• For Parents
• Enrollment and Fees
• For ECE Students
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Food Program
• Parent Handbook (PDF)
• Calendar
• Employment
• Photo Tour
• CDC Home
• E-mail the Child Development Center
• Back to CR Home

CDC Parent Handbook

2008-2009

Center Phone: 476-4578

FAX 476-4414

Table of Contents

• Mission Statement
• Program Funding
• Family Fees
• Philosophy and Goals
• Environment
• What is a Lab School?
• What is Parent Involvement?
• Staff
• Admissions Policies
• Parent Contract
• Life at the Center

WELCOME

To the College of the Redwoods Child Development Center

We hope you find time spent at the Center enriching for your family as well as your child.  This Parent Handbook contains information about the Center.  Please read it carefully to become familiar with our policies.  We welcome and encourage parent involvement at the Child Development Center, as it greatly enhances the program and fosters continuity between home and Center.  If you have any questions, please feel free to discuss them with your child's Teacher or the Director at any time.

We look forward to serving you and the child you care for.  Read this handbook thoroughly and it will provide you with information about the center’s philosophy, goals, policies and procedures concerning your child’s enrollment, attendance, and activities, as well as ways in which you can be part of your child’s care and development program.

The CDC is a unique program for children from 18 months through age 5.  At the CDC, we simultaneously provide a high quality laboratory setting for Early Childhood Education students, and enriching, educational childcare for children of College of the Redwoods student parents, staff, and faculty.

We invite you to become involved in the CDC by working closely with your child’s teacher, attending meetings, volunteering in the classroom, helping to create curriculum or program materials, or assisting in other ways that you and the teachers believe would benefit the program.

Remember: You are welcome to visit the Child Development Center at any time.

The College of the Redwoods Child Development Center (CDC) embraces and supports the individuality of each child in an authentic, emerging learning environment while modeling best practices and providing high quality laboratory setting for early childhood education students.

The CDC seeks to implement the most current theories and practices in the early childhood education field.  The CDC permanent teaching staff, in collaboration with the faculty of the Early Childhood Education program, design curriculum and procedures.  This ensures continuity for ECE students, who are able to observe and participate in a program that implements the theories and practices they are learning about in class.

The CDC permanent staff appreciates ECE students, substitutes, student employees, and volunteers for their involvement and assistance in the CDC program.  Educating and caring for children involves a variety of tasks including individual and small group projects, as well as washing dishes, doing laundry and other environmental maintenance routines.  ECE students, Federal Work Study students and volunteers participate in many aspects of CDC operations.

Back to Table of Contents

The College of the Redwoods Child Development Center receives funding from the State Department of Education, Child Development Division, the CalWorks childcare reimbursement program, the Redwoods Community College District, and parent fees. The funding from the State Department of Education, Child Development Division and CalWorks provides subsidized childcare for eligible, low income families.

Back to Table of Contents

Monthly family fees (when required) are paid in advance and are due on the first school day of each month.  A family fee invoice is mailed to each family for whom a fee is applicable.  To assure proper credit for payment, please make payments at the Business Office in the Administration Building.  Please note: There is no fee credit for vacation or sick days.

Failure to pay childcare bills can delay registration for classes for the following semester or from receiving transcripts from the College of the Redwoods.  Failure to pay fees may also cause termination of childcare services.  A parent who falls more than one month behind in their fees will receive a two-week termination notice.  The Director or Administrative Assistant have the authority to negotiate whatever payment plan is appropriate to bring the account current.  If a family fee is one month in arrears, and arrangements for payment have not been made, the child’s enrollment may be terminated.

Back to Table of Contents

At the CDC, children’s play is supported by the thoughtful array of activities that the teachers present.  Play allows the whole child to develop.  Children grow intellectually, physically, emotionally, and creatively.  In a play-based program that reflects children’s changing interests and abilities, teachers create an environment and corresponding curriculum that encourage children’s exploration.  They take the time to listen to children, engage them in conversations, and closely observe the ways they interact with others.

Teachers use these observations to help children think about their thinking.  “Project Work” enables children to solve a problem or answer a question as they learn to make sense of their world.  Children review their current knowledge and then, within a group, explore, research, interview, discuss, reflect, and change their point of view as they share their ideas.

