Childcare Policies

The orientation process is used to start to build a relationship between families and St. Teresa Child Care Center. One of the on-site administrators will work with families to complete the orientation process which will be completed by the end of a child’s first day. Parents will sign up through the Brightwheel app.We welcome questions or concerns at any time during the process. The orientation process will include the following steps:

• Parent Handbook and enrollment paperwork will be given to parents; portions of the Parent Handbook and enrollment paperwork will be explained by the Director.
• Tour of the Center will occur to include a more specific tour of the classrooms children are enrolling in.
• Introductions to classroom staff.
• The process of using the key fob to enter the building, checking in and out of the Brightwheel system, how to check the account balance on the Brightwheel app, parent mailbox system and parent drop off box location will be explained.
• An appointment will be scheduled to turn in the enrollment paperwork to ensure all required information is completed. Enrollment paperwork needs to be turned in one week prior to child(ren) starting at the Center to allow time to enter information into the Brightwheel as well as to provide specific information pertaining to children to classroom staff.
• Official start date is scheduled.
• Key fob is provided to families.
• The Director will be available the first day to offer any additional assistance or to provide further clarification on certain processes to ensure understanding.

Upon enrollment, each child is placed in a 2-week probationary period to ensure that the childcare arrangements are a good fit for the child, staff, and other families of the Center. During this time, the Center reserves the right to terminate care if the arrangements are not working. The Director or Assistant Director will notify the family verbally and in writing. The family will be given a reasonable time to work to correct or improve the explicitly defined deficiencies, unless these deficiencies are such that they are grounds for immediate dismissal. If satisfactory improvement does not result, childcare may be terminated.

During the probationary period, advance payment for scheduled hours may be requested. Hours used beyond scheduled hours will be added to the bill the following week.

We believe that parents are the child’s first teacher. We make every effort to keep you informed of all things that are going on with your child at the Center. Parents are encouraged to visit daily with their child’s teacher about how their day was, and how their general growth and development is going. Parents/guardians are encouraged to inform the Center of family issues, especially changes that may affect the child’s behavioral and/or emotional status so we can assist the child’s adjustment. This confidential information will be treated with respect and privacy. You may schedule a time to talk with your child’s teacher or meet with the Director at any time. Staff will communicate daily with parent/guardian regarding any needs or concerns via text, Brightwheel or verbal communication when parent arrives to pick up child.

The Director shall suspend any student when, in their opinion, in the best interest of the Center, other children and/or the student would be served by such action. A suspension shall continue until a follow-up conference between parents, child, teacher, on-site supervisor and Director has taken place. In all cases, a written record of the action shall be maintained by the Director and included in the child's folder.

A child may be dismissed permanently from the Center for serious misconduct, unacceptable behavior, behavior that endangers other children and/or a refusal by the child or parent(s) to demonstrate a cooperative attitude. However, before such action is taken, a conference with parent(s), Director and Assistant Director will take place. Dismissal is to be used as a last resort after all disciplinary action and cooperative efforts between the child, parent(s), teacher and administrators have been exhausted. The Director will make this decision.

Balances are still due regardless of dismissal. Discharge from the Center will occur for the following reasons:

• Unpaid tuition;
• Enrollment paperwork is not completed and returned when requested;
• Center policies and procedures are not being observed;
• Center and staff cannot provide the type of care a child may need.
• Continued, willful disobedience to Center personnel.
• Open and persistent defiance, either in language or actions, of Center personnel
• Violence towards others.
• The use of profanity and vulgarities.
• Willfully defacing or damaging property, real or personal, belonging to the Center, its personnel or other children.
• Carrying or use of weapons or instruments designed to cause bodily harm on STCCCC premises.
• Striking a teacher or staff member, or other personnel.
• Bullying; words, actions or intentions meant to harm another child.
• Behavior that is invasive to another child or individual’s person that would be considered inappropriate sexual behavior.

Families who have notified the Center that they will no longer need childcare services will be required to make final payment of fees on or before their child’s last day of attendance at the Center.

