McDonough Elementary Child Care Association (McDecca), Inc. Handbook

PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
The McDecca Child Care Program intends to provide quality child care and developmentally appropriate enrichment activities.  We believe a child’s growth is dependent upon manipulation and experimentation of his/her environment.  McDecca accomplishes this through a combination of teacher directed and child initiated activities.  We also believe that a child has the right to value him or herself and the community from which they come.  McDecca brings the community to the child and the child to the community.  Visitors are invited to attend and share their knowledge and talents with the children.  We bring the children into the community by providing them with various opportunities to interact with the people in different environments.  McDecca also strongly believes in the inherent right of a child to become emotionally developed.  We consistently provide opportunities for a child to productively express him or herself; we encourage this through group discussions, one on one interaction, and role modeling.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM
McDecca is a before and after school program, open to children who attend the Moylan/McDonough Elementary Schools.  McDecca/McDonough program will be located in the McDonough Elementary School building, on 111 Hillside Avenue.  Entrance to the program will be through the side door of the cafeteria, in the parking lot located off of Hillside Avenue.  There will be a doorbell adhered to the outside of the school doors.  Please ring this bell and a staff member will allow you and your child entrance to the building. Please remember that you MUST sign your child in and out every day!

ADMISSION
Enrollment in the McDecca Child Care Program is open to all children in grades K through 6 who attend the McDonough/Moylan Elementary Schools.  Admission is limited and children will be enrolled on a first come first serve basis.  McDecca does not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, or religion.  Parents who wish to withdraw their child from the program must give the Director two (2) weeks in advance, written notification, or pay for the vacant slot for two (2) weeks.

HOURS OF OPERATION
McDecca will open at 7:00 AM every morning, unless school is delayed due to inclement weather.  (See Inclement Weather for more information)  The children will leave to attend breakfast in school at 7:45 AM, everyday.  McDecca opens once again at 2:30 PM.  The children arrive from class at 2:42 PM.  McDecca closes promptly at 5:30 PM everyday.  Parents who are late will be charged a late fee.  (See Late Fees for more information)  On days when there is a half day of school, McDecca will open at 11:30AM.

McDecca is closed on the following holidays:
*          Thanksgiving and the day after
*          Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
*          New Years Eve and New Years Day
*          Labor Day
*          Memorial Day
*          July 4th and the day after if it falls on a weekday
*          Columbus Day
*          Veterans Day
*          Martin Luther King Day
*          Three Kings Day
*          Washington’s Birthday
*          Lincoln’s Birthday
*          Good Friday
**These closings are due to the costs incurred by McDecca for janitorial fees, along with other expenses.

INCLEMENT WEATHER
When the school system is closed, McDecca will also be closed.  On days when school opening is delayed, McDecca will be delayed by ½ hour.  This means we will open at 7:30 AM instead of 7:00 AM.  If the school system closes early, McDecca is closed.  Children will need to go home directly from school.  If you suspect inclement weather, please listen to the local radio or television stations.  No one will call you if school closes early.  McDecca staff will not arrive to work; therefore the center will not be open.  Please follow the school’s plan for an early closing; have a back-up plan ready to implement if your child needs to go home early.  McDecca will not be there to take care of you!  Staff will need to be at home to receive their own children coming home early.  In the event that school does not close early, but weather becomes treacherous, the Director may close the center early.  In this case, you or an authorized person will be contacted to come get your child.

ORIENTATION
Parent and Child-Parent orientation takes place when receiving the registration packet.  During this time the Director and parent will discuss all information concerning the center, the child and his/her family. (Ex. discipline, meals, etc.)
It is preferred that the child be present at this time also, so he/she can interact with other children within the center’s environment.  This is important because it allows the parent, director and child the opportunity to experience McDecca together.
Once a child is registered, orientation will take place on the child’s first day.  This will include an introduction to all other children and staff, along with a discussion of the daily schedule and the rules.  If at all possible, the new child will be paired with a “buddy” to make them feel at ease.  The child will also be shown where to place personal belongings along with his/her materials and creations.

