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Abundant Life Ministries
Mother’s Day Out (ALMMDO)
A Ministry of Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church
9008 Highway 107 Sherwood, AR 72120
Office: (501) 835-2204 Cell: (501) 351-6867
MOTHER’S DAY OUT POLICIES
Our purpose as a Christian organization is to perform a service to parents, and to provide a ministry of loving care to the children.
ADMIISTRATION: The Abundant Life Ministries Mother’s Day Out (ALMMDO) is under the direct supervision of the Abundant Life Ministries director, general supervision of the pastor, and the weekday ministries board.
CURRICULUM: The curriculum for ALMMDO is carefully planned under the direction of the director. Each teacher introduces unit teaching and skill development as age appropriate. Self-help and independence are fostered in all possible ways. Much emphasis is also placed on the development of individual explorations of interest and talents, as each child is involved in self-discovery. Along with these teaching experiences all children ages 3 and up will also work on curriculum that follows with Abundant Life School. The children are taught about God as our Creator, about Jesus as our savior, the bible, prayer and the language of worship; most importantly the children our taught about Jesus as a friend of children and his love for them.
DICIPLINE: Our licensing policy will not allow ALMMDO to administer physical punishment to any child. Disciplinary measures will be age appropriate and handled with discretion. In most cases, steps will be taken by the classroom teacher to correct any behavioral problems. Children must obey; follow classroom rules and directions from their teacher.
Disciplinary Steps:
1. A warning will be given to the child.
2. Timeout will be given to the child (age appropriate).
3. Child will be sent to the ALMDDO director.
4. Phone call to parent/guardian to pick up child for that day.
5. Extreme cases of incompliance, removal of child from ALMMDO program. (See Dismissal).
DISMISSAL: The parent/guardian is to makes sure all of their fees to ALMMDO are paid in full. If the child becomes a discipline problem (biting, kicking, crying excessively, etc.) the parent will be notified. If the parent and the director are unable to correct the problem, the child will be dismissed from the program. ALMMDO wants this to be the last result to solving a discipline problem. Please keep consistent communication with the director and work cooperatively to find ways to address the particular behavior. If a child is dismissed reentry to our program, upon approval of the director, can be considered at a later time.
DRESS CODE: Please dress your child comfortably for play time and outside play. This includes coats for winter season for all children. During the summer we do prefer that your child wear tennis shoes versus sandals. The toddler playground has rubber chips on the ground for falling zones which tends to get stuck in sandals and the preschool playground has large areas of concrete. We do monitor weather conditions daily. If conditions are too hot or cold children will remain indoors during outside play time. Clothing should also be easily accessible for your child during bathroom times.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ENROLLMENT: The ALMMDO is operated for children from six weeks through 4 years (those 4 by September 1 will be moving to Abundant Life School). Your child can enroll in ALMMDO as long as there is a slot available and policy requirements are met. Every classroom requires that your child be enrolled at least two days of the week to maintain consistency in the classroom. All children enrolled in Preschool I & II classroom must be potty trained.
ENROLLMENT CHANGES: Any changes to enrollment such as adding or dropping days must be discussed and approved by the director only not with other ALMMDO staff. This request is added to the policies to prevent confusion in attendance.
FIELD TRIPS: Field trips are planned throughout the year. Children going on field trips must be three years and up to ride the bus. All field trips must have a signed permission slip by the parent/guardian. All field trip permission slips and money will be collected by your child’s teacher. If your child can not attend a field trip you must provide alternative care for your child. If the field trip is scheduled on a day your child doesn’t attend you must accompany your child for your child to attend. Parents are always welcome to join. Please let your child’s teacher know if you can attend.
FIRST AID ALERT: In case of injury ALMMDO staff member shall administer first aid. In case of more serious injury parents/guardian will be notified immediately and necessary steps will be taken to obtain medical aid.
HANDBOOKS: Each classroom has a handbook to inform you of what to expect in your child’s class. Please take the time to thoroughly read the handbook and provide the necessary items needed. Please complete the child information form and return it to your child’s teacher.
HEALTH: MDO believes in providing a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for all children. We have strict policies in place to provide such an environment along with requirements to meet as stated by DHS Minimum Licensing Division regarding health. Also for Nursery 1 (babies 6 weeks to 1 year) illness are often a bit harder for them to recover from. Sometimes babies are very uncomfortable and tearful for a day or so after being sick. If babies refuse to eat or they are crying and the teacher is unable to console them a parent/guardian will be called to pick up the baby.
