Willows Child Learning Centers, Inc.
PARENT HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PHILOSOPHY ..................................................................................................................................... -1PURPOSE.............................................................................................................................................. -2PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................... -3ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION .................................................................................................... -5HOURS OF OPERATION ................................................................................................................. -6VISITATION TO THE CENTERS.................................................................................................... -7ATTENDANCE AND RELEASE OF CHILDREN....................................................................... -8PARENT CONFERENCES AND PROGRAMS............................................................................ -9ILLNESSES, EMERGENCIES, AND MEDICATIONS................................................................ -10IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ -11TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS ..................................................................................... -12PERSONAL BELONGINGS ............................................................................................................. -13MEALS AND SNACKS ..................................................................................................................... -14SWIMMING ......................................................................................................................................... -15DISCIPLINE ......................................................................................................................................... -16CHILD ABUSE .................................................................................................................................... -17QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ..................................................................................................... -18EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... -19MANAGEMENT................................................................................................................................. -20CURRENT FINANCIAL POLICIES................................................................................................ -21-
Willows Child Learning Centers, Inc.
PHILOSOPHY
The Willows Child Learning Centers provide that all children
will be guided and cared for in a loving and nurturing
environment by experienced early childhood professionals who
will encourage each child to reach their maximum potential.
The Centers are founded on the premise that all children should
be allowed to grow and develop at their own pace within their
given age group. This includes the areas of intellectual and
motoric development as well as social and emotional growth
and maturation. Each child’s developmental advancement will
be encouraged through varied independent as well as teacherguided learning and play activities.
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Willows Child Learning Centers, Inc.
PARENT HANDBOOK
The Willows Child Learning Centers began in September, 1969, with the opening of
Willows/Arapaho-Hills at 5301 S. Lowell Boulevard. Willows Child Learning Center, which is
also the business office, was completed in January 1977, and is located at 6865 S. Quebec St.
Willows/Olde-Mill Child Learning Center was completed in September, 1987, and is located at
6894 S. Homestead Pkwy. Efforts are continuously made to add to the facilities, staff and
materials of each center in an attempt to perfect the education and care provided for young
children. This handbook is provided for your information as a parent concerning the Willows’
program and school policies. Parents should call their Center’s director should they need more
information.
PURPOSE
Each center provides full day child care, pre-school, kindergarten, before and after
school care for elementary children, a summer elementary program, and summer swimming
lessons.
The Centers are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services for the
following numbers of children 2 ½ through 12:
Willows/Arapaho-Hills…………….122
Willows Child Learning Center….....160
Willows/Olde-Mill…………………..163
Morning pre-school is provided for all age groups and afternoon pre-school is provided at the
Willows center for 3,4, and 5-year olds. Kindergarten is a full day program for children who are
five by September 15th.
Before and after school care and transportation are provided for
elementary children who are in grades one through five. A full day summer program is also
provided for this group.
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PROGRAM
It is the intent of the Willows Child Learning Centers to provide the best in early development
and learning through a loving, stimulating environment for every child. To this end children
are placed in classrooms with teams of teachers according to age groupings. Within an age
group children are divided into small groups and belong to a certain teacher on the basis of an
individual evaluation which reveals the child’s developmental level. Evaluation results are
always shared in parent-teacher conferences. The Yellow Room is for 2-½ and young threeyear-old children at a ratio of 8:1; the Orange Room is for older three and young four-year-old
children at ratio of 10:1; Green Room is for pre-kindergarten children with a ratio of 12:1; Blue
Room is for kindergarten at a ratio of 15:1.
Pre-school daily schedules are divided into three major activity times:
1. Directed teaching time during which a teacher provides activities for their group of
children at their ability level in such areas as language, fine motor, colors, shapes,
numbers, letters and sounds.
2. Gross-motor and music activities which involve basic body movement, singing,
rhythm instruments and musical games.
3. Center time that provides for child-chosen activities in art, music science, dramatic
play, manipulatives, listening, library, blocks and accessories, indoor large muscle
and water or sand play. Social and emotional growth and understanding permeate
all activities at all levels.
We have monthly social studies/ science units in which components such as music, art,
videos, special speakers and literature are used to teach the theme.
Children who need all day care enjoy pre-school in the morning and enter the day-care
program at noon; the day-care program involves a nap and supervised play activities until pickup time
Th
e kindergarten daily schedule is a full-day program with learning periods for language, reading
and writing activities, mathematics, social awareness, science, music, and art. Play periods and
a short rest are also part of the day.
