Parent Handbook
Checklist for the First Day of School
Please bring the following items to school on your child's first day of school: All forms included in the registration packet (Admissions Agreement, Day Care Immunization Record, Child Enrollment and Health History, Child Health Report, Child Information Card, Syrup of Ipecac Form, Parental Agreement Form, Name Release Form, External Preparations Form, Signed Handbook Form - Pg. 28). One complete change of clothing (except shoes). Please label every item sent to school so that items are not lost. Pictures of pet, family, friends for cubby. Favorite soft toy for security, if needed (non-violent toys only). Sunscreen/insect repellent, if desired. Please label. Lunch with cold pack if enrolled for full day. Place child's name clearly on the lunch box. Check with the teacher or director before leaving on the first day to make sure we have a completed information card on file. Make sure you have included the names of persons authorized to pick up and drop off children, as well as all emergency information. If we do not have a complete schedule, a $10.00 fee will be assessed.
Some Goodbye Suggestions
Many children feel anxious and uneasy on the first day or two of school and may have a difficult time separating from you. We know this is a very emotional time for parents and children. We suggest that you calmly reassure your child that you will return. Perhaps you could say something that helps your child know when to expect you ("I will be back to get you right after you feed the goats, have your nap, have your keyboard class" etc.) After you give your child a final hug and kiss, we suggest that you say good-bye and leave the classroom. Please be assured that we will comfort your child and also reassure him/her that you will return. We have noticed that when good-byes take a long time, power struggles develop and a very stressful situation develops for the child, parent, teacher and other children and parents. Of course, feel free to call or stop in throughout the day to see how your child is doing. You may wish to wait in the entryway and peek into the classroom to observe your child. A parent coming into the classroom and then leaving time and again seems to confuse the child and prolong the time it takes teachers to establish a calm, comfortable relationship with the child. If you are struggling with separation anxieties, please stop in and talk to one of the lead teachers or the director.
Making Your Child's First Day Comfortable
If you are concerned that your child may have trouble separating from you, if it is his/her first experience in an early childhood program or if your child's first language is not English, make an attempt to visit Kids Express Learning Center prior to your child's first day of school. While you are here, help your child find a special place to play, use the teacher's name often, join in at storytime/snacktime, or visit the playground with the class. Try to learn one or two of the children's names. Be sure to accompany your child to the bathroom and show her/him how to use the soap dispenser, hand-dryer and paper towel dispenser. Some children only need one visit to make them feel more secure. During this visit, Kids Express Learning Center does not take responsibility for your child. A parent or guardian must remain with the child at all times. In other words, a parent may not leave a child with one of our staff members to use the restroom, tour the classrooms or visit the outdoor learning centers.
Center Information
Address: 3276 High Point Road Madison, WI 53719 Telephone Number: 608-845-3245 Due to the many hands needed to provide a quality experience for children, there is often no one available to answer the telephone. However, Kids Express Learning Center does have an answering machine and messages are checked frequently throughout the day. FAX Number: 608-848-3028 Federal Tax ID# for Kids Express Learning Center, Inc.: 39 - 1634927 Please try to keep this number handy for your tax records. Family Accounts Manager: All financial matters are handled by our Family Accounts Manager, whose office is located in the lower level of Kids Express Learning Center. Invoices will be mailed to your address on a timely basis. If you need a special receipt for tax or business purposes or if you have questions about your invoice, receipt or tax forms, please telephone our Family Accounts Manager at 848 -1522. Hours of Operation: Kids Express Learning Center, Inc. is open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday during the regular school year. We are closed at least one week before and after Summer on the Farm camp, and also for holidays, vacation times, professional conferences, parent/teacher conferences, and staff in-services listed on the school calendar which is included in the Appendix. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause your family. Licensing Capacity: Kids Express Learning Center is licensed for 85 children.
Admission and Enrollment Information
Non-Discrimination Policy Kids Express Learning Center, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, creed or religion, national origin, ancestry, political persuasion, veterans status or disability in administration of its admission, education, employment and programming policies and practices. How to Enroll Parents may receive information concerning enrolling children by calling Kids Express Learning Center or by writing for a packet describing our program. Parents who are interested in our Center will be invited to make a personal visit to discuss possible enrollment of their child. During that visit, the Center Director or Program Coordinator will explain the philosophy of Kids Express Learning Center's programs and policies. A tour will be offered and an explanation of the nature center will be provided. Questions parents ask will be answered. Parents who decide to enroll a child will be asked to complete an Application for Enrollment Form and pay an application fee of $50.00 for the academic year or $30.00 for Summer on the Farm camp. If an opening is available, a starting date will be discussed and fees determined. If no opening is currently available, the child's name will be placed on a waiting list. Required Forms The following forms are required and will need to be on file on or before the first day of attendance: Application for Enrollment Child Enrollment Form Child Information Form (Green Card) Day Care Immunization Form Child Health Report (This form needs to be on file within two months of your start date.) Program Options Half Day Program - Kids Express Learning Center offers two half day programs. A morning class from 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and an afternoon class from 12:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. You can choose to enroll your child two half days (Tuesday and Thursday), three half days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) or five half days a week. Full Day Program - We also offer full day preschool, kindergarten and first grade programs. These programs run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Two, three, or five day options, described in the preceding paragraph, are offered for preschool children. Kindergarten is offered the three or five day options, and first grade the five full day option only. Extended Before and Extended After Care We offer extended care before school beginning at 7:30 a.m. and after school until 5:30 p.m. for children who need care beyond our regular program times. This care is an extra cost beyond our regular monthly tuition. You will be billed for all days that you contracted for, regardless of whether your child attends that day or not. Please see our fee schedule for specific costs. After School Program We also offer an after school program to children who attend the public schools during the day. This program is from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. We do not provide transportation to and from school, but the Verona schools will stop here to drop off children. We also have had parents use the Mr. Mom's Kids Transport (Jeff or Cathy Smith, 255-0444).
