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Philosophy:

Treasured Friends Daycare was established to provide loving, quality care for children 6 weeks - 10 years. We provide quality care to meet each child's physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs. We encourage children to be themselves and to grow and learn at their own pace. We strive to provide the best quality care that your child can receive. 




PROGRAMS 

The following information describes classroom goals and activities for groups of children at Treasured Friends Daycare. Age ranges are approximate as children are grouped on growth in all developmental areas: cognitive, physical and socio-emotional (including self-help skills such as feeding and toilet-training). Quarterly each year, the teachers evaluate each child’s development. Movement into the next group is based on availability of space in that group, developmental appropriateness, and chronological age. We are committed to the belief that you, as parents, are our partners in the learning process. 

Nursery: (6 weeks to 12 months) 
In this group, individual feeding and sleeping schedules are respected and daily interaction between parents/guardians and caregiver is encouraged. Development of each infant’s communication and social skills are encouraged through frequent holding, touching, eye contact, talking and singing during all care-giving activities. Staff members promote physical development by allowing infants to kick, reach, grasp, practice eye-hand coordination, and to initiate motor behavior such as rolling, sitting and crawling. To assist the staff in our Infant rooms, parents are required to complete an Infant Daily Schedule when first enrolling, and then periodically as your baby’s feeding or sleeping schedules change. These forms are available in the Infant classroom. Pertaining to baby formula, the State of Michigan regulation requires where formula is required; such formula must be prepared and provided by the parent. 

Waddlers: (13 months to 20 months) 
Older, more mobile infant’s development is encouraged through physical activities such as walking and climbing; and through music and movement activities. Encouragement of self-help and social skills such as feeding and getting along in a group, are planned as part of the daily routine. Teachers respond to each child’s language development by describing actions, expanding vocabulary, engaging in conversations about every day experiences, and by reading stories and singing songs. Outdoor play is provided when weather permits. 

Toddlers: 
Keeping up with toddlers is fun and challenging. Our toddler program is just right for their high-energy learning. We offer an environment perfect for exploring, staffed by motivated, trained, enthusiastic teachers. Toddlers are growing fast and incredibly curious. That’s why we provide an engaging, loving and safe environment. We respect your child’s ability to explore, so our environments offer a wide variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities. We celebrate achievements, foster their new sense of independence and encourage them as they make new friends. We always stand ready with help, soothing words, or a big comforting hug at more challenging moments. Toddlers, for all their boundless energy and running around, get an enormous sense of security from routine. So at Treasured Friends Daycare, they have lots of daily routines that they come to look forward to as staples in a day full of surprises and exploration. And explore they do! The Toddler rooms are designed for active play, with ample room to move, jump and dance – all important to large muscle development. It’s a toddler-friendly environment, with child-sized tools, materials easy for little hands to manipulate and fun stuff within reach. Our teachers encourage each child’s interests. There is painting, scribbling, singing and dancing, dressing up, and story time . . .. Always something fascinating to do. Large and small motor coordination is developed through group games and the opportunity to play with simple puzzles, pop-beads and large blocks. Language development is encouraged at Circle Time through songs, finger plays and stories. Through art activities, the children are introduced to colors and shapes. Social and self-help skills that develop independence and a basic trust of others in the group are acquired. Dramatic play activities such as pretending with dolls, dress-up clothes, trucks and cars, are introduced. Sharing, caring and helping others are encouraged. The typical day offers outdoor play, large and small group activities, independent play and quiet times. Not only do these activities contribute to your toddler’s cognitive development, they’re the beginning of socialization. Our teachers model appropriate behavior as children learn to get along with others. We approach toilet-training as a set of self-care skills – as a team with you. Together, we devise a plan that will be comfortable for you and your child. We keep you apprised of progress and accommodate changes in the plan as soon as your child needs them. You will receive a Daily Report on your child’s individual activities and interests, as well as eating, naps and diapering and/or toilet training. In addition, monthly calendars let you know the fun we have in store for the children. 