Elementary children are transported to their elementary schools in the morning and
back to the centers in the afternoon. The elementary summer program involves maintenance of
reading interest, activity times related to academics, mini-courses providing craft instruction in
small groups, swimming lessons, weekly field trips, camping experiences and social awareness.
Outdoor play is a part of each day’s activities. If the weather is above freezing (32 F),
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and it is not actually raining or snowing, please send your child prepared to play outside. If our
temperatures exceed 95 we will limit outside play to thirty minutes at a time. Fortunately, our
playgrounds have shaded areas to protect us from the summer heat. Water fountains are
also available on the playgrounds for the children to use as they wish. Sunscreen, which is
provided by the parent, may also be applied at your request. Through the above activities,
performed in a positive atmosphere, we propose to help each child to continuously grow in selfesteem and develop a healthy self-concept.
All children entering Willows Child Learning Centers must be toilet trained, except in
special needs cases which must be reviewed by the Director and the child’s physician to see if
the center can provide appropriate care. Although all children are required to be toilet trained,
we do realize there may be an occasional accident. In this case, children will be changed with
the assistance of a teacher, but encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves.
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ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION
Any child will be admitted and lovingly cared for regardless of his race, creed or color.
The Centers will accept any handicapped child for whom they feel they can provide a program.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, parents should make inquiries and set
up a conference time regarding the admission of a special needs child. Children with learning
disabilities are accepted at the Centers as well as those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
A parent wishing admission to the Center should place their child’s name, address, birthdate,
and phone number on the waiting list well in advance of anticipated registration. Placing a
name on the waiting list involves no obligation to enroll. Children who are presently enrolled
and their siblings are given first choice in enrollments for a new session. Thereafter, people are
called from the waiting list in the order that their name appears. After the waiting list is
consumed, anyone may enroll. Annual summer and fall enrollments begin the last week of
February and continue until enrollment is complete.
Occasionally, pre-school spaces are
available during the school year. Enrollment is not automatic from session to session.
New families who are contemplating registration of their child are required to tour a
Center and to be interviewed by the Center’s director in charge of registration. The Centers
reserve the right to deny admission to any child whom they feel they cannot aid. A child may
be admitted on a probationary basis. A child may also be asked to leave a Center if his behavior
is so disruptive that he endangers the well-being or emotional health of other children.
Children are expected to abide by the rules of the school, which provide for the safety
and well-being of all.
A two-week WRITTEN notice is required if anyone wishes to drop permanently from
school. It is assumed that a child will be dropping at the end of a session if he does not sign up
for the next session.
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HOURS OF OPERATION
The Centers are open from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Day –care children may come anytime
during the above hours. Other program times are:
AM Pre-school
8:30 – 11:15 am
Pre-kindergarten
8:30 – 11:25 am
Kindergarten
8:30 – 3:30
Elementary before and after school
As necessary
Swimming lessons
By arrangement
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VISITATION TO THE CENTERS
Parents are encouraged to visit the Centers at any time they find it convenient. An
appointment is not necessary. We do encourage parents to wait however, until their child has
had an opportunity to successfully adjust to their new school setting before visiting since this
can cause undue stress on a child. An invitation to lunch exists on any day also, but we would
appreciate being informed by 9:00 A.M. so we will have plenty of food prepared.
Other visitors are welcome to the Centers, but they must identify themselves and their
purpose, and they must remain with a staff member throughout their stay. No stranger is
allowed to wander through the Centers on his/her own.
All visitors must sign in at the front desk and their presence must be known to the
Director or his/her substitute.
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ATTENDANCE AND RELEASE OF CHILDREN
All children who attend the Centers must be signed in and out at the front desk by the
parent or other person giving responsibility to the Centers.
The Centers will not assume
responsibility for any child who is not brought into the building by a responsible adult and who
is not properly signed in.
Children may be released only to persons for whom the Centers have written permission
from the parents or guardian. This written permission may be given to us in any one of three
ways; (1) by signed note, (2) by writing on the spiral notebook at the reception desk or (3) by
listing a semi-permanent group of people on the pick-up form (purple).
If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child, the child will not be allowed to
leave. If an unknown, but authorized, person attempts to pick up a child, identification will be
required. If we are suspicious of any person picking up a child or if aggression is used, the
police will be called.
