Purpose:Our purpose as a Christian organization is to perform a service for parents, and to provide a ministry of loving care to the children.
Place: The Abundant Life Ministries Mother’s Day Out Program operates in the SylvanHillsFirstBaptistChurch, located at 9008 Highway 107. Sherwood, Arkansas.
Administration: 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.
PERSONNEL: All personnel are chosen from applications submitted and evaluated by the director and meet Arkansas State Licensing requirements.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ENROLLMENT: The ALMMDO is operated for preschool children from six weeks through five years. All children enrolled in Preschool I & II classrooms must be potty trained. A child who meets the requirements prescribed in these policies is eligible for enrollment.
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 2:30pm.Please do not arrive earlier or later than operation hours. No exceptions!
MONTHS OF OPERATION: August to May. ALMMDO is closed during the summer months and holidays (See holidays and closures).
REGISTRATION: An annual non-refundable registration fee of $35.00 per child is due on the day that you register your child per school year.
INSURANCE: All children are covered by accident insurance while at ALMMDO and on field trips. The insurance is included with the registration fees.
TUITION FEES: All tuition payments should be made daily, or paid in advance. Bi-weekly payments will be accepted but must be arranged with the director. All payments must be given to the director; a receipt of payment will be given for every transaction. Checks should be made 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 from fees paid to ALMMDO program. Fees will be charged when your child is absent. No exceptions due to illness or vacation.Please remember the ALMMDO staff and expenses of operation continue daily and that charges are made for places reserved for your child, not for days present.
Any child with a balance at the end of the month will NOT be allowed to return to Abundant Life Ministries Mother’s Day Out until their balance is paid in full, NO EXCEPTIONS. (See Dismissal) SylvanHillsFirstBaptistChurch supplements the Abundant Life Ministries Mother’s Day Out through the use of the facilities, utilities, etc. The church does not profit from this ministry.
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.
RATES/SCHEDULES
Annual non-refundable registration fee: $35.00 per child.
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)
Monthly Supplies: (Your child’s teacher will let you know if an item is not needed).
Nursery I: Baby wipes, paper towels, Kleenex, Bibsters
Nursery II: Baby wipes, paper towels, Kleenex, Bibsters
Toddler: Baby wipes, paper towels, paper bowls, paper plates
Preschool I & II: Baby wipes, paper towels, Kleenex, paper plates, paper cups
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.
HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES: We will observe the same holiday schedule as AbundantLifeSchool. We will follow the same inclement weather schedule as AbundantLifeSchool. For inclement weather closures or delays listen to TV/radio for Abundant Life School.
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 Education, 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 to the director to keep in records. Parents/Guardians are responsible for supplying ALMMDO an updated record as immunizations are received.
HEALTH: Any child who shows signs of illness should not be sent to ALMMDO. Vomiting, diarrhea, a fever of 100 degrees or higher, lethargic, unknown rash or other contagious illness are examples of conditions that we cannot allow our other children to be expose to. Parents/Guardians must notify the ALMMDO director if a child has been diagnosed as having any communicable disease. The director will alert the other parents.
Your child must be symptom free and fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to ALMMDO. The only exception to this rule is a note from the child's doctor satating that they have seen the child and they are not contagious to other children. We appreciate you understanding the importance of having a safe and healthy environment for your child.
In cases of slight injuries at ALMMDO, a staff member shall administer first aid. In case of more serious injury, parents/guardians will be notified immediately and necessary steps will be taken to obtain medical aid.
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.
SAFETY: No child will be permitted to leave ALMMDO with any person other than the person authorized by parent/guardian to pick up 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.
Parents/guardians of child must come to the room or playground to pick up their child anytime before 2:30 pm. In the mornings, child must be brought to the classroom anytime after 8:30 am.ALMMDO is not responsible for the child until the child is in the classroom with the teacher present.
Please sign in/out your child daily.
200.2 pg. 14It is the responsibility of all ALMDC employees to report any suspected abuse or neglect of a child to the appropriate child protective service agency.
202.3., pg. 14 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. 19 Physical punishments shall not be administered to children.
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. The children are taught about God as Creator, about Jesus as a friend of children, about the Bible, about prayer and the language of worship.
The program is planned so that the child has the security of knowing the sequence of activities. Routines such as morning snack, play, lunch, and nap occur daily at approximately the same time. ALMMDO encourages you to bring your child to class between 8:30-9:00 am to get them in a daily routine.
SCHOOL-HOME COOPERATION: Parents will be informed of any unusual occurrence. The parent is to notify ALMMDO of a change in telephone number, job, address, or any other information that is different from that recorded when the child was enrolled.
We have an open door policy at ALMMDO. We welcome your calls and visits at any time. We want you to be assured that your child is in loving hands. We appreciate the opportunity to care for your child.
DISCIPLINE: 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 behavior 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 ALMMDO 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)
Enrollment Changes: ALMMDO requests that you discuss any enrollment changes with the director. If you would like to add or omit any days please inform director.
DISMISSAL: The parent/guardian is to make sure that 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. If a child is dismissed, their reentry to our program can be considered at a later date, if they have outgrown the particular behavior that originally cause the problem, and if there is an opening at that time.
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.
** Dismissal from our program will be immediate for anyone having a balance at the end of any given month (See Tuition Fees) and any child with incomplete immunization records (See Immunization Requirements).
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.
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.
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 then thirty minutes after everything has been done to soothe child.
Please make sure your child has had their first bottle and/or breakfast before arriving ALMMDO. This will allow your child to adjust to a new surrounding and help make departing easier.
SNACKS: A light morning snack will be provided by ALMMDO approximately at 9:00. Please provide a drink (100% juice or milk) for morning snack. (No soda)
LUNCH: Lunch is approximately at 11:00.
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. 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 apple, raisins and milk.
Peanut butter crackers, cut up grapes, carrot sticks and milk.
Sandwich, luncheon meat, cheese, peeled /chopped fruits & vegetables, Lunchables, or any finger foods not requiring cooking, reheating or refrigeration.
*If child has milk allergy please list on registration form.
Lunch Alternatives:
Pizza: Pizza day is on Mondays. Cost: $1.00 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 a drink (milk) and other healthy item for your child.
Hotdog: Hotdog day is on Thursdays. Cost is $1.00 per hotdog and chips. Please give your child’s teacher money for hotdog 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 item for your child.
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.
DRESS CODE: Please dress your child comfortably for play time and outside play. Clothing should also be easily accessible for your child during bathroom times. Tennis shoes are great for outside play.
BIRTHDAYS: A child’s birthday may be celebrated at ALMMDO. 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. Neither party invitations nor gifts will be exchanged.
HOLIDAY PARTIES: This is another fun event for your child. A sign up 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.
INDIVIDUAL/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.
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.
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. There is information that is beneficial to making our year a success. Please complete the child information form and return it to your child’s teacher.
Thanks in advance for letting us care for your child/children.
Have a great day out!
“And whoever welcomes a little child…in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:5