 Young Preschool (2 ½ - 3 1/2) 
It’s amazing how much a young preschooler absorbs. In fact, we have built a whole program around preschools’ natural curiosity. At Treasured Friends Daycare, we guide them to discoveries and skills they will feel good about. Our program sets children up to succeed in a warm, loving, fun environment. Along the way, they develop a love for learning. Play is your child’s practice. Two of the most important things our preschool program strives to foster in your child are a healthy sense of confidence and joy in learning. We want every child to feel that a new experience, an untested skill, or a just discovered world is likely to be full of good things. How do we do this?....We have fun! Our preschool classroom is home to many learning centers. Each one provides a place for your child’s play to flourish. We have areas for reading, arts and crafts, music, dramatic play and building. Each center is stocked with appropriate materials including puzzles, blocks, dress-up clothes, paints and books all within easy reach. Learning centers are where preschoolers get comfortable with all kinds of learning tools, and how to play and share with others. Children learn by doing and our teachers encourage exploration by taking cues from your child’s inclinations. Curiosity and discovery are the basis for learning. With caring teachers to support them, children build cognitive and social skills, from solving problems to working together. Each day includes indoor and outdoor play, large and small group activities and quiet time. While structure remains important, we stay flexible in the preschool program so we can take advantage of the day’s events and the children’s interests and needs. On a daily basis, you will be informed of your child’s individual activities and interests, as well as eating, naps and toilet activity. In addition, weekly/monthly calendars let you know the fun we have in store for the children, including themes and special happenings. Quarterly, you will be provided with a developmental progress report.

Preschool: (3 ½ - 5 years old) 
This age group focuses on building self-esteem and socialization skills. Space is created for small groups of children to enjoy playing together while learning to take turns and share toys. Language development is encouraged through the use of books, flannel board stories, and telling stories about each child’s own experiences. Emerging interest about writing is developed through scribbling, drawing and creating letters and words. Offering new materials extends thinking skills and ideas for play activities and problem solving. Health and safety awareness is introduced through serving nutritious foods, regular hand washing, and discussion of safety practices at home and in school. Children are being prepared for entrance into kindergarten. Classroom time is balanced between child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities. Language, reading and writing skills are developed through Circle Time activities (conversation, songs and poems), writing experience stories and by labeling items in the classroom for children to identify the object with the written word. Also, concepts involving spatial relationships, size, shape and quantity are developed. Thinking skills are increased through problem solving and open-ended activities. Time spent running, jumping, and balancing develops large muscles. Small muscle skills include writing first names, buttoning, zippering and lacing. Socially, children are involved in small groups where they can share and take turns. They are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity, independence and the ability to get along with others. 

SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
Children ages 5 to 10 years old may attend after school (drop off at the Center by school bus transportation), on half days of school and on full days during school holidays. Advance notice to the Director must be given to ensure there is enough room in the classroom for your child to attend on specific days. The After-School program will be a time for the children to unwind, do homework, release energy, develop their own interests and socialize with friends. The children will be engaged in daily supervised indoor and outdoor play (weather permitting). An area for rest or study (if desired) is also available to the children. Child initiated, group initiated and teacher initiated activities will take place. The children will also have access to a computer, art materials, books and age-appropriate games and toys. Parents are asked to complete a separate School Age Agreement for Services and Registration form for their school agers. This form includes a space to indicate your child’s school name, bus number and approximate time of arrival at the Center. This helps the Director in case your child does not arrive at the Center at the scheduled time, and the school and bus transportation can be contacted. 


SUMMER PROGRAM
At our Center a Summer Program for school agers (completion of Kindergarten is mandatory), we incorporate hands-on activities for younger and older children in a variety of categories such as arts and crafts, science and cooking, dance, drama and music, communication and fitness. Program themes and activities vary from year-to-year to ensure fun experiences for both new enrollees and returning “young campers”. Treasured Friends Daycare has a separate Summer Program Agreement for Services and Registration forms that parents need to indicate which days and weeks they plan on sending their child/ren to the Center and offers a discount for pre-paying for the entire Summer Program. In order for the Director to properly staff the Center, it is important to know what schedule changes you may have for the summer.


TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Treasured Friends curriculum is based on child’s play. Children retain more when they are having fun, so our programs emphasize learning through play. The curriculum is flexible enough to allow for individual growth, with enough structure to promote cognitive skills and self-discipline. This flexible approach accommodates the different rates at which children develop and helps each child develop his or her own unique qualities and character. Developmentally appropriate activities are planned for each group. Regardless of their age, a child’s day is filled with a healthy mix of learning and play. Our curriculum ensures that each age group participates in daily activities that enhance the following developmental domains: 
Social Skills: Treasured Friends provides children with the environment to build self-esteem, self-control and self-awareness. Throughout the day, they are given many opportunities to meet with success. Emotional Support: Our caregivers truly love children. Each child is provided with affection and support from warm and caring adults. We also encourage autonomy in each child and cooperation within the classroom. 
Creative and Artistic Experience: Creative expression is achieved through art, music and dance. Easel painting and listening to children’s classics quickly become among the favorite activities.
 Physical Activity: Treasured Friends program ensures that children are encouraged to move indoors and outdoors. Daily program plans also engage children in periods of active and quiet play. 
Mental Abilities: Children need concrete experiences. Activities and materials are selected to encourage “earning by doing” with interactions that develop problem-solving skills. 
Health Education: As children learn about their bodies and themselves, we encourage them to assume responsibility for serving themselves, hand washing, toileting and overall safety. 

Enrollment Policy:
Parents can apply for enrollment of their child at Treasured Friends Daycare by completing the Enrollment Application and paying the $35.00 Registration Fee. The Application Fee is non-refundable. Initial enrollment is contingent upon receipt of the completed enrollment application and application fee. Immunization records and health assessment must be received within the first 30 days from the child’s start date in order to continue care. Continued enrollment at Treasured Friends Daycare is contingent upon the parent’s and child’s adherence to the policies and procedures of Treasured Friends Daycare as outlined in this handbook including, but not limited to, timely payment of all fees and tuition. Parents are required to notify Treasured Friends Daycare immediately, should any of the information collected at the time of enrollment or any time thereafter change. Failure to do so may result in the child(ren) being dis-enrolled from the program and forfeiture of any deposit.

A child is considered to be enrolled in the daycare only after the registration fee of
$35.00 (non-refundable) has been received, the administrator confirms the availability of the space and the required paperwork is received.  

1.Immunization records
2.Valid Health form (within 30 days of admission) An updated physical is required yearly, on the expiration date of the current physical.  
3.Emergency Card
4.Signed Daycare Contract
5. Signed Food Agreement
6. Signed copy of licensing rules


Tuition
Treasured Friends Daycare accepts cash, check, money order, or credit cards. Receipts will be given for tuition payments made by cash or credit card. All cash payments must be handed directly to Center Director or Assistant Center Director. There will be a $36.00 fee charged for tuition checks returned by the bank. Returned Tuition checks will not be re-deposited. Parents will be responsible for re-issuing a second check. If at any future time the bank returns a parent’s check, all future tuition payments must be made by cash, certified check, money order or credit card.
Non-payment of tuition is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. Timely payments are essential for continued enrollment at Treasured Friends Daycare; however, if you anticipate difficulty with paying on time, please discuss the matter with the Center Director immediately. If alternative arrangements for payment are approved you will be notified by the Center Director.
Treasured Friends Daycare does accept child care subsides. Provider verification must be submitted and authorized by State of Michigan DHS. Parents will be responsible for payment until authorization is approved. Parents will be responsible for the payment of tuition, in the event they become ineligible to receive child care subsidies.
Treasured Friends Daycare offers a multiple child discount for one or more siblings enrolled during the same school year. Tuition rates are discounted 10% for total tuition. Discounts are only applicable when tuition payments are made on time. The full tuition rate, plus any additional late fees will be charged when tuition payments are late as per the late tuition policy stated above.