The Centers cannot legally deny release of any child to a natural parent unless we have a
written court order regarding this.
The Centers cannot allow a child to leave with any
inebriated person, even a parent.
Any parent who expects to be late in picking up their child should contact the school
regarding such. If a child is left after 6:00pm without parent contact, Arapahoe County Human
Services may be contacted to determine what further action is necessary.
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PARENT CONFERENCES AND PROGRAMS
Parents are invited to formal conferences by their child’s teacher(s) in early fall and late
spring at which time the child’s evaluation and progress will be discussed. Parents and teachers
should request a conference at any time it is necessary.
The teachers welcome “minute
conferences” any time before 8:30 a.m. or after the school session ends.
An open house is held each September for all parents at which time the Centers’
programs are presented and discussed in detail. This meeting is also an excellent time to meet
the staff.
In the spring, the children present a program for their parent’s enjoyment that consists of
music and drama from their class.
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ILLNESSES, EMERGENCIES AND MEDICATIONS
Children who are ill with a fever over 100 degrees, rash, nausea, diarrhea, or other
communicable disease may not attend school. If a child becomes ill at school, he will be
immediately isolated from other children. Their parents or other emergency person will be
called to come and take them home. Sick children need to be home for their own well being for
at least 24 hours after they are symptom free. A sick child may not remain at any Center.
Only medication that is prescribed by a doctor may be given at the Centers. The child’s
physician must fill out a form ordering medication to be administered at school, as well as the
parent filling out a permission form for such medication at the front desk. The permission form
will be notated as each dosage is given. If a doctor prescribes an over-the-counter medication,
we must also have a copy of the prescription order, No aspirin or Tylenol will be given unless a
doctor prescribes it for pain (arthritis, broken bones, braces, etc.). Medication is left at the front
desk where it is either kept in the office or is refrigerated. Medication will only be administered
by school personnel who have been trained in a C.O.R.R.A. approved Medications
Administration class and under the delegation of the Center’s Health Consultant.
The Willows’ has a Child Care Health Consultant who is available to provide
information to our staff regarding medications, illnesses, and children’s health care concerns
and procedures. She will also be overseeing health care plans for children with special health
situations (i.e. allergies, diabetes, asthma, etc.). These procedures are in compliance with section
12-38-132, CRS of the “ Nurse Practice Act”.
A child who is injured will be given first aid by a staff member(s). All staff members are
required to have First Aid/CPR training. If the injury poses an emergency, the paramedics will
be called. Every attempt to contact the parents will be made. If the parents cannot be contacted
a child might be taken to his doctor or to an emergency room if the injury seems to warrant such
treatment.
If these measures are necessary, the payment will be the responsibility of the
parents.
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IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Colorado school immunization law requires a certificate of immunization or alternate
certificate of immunization be on file at our school on or before a child’s first day of attendance.
We do accept non-immunized children provided a signed waiver is presented by their first day
of school. It is important to note however, that if you exempt your child from immunizations,
they will be asked to stay at home if we have a case of an immunization preventable illness. The
tuition for lost time will not be refunded.
A physical exam is required of all children each year until the age of 7, at which time a
physical exam is required every 2 years, A currently dated medical form, signed by a health
professional, must be on file for each enrolled child and updated as necessary. Failure to do so
may constitute loss of enrollment.
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TRANSPORTATION AND FIELD TRIPS
Transportation is not provided to and from the Centers and home. However, vans are
used to provide transportation from the Centers to elementary school for elementary students.
Center transportation is also provided for all students who are 5 years or older for field trips.
Children who are younger than 5, will not be able to go on field trips that require
transportation. The Center’s vans are equipped with radios and/or telephones for immediate
contact with the Centers. Each child will be fastened securely in a seat belt before the van is
moved.
Written parental permission is required for excursions outside the Centers. Permission
slips are sent home for each field trip and must be returned prior to the trip or the child will not
be allowed to go on the trip. If a child arrives at school late and misses his/her class trip, they
will be placed with another class until their own class returns. Permission for emergency
medical care is carried for each child on every field trip. Parents may decline to allow their
child to participate in a field trip for personal reasons.
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PERSONAL BELONGINGS
All children are provided with a cubbie in their home room in which to store school
papers and personal possessions.
We recommend that children not bring personal toys or other valuables, including
jewelry and money to school. This avoids much heartbreak when items become lost or broken.