If a child’s legal status, such as their name or custodial arrangement, should change during the school year, the parent or guardian must notify the Center. We need to know when these changes occur to ensure that we have a current enrollment record.

Parents are required to check each child in upon arrival and leave the child in the care of a staff member. Parents are responsible for notifying staff upon departure. Your cooperation will ensure the safety of your child.

A child will only be released to those persons authorized to pick up the child and the caregiver may request identification before releasing the child. The Director must receive written permission if someone other than the persons on the Pick-Up Permission form is picking up the child. In cases of divorce, it is important that the registering parent indicates on the Enrollment Information who has legal custody and who may pick up the child. In cases of sole custody, the parent with the custody will be required to provide the Center with a copy of the divorce decree for the child’s file. If any changes or additions need to be made on who may drop off or pick-up the child, these changes must be in writing. Parents should check their child’s cubby for artwork, notes, receipts, etc. If drop off time is after 11:30 and before 2:00, your child needs to have eaten lunch and be prepared to lay down for a nap, unless further communication has been discussed with the Director.

If delinquent up to $500: Childcare services will be denied until a payment is made and further action may take place. The Advisory Committee reminds those enrolling children in the program that you will be responsible for the payment of fees for the time reserved for the child whether or not the child is in attendance. Non-payment is grounds for dismissal. Payments not received as required will result in immediate refusal of service until payment is made in full.

Families who leave the Center with outstanding fees due for childcare services shall only be readmitted to the Center under the following terms and conditions.

• All balances on delinquent accounts are paid in full.
• All requests for re-enrollment at the Center must be approved by administration. It is the discretion of the Director to determine if a special meeting will be called to consider the request.
• Special payment terms for the past due fees will be established between the family and the Center Director.
• Families re-entering the Center will be required to pay tuition fees in advance as agreed upon with the Director. Payment will be in the form of cash or a certified check. If payment is not received as described, services will be denied and the family will not be allowed to return to the Center until paid in advance.
• Administration has the right to deny any or all requests for re-admission to the Center without cause.

A cost of $1.00 per minute per child will be charged for picking up children past the scheduled time. A ten-minute grace period may be allowed. No grace period is allowed at the end of the day. Please call if you know you will be late.

St. Teresa Child Care Center reserves the right to increase the child care rates with a 30 day notice.

At the time of registration, a bi-weekly schedule for the child must be completed. Bi-weekly schedules need to be turned in no later than 8:00 a.m. on the first of the month and the 15th of the month. If your child will not be attending a week, a schedule still must be completed with the notation “off all week.”

CHANGES IN SCHEDULE

If you need a day of care that wasn't scheduled, you must request the addition in writing. We will respond in writing to each request. All requests are subject to availability. Administration may deny schedule changes that are submitted less than two weeks in advance. If they are accepted, an additional fee may occur.

SICK DAYS

If your children are sick, please keep them home. Children who are absent on their scheduled day due to illness will be charged for that day unless an emergency day is used. Staff have been scheduled and allocated to work regardless of your child(ren)’s absence. You need to notify the Center by 8:00 a.m. if your child will be absent. Please call the Center at 563.532.9250.

EMERGENCY/VACATION DAYS

Each family will have 5 emergency days to use per calendar year (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). Tuition will not be charged during these days. Same day notification must be given to the Director or Onsite Supervisor in all instances and the Emergency Records form completed upon use. Emergency days can be used to cover scheduled days missed. Emergency days cannot carry over to the next calendar year. Families will be required to pay the hourly rate after they use up their 5 emergency days.

Families enrolled after June 30th will receive 2 emergency days until January 1st when 5 days are given. Families enrolled ONLY in summer will not receive emergency days.

The Center offers families vacation days in which tuition will be discounted for families who are contracted for year-round full time services. Each family will have one week of vacation (5 business days) to use per calendar year (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). Tuition will not be charged during this week. It must be full a week (Monday-Friday). A vacation week must be used by Dec. 31st and cannot carry over to the next calendar year. If you do not use your vacation, you lose it. Families will be required to pay the 3-day minimum rate after they use their week of vacation time. Families enrolled after June 30th will not receive one week of vacation until January 1st when vacation weeks start over. Families enrolled ONLY in summer will not receive a vacation week.