REGISTRATION
An annual registration fee of $10.00 is required for each child when submitting an application.  Families with more than one child attending the program are required to pay $10.00 per child for registration.  Registration fees are non-refundable.  If for any reason a space is unavailable to a registered child, the fee will be refunded to the parent.
A complete application and copy of the child's health form (physical) must me submitted in order to enroll a child in our program.

TUITION
Fees are due a week in advance and can be paid the Friday before, unless otherwise arranged with the Director. Payments should be given to the Director or the Head Teacher.  Checks and money orders are to be made payable to: McDecca, Inc.  Please remember to write the child’s name on the check.  There will be a $15.00 returned check fee.  If two checks bounce, cash or money orders will be the required form of payment.  If payments are not made with in the allowable or arranged time period, a $15.00 late fee will be charged.  If payments are not made within two weeks of the arranged payment plan, your child will be suspended from the program until payment is rendered.  No child will be permitted to register for a new session until all fees from the previous session are paid. 
Fees are due regardless of absence except in the following cases:
A child is ill for more than three consecutive days, with a doctor’s note.
There is a death in the family or a medical emergency.
The program is canceled due to a holiday or an emergency situation.

FEES
Before and After School Care: These rates are per session, AM session, and PM session.
Number of children (per family)                                     Cost per WEEK
                                                                                    (AM)                           (PM)
1st Child                                                                       $25.00                         $35.00
2nd Child (25% off)                                                      $18.75                         $26.25
3rd Child (10% off)                                                      $22.50                         $31.50
4th Child (5% off)                                                         $23.75                         $33.25
Example of cost for 1 child attending AM session for the week: $25.00 per week.
Example of cost for 1 child attending PM session for the week:  $35.00 per week.
Example of cost for 1 child attending AM & PM sessions for the week: $60.00 per week.
Full Days of Care:
McDecca occasionally offers full day of care when school is not in session, if enough children sign up.  For example: when the children have April vacation, regular school is closed.   McDecca may open to provide day care from 7-5:30 PM, if funds allow. 
Number of children (per family)                         Cost for the day
1                                                                                  $20.00
2                                                                                  25% off
3                                                                                  10% off
4                                                                                  5% off

CARE 4 KIDS PROGRAM
If you are currently on the CARE 4 KIDS Program, or would like to enroll, you must contact the director of McDecca for your provider agreement form.  If you would like more information on eligibility requirements you may call CARE 4 KIDS directly at
1-888-214-5437.

DISCOUNT FOR FAMILIES WITH MORE THAN ONE CHILD
If you have more than one child enrolled in the program, you may be entitled to a 25% discount on the second child, a 10% discount on the third child, and a 5% discount on the fourth, if you qualify.  Any parent who falls under the following description is NOT eligible for the discounts (Please see the Director for details): 
Currently or applying for any subsidy or assistance plan (ex. CARE 4 KIDS).
Currently on scholarship or any form of McDecca assistance.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP REQUIREMENTS
Only those outlined as Authorized to Pick up Your Child will be allowed to pick-up your child from the program.  Under NO circumstances will your child be allowed to leave the premises with someone who is not on that list, no matter how well the child knows that person.  You will not be permitted to call McDecca on the phone to release your child to someone who is not authorized to pick up Your Child.  In the event that this occurs, the child will be held at McDecca until an Authorized person arrives to pick up your child. If no Authorized person arrives to pick up your child within 30 minutes, the Police will be notified.  If you need to add a person to your list that had not previously been authorized, you must do it in person, in your own handwriting.  Calling and asking staff to add a person to your Authorized Pick Up list is unacceptable.  These rules are strict and unforgiving for the safety of the CHILDREN.  If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please do not hesitate to speak with the Director at any time.

BIOLOGICAL PARENTS
At no time can McDecca withhold a child from a biological parent.  If you wish for a biological parent to be withheld from your child, you must provide McDecca with a certified Court Order.  You must then add that parent to the UNAUTHORIZED To Pick Up Child List located on the emergency form.  McDecca will call the Police immediately if this person arrives at the center to pick up your child.  Please contact the Director with questions or concerns about this policy.