Tuition and Other Fees
Annual Registration Fee Families will pay an annual non-refundable application fee of $50.00 per child for the regular school term. The fee is due for each succeeding year of enrollment. This fee shall be paid with the Application for Enrollment. Families enrolling children at any time during the school term will be charged this fee. Children enrolling for Summer on the Farm will pay a non-refundable registration fee of $30.00. Fee payment may be made by personal check, certified check, or money order. No cash payments will be accepted. Checks shall be made out to Kids Express Learning Center and mailed to Kids Express Learning Center or dropped in the box inside the main entrance. Fees are based on an academic year and parents may choose to pay monthly, yearly, or by the semester. Fees are divided into monthly payments according to the contracted number of hours per day/week. Fee payments may be made by personal check, certified check or money order. No cash payments are accepted. Checks shall be made out to Kids Express Learning Center and mailed to Kids Express Learning Center or dropped in the box inside the main entrance. Tuition Due Dates Fall and spring semester tuition and accommodation fees shall be paid on the first day of each month, except in August, when they shall be paid by the first day of school. Summer on the Farm fees are also due on the first day of each session. A five-day grace period shall be allowed for tuition payments. If payment is not received, a $10.00 late fee will be assessed. If the account continues to be delinquent the child may not be able to attend until the bill is paid. A $20.00 fee will be billed for any check returned for insufficient bank funds. Fee Adjustments Fees are not adjusted for snow days, holidays, sick days, family vacations or times when a child is absent for other reasons. If the number of snow days exceeds three, the class sessions will be made up in June. A tuition discount of 20% will be given with the second consecutive week of absence due to any one illness. A request for this discount shall be made in writing to the Center Director and must state the days the child will be absent and the scheduled day for the child to return to Kids Express Learning Center. Families will be notified in writing if the request is to be granted. A tuition credit will be given on the following month's tuition statement. Late Enrollment Families who enroll their child after the first two weeks of the school year will pay a reduced tuition to take into consideration the late starting date. Late Pick-up Fee Kids Express Learning Center opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. A late pick-up fee begins to be charged at 5:40 for children enrolled in extended care and 3:40 for children not enrolled in extended care. Teachers will not be available to supervise children after the scheduled pick-up times. Occasionally, emergencies occur and we will take these into consideration. However, parents/caretakers who arrive at the Center past the contracted time will be assessed a fee of $10.00 for the first ten minutes that the parent is late and $20.00 will be added for each or any portion of ten minutes. The wall clocks in the classroom will be used by staff members to calculate the fee. The staff members will fill out a late pick-up fee slip and turn it over to our family accounts manager. The late fee will be charged on your next monthly tuition bill. Early Arrival Fee Kids Express Learning Center opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. An early arrival fee is charged five minutes prior to the opening of the half day and full day program. Teachers will not be available to supervise children before the scheduled arrival times. Parents/caretakers who arrive at the Center before the contracted time will be assessed a fee of $10.00 for the first ten minutes that the parent is early and $20.00 will be added for each or any portion of ten minutes. The wall clocks in the classroom will be used by staff members to calculate the fee. The staff members will fill out an early arrival fee slip and turn it over to our family accounts manager. The early arrival fee will be charged on your next monthly tuition bill. Refund Policy Families will receive a refund of fees paid in advance if a child is withdrawn and the advanced payment exceeds the required four week notification period. (See section on Withdrawal and Termination of Enrollment Policy for notification requirements, Pg. 7.) Vacation Policy The school year is about 9-1/2 months long, excluding winter and spring vacation and other days posted on our calendar. Vacation times follow quite closely to area public school calendars. Kids Express Learning Center consults area public school calendars for winter and spring breaks. All school closing days are considered when the monthly costs are calculated. No tuition credit will be given for family vacations. Additional Fees Fees for field trips, special events, and/or occasional supplies for projects may be collected in addition to the tuition fee. Advance notices of such fees will be provided to families. Financial Records Every effort is made to maintain accurate records through our computerized management and accounting program. However, sometimes mistakes occur and errors are made on bills. If you feel that an error has occurred, please call our family accounts manager at 848-1522. Possible Rate Changes In our industry, rate changes usually occur at the beginning of the fall semester and remain stable for one school year. Fluctuations in rate reflect an increase in the costs of maintaining an outstanding Center staffed by highly qualified teachers. To determine rates and fees, surveys and studies of rates in the Madison area are conducted annually. We want parents to be aware of these potential changes in advance of the conditions becoming policy. We will inform you of any other policy changes that may occur. Change of Schedule If a family wishes to change a child's schedule, a Change of Schedule Form must be completed. If a reduction is made in the number of days a child attends school, a $50.00 charge will be added to the next month's invoice. A four week notice must be given to reduce a schedule. No charge will be assessed if days are added to the child's schedule. The four week notice is also waived if days are added. Financially Assisted Families Kids Express Learning Center does not have a scholarship program nor are we able to offer financial assistance to parents to offset tuition costs. However, Dane County does have programs to assist families. Contact the county Human Services Office to determine eligibility. If eligible, Kids Express Learning Center must have a contract from the county to verify the number of hours the county is willing to pay. This contract will need to be sent to Kids Express Learning Center at least two weeks prior to the first day of a child's enrollment.
Family Waiting List Policy
Families enrolled in Kids Express Learning Center during the academic year have first priority to receive the enrollment schedule of their choice: either full-time 5 days per week; half-time 5 mornings or 5 afternoons; or part-time (Tuesday/Thursday, or Monday/Wednesday/Friday) full-day or half-day. Families enrolled at Kids Express Learning Center unable to register for the schedule of their choice may request to be put on a waiting list for their first preference schedule. Enrolled families shall be offered a change of schedule when their name appears next on the waiting list. Parents may choose to change or to decline the change. Parents being offered a change of schedule will have three days to decide about the change. If Kids Express Learning Center does not receive a signed Change of Schedule Request form within that time period, the next child on the waiting list will be offered the opening. Families interested in enrolling in Kids Express Learning Center will be considered for acceptance after they have completed the application and submitted a $50.00 application fee. These families will be placed on our waiting list according to receipt of application. New applicants will be placed on the waiting list behind currently enrolled families for each requested schedule.
Withdrawl and Termination of Enrollment Policy
A four week written notice must be presented to Kids Express Learning Center's Director prior to withdrawing a child from the Center between August and April 30. After May 1 no refund of tuition will be made. Any child attending school as of that date will be charged tuition through the close of school in June. Families who fail to provide the four week notice must submit a fee payment equal to the balance of the four week period. The contract between Kids Express Learning Center and families will be terminated if one or more of the following situations occur: a) The school year has come to an end. b) Death of a child. c) Serious illness of the child, preventing school attendance for longer than one month. d) The parents/guardians of the child allow their account to become delinquent. e) The school determines that it is unable to meet the needs of the child. f) The school determines that it is not in the best interest of the school or other children enrolled at the school to have the child in attendance. g) Permanent move from the community. h) Parents fail to submit required child health information. i) Parents fail to observe rules of the Center relating to arrival and departure of a child. In all of the above cases, a two week notice shall be required, except in case of serious illness, accident, or death. In the case of (e) and/or (f) above, parent/teacher conferences will be held in advance of any decision to terminate. If Kids Express Learning Center decides to close for any reason, parents will be notified a month in advance and fees previously collected, if any, will be refunded.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is important to all staff at Kids Express Learning Center. We try hard to help families meet their goals. Children's records are accessible to the parents of the child at all times and Center policies are available to parents every day. The children's records are accessible to lead teachers, parents and the Director.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Children must be brought into the classroom so that teachers can greet them and make eye contact with them. Kids Express Learning Center is not responsible for children until they are delivered into the classroom and signed in. Each classroom has a sign in/sign out sheet and attendance form, which has the children's dates of birth clearly stated. This is required in multi-age classrooms by state licensing standards. If you want to place a name on the Authorized Pick-Up List, the person must be 18 years old and bring a picture I.D. if the staff has not met this person. Children will never be released to a parent or other authorized pick-up person if the staff is concerned about the safety of the child. Examples of when a child would not be released are: Parent/pick-up person appears too ill to drive. Parent/pick-up person has been drinking alcoholic beverages. Parent/pick-up person appears under the influence of any type of drugs. If situations listed above occur, another authorized pick-up person will be contacted. Although Kids Express Learning Center staff members understand that these could be embarrassing situations, our main concern must be the safety of all of the children and families at the Center.