Program Goals for Children

The CDC has been established to meet the needs of children from 18 months through 5 years of age.  Our desire is to provide an environment in which children can thrive and find out for themselves who they are and what they can do.  We feel that to do this, a child needs an environment that says, “you are loved here; we feel you are a unique and worthwhile person; and we have faith in you as a growing individual.”  In this environment, the child needs a great number and variety of experiences in order to discover a way of dealing with life that is comforting and satisfying.  At the CDC, we believe that:

• Each child will develop a disposition for lifelong learning.
• Each child will be empowered to construct knowledge about their world.
• Each child will develop the ability to solve problems individually and as     a group member.
• Each child will develop self-esteem by meeting appropriate challenges.
• Each child will develop positive, collaborative relationships with their families and with the adults and children at the CDC.
• Each child will represent their thoughts and feelings with a wide varietyof mediums.
• Each child will attain the highest level of independence that is appropriate for their age.
• Each child will value the diversity of people in the world.
• Each child will develop physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and creatively.

Program Goals for Families

Parent involvement is a critical component of our program.  It adds to the quality of both the parent and child’s school experience.  Children benefit tremendously when their parents are involved in their school.  Parent involvement teaches children that their parents value their school and find it important enough to give their time and energy.  Parent participation further gives parents the opportunity to feel important and included in their child’s education, and it supports open communication between teachers and parents.  At the CDC we believe that:

• Families will be active participants in their child’s care and education.
• Families will develop collaborative relationships with their child and their child’s caregivers.
• Families will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about child development and parenting.
• Families will have the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with other families.
• Families will be able to leave their child at the CDC with the knowledge that their child’s developmental needs are being met in a caring, nurturing environment.

Back to Table of Contents

The physical environment of the CDC has been set up to enhance our program goals.  It offers choice, challenges, and encourages independence.  It offers avenues for cooperative play and involvement with a wide variety of materials.  It also offers the opportunity to be messy.  Getting involved in play activities without concern for clothing or appearance is an important aspect of a child’s learning.  It is through intense interactions with the environment that children learn about the physical properties of the real world.  It is also how they test ideas, sort out feelings, and learn competency.  We believe it is important to value interaction with the environment.

Art activities of all kinds are done daily with the children, from the simplest crayon and paper drawings to carpentry and multi-media projects such as finger painting and collage creation.  Our philosophy is that the process is important, not the product; the children are given a variety of open-ended materials and encouraged to make what they will.

The Center provides activities that offer a variety of choices designed to encourage physical skills, cognitive learning, problem solving and independence.  Active physical play, conceptual learning, art, music, science, literature and dramatic play are a part of the daily program.  As children mature, they engage in increasingly intricate and challenging activities.  Curriculum also varies from year to year because no one group of children is like another.  This flexibility allows our teachers the opportunity to assess the nature of their group and design their plans accordingly.

Library

Adult books (mostly on aspects of parenting) are located in the Resource Room across from the reception desk.  Books may be checked out to take home for a short period.  When a book is checked out there is an obligation to return it or pay for its replacement.

Back to Table of Contents

A lab school is a window into children’s learning.  It is a place that makes learning visible and supports the role of the teacher as researcher.  The lab school provides all members of College of the Redwoods early childhood education community opportunities to explore, reflect, and construct knowledge within a group.

There will be early childhood education students observing children from the observation rooms and participating in the children’s classrooms.  The rich experiences at the CDC will facilitate the development of thoughtful, respectful teachers of young children throughout our community.

Back to Table of Contents

The staff of the CDC believes that you are your child’s primary teacher.  We want your active involvement in your child’s program.  We recognize that each of you will choose different types of involvement.  At the beginning of each school year, we schedule individual parent/child orientation conferences.  At this time, you will also have the opportunity to meet the director.  During the year, any new families are also scheduled.  These conferences are required before children can begin receiving services.

Although you will be communicating with your child’s teacher on a daily basis, we encourage you to attend family conferences with your child’s teacher.  There is one conference per semeter scheduled.  These conferences give you and your child’s teacher a chance to review your child’s progreses and to set goals for your child in the coming months.  It is also an opportunity for you and the teacher to mutually problem solve any issues that may have arisen for your child.

We provide a Parent Education Center at the front desk containing pamphlets and information for parents to take home.  Parents are also welcome to visit our CDC Resource Library located in the Conference Room in the CDC that contains helpful books, bulletins and other literature of interest.  These resources are available for checkout.  We also invite parents to explore information provided on the bulletin board at the entrance to the CDC.  Items of interest for families in the community and at College of the Redwoods are posted and frequently updated.  In Town Square there is an area set aside for you to relax and meet with other parents.