Hours and Days of Operation:
Treasured Friends Daycare Center operates 52 weeks per year, Monday through Friday. The center is open daily from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Our center will be CLOSED on the following days:

Labor DayChristmas Eve
Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day
Friday after ThanksgivingNew Year’s Eve
Memorial DayNew Year’s Day
July 4th


Reasons for Termination of Enrollment:

1.Delinquent Account4.Failure to follow policies
2.Disciplinary Problems
3.Continuous Late Child Pick Up
5. Health Requirements not met

Withdrawals:
Treasured Friends Day Care reserves the right to ask any family to withdraw their child from the center, for reasons such as, but not limited to: unresolved behavior problems, habitual non-payment or late payment of fees; habitual lateness at pick-up time. One month’s notice will be given in these cases. Parents wishing to withdraw their child/children may do so at any time. A two-week notice, in writing, is required by the Center. All outstanding fees are payable at the time notice is given. The deposit will be applied to the last month’s fees when the required notice is given.
Payment Schedule
Weekly Accounts: One Week Advance Payment is due upon enrollment and the account must be paid the Friday in which the services are rendered. The following holidays are required to be paid for if your child normally attends Treasured Friends Daycare on the day of which the holiday falls on:

Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
July 4th

Existing Accounts:
In order to regulate and keep-to date all accounts; all Day Care Services must be paid for at the beginning of the week of which services will be rendered unless otherwise stated in previous practices. If you are behind in Payment, upon receipt of this manual, you must
remain current and pay regularly on past due amounts in order to continue Day Care Services. You will be responsible to pay for the days that your child is scheduled to attend. If your child is scheduled for five days, you are responsible to pay for the five days unless the rule below applies:

-Free Days shall be as follows: The free days amount is determined by the normal number of days that your child attends times 2. Anything over your predetermined free days will be charged to your account in order to maintain a slot for your child. In order to redeem a free day, a one week notice must be given. Two week notice is required if you will be using more than three days during one time period. Please put the request in writing.
-If your child has an extended illness, then your account will be credited. An extended illness would mean that your child would have to be requested by his or her physician to be out of daycare. A doctor note is required. Examples of extended illnesses are chicken pox, pneumonia, scarlet fever, etc. A cold or a fever is not an extended illness.
For all absenteeism, please call to let us know when the child/children will not be
attending in order to keep your enrollment status. It is the sole responsibility of the
parent/guardian to notify the center if the child will be absent. 


Arrival Procedures-
Upon arrival at Treasured Friends Daycare, the parents or the adult dropping the child off must sign the child into care on the sign-in sheet located in their child’s classroom. This allows us to transfer responsibility of care from parent to authorized Treasured Friends staff. Children are required to be escorted by their parent or the adult dropping them off, to their designated classroom. Please do not leave until a staff member has become aware that your child has arrived. 
Treasured Friends Daycare discourages parents from sneaking out of the center. Some children exhibit separation anxiety when it is time for their parent to leave. Treasured Friends Daycare believes it is best for parents to tell the anxious child upon arrival that after all of the child’s things are put away, the parent will kiss, hug and say goodbye to the child. This will prepare the child for their departure. The teacher present in the classroom will comfort and assist the child through the anxious time. Parents are asked to leave after saying goodbye. The longer the parent of an anxious child drags out the departure, the more anxiety the child is likely to feel. The professional employees of Treasured Friends Daycare are available to discuss other options if the child does not settle into the arrival routine after a reasonable period of time. At arrival, parents are required to follow the Medication Policy if a child must receive medication during the course of the day. Parents are required to notify the child’s teacher or Center Director of any special instructions or needs for the child’s day. The parent must present the special instructions in the form of a letter and verbally discuss them with either the classroom teacher or Center Director. These special instructions include but are not limited to: Early Pick Up, Alternative Pick Up Person, health issues over the previous night which need to be observed and/or any general issues of concern which the child care providers should be aware to best meet the needs of your child throughout the day.