Program Information
Statement of Purpose Kids Express Learning Center's purpose is to educate young children in an atmosphere designed to build self-esteem, confidence, and personal achievement while promoting respect for other people and the environment. Children's natural love of learning will be used as the motivation for the development of group and individual learning situations. Educational Policy Essential Program Qualifications Children develop in similar sequences but at varying rates. Children have an inborn desire to learn through an exploration of their intellectual and physical environment. Opportunities for learning will be offered on an individual, small and large group basis. Hands-on learning will be the heart of our program. At Kids Express Learning Center, children's natural curiosity will be used as the basis for curriculum development. Opportunities for learning concepts related to math, natural plant and animal science, social studies, reading, language, music and movement, drama, art, and wood-working will be provided. A nature/wildlife center will provide children with daily opportunities to learn about and appreciate wild and domesticated plants and animals. Adjacent to Kids Express Learning Center, Prairie View Farm's animals (llamas, goats, sheep, miniature horses, and a variety of fowl) will be incorporated into each school day's learning experiences. A large vegetable and butterfly garden is planned, planted and maintained by the children. Exposure to high quality literature (both prose and poetry) by a variety of authors/illustrators will be a daily event at Kids Express Learning Center. Carefully selected age-appropriate books will enhance children's knowledge of their world -- past, present, and future. Thematic units, chosen by an observation of children's interests, will guide the selection of specific books. Other books will be chosen to enhance children's self esteem and build a positive self-image. Multi-cultural literature will be incorporated into the literature program. Children will be encouraged to interact with the print in books. For example, favorite Big Books will be used over and over until the beauty of the language is a part of the children's verbal repertoire. For some children, small versions of the Big Books will be used to encourage pairs or small groups of children to ''read'' together, mimicking the text. ''Pretend reading'' has been shown to play a positive role in children's literacy development once they begin receiving instruction in the primary grades. Daily opportunities to observe and participate in the writing process will be offered. Watching adults create writing (experience charts, lists, notes, etc.) offers children opportunities to learn about the writing process without direct or pressured instruction. The key to developing literacy (both reading and writing) is exposure to meaningful print and gentle encouragement to create meaningful print. For very young learners, scribbling and drawing simple letter/number-like shapes are real and necessary writing stages. Next, children begin to name letters and use them to represent meaning. At this point, adult encouragement and information about ''how to write'' begins to reap benefits. All activities planned for use in Kids Express Learning Center will be developmentally appropriate given the level of individual children enrolled. Examples of writing participation might include creating grocery lists or taking make-believe phone messages in the ''doll center'', writing 'prescriptions' while role playing in a ''hospital center'', or recording information about the eating habits of our llamas in the ''nature center''. Self Esteem/Positive Self-Image Self-esteem and a positive attitude are important to children's development. Both of these qualities develop when children view themselves as winners. Winners are people who are able to set goals for themselves and then achieve them. At Kids Express Learning Center, each child will have multiple opportunities to work toward goals; achievements will be recognized and celebrated. Examples include: Completing an assigned job such as feeding the goats for one week; Remembering to hang coat on hook or place boots neatly on the carpet; Finishing a puzzle and sharing the results with peers or teachers; Celebrating an artwork or piece of writing by having it displayed. Other activities that promote good inner feelings are: Being selected as child of the week and honored in special ways; Participating in dramatic play and dressing up in simple costumes; Role playing adults in the housekeeping, medical or other play / work centers; Having an adult recognize a child's ideas / contributions as worthy. In order to respect each child's self-image, the phrase, ''Praise publicly and reprimand privately'', will be a key to discipline in our Center. Children suffer humiliation when scolded publicly and humiliation destroys self-esteem. Social Interaction Children will interact with one another and adults throughout the day. This interaction will allow them to learn to accept alternative viewpoints and to experience and celebrate individual differences. Peer interaction will be encouraged in a myriad of ways. For example, children will have ample opportunities for small group interactions as they build with large blocks, construct at the Lego table, play with toys, paint at the finger paint center, role-play in the doll corner, explore in the science center, or study together in the outdoor nature center. Games, music, dance, and outdoor recesses offer children opportunities to interact. Teachers will interact with the children throughout the session as they serve as coaches and demonstrators. A teacher/coach may encourage a child who is attempting to build a bluebird house or create a ''fruit pizza'' with peers. A teacher/demonstrator may model ''writing a phone message'' or ''measuring the appropriate amount of oats'' for the horses or goats. Snack or other dining times provide ample opportunities for children and teachers to converse. Self- Expression and Communication Skills Children will be encouraged to use and expand their language skills as they work and play together. Casual language development will occur as children use the language skill they have brought into the classroom. For example, language use will occur when children interact together in the various learning centers, as they converse with one another and teachers in play-time activities, and as they observe and discuss ''happenings'' in the nature center. Respect for individual ideas will be promoted at Kids Express Learning Center. Children will be encouraged to solve problems and settle differences through discussions. Opportunities for language growth and development will occur daily. Children learn natural language by hearing and responding to language in their environment. Therefore, a classroom must be a rich, thriving linguistic environment. Language knowledge grows as children hear stories and poems read to them, hear new words used to describe an experience, sing new words in a song, or see words posted around their classroom. Language play provides a base for children to use as they begin developing literacy skills. Rhyming games, auditory discrimination word games, labeling classroom objects, simple spelling games, and word-guessing games are examples of activities that promote readiness for learning reading. ''Inventing'' spellings for words (i.e., guessing the letters based on the sounds they hear) is an activity that promotes readiness for writing. A beginner, for example, may suggest ''B'' as a way to spell ''Boy''. A wise teacher will celebrate this spelling and record it on a chart or chalkboard cognizant of the fact that young children begin spelling words by recording a letter that represents the first sound they hear in a word. Puppetry and flannel board stories provide children with opportunities to blend natural language with ''book language''. Stories that have been told or read by an adult over and over again can be retold by individuals and groups of children during free play time. Sturdy puppets and flannel pieces and related versions of picture books will be at the children's disposal in a ''storytelling center'' at Kids Express Learning Center. Creative stories the children make up alone or with a group can be recorded by a teacher/scribe or tape recorded by the children. Creative Expression Creative expression is central to our program at Kids Express Learning Center. Children's ideas will be respected and celebrated. Each day children will be encouraged to express themselves as they play, sing, dance, draw, role-play, write, build with blocks and wood, and work on self-directed projects. Problem solving activities will be presented to encourage creative thought processes. A variety of tools, materials, processes and techniques will be used at Kids Express Learning Center to involve children in explorations of line, shape, color and texture. Consumable