We invite you, as an enrolled parent or guardian, to visit the CDC whenever you can.  You can observe the program or join in by reading a story to children, playing with blocks, preparing a favorite food for snack.  If you are unable to spend time at the CDC when your child is there, you may be able to contribute to the CDC in other ways.  There are often carpentry jobs, toy repairs, sewing projects or other tasks that can be done at home as your schedule permits.

We also invite you to participate in the Advisory Committee.  The Advisory Committee will work with the CDC staff to provide educational meetings on topics of interest to you and your family.  The committee will plan social events throughout the year to enable you to meet other adults whose children attend the CDC.  This committee will provide the CDC staff with family insights and recommendations that may improve the operation of the center.

Back to Table of Contents

The Child Development Center staff consists of qualified teachers, educated and trained in Early Childhood Education.  All staff are encouraged to continue to grow professionally and to participate in staff development opportunities.  All staff participate in First Aid/CPR training, as required by state regulations. 

Back to Table of Contents

The Child Development Center has the following enrollment policies:

• Income eligible CR student parents have 1^st priority for enrollment, with lowest adjusted income admitted first (children who are referred by CPS within this category would be admitted before all others in this category).
• Income eligible CR staff and/or faculty parents have 2^nd priority for enrollment, with lowest adjusted income admitted first (children who are referred by CPS within this category would be admitted before all others in this category).
• Income eligible community parents have 3^rd  priority for enrollment, with lowest adjusted income admitted first (children who are referred by CPS within this category would be admitted before all others in this category).
• Private Pay CR students, staff, or faculty and community members may be enrolled into the CDC as space allows.

The CDC will maintain a waitlist and children will be enrolled as openings occur throughout the year based on enrollment criteria.  Enrollment from the waitlist is not first come, first served.

Back to Table of Contents

Admissions Agreement

Parents will be asked to complete an Admissions Agreement upon enrollment.  The contract will clearly identify the specific hours of childcare to be provided per day.  Staffing at the Center is based on contracted days and hours of attendance.  Your child may only attend the Center the days and hours specified on your contract.  If you wish to change your child's days or hours of attendance, you must submit your request in writing and in advance to the Office; simply informing your child's teacher is not sufficient.  Failure to adhere to contracted hours of childcare may result in termination of childcare services.  Parents must complete a new Admissions Agreement each semester. 

General Childcare Grant

General Childcare contracts may be ¾ time (4 to 6.25 hours per day) or full time (6.5 hours or more per day) Monday through Friday or Monday-Wednesday-Friday or Tuesday-Thursday, as program scheduling allows. 

General Childcare children must arrive no later than 8:45 am.  If your child will be arriving late, you must call the Center before 8:45 am.

State Preschool Grant

State Preschool Program is a 5 day, full day program for 4 year old children, the majority of whom will be attending kindergarten the next school year.  Preschool children must be enrolled a minimum of 6.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday.

State Preschool children must arrive no later than 8:45 am.  If your child will be arriving late, you must call the Center before 8:45 am.

Back to Table of Contents

Integrating Your Child Into the College of the Redwoods Child Development Center ("Transitioning")

Each child reacts differently to separation; and the frequency, intensity and duration of distress will vary.  Separation anxieties for both parents and children can be affected by a new environment, changes in routine, and problems at home.  To help your child successfully adjust to the Center, we will schedule an appointment for you and your child to visit the Center together and meet with the teaching team.  You will receive information about the classroom routine and the teaching team will answer any questions you may have.  Your child will have an opportunity to explore his/her new classroom.

There is not one prescription for a smooth transition that meets every child's temperament, but staff will work with parents to make the process as smooth and anxiety-free as possible.

The first day you bring your child to stay without you, please allow a little extra time to help him/her feel comfortable.  Establishing a routine leading to your departure is important, either by helping your child settle-in with an activity or allowing time for one more hug. For your child's first full day, we recommend that, if at all possible, he/she be picked up well before closing time.

Should your child resist coming to the Center after the first few days or weeks here, please let us know so that we may work through this difficulty in partnership with you.

Items you should plan to bring on your child's first day

• Any outstanding enrollment paperwork; completed, signed and witnessed, if necessary.
• A nap time toy (stuffed animal or soft doll).  This is optional but sometimes eases the transition.
• Clean, extra clothes, including underwear, that are seasonally appropriate and LABELED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME.

