed by health care provider
Each child shall have an initial examination by a physician, not more than 1 year prior to, nor later than 90 days after admission. Children under 2 years shall be given a physical exam, by a physician, every 6 months after admission; verification of this must be on file.
Specific Infant/Toddler Policies
- Infants and toddlers will have specialized care based on their own needs and schedules in accordance with home care.
- Infants’ positions and locations will be changed several times throughout the day.
- Infants will have freedom of movement in a safe, clean, open, warm and uncluttered environment.
- Each child will receive physical contact and attention by being held, rocked, spoken and sung to.
- Infants and toddlers will be encouraged to play with a wide variety of safe toys and objects.
- Feeding, naptime, and diapering will be used for language development and learning experiences.
- Diapering tables are washed and disinfected after each use. Staff will wash hands before and after diapering and feeding each child.
- Toilet training shall be planned cooperatively between child’s assigned teacher and parents.
Personal Items
We will provide:
- Grade A, 2% & Whole Milk and 100% juice
- Baby food and cereal (certified organic)
- One type of formula; Similac Advanced with Iron - If a child requires a formula other than the one offered, parents must provide formula with no reduction in cost.
- Bibs, burp cloths, crib sheets and blankets
- Feeding utensils appropriate for age and abilities
Items to be provided by Parents:
- Disposable diapers and wipes
- 2 changes of play clothes including socks, labeled with child’s name
- Soiled clothes must be picked up daily.
- 2 bottles labeled with child’s name
- Those choosing to send breast milk will need to send it in bags or bottles in the amount they wish the child to be fed, and labeled with the date and child’s name.
- Pacifier (labeled with permanent marker)
- Over-the-counter items (sunscreen, diaper ointment etc.) labeled with child’s name
- Appropriate outdoor clothing for the season labeled with child’s name
- Security blanket, toy etc. (if needed)
Daily reports of diapering, feeding and activities are available at time of pick-up. (This written report is especially important because teachers may not necessarily work longer than eight hours and your child may be dropped off and picked up before or after their scheduled time.)
Parents may visit children any time during the day; we ask that they enter and leave quietly, so as not to disturb resting children. Please understand that the teacher’s priorities are the children; she/he may not have time to visit, depending on the needs of the children. If you wish to confer seriously about your child’s progress, please ask for an appointment.
Parent Handout Printer Friendly Version
Discover Little Miracles is open from 6:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, operating 12 months a year. Exceptions include all major holidays (New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Christmas Eve at 3 pm and Christmas day.) All Center holidays are charged days. We accept children ages 6 weeks to 12 years on a full-time or part-time basis.
Full-time: more than five hours a day
Part-time: less than five hours a day
Children may only attend during scheduled days and times. A child’s time in the center may not exceed 10 hours per day.
Parents must turn in a schedule for their child/ren by Thursdays at 9:00 am to avoid a $5.00 charge.
Drop-off and Pick up Procedures:
Drop-off Procedures
Parent will:
- Bring child into the center and check them in on the computer at the front desk, each parent/authorized person will have their own code.
- Remove child’s outer clothing and place in designated cubby located in the child’s classroom.
- Take child to designated morning or afternoon staff.
Pick-up Procedures:
Release of the child is only allowed to previously authorized people. (A list of approved pick-up adults must be on file. Adult chaperones may be asked to show identification.)
Parent will:
- Dress the child in outer clothing
- Read over Daily Care Sheet (2 yrs and under)
- Notify the teacher you are leaving the center
- Check the child out on computer at front desk
Personal Items to be Provided by Parents
- Disposable diapers and wipes
- 2 changes of play clothes including socks labeled with child’s name
- Over-the-counter items (sunscreen, diaper ointment etc.) labeled with child’s name
- Sleeping bag for children ages 2 and up labeled with child’s name or a fitted crib sheet for sleeping mat and a blanket (not needed for the infant room).
- To be cleaned as needed, or at least monthly
- Appropriate outdoor clothing for the season labeled with child’s name, as children will be outdoors every day, weather permitting.
- Security blanket, toy, etc. (if needed)
Nutrition
A variety of nutritional, organically certified foods will be served family style, and the children will be encouraged to try everything. Parents may bring in special treats for their child’s class on holidays and birthdays. (Please check with the teacher first.)
If a child requires special food, it must be provided by the parent. If parents choose to provide food, there is no reduction in price.
The meal schedule is as follows:
Breakfast
7:15-7:30 School age
8:00-8:15 Noah’s Ark, Cub’s Cove, Lion’s Den 1 and 2
8:30-8:45 Promise Land
Lunch
11:00-11:15 Noah’s Ark, Cub’s Cove, and Lion’s Den 1 & 2
11:30-11:45 Promise Land
Afternoon Snack
2:00-2:15 Noah’s Ark, Cub’s Cove, Lion’s Den 1 & 2
2:30-2:45 Promise Land
3:30-3:45 School Age
*Infants will be fed based on their own needs and schedules in accordance with home care.
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
Our program is tailored to meet the needs of children, rather than expecting children to adjust to the demands of a specific program. The program provides a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children.
Child initiated, teacher supported play is an essential component of this developmentally appropriate curriculum.
To meet the developmental needs of each child, the educational program will provide the opportunity for:
- Active quiet play
- Outdoor activities (weather permitting)
- Individual, small, and large group activities
- Experiences that allow for learning at the child’s own level
- Creative Expression
- Intellectual Stimulation
- Language Development
- Multicultural and diversified experiences
Core values and manners will be emphasized to all children throughout the learning experience. Respect for themselves and others will be promoted, both through model and positive reinforcement. The Center will recognize holidays including: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas. These holidays will be incorporated in that weeks’ program.