materials such as crayons, paper, paste and glue, paint, clay and play dough, finger paint, and collage materials will be provided. Necessary and appropriate non-consumable accessories, such as paint brushes, scissors, sponges, etc. will also be provided in sufficient quantities. Each child will have the opportunity to have at least two different art media experiences on any given day. Children's work will be displayed around the classroom and samples may be included in our parent newsletter. Children will have frequent opportunities to describe their work/play projects to adults and peers. Recognizing children's accomplishments builds self-esteem, which in turn encourages the freedom necessary for continued creative expression. Large and Small Muscle Development Large (gross) and small (fine) muscle development will occur as children participate in activities and use indoor and outdoor play equipment at Kids Express Learning Center. Climbing, jumping, skipping, hopping, swinging, walking on the balance beam, carrying animal feed, dancing to music and pedaling are all examples of activities that will be offered children the chance to develop large muscle control. Sensory-motor integration will also occur during these activities. Small muscle development will occur as children create art projects, build with Legos, play with toys, create with peg and lacing boards, learn to crochet a chain stitch, use musical instruments, cut with scissors, and put puzzles together. Intellectual Growth Intellectual growth occurs naturally when children are exposed to their world, warmly accepted and encouraged, and invited to participate in meaningful activities. Stimulation to respond intellectually will be pervasive throughout the Center. Some representative activities include: science experiments, sensory experiences, literature circle, math activities, housekeeping duties, farm chores, problem solving, art, dance, and wood-working. Language communication ability will grow as children learn new ways to express ideas related to the concepts they are learning. Program Schedule Kids Express Learning Center will have a program schedule that includes a balance of active and quiet/indoor and outdoor activities. For example, children may begin the morning by touring the animal pens with a teacher to note changes in animal behavior or to feed animals. Next, they may engage in sing-a-long with our professional music teacher. Children will have large sections of time scheduled for free-choice activities that can be done individually or in small groups. During these periods, teachers will circulate to interact verbally, guide, and encourage the children. Teachers will be alert to group dynamics and will offer alternative activities for children who experience fatigue, frustrations, or over stimulation. A sample schedule looks like this: Full Day Schedule Includes: Early Morning Free Choice Opening Activities-Calendar, Weather, Check in, Songs and Daily News Bathroom/Handwashing/Snack Outside Playtime/Feed and Visit the Animals Large Group-Songs, Stories, Large Group Learning Activities Learning Centers and Free Choice Music and Movement Lunch Story Time Rest Time (children under 5 years old) Outside Time/Feed and Visit the Animals Group Time-Songs, Stories, Group Games Learning Centers/Free Choice/Small Groups Snack Closing Activities-Songs, Finger Plays, Stories, Group Games Half Day Schedule Includes: (A.M. and P. M. Schedules are the same) Welcome (Free Play) Opening Activities -Calendar, Weather and Daily News Learning Centers and Free Choice Clean-up Bathroom/Show and Tell/Snack Outside Playtime/Feed and Visit the Animals Music and Movement Story Hour Departure Classroom schedules may vary from the ones presented above. Please check the schedules posted in your child's classroom. Transitions Routines such as toileting, eating, and shifting activities will be planned to avoid keeping children waiting in lines or assembled in large groups during transitional periods. Toileting will be suggested before groups go outside to play, before any group activity such as creative movement or storytime, before and after snack or lunch time. Hand washing will be emphasized as well. Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity will be celebrated at Kids Express Learning Center. The first or second language each child brings to the Center will be respected. Children's cultures will be celebrated as they tell about special family traditions/holiday celebrations. Frequently, as part of a unit of study, the children will help plan and prepare specific foods such as taco salad (Mexican), crumpets (English), or sauerkraut (German) from cabbage grown in our school garden. Art, music, and dance unique to specific cultures will be recognized and celebrated. Parents will be invited to prepare ethnic foods/crafts to share with the children in our Center. Cultural diversity will be celebrated in literature selections on a regular basis. Good selections of multicultural children's literature, especially authentic literature written by minority authors, provides an opportunity for children to learn to recognize and respect diversity in lifestyle, habits and language. Every attempt will be made to offer a culturally inclusive environment. While studying at Kids Express Learning Center, children will be exposed to books, materials, and projects designed to help them learn about and appreciate their past. A deep foundation, rich in cultural beauty and ethnic diversity, will provide a strong base of respect for self and others in the children's minds. With a knowledge of the past, students will be better equipped to make good decisions about their future. Stories from the past, songs and poems, antiques (and their use), field trips, and special class visitors will be some of the vehicles used to build a knowledge and respect for history.
Professional Staff
Lead teachers at Kids Express Learning Center have college degrees in early childhood/primary education and are highly qualified professionals. Conferences, in-service meetings, workshops and study help our teachers maintain their professional skills. Lead teachers spend at least 8 and a half hours a day at school with a half an hour for lunch and as much preparation time as staffing allows. When teachers are out of the room for breaks, a highly qualified teaching assistant will take over in the classroom. During the year we have several student teachers and practicum students, majoring in education, that add excitement and enthusiasm to our classrooms. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to have student teachers work in our classrooms. Kids Express Learning Center submits the names of all persons in contact with the children to the State of Wisconsin's Department of Justice for Criminal History Records. The requirement of the Criminal History Record for early childhood educators became effective in January of 1996. Parents can be assured that people working with their children do not have criminal histories that could potentially harm their children if repeated. The ratio standards set by the State of Wisconsin Health and Social Services Department appear in the chart below. The first number is always a 1 and stands for the teacher. The numbers that follow represent the number of children. Since we have mixed age groupings in our classrooms, we follow an equation provided by the state to help us maintain proper legal ratios at all times. State of Wisconsin Regulations: Staff/Child Ratio Chart Ages Staff to Children Maximum # of Children 3 to 4 years 1:10 20 4 to 5 years 1:13 24 5 to 6 years 1:17 32 6 years and over 1:18 32
Parent Involvement and Information
Daily contact between the parent and the teacher is an important part of our program. By sharing information concerning your child's welfare, we can work together to meet his/her needs. A parent information board is located in the main lobby with information on licensing regulations, school events and newsletters. A classroom parent board is located in each classroom with information about daily happenings, weekly lessons and schedules, field trip information and newsletters. Parent/teacher conferences will be held once each semester (fall and spring). Lead teachers will post schedules for parents to sign up. The purpose of these conferences is to establish understanding, cooperation and consistency between the home and the Center and for parents to see where their child is developmentally, socially and emotionally. Please feel free to set up meetings with the teachers whenever a concern arises about activities, discipline or questions about your child's development. We invite parent participation and observation is encouraged. In this matter, parents gain a deeper understanding of their child and the program. Some parents have special talents, cultural traditions, skills, or experiences they can share with all of the children. Others may have time to spend helping in the classroom or chaperoning a field trip.