If your child is in diapers, bring a minimum of five diapers for each day your child is enrolled and a package of diaper wipes. You may bring a full package of diapers.  Diapers and wipes will be labeled with your child's name, and you will be notified when to re-stock.  We do not allow pull-ups.

Hours

The CDC is open from 8:15 am until 4:15 pm.  Most children arrive between 8:15 - 8:30 am and depart between 3:00 - 3:45 pm.  The CDC is open on all instructional days during the fall, spring, and summer sessions.  The CDC is not open during the winter intersession.

Classroom teachers at the Child Development Center will begin receiving children at 8:15 am.   Please do not bring your child(ren) into the Center before 8:15 am unless you are prepared to stay with them in the common, Town Square area.  The teachers are responsible for setting up their classrooms and cannot adequately supervise children in addition to their opening routine.

Late Pick-up

When a child is picked up after contracted time, the family will be charged a late fee of $1.50 for each minute past their pick-up time.  The late fee is charged per child.  You are expected to arrange for a back-up person to pick up your child(ren) in the event of an emergency.  If you or your back-up person has not arrived by closing time, the following procedures will be followed:

• At 4:15 pm, individuals listed on your alternate pick-up list will be contacted unless you have called with an estimated time of arrival. If you will be late, both your child and the staff will appreciate the courtesy of a phone call; however, the late charge will still be assessed. It is imperative that individuals listed on the emergency information sheet can be reached and have agreed to pick your child(ren) up if you are unavailable to do so.

• The closing teacher and one other staff member will remain with your child(ren) for up to one hour.  After one hour, Child Welfare Services or Humboldt County Sheriff will be contacted. 
• The Director will send a warning letter stating that late pick-up will not be tolerated and that three late pick-ups in one school year may result in immediate termination of all childcare services.

Because staffing at the Center is based on contracted days and hours of attendance, it is important that your child is dropped off and picked up at the times specified on your contract.  Parents who habitually drop off their child early (or late) and/or pick up their child late (or early) will be asked to modify their contracted schedule.  Failure to adhere to contracted hours of childcare may result in termination of childcare services.       

Court Orders and Custody

The CDC recognizes in most situations both parents have a legal right to be part of their child’s life.  The CDC denies a parent access to their child only if there is a legal document which addresses that denial.  If, pursuant to court order one parent has been given the legal right to child custody or visitation, and such custody or visitation determines which parent may pick up the child from the CDC, or if one parent has been restrained by court order from visiting or has been ordered to stay away from said child, CDC requires the following:

• A letter from the custodial parent stating that the non-custodial parent is not allowed to pick up the child, and,
• A certified copy, with an original signature and certified seal of the current court order, which states the right or restraints ordered.  These documents  must be filed with the Director and will be copied to Security.
• If a later court order is issued changing the terms of the original court order, it will not be honored until it is filed as the most recent certified order, with verification that a fee was paid for filing at the County Courthouse.
• We will not accept information regarding the validity of orders over the telephone.  Only written instruction will be accepted regarding a court order.
• Visitation with the non-custodial parent will not be permitted to take place at the CDC.

Annual Calendar

The College of the Redwoods Child Development Center is open during the fall, spring, and summer semesters as identified on the academic calendar.  The CDC is not open during the winter intersession.  National Holiday closures are scheduled in conjunction with the College of the Redwoods academic calendar.  A typical Holiday calendar will be:

Daily Schedule

The daily schedule will vary according to the child's classroom.  A daily schedule is given to parents during orientation meetings with classroom teachers.  In addition to the daily schedule, a weekly Plan of Possibilities  is posted in each classroom that identifies specific planned activities and events.

Sign-in/Sign-out

Each day the child(ren) must be brought into the classroom by an adult (over 18 years of age).  The adult must sign his/her full name on the sign-in sheet.  This is the State Law.  Sign-in sheets are used during emergencies to ensure that all children are accounted for; therefore, it is crucial that you sign your child in every day before you leave for class or work.  A full signature is also required at pick-up time. We cannot release a child to anyone other than his or her parent/guardian unless that person has been 1) designated on the child's emergency form; 2) named in a note to staff by the parent; or 3) named in a phone call to the staff by the parent.  We are firm about this policy, because we are committed to providing for your child's safety.  Please inform those individuals that you have authorized to pick up your child that we will ask for photo identification the first time they come to the Center to pick up your child.  Please make sure that a teacher knows when your child has arrived or is leaving.