Parents must sign their children in and out using a QR code that is printed at the front door, back door, and on the parent information board. Any approved individual picking up a child other than a parent may seek assistance from a staff member in signing in or out but will still be responsible for signing the children in or out.

A daily attendance record is kept listing the times of arrival/departure of the child as well as the person dropping off and picking up. A parent/guardian will be notified within an hour of a child’s scheduled arrival time if there is no communication from the parent/guardian about the child’s absence.

• Parents are expected to participate in fundraisers while their child attends St. Teresa Child Care Center. Those who do not participate will be assessed $50.00.
• Parents will be responsible for bringing diapers, diaper cream, wipes, baby food, extra clothing, and formula/breast milk for their child. During the summer months, children aged 2 and above may participate in field trips at an additional cost.

Parents are required to notify the Director in writing when their child will no longer attend the Center. A two-week written notice is required. In the event this is not possible, the parents will be charged for 2 weeks, based on the average week or at the Director’s discretion. St. Teresa of Calcutta Child Care Center reserves the right to terminate child care without notice.

Fire and tornado drills will be held according to Iowa DHHS guidelines. Crisis drills will also be held throughout the course of the year. Staff will instruct and practice with their children how to proceed in case of an emergency. Fire and tornado evacuation procedures are posted in all rooms, as well as crisis procedures. These drills are practiced on a monthly basis. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS In emergency situations such as fire, tornado, intruders in the Center, intoxicated parents, lost/abducted children, blizzards, loss of utilities, earthquakes, nuclear contamination, bomb threats, chemical spills or other disasters that could create structural damage to the facility or harm children, our daycare children and staff will respond according to previous preparation and procedure as detailed in our Crisis Management Plan. Emergency contact numbers for all children will be carried along on field trips or other off-site activities. Center pictures are taken during the school year. A note announcing the specific date will be sent home to families.

In the case of a missing child the Center Director will notify the parent/guardian, local authorities/law enforcement and Iowa DHHS, including location of where child was last seen, the last image of the child with a description of what that child is wearing, and will provide a completed incident report. The Director will search the premises while staff stay with the children. St.Teresa of Calcutta Child Care Center takes preventive measures such as:

• matching shirts for field trips
• taking pictures of children on the day of the field trip
• staff count children frequently with name-to-face count
• completing drills for lost children
• talking to older children about what to do if they become separated from the group
• Each staff member is held accountable for positive identification when entering new vehicles, building, playgrounds, field trip locations, in which children arrive and when they are leaving, to be sure no child is overlooked
• Stranger danger is reviewed before field trips, as well as how to report to an adult.
• An incident report will be completed by the Director/staff.

Though you wouldn't think so, strangulation poses a very real threat to children.

But like all accidents, strangulation can be prevented by applying a few simple safety measures that we practice at the Center.

• String and cords long enough to encircle a child’s neck will not be accessible.
• Window blinds and draperies will not have looped cords.
• Tension or tie-down devices will be installed as appropriate to hold cords tight.
• Dramatic play items with handles or straps will be removed or shortened. Ties, scarves, necklaces, and boas for dramatic play will only be used by children under the age of three when directly supervised.
• Pacifiers attached to strings/ribbon will not be used.
• Parents will be asked to remove hood and neck strings from all children’s clothing.
• If lanyards are used by older children and staff, they will be the break-away type.

State licensing regulations require that each child admitted have a medical examination on file upon entrance. The examination must have been obtained within the last three months. Annual health updates are required thereafter.

State law requires immunizations to be recorded on a special form (included in the registration packet) and signed by a health official. Please inform the director/principal of the dates immunizations are given after enrollment so your child’s medical file remains current.