Nature Center
Animals that are kept on the premises (indoor and outdoor) will be vaccinated against diseases for which vaccines are available and which present a hazard to the health of children. Animals suspected of being ill or infested with external lice, fleas and ticks or internal worms will be removed from the Center. In the event than an animal harms a child, the parent shall be notified and a veterinarian will be contacted by Center personnel to determine a course of action in the diagnosis of possible rabies in the animal. Procedures for emergency care of children will be followed. Parents will be notified of any action taken by the veterinarian. Animal cages and pens will be kept as clean as possible. Pets shall be kept and handled in a manner which protects the well-being of both children and pets. Pets shall be kept out of the food preparation area. Children will be allowed to observe and feed animals at Kids Express Learning Center/Prairie View Farm under the supervision of an adult. Children will be allowed to walk along the nature trails of Kids Express Learning Center in order to make observations of plant and animal habitats, behaviors, and changes. Children will be allowed to feed and observe wild birds. They will be supervised by staff/volunteers of Kids Express Learning Center/Prairie View Farm. Children will be allowed to observe the natural habits and life cycle of all animals at Kids Express Learning Center/Prairie View Farm. This may include all of the following: eating, sleeping, playing, mating, birthing, struggling with illnesses or, sadly, even the natural death of an animal due to illness or old age.
Policy on Holidays
Kids Express Learning Center makes an attempt to celebrate holidays that are celebrated by our Center families. Families are asked to list special holidays or traditions celebrated in the home that we could incorporate into our curriculum.
Policy on Rest Time
Children under five years of age, who are in care for more than four hours, are required by state law to have a rest or naptime. A child who has not fallen asleep after 30 minutes or one who awakens, will have quiet time through the use of equipment or activities which will not disturb the other children. To control the spread of germs and illnesses, each child is supplied with an individual, labeled rest mat, sheet and blanket which is placed at least two feet from the next sleeping child. Nap items are laundered and rest mats are sanitized at least once a week by staff members. Due to space limitations, we can not accommodate large pillows, blankets, etc. Please do not sent these items to school. Your child may, however, wish to bring a small, soft toy to be used at naptime.
Policy on Discipline
Providing a variety of pleasant, welcoming, yet challenging play/work activities for children encourages them to become active, productive, self-controlled members of their classroom. Given a well-designed atmosphere, children need to be allowed the freedom to make many decisions on their own, within acceptable limits. Adult guidance and association with children in the Center will be unobtrusive but always available to direct children who need assistance in selecting learning activities, self-control or interpersonal problem solving. As children work and play together, they gain self-respect for themselves as a valued member of the group, develop self-control, and learn to respect others. Positive Guidance of Children Within this atmosphere of freedom balanced with adult guidance, minor regulations are necessary and will be incorporated into our daily routine. Discussions will introduce habits for children to follow and make for a peaceful atmosphere in the classroom. For example: When a new center is introduced, simple rules for using that center will be explained. If a child bullies or harms another child, an adult will intervene to discuss the situation with the children and lead them to understand why the confrontation occurred and assist them in finding a better solution to their interaction. Simple courtesies will be incorporated into daily lessons/activities: saying please and thank you, waiting patiently for a turn to paint, not interrupting when others are talking, etc. Safety, care of toys/supplies, good sanitary habits, consideration of the needs and feelings of others will become part of our lesson objectives. Teachers can do many things to create a sense of community in the classroom. For starters, helping children relax in the classroom helps ease tensions. This can be accomplished by using a moderate, friendly voice punctuated with smiles and positive comments whenever appropriate. Bending down to the children's level or sitting with them on small chairs or on the floor develops an intimate, caring feeling. Noticing and commenting on positive interactions rewards children for good behavior and encourages others to emulate the behavior. Teachers can model positive interactions the children will mimic as they go about their daily work and play. A positive attitude is a quality to be sought after and treasured in hiring early childhood educators. Using a calm voice, positive and reinforcing words, praising good work and behavior, and having a problem solving approach to interactions with children all model good ways to interact. Discipline is challenging to most educators. Many opportunities will be offered for teachers in Kids Express Learning Center to share books, articles and insights related to classroom management and discipline. In-service within and outside the Center will help teachers refine their skills in this important area of early childhood education. Paying close attention to the planning of classroom activities helps children maintain self-control. Quiet activities need to be balanced with ones that require movement; teacher directed activities need to be kept to a minimum with free choice learning activities maximized. Stimulating, child-centered curriculum will capture and hold children's interests and minimize time available for discipline problems to occur. Planning also means examining the daily schedule to note when children find it difficult to cooperate. A teacher may find the need to plan for more structured transitions. Some hints to a calm, positive, productive learning environment will be instilled in our teachers during in-service time: When giving directions, be sure you have the child's attention. Allow children to ask questions before you begin an activity. Encourage questioning at all times. Give children three choices of activities rather than two. Warn ahead of time before changing an activity. For example, teachers will be asked to say, ''You have five minutes to finish up before music class.'' ''Now there are only two minutes left. Begin to put your toys/materials away now.'' Refrain from pleading or threatening and never physically mishandle a child. Invite children to participate in an activity but never force it. Direct children to a new activity when the present activity is completed. Use a calm, quiet voice as much as possible. Get down to the child's level when carrying on a conversation. Praise, praise, praise, whenever a child or group of children deserves the compliment. Positive reinforcement is a key to successful classroom discipline. Unsupervised children can easily become unruly. Although teachers must allow children to select activities and work independently or in small groups, a careful watch must be kept so that children remain on task and do not loose control. Firm, Fair, Friendly, the three important F's of human interaction at any level, will be instilled in our teachers during in-service. Teachers will be instructed to explain classroom rules in a positive manner to make them understandable and acceptable to the children. Repetition is to be avoided. Children must learn that the teacher will say something once and expect cooperation. Of course, the teacher must be sure a child is paying attention before any directive is given. Difficult Situations Difficult situations are bound to present themselves. Understanding the reasons for a child's behavior is the key to making a decision on how to respond. Negative behaviors such as refusal to participate in activities, acting out inappropriately, pushing, biting, kicking, throwing things, tearing books, hitting, or making cruel comments may be caused by many underlying situations. Among the most common are: fear jealousy loneliness fatigue confusion hyperactivity anger embarrassment over-stimulation curiosity boredom sleepiness insecurity shyness hurt