Absences-
Parents are required to inform the center by 9:00am if a child will not be at the center on a scheduled day. This will enable the center to more effectively maintain appropriate ratios and help the classroom teacher effectively plan for the day. If your child is ill, we request that you notify the center director not only of the absence, but also of the nature of the illness. This enables our faculty to keep track of any illnesses, which may occur at our school. This information will only be shared with staff on a “need to know” basis. If your child has a communicable disease, we ask that you share the diagnosis with the Center Director, so that the parents of the children in the school maybe notified that a communicable disease is present. Once again, only the communicable disease information will be shared. 

Dismissal Procedure-
Parents or other authorized adult are required to sign their child out of care on the sign-out sheet located in their child’s classroom. Once a parent signs their child out, the parent is then solely responsible for supervising their child while at the childcare center. The parent may not allow a child to wander through the hallways, bathrooms, other classrooms and/or playground. Parents are required to handle all business issues prior to signing out their child, and are required to directly exit the building once they have signed their child out of care. Parents or persons designated are required to sign any incident/accident reports from the day at pick-up. The classroom teacher will be able to briefly discuss the matter with you or other authorized adult at pick-up. However, should you feel it necessary to have an in depth discussion or meeting, it is most appropriate to schedule the meeting for a later date because the teacher is responsible for supervising the remaining children in the classroom. A telephone conference may be scheduled for later in the day or for the next day at nap/rest time if the parent(s) is unable to meet at the center during the course of the day.

Late Pick-Up Procedure-
If a parent realizes that circumstances beyond their control will cause a delayed pick-up, a phone call is requested. This is important as many children fear they have been forgotten when parents do not arrive at their usual time. The center closes at 6:30 p.m. You will be charged $1.00 for every minute after 6:35p.m. If tardiness becomes a habit, you may be asked to make other arrangements. In the case that a child is left after 6:30 p.m. our staff will:
1. Call the Parent
2. Contact emergency contact's if parent is unavailable

Alternate Pick Up-
 At enrollment, parents will be presented with an Emergency Card. Parents are encouraged to include on this form any, and all persons who, in the course of events, may at one time be asked to pick-up their child from Treasured Friends Daycare. In an emergency situation the child’s parents will be called first. If they cannot be reached staff will call the persons listed on this form until someone can be reached. Parents do not need to be listed on the Emergency Contact Form. The persons on the Emergency/Alternate pick-up form will be required to provide Government issued photo ID prior to the agency releasing the child. There will be no exceptions to this rule. All changes and/or additions to the Emergency/Alternate Pick-up form must be made in writing and be dated and signed. Only custodial parents have the right to make changes or additions to this form. 

Access to Child-
Parents of a child in our care are entitled to immediate access, without prior notice, to their child whenever they are in care at Treasured Friends Daycare, as provided by law. In cases where the child is the subject of a court order (e.g., Custody Order, Restraining Order, or Protection from Abuse Order) Treasured Friends Daycare must be provided with a Certified Copy of the most recent order and all amendments thereto. The orders of the court will be strictly followed unless the custodial parent(s) requests a more liberal variation of the order in writing. In the case where both parents are afforded shared/joint custody by order of the court, both parents must sign the request for more liberal interpretation of the order. In the absence of a court order on file with Treasured Friends Daycare, both parents shall be afforded equal access to their child as stipulated by law. Treasured Friends Daycare cannot, without a court order, limit the access of a one parent by request of the other parent, regardless of the reason. If a situation presents itself where one parent does not want the other parent to have access to their child, Treasured Friends Daycare suggests that the parent keep the child with them until a court order is issued, since our rights to retain your child are secondary to the other parent's right to immediate access. Treasured Friends Daycare staff will contact the local police should a conflict arise. Visitors are asked to schedule appointments with the Center Director, and are allowed in the child care facility only at the discretion of the Center Director. An employee of Treasured Friends Daycare will accompany visitors at all times, throughout the center. 

CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ALLERGIES-
For the safety of your child, parents are required to provide a detail list of any allergies from food or otherwise, from which their child suffers, at the time of enrollment or when the allergy is discovered. This form must be updated every six months, or more frequently, as needed. In addition to this form, parents must provide a copy of any additional physician’s orders and procedural guidelines relating to the prevention and treatment of the child’s allergy.