LATENESS
Please be sure to pick up and drop off your child on time.  Lateness will not be tolerated. If you are late picking your child up, you will be subject to late fees.  All fees must be paid in full before a second session can be attended.  Habitual offenders will be asked to leave the program after three (3) excessive tardiness of fifteen (15) minutes or more. 
Please call McDecca if you plan to be late.  This will not exempt you from late fees, but will allow staff to be aware of your situation.  If you do not notify the staff you will be late, we will begin implementing your back-up plan. Two staff will stay in the center for closing time.  Staff will begin calling parent home and work numbers after 5 minutes have elapsed.  Staff will contact those people outlined on your Authorized to Pick-Up List to come get your child, after 10 minutes have elapsed.  After 20 minutes, staff will call any or all other emergency numbers you have listed on your emergency contact sheet.  If after 30 minutes, no one can come get your child, the police will be notified.  It is essential that you have at least two other people beside yourself, who are Authorized to Pick-Up you child.  This will protect you in the event of lateness. If you plan on being late, please make arrangements in advance for the Authorized person(s) to come get your child on time.  McDecca’s personnel have children, families, and schedules to maintain as well.  Asking staff to stay late for you consistently and excessively, is unacceptable, and could result in dropping you from the program.

LATE FEES
1-15 minutes late = $15.00 per child
16 – 30 minutes late = $30.00 per child
31 – 45 minutes late = $45.00 per child
46 – 60 minutes late = $60.00 per child.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
McDecca has a strict drug and alcohol policy.  If at any time a staff member suspects an authorized pick-up person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, we can refuse to release your child.  Staff will give the pick up person the option of contacting another authorized pick-up person, or they will contact the police.

TRANSPORTATION
McDecca staff will provide transportation to and from certain field trips.  However, it is against McDecca policy for staff to transport a child in their personal car, with the exception of an emergency.  Please do not ask a staff member to bring your child home if you are late.  It is against staff policy and unacceptable.

HEALTH
It is state law that all children have an up-to-date physical on file with McDecca.  In most cases McDecca can obtain a copy of your child’s physical from the school nurse if the child has been attending the Moylan/McDonough schools.  Simply fill out the permission slip in the back of the handbook authorizing us to do so. Without an updated physical, your child can not attend the program.

ILLNESS OR INJURY
Many school age children are at risk for accidental bumps and bruises during play.  Because of this, all McDecca staff members are CPR and 1st Aid certified.  If your child gets a minor injury (scrape, small cut, or bruise) during the course of the session, McDecca staff can apply 1st Aid to remedy the situation.  Staff will notify parents by phone if their child has an injury that requires further medical attention, or an illness that inhibits the child from participating in the program.  You will then be required to come get your child, as sick and/or injured children can not properly be cared for at the program.  If you are unable to leave work or home, please contact an authorized person to pick up your child for you. If your child is severely injured, or becomes very ill, McDecca staff will call 911 immediately, and then contact the parent.

MEDICATION
McDecca does not distribute medication.  Please make arrangements to administer the medication yourself, before or after the program.   Please also make sure your children have their own bottle of sunscreen.  Children will not be allowed to share sunscreen, as some may be allergic to its active or inactive ingredients.

INSURANCE
McDecca recommends that parents use the student accident coverage available through the school if the child is not covered for injuries by the parent’s insurance.  McDecca does not provide individual accident coverage for children.  McDecca is liable only for injuries that are due to McDecca negligence.