feelings hunger illness problems at home Teachers will be instructed to think about problems that occur in the classroom and try to determine what caused certain behaviors to occur. Patterns of behavior in a child may be noted by careful observation and then be dealt with in a constructive manner. When difficult situations do arise, teachers in the Center must make attempts to: Redirect an uncooperative child to another activity. Redirect an entire group to better control of an activity that has become unruly. Encourage children to use language to solve problems rather than negative physical contact. Encourage children to ''stand up for themselves'' when they feel they have been mistreated by verbalizing their feelings. Guide problem solving discussions but let children take the lead in the problem solving. Ask leading questions like: ''What happened?'' ''Why are you saying angry things about _____?'' etc. Help children understand themselves and the actions or words of others. Make light of toilet accidents and never embarrass a child. React immediately if a child strikes, kicks, or bites. Restrain them gently and say, ''You may not _____.'' The child should be temporarily removed from the group, taken aside and given a ''time out''. The injured child must be comforted until the trauma has passed--then a discussion of cause/effect can be held with both children. Policy on Time Outs A time away from the group may be assigned for behaviors that are cruel, abusive, disruptive, or endanger the safety of a child or their peers. These behaviors will be discussed at intervals so the children will be aware of unacceptable behaviors. A time away (usually on a chair a few feet from the play/center-time group) is an interruption of unacceptable behavior by removing the child from the situation. It is a time for a child to ''rethink'' a situation and renew his or her feelings about a negative occurrence in the classroom. A time away from the group will be given in a specified spot in the classroom within sight and sound and under the supervision of an adult. Reasons for time outs will be explained to the child. Time outs will not be more than two minutes long and the child will be reassured after the completion of the time out. A teacher will discuss the issue with the child. Prohibited Punishment Teachers will be prohibited from issuing punishment which is humiliating or frightening to a child. Examples of prohibited teacher behavior include: Spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking or inflicting any other form of corporal punishment. Verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about self or family. Binding or tying to restrict movement or enclosing in a confined space such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar cubicle. Withholding or forcing meals, snacks or naps. Punishing for lapses in toilet training. Child care workers/teachers who punish children in a manner prohibited by licensing rules and/or Center policy will be given a verbal warning by the Center Director as soon as the infraction is brought to the Director's attention. A letter of reprimand, along with a statement warning the employee that repeated infraction of this rule will result in termination of employment, will be filed immediately. The Director will make every attempt to provide guidance to the employee who has lost control of a disciplinary situation.
Health Program Policy
It is required that a health policy be in place in order to maintain, protect, and improve the health of all children. The purpose of the policy is to reduce the risk or spread of disease and childhood illnesses to children. Within three months of enrolling, a child's health form must be on record. The form may be signed by a doctor if the exam was done in the past year. In addition to a doctor, the following professionals may also sign the physical form: Physician's Assistant Check Provider which includes personnel from: Outpatient Hospital Facilities Health Maintenance Organizations Visiting Nurse Associations Clinics Operated Under a Physician's Supervision Local Public Health Agencies Home Health Agency Rural Health Clinics Indian Health Clinics Neighborhood Health Centers The immunization form can be completed by a parent and must be turned into the office by the first day of enrollment. Families who do not have their children immunized for personal reasons still need to complete this form. There is a section that addresses personal beliefs. The following are the immunization requirements: Age/Grade Number of Doses 5 mos through 11 mos 2 DPT/DTaP/DT2 2 Polio 2 Hep B 2 Hib 12 mos through 23 mos 3 DTP/DPaP/DT 1MMR 2 Polio 2 HepB 3 Hib 2 yrs through 4 years 4 DTP/DTaP/DT 1MMR 3 Polio 3 Hep B 3 Hib At Kindergarten Entrance 4 DTP/DTaP/DT 2 MMR 4 Polio 3 Hep B 3 Hib The following policy will be in effect for Kids Express Learning Center: Observation Each child upon arrival at the Center shall be observed by a staff person for symptoms of illness or injury. Any evidence of unusual bruises, contusions, lacerations or burns in or out of the Center care shall be recorded in a medications and injury log book and reported immediately to the Director. Isolation An isolation area shall be provided for the care of children who appear to become ill. If the area is not a separate room, it shall be separated from space used by other children by a partition, screen or other means. Ill Child Procedure The following procedures will apply when an apparently ill child is observed in the Center: Children with a sore throat, inflammation of the eyes, ear or nose drainage, fever of 100 degrees or higher, respiratory symptoms, lice, ringworm of the scalp, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness or condition having the potential to affect the health of other persons will be isolated; The child will be provided with a cot, sheet and blanket in the isolation room or area with a staff within sight and hearing of the child. Isolation will be used until the child can be removed from the Center; The child's parent, or a designated responsible person when a parent cannot be reached, will be contacted as soon as possible after the illness is discovered. Arrangements will be made for the removal of the child from the Center. Children must be symptom-free or on prescribed medication for 24 hours prior to coming back to Kids Express Learning Center to avoid possible exposure to other children. We will ask for a doctor's release in the case of certain illnesses. Parents must be sure that we have emergency numbers on file with the location and phone numbers of the closest contact person. If a child becomes ill at school, the parent or emergency contact person must pick up the child within an hour. Communicable Disease A child with a reportable communicable disease will not be admitted or be permitted to remain at Kids Express Learning Center during the period when the disease is communicable. When a child is suspected of having chickenpox, German measles, infectious hepatitis, measles, mumps, poliomyelitis, scarlet fever, whooping cough, diphtheria, meningitis or other reportable communicable disease, the local public health officer will be notified. Whenever it is determined that a child has a communicable disease, the exposed children will be watched for symptoms of the disease and their parents shall be notified. After having had a communicable disease, a child may be readmitted to Kids Express Learning Center under these circumstances: If parents provide a statement from a physician that the child's condition is no longer contagious. If the child has been absent for a period of time equal to the longest usual incubation period of the disease as specified by the Department of Health. Medication Center staff may give prescription or non-prescription medication, such as aspirin or cough medicine, to a child or apply parent-provided and labeled sunscreen or insect repellent to a child only under the following conditions: A written authorization dated and signed by the parent is on file. The medication is in the original container and labeled with the child's name, name of drug, the dosage, directions for administering, date and physician's name. A written record, including type of medication given, dosage, time, date and the name of the person administering the medication, shall be made in the Center medications and injury log book on the same day that the medication is administered. The recording of the application of sunscreen or insect repellent is not required. Medications will be stored in