ANY CHILD WHO SHOWS SIGNS OF ILLNESS SHOULD NOT BE SENT TO ALMMDO. THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE EXAMPLES OF CONDIDTIONS THAT WE CANNOT ALLOW OUR OTHER CHILDREN TO BE EXPOSED TO:
· VOMITING
· DIARRHEA
· FEVER (100 DEGREES OR HIGHER)
· LETHARGIC
· UNKNOW ILLNEESS OR RASH
YOUR CHILD MUST BE SYMPTOM FREE AND FEVER FREE FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE RETURNING TO ALMMDO UNLESS A SIGNED DOCTOR’S NOTE STATES DIFFEERENTLY VERIFING THAT THE CHILD IS NOT CONTAGIOUS TO OTHERS. DHS REQURIES DIGNOSES OF COMMUNIABLE DISEASES TO BE REPORTED TO THE DIRECTOR, THE DIRECTOR IS REQURIED TO ALERT OTHER PARENTS.
HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES: We will observe the same holiday schedule as Abundant Life School. We will follow the same inclement weather schedule as Abundant Life School. For inclement weather closures of delays listen to TV/Radio for Abundant Life School.
HOLIDAY PARTIES: ALMMDO loves to celebrate holidays and birthdays. A signup sheet will be displayed and information will be given when a class party is planned. Holidays celebrated are Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. Parents are encouraged to come. A child’s birthday may be celebrated at ALMMDO we highly encourage this. Please let your child’s teacher know in advance so they can set up a good time to celebrate your child’s special day. Parents/Guardians may provide cupcakes or other simple refreshments for this special occasion. Please do not bring gifts.
HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 8:30 AM TO 2:30 PM. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER OR LATER THAN OPERATION HOURS. NO EXCEPTIONS!
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: All children must have CURRENT immunizations. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DIVISION OF CHILD CARE AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUATION, LICENSING DIVISION. Any child who does not have current immunizations will be dismissed from the program. Attached is a copy of immunizations required. Please check your child’s record to ensure your child is current on their immunizations. Please submit a current copy of your child’s immunizations records. The director will keep a copy of your child’s immunization records on file. Parents/Guardians are responsible for supplying ALMMDO an updated record as immunizations are received.
INDIVIUAL/CLASS PHOTOS: Picture day will be announced and information will be provided from the director. If your child is not scheduled to come during the day of this event, you may bring your child. However, you must accompany your child during this busy time.
INSURANCE: All children are covered by accident insurance while at ALMMDO and on field trips. The insurance is included with the registration fees.
LUNCH ALTERNATIVES: Pizza Day is on Mondays. The cost is $1.50 per slice. Please give your child’s teacher money for pizza by 9:00am so that we can order enough. Please do not include pizza money with tuition payment. Please provide (milk) and other healthy item for your child. Hot Dog Day is on Thursdays. The cost is also $1.50 per hotdog. Please give your child’s teacher money for hotdogs by 9:00am so that we can prepare them and provide enough. Please do not include hotdog money with tuition payment. Please provide a drink (milk) and other healthy items for your child.
MEDICINE: Medications shall be given to children only with signed, written permission. Permission shall contain date, type, drug name, time and dosage. It shall be in the original container, not have an expired date, and labeled with the appropriate child’s name. Dosages greater than specified on the label shall not be given. Medicine consent forms are available from the ALMMDO director or your child’s teacher. To ensure safety to our children, please do not store medicine in backpacks. Give the medicine to your child’s teacher to store in a safe place.
MONTHLY SUPPLIES:
· Nursery I: Baby wipes, paper towels, Kleenex, Bibsters
· Nursery II: Baby wipes, paper towels, Klennex, Bibsters
· Toddler: Baby wipes, paper towels, paper bowls, paper plates
· Preschool I & II: Baby wipes, paper towels, Kleenex, paper plates, paper cups
MONTHS OF OPERATION: August to May. ALMMDO is closed during the summer months and holidays (see holidays and closures).
NAPS: Nap time is after lunch. Please provide a fitted sheet and a blanket for your child. A soft quiet toy and pillow is optional. ALMMDO will provide a mat for your child.
NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS: There is a $3.00 charge for each check that is returned due to non-sufficient funds. Cash or money order will need to be submitted in the amount of the check along with the $3.00 charge to replace each non-sufficient check.
NUTRITION-USDA GUIDELINES: ALMMDO does not provide meals (breakfast, lunch dinner). However, we must ensure that all children in our care eat a healthy lunch which is served Monday through Thursday at 11:00am. Please use the U.S.D.A Child Care Meal Pattern (attached) as a guide when packing your child’s lunch. An insulated lunchbox with icepacks will keep foods and milk from spoiling. All foods must be ready to eat. No microwave or refrigeration. Examples : ham sandwich, cubed cheese, peeled/sliced apples, raisins, peanut butter cracker, cut up grapes, carrot slice, lunchables or any finger food that does not require reheating or refrigeration with a drink (milk or juice).
PARKING: Please use the parking lot adjacent to the building. Do not park in the driveway in the mornings or afternoons. This is a fire lane and should not be blocked in case of an emergency.
PERSONNEL: All personnel are chosen from applications submitted and evaluated by the director and meet Arkansas State Licensing requirements.