Health Policy
Child Health Information:
Each child shall have an initial examination by a physician, not more than 1 year prior to, nor later than 90 days after admission. Children under 2 years shall be given a physical exam, by a physician, every 6 months after admission; verification of this must be on file. Children over 2 will need a physical every 2 years. School-age children, who are enrolled in school, need only a health history completed by the parents. Parents must list known allergies.
Illness in Children:
Sick children may not be brought in for care. Should your child become ill while in care, staff will assess the situation to determine if you should be called. Please make arrangements to pick up the child within one hour of notification. A quiet resting place will be provided for your child in the office until you arrive. Every child will be observed upon entry for signs of illness, as well as throughout the day.
Your child must remain out of the center when the following conditions occur:
- Any undiagnosed rash
- Intestinal disturbances (diarrhea, vomiting)
- Sore or discharging eyes, ears, or profuse nasal discharge
- Temperature over 101 degrees
- Head Lice, there can not be any nits
It is required that we have on file the names, addresses and phone numbers of persons authorized to pick up your child if you cannot be reached. These are the only individuals, other than parents, that a child will be released to, unless written notification is received from parents.
If a child is excused because of a suspected communicable disease, the families of the other exposed children shall be notified by the Director or Teacher and such children shall be watched for symptoms of the disease.
In cases of bacterial infections, there shall be a statement that he/she is free of the infectious stage from a physician for re-admission. A child may be re-admitted after a communicable disease without a statement from a physician if they are symptom free for at least 24 hours.
First Aid & Medication Administration:
Bandages and ice packs will be available at all times. Soap and water will be used to clean all superficial wounds. For major and questionable injuries, parents will be contacted. If necessary, the child will be transported to the hospital, where the teacher will remain with the child until a parent arrives to take responsibility. (Parents written permission to call the family physician or refer the child for medical care in case of an accident or emergency must be on file.) Parents will be notified of minor injuries when they pick up their child.
If medication must be given, it will be with the parent’s written permission. Medication will be labeled and stored with parental consent forms in a sealed box out of the children’s reach. If prescription medication is to be administered, it must be in the original container with the physician’s name, date and prescribed dosage. All over the counter medication which does not have specified dosage on the label for the age and weight of an individual child, must have signed instruction from your personal physician before being administered. Instructions and times given will be posted and noted in our medical log. All accidents, medicine administration, and conditions of child upon entry will be logged. If your child has had accident at home that may cause a bruise or bump, scratch or cut, please tell us at the time of arrival.
Emergency Evacuation Policy
All staff in the building know their responsibilities in case of an emergency evacuation. Written evacuation plans and diagrams are posted throughout the building. Evacuation plans are practiced monthly.
Child Guidance Policy
It is the policy and the philosophy of Discover Little Miracles that positive guidance will help children develop self-control and pro-social behavior patterns.
Positive guidance is provided through communication that reflects what the children can do. Communication is clear, concise, open, honest, and reflects a genuine concern for the thoughts and feelings of the children. Consideration is also given to the physical environment to promote positive group interactions. Curriculum activities promote a balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated activities so that children have an opportunity to contribute to their program.
Children will be guided in ways that will enhance self-esteem, self-control, and respect for the rights of others.
Discover Little Miracles prohibits all forms of physical and verbal punishment. This includes, but is not limited to: humiliating, frightening, hitting, spanking, shaking, verbal or sexual abuse. Withholding food, force-feeding and punishment for lapses in toilet training are also prohibited.
Discover Little Miracles uses the 1,2,3 Magic philosophy and a time-away policy. This policy entails removing the disruptive child from the group to a designated area within the view of the teacher, and giving the child a quiet activity to do until the child’s behavior modifies, allowing them to rejoin the group. The child’s undesirable behavior will be discussed with the child, so he/she understands what was undesirable.
When a child’s behavior is physically or verbally harmful to him/herself and/or another child, or property, the child will be removed from the group. After a time period, not to exceed 1- minute/per 1 year of age, the child will be given the opportunity to change his/her behavior, and return to the group. However, if the behavior is repeated, the child will be removed from the room, and the Director will notify the parents of the child’s persistent disruptive behavior. A conference will be set up, wherein a consistent approach will be established and used both at home and while in care. When the behavior of the child is continually disruptive to other children and detrimental to the daily program, the child will be discharged, upon notification of the parents. This discharge may be for the day, or permanently. No child will be allowed to physically or verbally abuse another child or the teaching staff. No verbal abuse or derogatory remarks will be tolerated. Behavior, such as this, may result in discharge. Upon discharge, referrals will be made to professional agencies for counseling and guidance in re-directing the child’s behavior. All possible help will be given to the parents in finding a new, suitable placement for their child.
Withdrawal
Any parent or guardian who wishes to withdraw their child from the program must notify the Director in writing at least 2 weeks prior to the child’s last day of attendance.
Discover Little Miracles reserves the right to remove a child from care if it is determined that the program is not beneficial to the child, or the child exhibits behavior that causes harm to other children, themselves or property.
Discover Little Miracles maintains an open door policy. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to visit at any time during operating hours.
General Information
The Winnebago County Policies (W-2) office is located at:
211 N. Commercial St.
Neenah, WI 54956
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Phone: 920-729-4797
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