Absences

Please phone the Center to inform us when your child(ren) is/will be absent.  This helps us maintain proper ratios at the Center and to determine lunch and snack counts. The State requires that all absences be documented.  This can be done by either 1) phoning the Office and informing the secretary of  the reason for the absence (which she will write down on the sign-in sheet and initial) or 2) writing the reason for the child's absence with a full signature on the sign-in sheet upon returning your child to the Center.

If a child is absent for three days and the parent has not notified the Center of the reason for the absence, childcare services may be terminated.

A child will receive an excused absence for:

• illness, such as a cold, fever, headache, tummy ache, chicken pox, etc.
• illness or quarantine of a parent
• physician, dentist, or counseling appointment of parent or child
• family emergency such as hospitalization of a parent, child, or family member
• institutionalization or incarceration of parent or immediate family member
• automobile accident or breakdown (limited to no more than 5 days per incidence)
• relocation of home due to disaster or inability to leave home because of extreme weather conditions such as "snowed in" or "tornado"
• court-ordered visitation
• a reason which is in the best interest of the child (limited to ten days per school year) such as spending the day with out-of-town relatives, traveling, religious holiday, special programs with family or friends, a "special" day with a parent, non court-ordered visitation with a non-custodial parent, etc.

All other absences will be considered unexcused.  The Center is not reimbursed for unexcused absences, and full attendance is necessary for the Center to receive full funding from the State Department of Education.  A family may have their enrollment at the Center terminated if a child has more than three unexcused absences in the school year.

Parking

The parking lot in front of the CDC is for dropping off and picking up children only.  Please park elsewhere while on campus after you have dropped off your child.  Campus security will ticket non-authorized cars parked in the CDC lot.  Do not, under any circumstances, park in the handicapped designated parking unless you have a handicapped parking permit. 

Telephone Information

The telephone number for the Child Development Center is (707) 476-4578.  We answer the CDC telephone during all hours of operation.  Feel free to call the CDC anytime, day or night.  If the staff is unavailable, or you call after hours, you may leave a message on the voice mail, and your message will be retrieved first thing the following business day. 

Communication

There are many lines of communication available between Center staff and parents.  Each family has a mailbox located in their child’s classroom.  Please check your mailbox daily for information from Center staff.  The teachers also have individual mailboxes in the office area, should you need to get a message to the classroom teachers.

A newsletter is published and placed in each family's mailbox.  Important events, highlights from each classroom, articles, stories and for-sale advertisements may be included.  If you would like to contribute an advertisement or article to the newsletter, please let the office staff know and they will give you the deadline for submission for that month.

We strongly encourage you to immediately communicate any question or concern to us so we can work with you to resolve it.  Questions regarding the administration of the program or teaching concerns need to be addressed to the director.  Questions about paper work and child’s schedule need to be directed to the administrative assistant and/or the director.  You may speak directly to your child's teacher or the Director about anything in regards to your child.  Every effort will be made to answer your question or address your concerns.

Parent Participation

The staff of the CDC believe that you are your child’s primary teacher. We want your active involvement in your child’s child care program. We recognize that each of you will choose different types of involvement.  At the beginning of each school year and as new families enroll throughout the year, we schedule individual family orientation conferences.  These conferences are required before children can begin receiving services.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are offered formally twice a year for all families. Informal conferences can be scheduled at any time by either parents or teachers.  Daily informal conversations with teachers are also encouraged, although the presence of children who need to be supervised demands those conversations be brief. 

We provide a Parent Education Center in the foyer of the CDC containing pamphlets and information for parents to take home.  Parents are welcome to visit the Resource Library located in the Conference Room across from the reception desk.  There are books, bulletins, and other literature of interest.  These resources are available for check out (ask the administrative assistant about check out procedures).  We also invite you to explore the information on the Parent Resource Board, just inside the front door to the CDC.  In Town Square, there is a family social area for you to have the opportunity to meet other parents.

We invite you, as an enrolled parent or guardian, to visit the CDC whenever you can. You can observe the program or join in by reading a story to children, playing with blocks, preparing a favorite food for snack.  If you are unable to spend time at the CDC when your

child is attending, you are encouraged to contribute to the CDC in other ways.  There are often carpentry jobs, toy repair, sewing projects or other tasks that can be done at home, as your schedule permits.  Your involvement in the CDC will help make your child’s time at the CDC even more valuable.