a locked metal box located in an upper cabinet and/or in the refrigerator. If a child's medication is forgotten or there is an error in the amount given, a note will need to be made next to the Amount Given section of the form and the parents will need to be informed of it when they pick their child up. DO NOT PUT MEDICINES OR FOOD SUPPLEMENTS IN LUNCHES OR CHILDREN'S BACKPACKS. Health Precautions Children's hands will be washed with soap and running water upon entry into Kids Express Learning Center. Children's hands must be washed before eating and after toileting; their hands and faces will be washed after meals. Bodily secretions such as runny noses, eye drainage and coughed-up matter will be wiped with a disposable tissue used once and placed in a plastic-lined container. Whoever does the wiping will wash his or her hands immediately. Bodily secretions on surfaces will be washed with soap and water and disinfected with a cup of Sol-U-Guard to 1 gallon of water. Hands will be washed immediately. Individual washcloths, combs, and toothbrushes will be kept in a sanitary condition when used at the Center. Wet or soiled clothing will be changed promptly from a supply of clean clothing provided by parents for their child's use. Soiled clothing will be rinsed and placed in a plastic bag. Universal Precautions Center staff will adopt universal precautions when exposed to blood and blood-containing body fluids and injury discharges of all children. All persons exposed to blood or blood-containing body fluids and tissue discharges will wash their hands immediately with soap and warm running water. Single use disposable gloves will be worn if there is contact with blood-containing body fluids or tissue discharges. Hands will be washed with soap and water after removal of gloves. Gloves will be discarded in plastic bags. For spills of vomit, urine, feces, blood or other body fluids, Center staff will clean and disinfect the floors, walls, bathrooms, tabletops, toys and kitchen countertops. Injuries Treatment of children who are injured shall be planned for and carried out as follows: Written permission from the parents to call the family physician or refer the child for medical care in case of injury will be on file at the Center. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible after an injury has occurred; or if minor, when the parent picks up the child. A planned source of emergency medical care, such as a hospital emergency room, clinic or other constantly staffed facility, will be designated and made known to staff and parents. Kids Express Learning Center's emergency medical facilities are: Hospital / Emergency Room: St. Mary's of Clinic: Dean Care on Gammon Road If in the event that emergency care is needed, the Center will take whatever steps needed to obtain necessary care. Our primary objective is to provide medical attention to the child in case of an emergency. The following steps will be taken: Call 911 Contact parent or emergency contact The Center will have a supply of gloves, bandages, tape, band aids and Syrup of Ipecac. Superficial wounds may be cleaned with soap and water only and protected. Routine procedures for treatment of serious but non-life threatening and minor injuries as learned in the First Aid Class (Basic First Aid by Gayle Kelso, R.N., E.M.T.) will be followed. An Accident Report is completed for any injury occurring at the Center. Copies of these reports will be kept in the child's file and in the Medical Log. At least twice a year these reports are reviewed by the Director to make sure that all possible prevention measures are being taken. Parents may request to view this log at any time. Physical Examination Each child shall have an initial physical examination not more than one year prior to nor later than three months after admission to the Center. Evidence of the child's most recent physical examination shall be provided by a report signed and dated by a physician. Each child two years of age and older shall have a subsequent physical examination by a physician at least once every two years. Immunization A record of immunizations for each child shall be maintained to document compliance with state regulations. (See the Immunization Policy for further information.) Parental Notification Parents of enrolled children shall be notified: When their child has been exposed to a communicable disease which has been diagnosed or suspected; Immediately, if the child becomes ill or is seriously injured; When they pick up the child or when the child is delivered to the parents if there is a minor injury. Health Qualifications All persons who work directly with children, except volunteers, shall have a health examination within twelve months prior to beginning work at Kids Express Learning Center or within 30 days after beginning work. The report, dated and signed by a physician, shall be on file in the Center and shall certify that: The person is free from illness detrimental to children, including tuberculosis. The person is physically able to work with young children. No person with symptoms of a serious illness or communicable disease which presents a safety or health risk to children or whose behavior gives reasonable concern for the safety of children may work at Kids Express Learning Center until it is definitely determined by appropriate tests that such a person is not a carrier and is physically and mentally capable of working with young children.
Immunization Policy
An immunization record must be on file for each child within 30 school days (six weeks) of the child's first day of attendance at the Center. This immunization history must indicate that the child has received at least the first dose of each vaccine (DPT/DT/TD, polio, measles, rubella and mumps) or that the immunization requirement is to be waived for that child by a compliance alternative. Immunization requirements are waived upon signature of the parent that the child should not be immunized for personal or religious reasons. Immunization requirements may also be waived upon signature of a physician that the child should not be immunized for health reasons. Children who have not received subsequent doses of vaccine appropriate to their age must receive such subsequent doses within one year of the first day of attendance, and must notify the Center in writing as each dose is received. When children are in the process of being immunized (i.e., the child has received some DPT and Polio doses but not all that are required for the child's age), the Center will request a note from the child's health care provider that the child is on schedule for the immunizations and the date for the next scheduled dose. This note will be attached to the child's immunization record. A follow up on this scheduled immunization will be done using the Center's health bookkeeping system. The Center Director is responsible for follow-up on the maintenance of immunization records. As required by Wisconsin law and administrative rule, the district attorney will be notified that a child has failed to comply with immunization requirements, when the following conditions exist: Children who do not submit an immunization record within 30 school days (six weeks) of admission; Children whose record, at 30 school days after admission, indicates that they do not have at least the first dose of each required vaccine; and Children who fall behind schedule (i.e., do not obtain an immunization which their health care provider has indicated is due on a certain date).
Miscellaneous Health Information
Allergy information, taken from the completed enrollment forms, is posted in the snack/lunch area of each classroom. Please inform us if there are new allergies that appear during the year or if there are any additional health concerns that all staff members should be aware of concerning your child. State law requires that we maintain medical/accident logs which records any medications given or injuries sustained by a child while at the Center. You will be given appropriate forms to fill out/review and sign. These forms are retained in a Center file.
Policy on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
According to state regulations, the Center must insure that every staff member who comes in contact with children has received training in child abuse and neglect laws, how to identify children and the process for reporting. Staff are required by law to report if they know or have reason to have concern that a child has been neglected or harmed. Reports will be made to Dane County Social Services.