Illness Policy:
Children are not allowed to attend daycare while they are exhibiting any signs of contagious illness. Your child may not attend daycare if he/she is or has in the last 24 hours exhibited any of the following signs:
*fever
*uncontrollable runny nose
*discharge from the eyes
*vomiting
*unknown rash
*diarrhea
*a child that has lice

If a child becomes ill while at the center we will make arrangements with
the parent for pick up of the child. You will be called to pick up a child if he or she has:
*a fever of 101 or higher
*diarrhea (3 loose stools since admission that day
*rash
*puss from eyes

Schoolage children may not attend daycare if they do not attend school due to an illness. A parent is required to inform the center within 24 hours if their child contracts a contagious disease.

DISPENSING MEDICATION
Treasured Friends Daycare will only dispense over-the-counter and/or prescription medication that is in original, labeled containers, and is accompanied by a medication form with explicit dosage and administration instructions. Medication Forms can be obtained from our lobby. Medication Forms, doctor’s notes and medication are to be turned into the center director. Treasured Friends Daycare will dispense over-the-counter, fever reducing/pain medication (ex. Children’s Tylenol, Children’s Motrin) on an as needed basis, with a doctor’s note detailing the recommended reasons for administration and appropriate dosage. Parents are required to supply an unopened bottle of the fever reducing/pain medication clearly labeled with their child’s name. (One note and bottle of fever reducing/pain medication is required per child.) Prior to administering fever reducing/pain medication, staff will contact a parent or person listed on emergency contact form, if a parent can not be reached, to inform them of our need to administer the medication. Staff will also inform the parent or emergency contact person if it is necessary for the child to be picked up due to illness. Refer to the policy listed above regarding picking up ill children. 

Meals and Snacks
Morning and afternoon snack are served daily. All meals are nutritionally balanced. 
*Breakfast
Is an additional cost of $3.00 per week for each child. which includes items from the three basic food groups, is served from 7:30a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
* Lunch
Lunch should be provided by the parent. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p .m.
Every other Monday is McDonald's Day. This is an additional cost of $3.50 PER CHILD
*Afternoon snack
Which includes two foods from the four basic food groups will be served from
3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
You as a parent are allowed to send extra food with your child, providing it is healthy and not junk food


BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE POLICIES
The center's daily scheduling, curriculum plans, classroom arrangement, and staffing pattern are designed to promote positive and enjoyable learning experiences, including respectful and trusting relationships between adults and children. To provide for the safety of all children, as well as the individual development of each child’s self-help and self-control skills, staff maintains daily routines and provides limits appropriate for each group. These routines and limits are frequently discussed and defined with the children. Consistency, or knowing what to expect throughout the day, helps children develop a sense of trust and understanding of their environment and encourages self-control.
The goals of child guidance are to help children develop safe and appropriate
ways of interacting with others and with the environment and to develop internal
self-control. Young children learn by experimenting, testing limits and experiencing logical consequences of their behavior.
Treasured Friends operates on the premise that young children are never “bad”.
Many discipline problems arise from too much excitement, over stimulation and
enthusiasm rather than direct disobedience. Continual positive reinforcement will
be used to encourage acceptable behavior. The staff plan to change behaviors
using positive techniques.

These techniques include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Developing, with children, rules that are stated at the children's
developmental level.
2. Clarifying the consequences of not following rules before an incident occurs.
3. Having age-appropriate expectations for children.
4. Allowing children time to practice following new rules and acceptable
alternatives to problem behavior in order to reduce conflict.
5. Reinforce desirable behavior by praising or rewarding the child. When the
child realizes that attention comes from appropriate behavior, that behavior is
more likely to continue.
6. Provide immediate and directly related consequences for a child's
unacceptable behavior.
7. Ensure that each child is provided with a positive model of acceptable
behavior.
8. Redirect children away from the problem toward a constructive activity in
order to reduce conflict.
9. Short breaks (timeouts), which are noted and logged.
10. Protect the safety of children and staff persons.