We also invite you to participate in the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will work with the CDC staff to provide educational meetings on topics of interest to you and

your family. The committee will also plan social events throughout the year to enable you to meet other adults whose children attend the CDC. This committee will provide the CDC staff with family insights and recommendations that may improve the operation of the center.

Nutrition

The CDC participates in the Child Care Food Program.  The food program is a part of the curriculum and provides an opportunity for children to learn concepts in areas such as nutrition, social/emotional, math, science, and language.

The menu at the CDC limits the use of sugar, fat, salt, and additives.  Breakfast, lunch and snack menus are posted in each classroom.  The Center provides nutritious meals (breakfast and lunch) and an afternoon snack daily.  If your child is scheduled to be at the CDC during meals or snack, he/she will be served the food as indicated on the posted menu in each classroom.

A physician must document any food allergies and food to be substituted.  If your child(ren) have food allergies, pick up the allergy form and have the child’s doctor complete return it to the office.

• Breakfast is served at 8:45 am in the Spider and Otter classrooms or 9:00 in the Hummingbird, Frog, and Deer rooms.  Children scheduled to arrive at or before 8:45 will be served bre akfast.  Children scheduled to arrive after 9:15 am will not be offered breakfast.
• Lunch is served at 11:45 am in the Spider and Otter Classrooms or 12:00 noon in the Hummingbird, Frog, and Deer rooms.  All children enrolled are served lunch.
• Afternoon Snack is served between 2:45 pm and 3:00 pm.  All children who are scheduled to be at the CDC during this time will be offered snack. 

If your child is at the CDC during snack or meal times, they will be served the foods as indicated on the posted menu.  Three days of the week, meals and snacks served at CDC are vegetarian.  A physician must document any allergies as well as any foods that may be substituted.  The front office has a form for this issue.  The CDC can provide vegetarian meals daily if this is the family lifestyle.

Special events, such as birthdays, where a parent may want to bring in special foods, should first be discussed with the teacher in order to keep compliance with the food policies and other children’s special nutritional needs and limitations within the classrooms(s).

Clothing

Children should be dressed comfortably for the day's probable weather and temperature. Layers are best!  As much as possible, children should wear clothes that can be soiled without it being a source of anxiety for them or frustration for you.  Children usually, but not always, wear paint smocks.  Our paints are supposed to be washable, but occasionally they don't completely wash out.

California regulations for child care centers require that each child have at least one complete change of clothing at the center at all times.  Children wearing diapers must have at least one day’s supply of diapers and wipes.  Be sure to label all items with your child’s name.  No pull-ups can be provided.

The Center has a limited amount of clothing that can be loaned for emergencies (for example, to clean up after clothes are soiled by sudden illness or toileting accident), but Center clothes that are loaned to your child must be washed and returned to the Center by the following week.

If your child has an accident AND there is not a change of clothing in his/her cubbie AND there are no loaner clothes available, you will be called to either bring a change of clothing for your child within ½ hour OR to pick up your child for the day.

Personal Possessions

If you wish, a comforting stuffed animal or soft doll may be brought to the Center for naptime.  Children are often eager to bring toys from home to the Center; however, the risk of damage, lost parts or misplacing the toy is great.  The Center staff cannot be responsible for toys or games brought from home.  If your child brings a gun or war toy, it will be bagged and placed in the office for safekeeping.

Please do not send money with your child (make sure no stray pennies are in pockets). It may be lost or, worse, swallowed by your child or another child.

For "sharing", we encourage bringing age-appropriate books, tapes and "discoveries" such as corncobs, seedpods, feathers, interesting leaves, sprouting onions, shells or pebbles. These treasures are often displayed in the science area where they stimulate discussion and exploration.  Be sure to label any items your child wants back; otherwise we cannot be responsible for them.

All items, clothing and other belongings, MUST BE LABELED with your child's name. 

Health and Safety

As part of the enrollment process, parents are required to sign enrollment forms that provide the Center with information concerning the child's physician, drug and medication allergies and a medical release.

Parents must notify the Center immediately of changes in emergency and identification information, including a change of physician.

We will also always inform you of any contagious disease or condition occurring in your child's class, with a printed notice on the classroom door.