Policy on Nutrition
Families must provide a noon lunch for each child enrolled in the Center's full day program. According to state regulations the noon meal must consist of a least one item from each of the following categories: Protein sources, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cooked dried peas or beans, cheese or peanut butter; 2 vegetables or 1 vegetable and 1 fruit, or 2 fruits; Cereal, or whole grain or enriched bread products; Grade A vitamin D milk. The child's lunch will be stored in their classroom, so please put an ice pack in your child's lunch box. Hot food should be placed in a thermos since time does not allow staff to heat lunch items. All lunches should be labeled with the child's name. The Center will keep a supply of peanut butter, crackers, raisins and cheese on hand to supplement children's lunches if necessary. Children will be offered these supplements if their personal lunches do not include items from one or more of the four food groups. Parents will be reminded to send appropriate foods with their child if our staff notes frequent deficiencies in school lunches. A morning and afternoon snack will be prepared by the school. Each snack will consist of at least two of the following: milk or milk product, fruit, fruit juice, vegetable, peanut butter, or other protein, whole grain or enriched bread or cereal. Special treats that are brought in by the children will be served along with our snack. If it meets one of the requirements it will take the place of our regular snack. Any time there is a change in the snack schedule a note will be made on the snack menu. Snack and meal times will be worked into the Center's schedule. Children who attend our after school program will receive a snack when they arrive from school. Children will be seated at child-size tables and chairs for lunches and snacks. Staff will join the children for meals/snacks in order to promote good table manners, sanitary habits, conversation/social skills, and to supervise the children. Health information cards will be checked to note food allergies of individual children. Appropriate staff members will be made aware of any allergies present in the children for whom they are responsible. An alternative snack will be made available to those children. When a physician has written instructions for nutrient concentrates and supplements, this document will be reviewed by the Center Director and appropriate staff members and followed exactly as written. Enrollment forms will be checked to determine food preferences listed by parents (i.e., vegetarian habits, parental wishes regarding special snacks/holiday and birthday treats, etc.)
Cold Weather Policy
Children will not be sent outside under the following temperature conditions: the temperature drops below zero degrees or the windchill is -10 degrees or colder, during the children's scheduled outdoor play time. Each classroom teacher will decide whether or not to take the children outside for a shortened period when the temperature is zero degrees or above and the windchill falls between -1 and -9 degrees. Teachers' decisions will be based on the age and needs of the children at the time of their scheduled outdoor play. The staff will call weather information at 252-2222 for temperature and windchill readings during the time of outdoor play. Parents should continue to send all proper winter play clothing every day, regardless of the weather.
Policy on Potty Training
Kids Express Learning Center has a potty-trained requirement for all children attending the program. Kids Express Learning Center defines potty trained as children able to control both urination and bowel movements and use a toilet with little or no assistance when they feel the need. (Children in pull-ups are not fully potty trained.) An occasional accident happens for all children. However, if a child has accidents regularly (once per week or more), they are not considered fully potty trained and do not meet the potty trained requirement. These children will be asked to remain at home until they can meet this requirement. Children are given a five-day attendance grace period for adjusting to the new environment before they are held to the potty trained policy. Kids Express Learning Center staff understands that this is a sensitive process for children and their families. Parents are welcome to hold their children's slot if not fully potty trained by paying the tuition. Otherwise, you may contact us when your child is accident free at home. We will do our best to find a space for children who have been accepted into the program but need to wait until being fully potty trained.
Policy on Videos
Showing videos for an extended length of time or frequently is not considered good childcare practice by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Therefore, Kids Express Learning Center has developed the following policy regulating the showing of videos. Educational videos that expand on a classroom theme or curriculum activity are allowed provided that they are no longer than 15 minutes in length per viewing period. These types of videos may include, but are not limited to topics such as stories, wild life, songs, nature or science. Movies are not considered educational videos and may not be shown. Teaching staff shall limit the use of educational videos to 20 minutes per month. Videos or movies are not to be used in place of outdoor, large muscle activity when inclement weather occurs. On days children are unable to go out of doors, staff shall include active large muscle activities indoors for a minimum of 20 minutes. This may take the form of various types of music and movement, active circle games, exercises, dancing, nerf ball games, hide & find games, classroom obstacle courses, etc.
Miscellaneous Information
Custody Issues Children of parents who are divorced/separated must be legally released to the non-custodial parents according to Wisconsin statutes. This also means that we must release information to the non-custodial parent. The only way we can make a decision not to do so is if we have a signed court document in the child's file stating otherwise. If you anticipate any problems in this area, please see the Center Director. Children Listing More Than One Residence If your family needs more than one copy of information from Kids Express Learning Center, please let us know. We will be happy to send multiple copies of information to all parents/guardians of enrolled children. Appropriate Dress for School Each child must bring an extra set of labeled clothing to school. Please make sure that the clothing fits and is appropriate for the season. Place the clothing in a labeled zip lock plastic bag and put it into the bin in your child's cubby. For children struggling with potty training, please provide additional clothing and underwear. Whenever we need to change a child, please provide a clean bag of clothing the following day. In winter, children need a warm jacket, snowpants or snowsuit, mittens/gloves, boots, hat and extra gloves. PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS. Snow Days Kids Express Learning Center follows Verona Area Public School administrators advice when making decisions on school closings or delays due to bad weather conditions. When Verona school are closed or delayed, Kids Express Learning Center will also be closed or delayed. ***Please take all outdoor clothing home each evening so that our janitors have an easier task of cleaning the cubby areas.
Parent Concerns and Issues
The Center is open to visits and observations by parents during hours of operation. Parents who wish to speak with a teacher must make an appointment in advance. Conversations during classtime take away from teacher/student interactions. Parents are encouraged to participate in Center activities. Children's records are locked in files in the business office. These records are confidential and available to the parent upon request. Copies of rules and Center policies are available to parents and are kept in each classroom and in the director's office. Our state license and any new state regulations will be posted in the main lobby of Kids Express Learning Center. If non-compliance notices are ever issued, they will also be posted in the main lobby. The Center maintains a medical log which includes notations on medications and injuries. Entries in this log regarding a particular child are available to parents. Parental notices and other parent information will be posted on the Parent Information boards provided for each classroom. We would appreciate a telephone call when your child will be absent from school. Thank you, in advance, for that favor.
Thank You for Sharing Your Child With Us
Each child who walks through the doors at Kids Express Learning Center is special to us. We know that you love your child and want only the best for him/her. We are honored that you have selected us to be part of your child's early childhood educational experience. Thank you for the confidence that you have placed in Please let us know when we do something that makes your child's day especially happy or worthwhile. But, when something does not please you, do not hesitate to let us know. We are here to serve your family and meet your needs. Help us make our school a dream come true for children. Sandra S. Dahl, Ph.D. Owner/Director Kids Express Learning Center, Inc.