DAILY ACTIVITIES
McDecca offers a wide variety of creative and physical activities, such as hands on art, science, cooking, craft making, outdoor games, and occasional field trips.  McDecca believes in play and fun while still achieving a structured program.  Children will have the opportunity to relax, make friends, and interact with the adults, through various activities and programs.
McDecca believes in outdoor stimulus.  Therefore all children will be going outside daily, weather permitting.  Please notify the Director if your child can not go outside for any reason.  Please make sure children are dressed appropriately for outdoor play.
Staff plans daily activities and monthly themes.  It is the staff’s intent to enrich each child’s knowledge and perception of the world through these different themes.  Multicultural activities are included, as we believe in the rich cultures from around the world.  Children are encouraged to create and implement their own activities to create their own exploration while allowing for peer teaching and enhancement of self-esteem.  Children are not required to participate in the daily planned activities.  McDecca strives to teach children independence and self-choice.  The environment is arranged in such a way to promote learning, even from play.  McDecca believes in allowing children the opportunity to explore and manipulate their environment.
Children are allowed to participate in activities outside of McDecca.  Such activities are available through out the school buildings.  However, staff must be notified if children will be coming late, or not attending the program due to after school activities.  Payment can not be adjusted for time missed at McDecca.  Parents are expected to pay the same rate, regardless of their child’s attendance.
McDecca does not celebrate birthdays, but does celebrate various other days through out the year.  We recognize people’s different religious/cultural beliefs, so if there is any activity or event that you do not wish your child to participate in, please notify the staff.

SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN
Children will be in presence of at least two (2) staff members at all times. Staff will be responsible to see that all children are participating in an approved activity. Staff will plan age appropriate activities for all chidden including the supervision of "free play" and the reading corner. Staff will be assigned to work with the children in the science, arts and crafts, and block area and computer area when available. When children are outside, at least two (2) staff members will accompany them. McDecca strives to maintain a staff/child ratio of 1/10 at all times. Our group size will not exceed 30 children, meaning that during group time we will not have more than 30 children at the same time in our regular room.

BATHROOM SUPERVISION
Children must be supervised when it is bathroom time. At the center we have identified 3 times in which the children will be sent to the bathroom in small groups (3 kids at a time): before is time to go to school, before snack time and before going outside (afternoon).

OUTDOOR PLAYSCAPE SUPERVISION
The physical welfare and safety of the children needs to be the staff's primary concern. Supervising children outdoors is as equally important as supervision within the classroom. Staff should:

• Spread out throughout area(s) with each adult supervising a specific area, not congregating in-groups. Staff should not sit down unless they are working or playing with a child. Staff should stand so that they are in a position to foresee possible accidents.
• If a piece of equipment is unsafe or needs repair, staff will make sure the children stay off it and notify the Director and custodian as soon as possible.
• Staff will demonstrate to the children how to properly and safety use the equipment.
• Staff will make sure each child's clothing is appropriate for the weather (mittens, etc…)
• It a child is injured or there is a discipline problem, a staff member will bring the child inside to the Director or the Head Teacher.

FIELD TRIP SUPERVISION

All staff is expected to be professional, vigilant, energetic and attentive to the children's needs in accordance with his/her job description. McDecca will have inner and outer city field trips. The 1/10 ratio will be maintained during all of our field trips. Parents are welcome to come to our field trips, as chaperones whenever are spaces available.

HOMEWORK

McDecca realizes many children have homework assigned to them from their regular classroom teachers.  We also realize it is difficult for many children to finish homework when they leave McDecca in the evening, due to busy family schedules.  Therefore, we allot a 30-minute “quiet” period at least once a day.  During this quiet time, children have the opportunity to do their homework, if they wish to.  (McDecca does not, and can not insist a child do their homework, unless a parent wishes it.)  Teachers will be available during quiet time, to assist children with their homework.  Other children, who do not have or do homework, must play or read quietly, to respect those children who do.  This quiet time also allows children to experience individual time if they are not playing with a friend.

CLOTHING

Children should be dressed in appropriate clothing for indoor and outdoor play.  Both indoor and outdoor activities can sometimes become messy.  McDecca does its best to help children avoid getting their cloths dirty, but also realizes getting dirty is part of childhood.  If a parent is concerned about a child’s clothing, then we suggest a set of play clothes be packed everyday. 

Outdoor activity and duration is determined upon weather conditions.  Children will play outside even during the winter months; therefore should be provided with warm clothing such as hats, mittens/gloves, and boots.  If the temperature is below 32 degrees, children will not be mandated to go outside, and the time spent outdoors will be kept to a minimum of 15 minutes.  At no time will a child be allowed to go outside if the teacher feels they are not appropriately dressed for the weather conditions. 