The Centers are well-supplied with toys and activities for the children to use while they are
here.
Children are encouraged to wear clothing that is appropriate for playground activity.
Sturdy shoes are especially important; slide–on shoes and thongs are examples of shoes that
may not be worn on the playground.
We expect children to be properly dressed for all weather conditions. Our children do
play outside each day if the temperature is above freezing and it is not actually raining or
snowing. Wet or muddy boots must be removed in the reception area so the Centers’ carpets
will remain clean for the children to play upon.
It is not unusual for clothing and personal items to be lost at school. Therefore, we ask
that all clothing that may be removed be clearly labeled with the child’s name. In the summer,
please be certain that all swimsuits, underclothing and towels are clearly labeled.
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MEALS AND SNACKS
Snacks are served to all children in the Centers at mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Day-care and kindergarten children receive a nutritionally balanced lunch each day. When
possible the Centers will provide special food for children with allergies and unusual physical
conditions. It is necessary that the Centers and parents be in close communication concerning
special needs. Children will be asked to sample each item on a given menu. Teachers eat with
the children and provide assistance where needed. A non-sectarian grace may be spoken before
meals and snacks.
Pre-school children are always welcome to stay for lunch after a morning session. The
cost is listed on the fee schedule. These special lunches must be arranged for by 9:00 a.m. of the
day the lunch is needed by speaking to the receptionist or by calling the school.
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SWIMMING
One of the special features of the Willows is our summer swimming program. The
pools were built especially for children and are 2 1/2’ to 6’ deep and and inspected by the TriCounty Health Department. It is expected that all pre-schoolers will be able to touch the bottom
of the pool. The pool temperature is kept at 85 degrees which encourages the young child to be
more relaxed.
All children who are enrolled in a summer session enjoy a swimming lesson taught by
qualified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors each day that they are in school. If a
child is in a Center all day, he also may participate in a recreational swimming time. There is no
extra charge for swimming for children enrolled in summer school since swimming is part of
the regular summer program. Pool ratios of 10:1 are maintained during free swim time and
ratios of 5:1 or less during lesson times depending on the age and ability.
Swimming lessons are available in four week sessions for children who are not enrolled
in the regular summer school session. Lessons are thirty minutes long Monday through Friday
and are taught in small groups. Swimming lessons which are missed because of inclement
weather or by a child’s illness will not be made up.
Full tuition for special swimming lessons is due on the first day of each session. On this
day parents may take a tour of the pool area and speak with the Director regarding swimming
rules.
Parent visitation days are an important part of the swimming program. These days are
scheduled throughout the summer and posted at the beginning of the session.
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DISCIPLINE
A. The State of Colorado has set the following disciplinary policy pursuant with section 7.702.67
of the Colorado State Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations regarding Child
Care Centers.
1.
The director will not use, nor permit an employee or other child to use, corporal or
other harsh punishment, including, but not limited to, pinching, shaking, spanking,
punching, rough handling, hair pulling or any humiliating or frightening method of
discipline to control the actions of any child or group of children.
2.
Punishment will not be associated with rest or toileting.
3.
Children will not be subjected to threats or coercion, including, but not limited to,
forced feeding, threats of loss or denial of food, or other punishment for refusal to
eat.
4.
Separation, when used as discipline, will be brief and appropriate for the child’s
age. The child will be within sight of an adult in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated
area. No child will be isolated in a locked, closed room or closet.
5.
Verbal abuse or derogatory remarks about the child, his family, or his race, religion,
or cultural background will not be used or permitted.
B. The Willows Centers have adopted the philosophy of Love and Logic® as the preferred
method of guiding children with the following core beliefs:
1.
Every attempt should be made to maintain the dignity of both the child and the
adult.
2.
Misbehavior should be handled with logical, natural consequences rather than
punishments.
3.
Children should be guided to solve their own problems through creative thinking,
and allowed to live with their decisions.
4.
All those involved in a situation should be allowed to tell their side of the story so
decisions can be made fairly.
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CHILD ABUSE
The Center’s staff members are required by law to report any suspected child abuse or
neglect to the proper authorities. In the case of either suspected abuse or neglect, a Center’s
director will make the report.
To protect your children all staff members who work with children are required by law
to be fingerprinted and to be checked against the Central Registry of Human Services. Anyone
with a history of child abuse cannot work in a Center.