Tobacco-free / Nicotine-free

St. Teresa Child Care Center is a smoke-free, nicotine free environment. Tobacco, nicotine, electronic cigarettes, and vaping are prohibited on the grounds or in any vehicles the Center uses to transport children to field trips. Staff are prohibited from wearing clothing that smells of smoke when working.

During play within the Center, as well as outdoors, staff will be within sight and sound of children, and staff will be actively supervising. During bathroom use, the door will either be left open and/or the teacher will communicate with the child. Staff will be trained annually in active supervision at a staff meeting and new staff will be trained during their orientation.Staff will actively supervise using sight and sound during play.

Water play at the Center may include sensory tables, sprinklers, etc but will not include standing water. If children are around bodies of water on field trips or engage in swimming activities, there will be a 1-to-1 supervision ratio for infants and toddlers. For preschool-age children the ratio would be 1 staff for 4 children.

Toddlers and preschoolers will be within an arm’s length of the supervisor. Ratios for school-aged children will be 1 staff for 6 children. The required ratio of adults to older children will be met without including the adults who are required for supervision of infants and/or toddlers. There will be active supervision at all times during water plays.

Parents can apply for low or no-cost health insurance for their children through the state’s Iowa Total Care, formerly known as HAWK-I, program. Children, birth to 19, who meet certain criteria, are eligible. The coverage includes doctor’s visits, hearing services, dental care, prescriptions, immunizations, physical therapy, vision care, speech therapy and hospital services to name a few. Parents are urged to call 1-833-404-1061 (toll free) or go to the web site at iowatotalcare.com for more information.

• All prescription medications given at the Center MUST have the doctor’s instructions and MUST be in the original containers.
• The first dose of a new medication MUST be given at home with sufficient time before the child returns to childcare to observe their response to the medication given. When your child is ill with a communicable disease, children are required to be on medication for at least 24 hours before returning to childcare. This is for the protection of the child who is ill, as well as the other children in childcare.
• Non-prescription medicine will NOT be allowed to be given to any child at the Center at any time. Non-prescription medication MUST be given at home before coming to the Center. If this is done please communicate the time and dose given to your child’s lead teacher.
• In all cases, parents must completely fill out the Medication Request form including the physician's instructions.
• The staff will administer medication and complete the log on the Medication Request form at the time of administering the medication.
• Medications given in the center will be administered by a staff member who has had training in proper medication administration.
• All medication will be stored away from the reach of children but within access to all staff.
• All medication must be given DIRECTLY to the Director or lead teacher of the child’s age group.
• Medications will be stored in a safe, locked area. Refrigeration is available. This includes medications that are given on a daily basis for short or extended periods, as well as medications that are given just on an “as needed” basis. These may be kept at the center or returned home daily. Unused or expired medication will be returned to the parent or guardian when it is no longer needed or able to be used by the child.

All child care personnel are prepared to implement immediate and appropriate response to a medical or dental emergency. Staff and the Director have been trained in Infant and Child CPR and Pediatric First [16] Aid. A first aid kit is located in each room and supplied at all times. The kit is checked and restocked on a monthly basis and after each use.

Each child shall have direct contact with a staff person upon arrival for early detection of apparent illness, communicable disease, or unusual condition or behavior that may adversely affect the child or the group. The Center will post notice on the classroom door where it is visible to parents and the public of exposure of a child receiving care by the Center to a communicable disease, the symptoms, and the period of communicability.

The Center will use universal precautions with the handling of any bodily excrement or discharge, including blood and breast milk. A child who becomes ill or is injured at the Center must notify the staff as soon as possible. In the case of a serious illness or injury, we shall attempt to notify the parents according to the information on the emergency form to seek authorization for emergency medical or dental care. If the child is too ill to remain in school, the child will be released to their parents or, with parental permission, to another person directed by the parents.

While the Center is not responsible for treating medical and dental emergencies, employees may administer emergency or minor first aid if possible. The Center will contact emergency medical personnel, if necessary, and attempt to notify the parents where the child has been transported for treatment.

The financial responsibility for the child’s emergency care and/or transportation is the parents. Parents shall be required to supply written emergency medical information annually. Parents are responsible for keeping this information current.