Sick Child Policy

When in doubt about your child's health, keep him/her home.  Please remember that the teachers and other children will be exposed to the illness that an ill child may bring to school.  Keep your child home if he/she:

• is in the first two days of a cold
• has a sore throat
• has had a temperature of 101°F or higher, with or without other symptoms, in the past 24 hours
• has been vomiting in the past 24 hours
• has had diarrhea in the past 24 hours
• has had an unexplained rash
• has impetigo (strep or staph infection on the skin)
• has untreated conjunctivitis ("pink eye")
• has chickenpox, until the vesicles are crusted over
• has lice or nits (the CDC has a nit-free policy)
• or any other contagious disease or condition

Please notify your child's teacher if your child has not been feeling well or acting "out of sorts" or has been exposed to head lice, chicken pox, measles, meningitis or any other contagious disease.  Also, please notify the office if your child has contracted any of the above.  A child may not stay at the CDC if he or she is not feeling well enough to participate fully in program.  Teachers have the authority to refuse to accept a child and/or to send a child home based on their assessment of the child’s health. 

If your child becomes ill while at school, the child will be isolated from the group.  You will be contacted to discuss the symptoms, and you will be asked to take your child home within one hour.  Your child may return to the Center after she/he is free of the above symptoms for 24 hours.

We make every effort to prevent the spread of illness at the CDC.  Staff and children wash their hands regularly.  We wash toys, tables and chairs regularly.  We cover all open wounds with bandages.  All staff wear disposable gloves when in contact with bodily fluids or secretions and practice Universal Precautions.

Medication

We understand that children occasionally need to take medicine at school, either prescription or over the counter.  Your child's Teacher will administer the medicine; however, you are required to complete a Medical Dosage Form.  Forms can be obtained from the office staff. 

If your child has a chronic medical condition or a severe allergic reaction to food, insect bites, or medication, a special medical form must be on file with your child's teacher.  Forms and instructions can be obtained from the office staff.  

REMINDER: Please do not send medication of any kind in your child's backpack or belongings.  Medication in its original bottle, labeled with your child's name and dosage, should be given to your child's Teacher after filing out the Medical Dosage form.  Medication will be placed in a plastic baggie in a secure area.

WE ALSO REMIND YOU TO USE CHILD SAFETY SEATS FOR ALL CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE AND UNDER 60 POUNDS, AND TO USE SAFETY BELTS AT ALL TIMES.  A child must be BOTH six years or older AND weigh 60 or more pounds before he/she is legally permitted to ride without a safety seat.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

All staff working with children are mandated by the State of California to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.  Reports, by law, are made without prior notification to parents, to the Protective Services Division of the local Department of Social Services.  Signs of abuse and neglect include, but are not limited to, bruises, burns, prolonged inability of the child to interact with or relate to staff and/or children, or inflammation or other abnormal appearance of genitals.

We ask that you tell us the cause of visible bruises, etc. that have been incurred at home, and we, in turn, will notify you of the circumstances surrounding any injuries sustained at school.

Another action considered to be child neglect is leaving an unattended child in a car. If a staff member observes an unattended child in a car, she or he will mention it to the child's parent.

You should know that the Center rarely makes child abuse calls, and that we earnestly wish to work in partnership with parents and not as adversaries.  For further information regarding the Child Abuse Reporting law, you may consult the Attorney General's Child Abuse Prevention Handbook in the Child Development Center Office.

Disaster Preparedness

Fire drills are conducted once a month to familiarize staff and children with disaster procedures. The usual evacuation information for each group is posted in each classroom.  Earthquake drills are conducted quarterly.

The College of the Redwoods Child Development Center keeps emergency supplies on hand in the event of a major disaster when children might need to remain at the Center.  After a major disaster, if the Center facilities are considered safe, the children will be kept at the Center until picked up by parent or designee.  If necessary, an alternate location may be determined by the emergency rescue personnel.  If the children have been moved elsewhere, information will be posted at all the regular entrances to the Center.

Discipline

The goal of positive guidance or discipline is to help children learn to consider and respect others and the environment around them, and to feel secure and in control within himself or herself.  Young children need to learn what is acceptable and how to live cooperatively with others.  Self-discipline is our ultimate goal.  The desired result is for the child to be intrinsically motivated to value accepted behaviors.

We use positive guidance techniques that allow the children to learn from mistaken perceptions and difficult situations.  We want children to develop an intrinsic desire to behave appropriately and to be respectful of themselves and others.  We do not want to damage children’s self-concept.  We want to give them the problem solving skills that will help them resolve conflict throughout their lives.  We avoid using external rewards (such as stickers, stars, etc.) to reinforce behavior, because this can keep children from developing intrinsic motivation.  Reliance on external rewards can be damaging and is manipulative.  Children may view these techniques as “buying” cooperation and achievements.  The use of these external motivators can diminish children’s desire to achieve and behave appropriately, and cause them to “perform” only if they are given a reward.

