PARENT HANDBOOK KIDTOWN ACDMY

PARENT HANDBOOK




PARENT HANDBOOK

KIDTOWN LEARNING ACADEMY 10855 W. PARK PLACE SUITE MILWAUKEE, WI 53224 414-316-7639

PARENT HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

1. Welcome to KidTown Learning Academy • Mission Statement • Vision Statement • Educational Philosophy 2. Admission and Enrollment • Enrollment Process • Attendance Policies • Admission Requirements • Required Forms and Documentation 3. Daily Operations • Hours of Operation and Calendar • Classroom Assignments and Transitions • Staff and Teacher Information • Emergency Closures 4. Health and Safety • Health Care Policies • Medication Administration • Immunization and Health Records • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Policies • Illness Policies • Nutrition and Meal Times • Allergy Management • Emergency Plans and Procedures • Cleanliness and Sanitation 5. Program Policies • Child Education and Curriculum

Table of Contents

Child Guidance Policy • Special Needs and Accommodations • Discharge and Termination of Enrollment • Parent Involvement and Communication 6. Financial Policies • Fee Schedule and Payment Policies • Refunds and Absences • Additional Fees 7. Facilities and Equipment • Pets Policy • Lost and Stolen Items Policy • Outdoor Play and Physical Activity 8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance • Licensing and Inspections • Non-Discrimination Policy • Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance • Weapons Policy 9. Transportation Policy 10. YoungStar Program and Family Engagement

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1. Welcome

to KidTown Learning Academy We are delighted to have you and your child as part of our community. At KidTown Learning Academy, we commit ourselves to provide an enriching, safe, and nurturing environment for your child to grow, learn, and thrive. Below, you will find the foundational principles that guide our operations, from our mission and vision to our educational philosophy. Mission Statement The mission of KidTown Learning Academy is to provide a stimulating and nurturing environment with an equal balance of social, emotional, and intellectual support. We aim to support the diverse needs of children and prepare them for success in school and the future. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to create a welcoming space where every child can achieve their full potential. Vision Statement Our vision at KidTown Learning Academy is for parents to feel confident and reassured about their childcare choice. We strive to ensure that children are safe, engaged, educated, and smiling. By fostering a loving and secure atmosphere, we hope to be a place where children can explore their interests and parents can feel good about the care their children receive. Educational Philosophy At KidTown Learning Academy, we believe in the power of exploration and experience in learning. Children are given the opportunity to explore materials and participate in a variety of experiences. We offer a blend of individual and group activities, alternating between quiet and active times, ensuring that every child finds something that stimulates their curiosity and encourages their development. Activities are thoughtfully planned and implemented in an open classroom setting, where children are free to choose from age-appropriate activities. Our offerings include art, music, language development, pre-math skills, science, nature, and dramatic play. Through these activities, children develop selfesteem, independence, and problem-solving skills as they make choices and contribute to planning their learning environment. We prioritize children's safety and security above all. Before a child can explore independence, they must know they can rely on adults and a predictable environment. Respect and kindness are at the heart of our interactions with children. We recognize and celebrate the individual development and interests of each child. With small group sizes and appropriate teacher-child ratios, we ensure that we meet the individual needs of each child.

1. Welcome

Children are placed in classrooms with primary caregivers who lead the class every day, fostering a

consistent and stable environment for learning and growth. Transitions to new rooms are made thoughtfully, with ample notice provided to parents to ensure a smooth adjustment for both the child and their family. Through our educational philosophy, we lay a strong foundation for each child's future success, emphasizing the importance of a supportive and enriching early learning environment.

Children are placed in classrooms with primary caregivers who lead the class every day, fostering a

2. Admission and Enrollment

Enrollment Process KidTown Learning Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years. We operate year-round, offering care from Sunday through Saturday, January through December. Our facility is licensed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and adheres strictly to the regulations to ensure the highest standards of care. Admission to KidTown Learning Academy is on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to space availability and compliance with state licensing requirements. We encourage families to begin the enrollment process by scheduling a visit to meet with our Director. This initial meeting is a great opportunity to discuss your child's specific needs, learn about our policies, and how we can best support your family. To foster a smooth transition for your child, we recommend bringing your child and any other family members for a visit before the first day of attendance. This visit allows your child to become acquainted with our environment and our staff. Attendance Policies We expect children to attend according to the schedules provided by their parents. If a child does not arrive within 30 minutes of their scheduled time and we have not been notified of their absence, we will attempt to contact the parent or guardian to ensure the child's safety. Consistent attendance is crucial for maintaining a stable environment for all children. Children aged 2 and under are required to be enrolled full-time (30-40 hours per week) to ensure they receive consistent care and to facilitate their development. Admission Requirements Admission to KidTown Learning Academy is contingent upon completing the enrollment process, which includes meeting with the Director, touring our facility, and submitting the required forms and documentation. Our goal is to ensure that every family feels fully informed and confident in the quality of care and education their child will receive at our academy.