An incident report shall be completed after each injury and signed by the adult witness to the injury, the Center and Director. A copy of the incident report will be sent home to parents.

QUIET AREA FOR ILL CHILDREN

The Center shall provide a quiet area in the room away from activity for a child who appears to be ill or injured. The area shall be supervised by the adult in the room until the child can be picked up by a caregiver.

Your child’s health and the health of all children attending the Center is important to us. To help reduce the spread of illness the children’s and the staff’s hands will be washed with antibacterial soap on a regular basis.

Children are required to wash hands after using the restroom, before and after eating, after being outside, after blowing their nose, and after touching animals. Small children will be supervised and assisted. Children who are ill should not be brought to the Center. School-aged children who are absent from school due to illness should not attend the Center. Children should be able to participate in daily activities, not compromise the health and safety of other children, or demand greater care than staff can provide. Alert the staff if your child has been exposed to a communicable disease. We do not have the staff or facilities to care for a child if they are too ill to participate in regular activities. Please remember if your child is too sick to go outside, they are too sick to be at the Center. A child may not attend child care or may be sent home if the following conditions exist:

1. The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in the activities planned.
2. The illness results in a greater care need than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of the children.
3. The child has one of the following conditions:
   • Fever of 100.0° or greater oral, accompanied by behavior changes or signs or symptoms of illness until medical professional evaluation finds the child able to return to the Center. Children must be fever-free without Tylenol for 24 hours before returning to the Center.
   • Symptoms or signs of possible severe illness such as unusual lethargy, uncontrolled coughing, inexplicable irritability or persistent crying or fussiness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other unusual signs for the child.
   • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV);
   • Diarrhea, defined as a loose, watery, and frequent stools- 3 or more loose stools within 24 hours. Children with diarrheal illness of infectious origin generally may be allowed to return to child care once the diarrhea resolves, except for children with diarrhea caused by Norovirus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella, or E. Coli
   • 0157:H7. For Salmonella typhi, three negative stool cultures are required. For Shigella, or E. Coli 0157:H7, two negative stool cultures are required taken at least 24 hours apart. If treated with antibiotics, samples should not be taken less than 48 hours after therapy is done;
   • Norovirus, children not in diapers and child center staff with diarrhea and/or vomiting should remain at home until 24 hours after diarrhea and/or vomiting cease, or until stools are formed. Children in diapers should remain at home for three days following cessation of diarrhea and/or vomiting and until stools are formed;
   • Blood in stools not explainable by dietary change, hard stools, or, medications that may cause gastrointestinal damage such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin;
   • Persistent abdominal pain (continues more than two hours) or intermittent pain associated with fever or other signs or symptoms;
   • Vomiting within the last 24 hours, until vomiting resolves or until a health care provider determines that the cause of the vomiting is not contagious and the child is not in danger of dehydration;
   • Mouth sores with drooling unless a health care provider determines the condition noninfectious
   • Rash with fever or behavior change, until a health care provider determines that these symptoms do not indicate a communicable disease;
   • Pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow discharge until 24 hours after treatment
   • Scabies, or other infestation until 24 hours after treatment
   • Head lice, until the child has been treated and there are no nits;
   • Tuberculosis until medically cleared by a physician
   • Impetigo until 24 hours after treatment
   • Strep throat or other streptococcal infection until 24 hours after initial antibiotic treatment and cessation of fever
   • Chickenpox until all sores have dried and crusted
   • Pertussis until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment has been completed or 21 days of cough if no antibiotics are given;
   • Mumps until 9 days after onset of parotid gland swelling
   • Hepatitis A until 1 week after onset of illness or as directed by the health department when passive immunoprophylaxis has been administered to appropriate children and staff
   • Measles until 6 days after onset of rash
   • Rubella until 6 days after onset of rash
   • Unspecified respiratory tract illness
   • Herpes simplex, children with herpetic gingivostomatitis, an infection of the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus, who do not have control of oral secretions, shall be excluded from child care. Children with mild cases who do have control of their mouth secretions may not have to be excluded; or
   • Meningitis (bacterial), child may return to child care 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
   • In the event of a communicable disease outbreak, such as strep throat or chickenpox, a sign will be posted on all exit doors. If a child becomes ill while at the Center, a parent will be notified. The child will be taken to a quiet area to rest until the parent can pick the child up. We request the child to be picked up within an hour of being notified, by a parent or someone on the approved pick up list.