BEHAVIOR POLICIES
If our attempts at discipline do not work, the following will happen:

1. A behavior letter will go home to the parents stating reason for referral,
previous action by staff, actions taken by the disciplinary personnel. After
three of these have been sent home and corrections to the child's behavior
have not been made we will go to step 2.

2. When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to others, or the
staff, a conference will be called with the parents. A behavior plan will be
developed. The plan will include specific details of focus to eliminate the
behavior problems. Suggestions may include, but are not limited to
atmosphere changes, incentive programs, more direct services and/or
professional services, and referrals for behavior assessments.

3. When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous to other
children or staff, a conference will be called with the parents. If the problem
can't be resolved, arrangements will have to be made for the child to go
elsewhere for care. Treasured Friends prohibits the subjection of a child to corporal punishment, which includes but is not limited to:
Rough handling, shoving, hair pulling, ear pulling, shaking, slapping, kicking,
biting, pinching, hitting, or spanking.
Treasured Friends prohibits the subjection of a child to emotional abuse, which
includes but is not limited to:
Name calling, ostracism, shaming, making derogatory remarks about a child or the child's family, using language that threatens, humiliates, or frightens the child.

Treasured Friends also prohibits:
1. Punishment for lapses in toileting
2. Withholding food, light, warmth, clothing, or medical care as a punishment for unacceptable behavior
3. The use of physical restraint other than to physically hold a child where containment is necessary to protect a child or others from harm
4. The use of mechanical restraints, such as tying
5. No child may be separated from the group unless the following has occurred:
(a) Less intrusive methods of guiding the child’s behavior have been tried and were ineffective 
(b) The child's behavior threatens the well being of the child or other children in the program
A child who requires separation from the group must:
(a) Remain within an unenclosed part of the classroom where the child can be continuously seen and heard by a program staff person
(b) The child's return to the group must be contingent on the child's stopping or bringing under control the behavior that precipitated the separation
(c) The child must be returned to the group as soon as the behavior that precipitated the separation abates or stops

ASSESSMENT OF CHILD PROGRESS
All age groups are assessed formally and informally to ensure that the teachers plan their 
curriculum goals and activities to support individualized learning. Our teachers observe, record and document children’s development, participation and learning throughout the year. The assessments are ongoing, systematic and gathered from natural play activities and realistic setting that reflects children’s actual performance. Our center uses variety of methods such as observations, checklists, rating scales, and individually administered tests. The assessment results are used to benefit children by informing sound decisions about children, teaching, and program improvement. When assessments identify concerns, appropriate follow-up, referral or other intervention is used. Our formal assessments are done twice a year, (October and May). All our assessments are kept in the child’s portfolio, which follow the child from group to group to show the progress in cognitive, language, physical social and emotional areas of development that are consistent with our program curriculum and philosophy. Our families are part of assessment process with regular communication, partnership and involvement. Once the formal assessments are completed the head teacher will schedule a parent conference.


INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORTS
 Should your child be involved in an incident/accident during the course of the school day, a staff member will complete an Incident/Accident Report. Parents will be notified of the accident or incident immediately if there is a head injury or any bleeding. Parents are required to sign any incident/accident reports from the day at pick-up. The classroom teacher will be able to briefly discuss the matter with you at pick-up. However, should you feel it necessary to have an in depth discussion or meeting, it is most appropriate to schedule the meeting for a later date because the teacher is responsible for supervising the remaining children in the classroom. A telephone conference may be scheduled for later in the day or for the next day at nap/rest time if the parent(s) is unable to meet at the center during the course of the day. 



Cultural Diversity
Treasured Friends Staff strives to provide the children with a wide range of cultural diversity. We provide this by the use of items such as toys, equipment, books, songs, and posters. We stress to the children that we are all unique and special.



Celebrations
Celebrations are always fun for the children and we will be planning many celebrations throughout the year. Each classroom will plan celebrations for holidays, and teachers may plan celebrations as a part of the theme that the class is working on as well. Parents may be asked to contribute treats or other items for class parties. For your convenience, we will always give parents plenty of advance notice about upcoming holiday parties and celebrations so that you can sign up to contribute snacks if you would like. Please understand that holiday parties and classroom celebrations will always be scheduled in the mornings so that all students will have the opportunity to participate.  