2. Admission and Enrollment

Required Forms and Documentation

To complete the enrollment process, the following forms and documents must be submitted: • Form DCF-62 "Childcare Enrollment" • Form DCF-44 "Health History and Emergency Care Plan" • Form DCF-104 “Alternate Arrival/Release Agreement" (if applicable) • Form DCF-56 "Childcare Center Transportation Permission" (if applicable) • Form DCF-61 "Childcare Intake for Child Under 2 Years" (if applicable) • Photo Release Form Additionally, within 30 days of starting at KidTown, parents must submit: • Form DPH-4192 "Day Care Immunization Record" or an electronic record of your child's immunizations. And within 90 days of enrollment, a signed medical professional must provide: • Form DCF-60 "Child Health Report". These forms ensure we have all necessary information to provide the best care for your child and are compliant with state regulations. Updates on any changes in your child's health, development, or care needs should be communicated promptly to maintain our records' accuracy and relevance.

Required Forms and Documentation

3. Daily Operations

Hours of Operation and Calendar KidTown Learning Academy offers care for children ages 6 weeks through 4 years, operating Sunday through Saturday, year-round, with specific hours tailored to accommodate the needs of our families. Our comprehensive calendar, including holidays and planned closures, ensures parents can plan accordingly. Please note, we observe major holidays and will communicate any special closures or events through our regular channels to keep our families well-informed. Classroom Assignments and Transitions Your child's placement within our classrooms is determined by age, developmental stage, and individual readiness, ensuring they receive care and education tailored to their needs. We maintain consistent caregiver assignments to foster strong, secure relationships between children and staff. Classroom transitions are handled with care, providing children and parents with advance notice and support to ensure a smooth and positive experience. Our goal is to make transitions as seamless as possible, acknowledging the importance of stability in your child's early learning journey. Staff and Teacher Information Our educators and caregivers are the heart of KidTown Learning Academy, dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for your child to thrive. All staff members are carefully selected based on their qualifications, experience, and passion for early childhood education. Ongoing professional development is a priority, ensuring our team is equipped with the latest insights and techniques in child care and education. We encourage open communication between families and our staff to foster a collaborative approach to your child's development. Emergency Closures While we strive to maintain consistent operations, the safety of our children, families, and staff is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances requiring the academy to close, we will promptly notify families through ProCare, our primary communication platform. Additionally, we utilize local radio and television stations to broadcast closure information. Our emergency plan is designed to ensure all families are informed and can make necessary arrangements. 4. Health and Safety

3. Daily Operations

Health Care Policies

KidTown Learning Academy prioritizes the health and safety of all children in our care. Our comprehensive health care policies are designed to support a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the well-being of every child. These policies encompass a wide range of health-related practices, including the management of illnesses, administration of medications, response to allergies, and procedures for handling emergencies and injuries. All childcare providers at KidTown Learning Academy are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect. We are required by law to report any suspicions to the local Child Protective Services (CPS) office or law enforcement. Our staff receives training every 2 years on child abuse and neglect laws, identification of abuse or neglect, and the reporting process to ensure the safety and protection of all children. In the event of a medical emergency, KidTown has a structured response plan. This includes immediate first aid, contacting emergency services if necessary, and notifying the child's parents or guardians. Our staff is trained in infant and child CPR and first aid to ensure they can provide appropriate care until professional medical assistance arrives. To prevent the spread of illness, KidTown enforces a strict illness policy, requiring children who are ill or exhibiting symptoms of contagious diseases to stay home. This policy is in place to protect the health of all children and staff at the academy. Parents are informed of this policy at enrollment and reminded as necessary to ensure compliance. The health and safety of children also extend to nutrition and meal times, with KidTown providing healthy, balanced meals and snacks prepared according to strict hygiene standards. Special dietary needs and allergies are accommodated, with staff trained to manage and prevent allergic reactions. Our commitment to health and safety is reflected in our daily operations, from routine cleaning and sanitation practices to the careful monitoring of children for signs of illness or distress. KidTown Learning Academy works diligently to maintain a healthy, safe environment for all children in our care. Medication Administration At KidTown Learning Academy, the administration of medication to children is conducted with utmost care and in strict accordance with licensing regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. The following procedures are in place for the administration of both prescription and non-prescription medications: • Authorization: Parents must complete a medication authorization form, detailing the child's name, the name of the medication, dosage, and administration instructions. This form is required for both prescription and over-the-counter medications. • Original Containers: All medications must be provided in their original containers with clear labels that include the child's name, the name of the medication, dosage instructions, and the prescribing doctor's name (for prescription medications).

Health Care Policies



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