A child’s readiness for using the toilet can vary greatly. Please discuss your child’s toilet training routine with staff. We strive to maintain consistency between home and center to assist in the toilet training process.

1. Only disposable diapers are allowed.
2. Diapering will only be done in the designated diaper area, i.e., the table in the corner of the room. Food handling will not be permitted in this diapering area.
3. Staff will follow all diapering guidelines as follows:
   • Clothes that are soiled by urine or feces are immediately placed in a plastic bag (without rinsing or unavoidable handling) and sent home that day for laundering.
   • Staff checks children for signs that diapers or pull-ups are wet or contain feces at least every 2 hours. Diapers are changed when wet or soiled.
   • Staff changes children’s diapers or soiled underwear in the designated changing areas and not elsewhere in the facility.
   • At all times, caregivers have a hand on the child, if being changed, on an elevated surface.
   • Surfaces used for changing and on which changing materials are placed are not used for other purposes, including temporary placement of other objects, and especially not for any object involved with food or feeding.
   • Containers that hold soiled diapers and diapering materials have a lid that opens and closes tightly using a hands-free device. Containers are kept closed and are inaccessible to children. The container will be clearly labeled to show its intended use. Soiled diapers are placed in containers separate from other waste.
   • Diapering and gloving posters will be posted in the changing area showing procedures through the use of visuals and words. These procedures are used by the program administrator to evaluate teaching staff that change diapers.
4. Potty chairs will not be used due to the risk of spreading infectious diarrhea.
5. All families are asked to provide an extra set of clothing for their child in case of an “accident” or messy play. Please clearly label the clothing with your child’s name.
6. Toilet learning will not begin before age 2.
7. All toilet learning will occur in the 2 year-old room

Breakfast is served beginning at 7:30 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:00 a.m. Afternoon snacks are served at 2:00 and 4:30 p.m. This cost for breakfast, lunch, and snack is included in the tuition fees. A Free/Reduced Meal Application needs to be completed and submitted so the Center can receive assistance with meal costs.

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
St. Teresa Child Care Center participates in the CACFP program, which is a federal child nutrition program administered by the Iowa Department of Educations’ Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services. The program provides a subsidy to eligible child care centers, preschools, after-school programs, head start and home child care providers for serving nutritious meals and snacks to infants and children in child care. CACFP contributes to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children and adults in the United States and plays an important role in improving the quality of child care, making care affordable for all. The vended meals, breakfast, lunch, and snacks are prepared at St. Teresa of Calcutta School and delivered to the Center on a daily basis. Snacks are provided in the afternoons. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included in the tuition cost.

Exceptions are provided in the case of allergies, medical conditions, etc. A diet modification form is to be provided by your physician documenting the type of exception. Staff provides supervision at the table during snacks and meals.

Menus are sent home on a monthly basis and can be accessed on our district website and in the daycare rooms. It is suggested that parents not send their children candy, gum, etc. on a daily basis. Birthday treats or special occasion treats are welcome. Please send a note in advance, if possible, so we plan for this event. Food brought from home must meet Child and Adult Care Food Program nutrition standards. Additional items to the child’s meal will be added at parent’s expense if the nutrition standards are not met. Perishable foods brought from home are maintained to prevent spoilage or contamination

The children are encouraged to rest after lunch. If they do not sleep, they are encouraged to lay quietly, either reading or engaged in a quiet activity. Cots and sheets will be provided and washed weekly for children. You may bring a blanket and pillow or a favorite stuffed animal for your child to use at quiet time. The Center is not responsible for lost or broken articles.