DISCIPLINE

The ultimate goal of discipline is the development of self-direction in which children recognize the rights and dignity of others.  McDecca acknowledges that the maintenance of discipline is necessary in order for an effective program to be conducted.  Therefore, clear rules are set for children to follow to ensure safety for all children and adults.  When a child behaves in an inappropriate manner (hitting, fighting, verbally abusing others, mishandling equipment, etc.) he/she will be given a verbal warning and the staff will redirect the child to an alternate activity.  If the behavior continues, a second verbal warning will be given, and more redirection will follow.  If the inappropriate behavior still continues, a time out space will be utilized to separate the child from the situation.  At this point in time, the staff will allow the child to sit alone (but not unattended), to “cool off”, or think their problems out. The time frame for time out will be between 5 - 10 minutes and will not exceed 10 minutes and also it will depend on the child’s age, the severity of the discipline problem and the child’s attitude towards the problem resolution.  The staff will then discuss the issue with the child, to help work any problems out in a positive manner.  Both staff and child will communicate to determine when the child is ready to return to the group setting.  However, any child who purposefully causes physical injury to another child or staff person will be removed from the program immediately, with no redirection being performed.  McDecca prides itself on its strict non-violent means of interaction.  A parent or authorized pick-up person may be contacted immediately to come get a child whom fits this description.  Also, any child who is destructive with property or equipment will be restricted from using that equipment as long as deemed necessary by the staff.  In the case where a child deliberately breaks a piece of equipment, the parent will be required to replace that item. 

TIME-OUTS, CONFERENCES, SUSPENSION, AND EXPULSION

Incidents involving constant redirection, will be verbally relayed to a parent, and logged into our McDecca Behavior Report.  Incidents involving a time-out will require the staff to speak directly to the parent, and fill out a time-out form, which the parent must sign.  After three (3) time-out forms have been filed, McDecca requires a one-on-one conference with the parent.  The purpose of the conference is to discuss possible solutions to the child’s inappropriate activity, in a positive and non-intimidating manner.  If the child’s behavior remains unchanged, then suspension from the program is the next step.  The Director will determine the length of the suspension and parents are required to continue payment, even though the child is not attending the program.  If the child’s behavior is still unchanged or worse, then expulsion is the only option.  These four (4) discipline steps are meant to act as a guideline, but not a law.  If at any time, a child’s behavior is so severe to warrant an immediate suspension, then the four (4) steps may be overruled.  An immediate suspension would occur if a parent were contacted to pick up their child instantly, because of unlawful or damaging behavior.  A conference can also be called at any time, if a child’s behavior is severe enough.  McDecca encourages positive interaction between its members, parents, and staff.   Please do not hesitate to speak to a staff person with any questions or concerns.  We will be happy to help!

DISENROLLMENT OF A CHILD

A child can be asked to leave the program when one of the following happens:

• 1.   When inappropriate behavior is consistently displayed and parent/ teacher conferences have not been successful.
• 2.   When a child purposefully violated the rights and property of another child or staff.
• 3.   It a parent has been late for pick-up (3) three times during any one school year, the child will be terminated from the program for the remainder of the school year.
• 4.   When a parent/guardian fails to keep payments on schedule and does not adhere to the payment plan created by the parent/guardian and Director.
• 5.   When a parent or guardian disrespects a staff member, for example, yelling or threatening staff members.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
McDecca is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Connecticut.  We encourage parent involvement in the program by asking parents to attend monthly board meetings and/or other activities or events. Parents are welcome to stop in and observe the program at any time.  Parents should also feel free to talk to the staff about their child’s achievements, progressions, education or any other topic.  Parents may schedule a conference with the director at any time to discuss their child, or the program.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A volunteer Board of Directors consisting mainly of parents who have children in the program governs McDecca.  Board meetings are held monthly, and all parents are encouraged and welcome to attend.  The director will always post the monthly Board meeting date at least one week in advance.  A copy of the by-laws is available upon request.

MEALS