RATES:
· Nursery I (6 weeks to 1 year)………........ $18.00 per day (5 to 1 Child/Teacher ratio)
· Nursery II (1 year to 2 years)…………….. $17.00 per day (6 to 1 Child/Teacher ratio)
· Toddlers (2 years to 3 years)……………. $16.00 per day (9 to 1 Child/Teacher ratio)
· Preschool I & II (3 to 5 years)……………. $15.00 per day (12 to 1 Child/Teacher ratio)
REGISTRATION: To properly register for MDO you need to have met with the director, filled out appropriate enrollment forms, paid the annual non-refundable fee of $35.00 per child for the year.
ROUTINES: The program is planned so that children have the security of knowing the sequence of activities therefore, children our required to be on time to school on a daily basis. Every classroom is scheduled for a 9:00am snack, after snack all classrooms go into their schedule for the day. A commitment of arriving no later than 9:30am must be made to continue services to the child enrolled. Children arriving after 9:30am will be considered late. If arriving late becomes consistent we may have to drop your child from the program. For Nursery 1 please make sure your child has had their first bottle and/or breakfast before arriving to ALMMDO. Feeding bottles and breakfast to 5 babies first thing in the morning is overwhelming for the teacher. This will help with a smoother transition for your baby in the morning.
SAFETY: No child will be permitted to leave ALMMDO with any person other than the person authorized by parent/guardian to pick up your child. Photo ID will be requested to confirm authorization of child pick up. If there is a change, please inform the director and your child’s teacher. Authorized person picking up a child must come to the room or playground and sign the child in/out daily. ALMMDO STAFF IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILDREN BEFORE 8:30AM OR AFTER 2:30PM. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANY OTHER TIME MUST BE MADE WITH THE DIRECTOR ONLY NOT ALMMDO STAFF.
SAFETY (DHS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS)
· 200.2 PG. 15 It is the responsibility of all ALMMDO employees to report any suspected abuse or neglect of a child to the appropriate child protective service agency.
· 200.4 PG. 16 Children are subject to be interviewed by licensing staff, child maltreatment investigators and/or law enforcement officials for the purpose of determining compliance or for investigative purposes. (Child interviews do not require parental notice or consent.)
· 500.2 PG. 20 Physical punishments shall not be administered to children.
SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR CHILD: This has got to be the hardest time for both child and parent. It is very normal for your child to cry when you leave them. Usually the crying doesn’t last too long. A hug, kiss and letting them know you’ll come back helps children cope with departing. Please let your child walk into the classroom if they are walking. This will also help your child with departing. ALMMDO will notify you to pick up your child if your child continues to cry longer than thirty minutes after everything has been done to soothe the child.
SCHOOL-HOME COOPERATION: parents must notify the director of any changes in telephone numbers, jobs, or addresses. We have an open door policy at ALMMDO. All parents are welcome to call or visit at any time. Your child is in loving hands we appreciate the opportunity to care for your child.
SNACKS: A light morning snack will be provided by ALMMDO approximately at 9:00am. Please provide a drink (100% juice or milk) for morning snack. (No soda)
TARDY FEE: TO AVOID A TARDY FEE CHILDREN MUST BE PICKED UP ON TIME: A late fee of $10.00 for the first 10 minutes late and $2.50 for every five minutes thereafter will be charged for children not picked up on time. Please inform all persons who have permission to pick up your child of our operation hours.
TOYS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY: Please do not allow your child to bring a toy from home unless it is a soft toy to sleep with. Diapers, pull-ups, wipes, bottles, food, etc, will need to be brought according to what is appropriate for your child’s needs. A daily list is provided in your child’s classroom handbook. A change of clothes needs to be brought daily. We do not have room to store clothes for each child, but accidents do happen, so please be prepared! Please put your child’s name on everything they bring to ALMMDO. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALMMDO IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST ITMES IF ITEMS ARE NOT PROPERLY LABELED.
TUITION FEES: ALL TUITION FEES MUST BE MADE DAILY OR PAID IN ADVANCE. All payments must be given to the director; a receipt of payment will be given for every transaction. Make checks payable to Abundant Life Ministries Mother’s Day Out (ALMMDO). Please add child’s name on bottom of check memo. Pizza and hotdog money must be separate from tuition fees. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR FEES PAID TO ALMMDO PROGRAM. IF YOU PAY FOR DAYS IN ADVANCE AND SHOULD WITHDRAWL FROM MOTHERS DAY OUT FOR ANY REASON DAYS PAID IN ADVANCE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. FEES WILL BE CHARGED WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT. NO EXCEPTIONS DUE TO ILLNESS OR VACATION, EXPENSES FOR ALMMDO STAFF AND DAILY OPERATION CONTINUE EVEN IF YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT.
WITHDRAWL: Please notify the director two weeks prior if you need to withdrawal your child from ALMMDO. Tuition charges will continue to apply whether or not your child is present until notification is given to the director. Withdrawal form must be filled out by the parent/guardian and submitted to the director.