BIRTHDAYS
If you would like to send a treat to be shared on your child’s birthday, it will be welcomed. Just let us know in advance so we will be expecting it. Sending a treat is not necessary.

Fundraising
We understand that your child’s care is a big financial commitment for all of you. Our expenses as a child care center are numerous, and parent tuition does not cover all of the costs for supplies. Our fundraising policy requires all enrolled FAMILIES to participate in our yearly fundraiser which is held every February or pay the yearly supply fee. 

CHILDREN'S NEEDS
Belongings-
 Treasured Friends Daycare Center will not be responsible for lost or missing items.
An extra set of clothing should be sent with children or left at the center.
All other items children wear or bring should be labeled with the child's
name and left in the child's cubby. Dirty clothes will be sent home each
day. When extra clothes or winter outdoor clothes are needed and are not
available, parents will be notified and required to bring them.
Please have shoes at the center each day for your child. No boots, stocking feet, or bare feet.

Television Viewing
 Videos are not part of the regular curriculum at our schools. Videos may be viewed when they are written into the lesson plan with permission, or for a special occasion.

Infants 
Infants need to bring everything they need for the day. This includes enough clean bottles, formula, food, diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and pacifier. Please bring a large package of diapers, wipes, cereal, and formula to leave at the center. We will let you know when your supply is low. LABEL EVERYTHING! 

Diapering and Toilet Training
Children in diapers will be changed in regular intervals throughout the day, and as necessary between scheduled changing times. An adequate supply of diapers and wipes must be provided to the school. Parents will be billed $1.00 per diaper change when diapers have not been provided from home.
Toilet training is part of being a toddler. Please talk with us frequently about your child’s progress and success in this area so that we may assist you and your child in reaching this important developmental milestone. It is also very important that during this time you have multiple changes of clothing for your child. Treasured Friends Daycare staff will help children get into the habit of hand washing after diapering and toilet use.

Items from Home
Treasured Friends discourages toys from home. We provide an adequate supply of play materials and activities for your children during the day. When teachers request a “Show and Tell” let your child bring a toy for that day only, and please label it. If your child brings an item from home, he/she will be required to place the item in their backpack.  

Outdoor Play
 Weather permitting; we will go outside at least once per day. It is extremely important that you provide your child with proper clothing for outdoor play (sunhat, jacket, appropriate shoes, snow clothes, sunscreen, etc.). 


NAP/REST TIME
 All children are encouraged to nap between 12:30 and 3:00. The pre-k classroom typically has children who do not nap. If your child does not need a nap please make the director and teacher aware. 


GOOD HYGIENE:
Treasured Friends has implemented hand-washing and sanitation procedures into the daily routines of children and staff to control the spread of infection. We practice hand washing after toileting, before and after meals and snacks, after coming in from outside, and other times during the day as necessary. Children are encouraged and reminded to cover their mouths whenever coughing or sneezing, and to use tissues. All staff members use universal blood precautions. Please be advised that during messy weather conditions, we have a “shoes off” policy when entering the building. On such days, children should leave/bring a pair of “indoor” sneakers to change into upon arrival. 
Treasured Friends Daycare acknowledges that the health of a child’s mouth 
is vital to their overall health and well-being. Baby teeth are important for eating, speaking, smiling and to maintain the space for the adult teeth. To help prevent tooth decay, daily tooth brushing and healthy eating habits should begin at an early age.
Treasured Friends Daycare can play an important part in your child’s 
dental health . As part of the Program, tooth brushing will be carried 
out once a day at this center and we hope that this will be supported with your help at home. By encouraging young children to brush regularly, you will be helping them to keep their teeth for a life-time.  
Treasured Friends is a smoke-free environment. We ask that you do not smoke in or near the Center and that you do not dispose of cigarettes on Treasured Friends property.