If abuse is suspected by either the school or the parents, Arapahoe County Department
of Human Services should be contacted at 14980 E. Alameda Dr. Suite 007, Aurora, Colorado,
80012, Phone: 303-636-1750
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QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
We encourage parents to direct any questions or concerns they may have to their child’s
teacher. If the problem is larger than what can be handled in the classroom, the director is
always available to help.
If you feel licensing is being violated, Colorado Department of Human Services may be
contacted at 1575 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203, or called at 303-866-5958.
We truly want to provide a safe and happy environment for your children, and are
constantly rechecking ourselves.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
All children are housed in rooms with two remote exits in the event of fire or explosion.
The children are trained and practiced in performing fire drills.
In the event of a tornado warning the children are brought to an inner room away from
glass and taught to get under mats and heavy furniture.
In the event of a severe snowstorm, the Willows’ Centers usually will not close to
prevent hardships for working parents. However, we may go to a “day-care-only” day in order
to provide care for those working parents who require it. If it becomes necessary to close in the
event of severe weather, please go to the Willows website for information.
Teachers are constantly monitoring and accounting for the children in their group by
doing periodic head counts whether at school or on a field trip. Van rosters and class lists are
also maintained to ensure all children are present with the group at all times. If a child were to
become missing from a group, all attempts will be make to locate the child as quickly as
possible.
If needed, the proper authorities (police, forest service personnel, etc.) will be
contacted as well as the parents.
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MANAGEMENT
The Willows’ Centers are operated by the Board of Directors of Willows Child Learning
Centers, Inc. and Willows/Olde Mill, Inc., Colorado Corporations that are family owned and
operated. The Centers maintain a teaching staff of teachers who are degreed in early childhood
or elementary education and a supportive staff of receptionists, cooks, aides, janitors and water
safety instructors.
Each center is managed by a director and an assistant director.
The
curriculum, policies and instructional materials are equivalent for each center.
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TUITION POLICIES
1.
Tuition is payable in ADVANCE on the first school day of the month; if tuition is not paid in full by the
10th a $25.00 late charge will be assessed without exception. Delinquent accounts will be charged $25.00/
month on the 11th of each month, until the account is paid in full. If the 10th falls on a weekend, tuition is
due the Friday before.
2.
Extra day-care and lunches must be paid for on the day these services are received.
3.
A $30.00 fee will be charged for each returned check because of insufficient funds or any other reason. In
addition, a late charge of $25.00 will be added for all replacements made after the 10th of the month.
4.
Any delinquent account that is referred to a collection agency or an attorney will be charged an additional
40% of the balance due to defray the costs of collections. Your account will also be reported to the credit
bureaus.
5.
A one week vacation credit will be allowed tuition free for each child for each 12 month period of
consecutive enrollment. Credit for the vacation week will be figured by the director according to the
following: total annual tuition payments divided by 52. Lunches, extra care, and registration/material fees
are not included. Vacation credits are not cumulative from year to year. Your 12 month period will begin
on the first day of attendance. The child must also be absent for that week and a 2 week notice must be
given for all adjustments.
6.
The Fall-Winter session is a 36 week program. Tuition is computed for 36 weeks and divided into 9 equal
payments. The summer session is a 12 week program. Tuition is computed for 12 weeks and divided into 3
equal payments.
7.
Swimming lessons which are missed because of inclement weather or by child’s abence will not be made
up.
8.
If a child is regularly enrolled and is holding a space, tuition will be charged even though child may be
absent.
9.
The school is open from 7:00am (6:45 am WOM) to 6:00pm. A parent will be charged $10.00 for each 15
minutes or portion of after 6:00pm. This fee is to be paid directly to the staff member on duty, not Willows.
10. A 2 week WRITTEN notice is required if anyone wishes to disenroll permanently from school. It is
assumed a child will be disenrolling at the end of the session if they do not enroll for the next session. If an
enrolled child disenrolls from school less than 2 weeks prior to the start of a fall or summer session, 2
weeks tuition will be charged and due at time of disenrollment.
11. ALL tuitions requiring a proration, enrolling or disenrolling for a partial month September thru May, will
be figured according to the following:
5D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 21 days X days.
4D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 16 days X days.
3D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 12 days X days.
2D/wk=monthly tuition divided by 8 days X days.
The day rate will be multiplied by the potential days of attendance to result in the prorated tuition.
Rev 08-10-14