The Center has a strong commitment to developing a positive sense of self-esteem and promoting independent, responsible and caring behavior on the part of the children; therefore, we approach discipline in a positive rather than punitive manner.  Teachers model appropriate behavior, praise children for appropriate behavior, provide reminders and cues, and facilitate problem solving among children.  Initially, we work to prevent potentially difficult situations by creating a child-centered, interesting and safe environment.  We make rules clear and logical for children.  When we are unable to prevent a problem, we work with the children to help them see what is causing conflict.  Children are assisted to evaluate situations and come up with their own solutions to problems.  The consequences of children’s behavior flow logically from behavior.  Children’s feelings are respected.  Time out is not used.  Corporal punishment is never used.  Children are not humiliated or shamed as a disciplinary measure. 

We do not “force” apologies, because this is not effective.  Apologies that don’t come from the individuals involved are not real apologies.  Instead, we support children in developing clear, respectful communication about their feelings and needs as well as concern for others’ rights, and encourage problem-solving skills. 

Clear and consistent age appropriate limits on behavior are set.  The environment is set up in such a manner as to minimize the necessity of limits, and children are allowed to participate in the decision making process.

Termination of Enrollment

The Director of the Center reserves the right to terminate the enrollment in the program for cause.  The following are causes for termination of enrollment:

• Failure to establish need for services, or eligibility ends.
• Failure to submit complete re-enrollment forms for the following semester
• Failure to meet the contractual agreement, such as payment of tuition within the guidelines set by the Center, more than 3 unexcused absences in a school year, failure to follow the contracted hours of attendance (early or late drop-off/pick­-up), failure to provide required documentation within time limits, or any other program requirements as outlined in this Parent Handbook.
• Failure to submit child’s physical examination form within 30 days of enrollment.
• Failure to provide verification of updated immunization record, if needed.
• Failure to maintain a “C” average in all coursework taken
• Failure to notify the Center for 3 consecutive days a child is absent.
• Failure to pay late fee for late pick-up of child(ren). 
• Failure to follow program rules, falsification of information, or fraud.  Lack of cooperation with Center staff, threats of violence, criminal conduct, theft, possession of firearms or dangerous weapons on campus property, or being under the influence of alcohol or other illegal drugs.
• Ø  Parent non-support of or non-adherence to the College of the Redwoods Child Development Center policies will be cause for termination of enrollment.

Withdrawal from the Center requires two week's written notice to the Office; simply informing your child's teacher is not sufficient.

Complaints/Concerns

We want to ensure all concerns and complaints are resolved promptly.  If you have a concern or complaint, please work to remedy the situation using the following steps:

1. Arrange a meeting with an ECE Master Teacher or the Director to discuss the concern/complaint.
2. The ECE Master Teacher or Director may arrange an additional meeting which may include the ECE Instructor, Division Chair and, if you choose, a support person.
3. If resolution still has not occurred,  student parents may utilize the CR student grievance policy as described in the College of the Redwoods catalog. 

Uniform Complaint Procedures

It is the intent of the College of the Redwoods Child Development Center to fully comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.  Individuals have the right to file a complaint regarding alleged violation of federal and/or state laws by the Child Development Center.  This includes allegations of unlawful discrimination in any program funded directly by the State or receiving federal or state financial assistance.

Complaints must be signed and filed in writing with the State Department of Education.

Child Development Division
Complaint Coordinator
1430 N Street, Suite 3410
Sacramento, CA  95814

If the complainant is not satisfied with the final written decision of the California Department of Education, remedies may be available in federal or state court.  The complainant should seek the advice of an attorney of his/her choosing in this event.

A complainant filing a written complaint alleging violations of prohibited discrimination may also pursue civil law remedies, including, but not limited to injunctions, restraining orders, or other remedies.

The following agency can be contacted in regards to major concerns about children and their care:

Community Care Licensing
1330 Bayshore Way, Suite 103
Eureka, CA  95501
(707)441-3939

The Child Development Center at CR does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group, identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability in determining which children are served. The Child Development Center does not engage in religious instruction or worship.

Families with children who are physically or developmentally challenged are invited to enroll their children if it is determined that the Center can meet the individual needs of the child. The center will make reasonable accommodations so that children with disabilities can be a vital part of our program.