Green Lake Preschool & Childcare Center

Parent/Guardian Handbook

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.    PHILOSOPHY* and MISSION STATEMENT

2.   HISTORY and LOCATION

       A.     HISTORY

        B.     LOCATION

3.   DAYS and HOURS OF OPERATION

4.   STAFFING

5.   ENROLLMENT

        A.     ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY

        B.     ENROLLMENT

        C.     SCHEDULE CHANGE PROCESS

6.   TUITION RATES and PAY SCHEDULE

        A.     PAY SCHEDULE

        B.     REFUND POLICY

        C.     ADDITIONAL FEES

7.   CURRICULUM

8.   DISCIPLINE

 9.   HOLIDAYS and RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

10.  PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION and INVOLVEMENT

        A.     PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION

        B.     PARENT/GUARDIAN EDUCATION

        C.     PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

11.  HEALTH and SAFETY POLICIES and PROCEDURES

        A.     MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

        B.     SNOW POLICY

        C.     CHILD PROTECTION STATEMENT

        D.     MEALS and SNACKS

12.  OTHER POLICIES & PROCEDURES

        A.     ABSENTEEISM

        B.     TOYS

        C.     BEDDING

        D.     CLOTHING

        E.    TRANSITION FROM ROOM TO ROOM

        F.     PICK-UP and DELIVERY OF CHILDREN

        G.     EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KITS

        H.     CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS

        I.     DIAPERS

        J.      TOILET TRAINING

        K.     SIGN IN/SIGN OUT POLICY

        L.     COMPLAINT PROCESS

        M.     NON DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

        N.    VACATION/LEAVES

        O.    COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

        P.    EXCURSIONS AND FIELD TRIPS

        Q.    TERMINATION OF SERVICES

 13.  MEDICAL/EMERGENCY INFORMATION/PROCEDURES

        A.     EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

        B.     HOSPITALS USED FOR EMERGENCIES

        C.     EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

        D.     HEALTH RECORDS

        E.     CHILD ILLNESS

        F.     CARE OF ILL CHILDREN

        G.     HAND WASHING

        H.     DIAPER CHANGING PROCEDURE

        I.      DISINFECTING AND LAUNDERING

        J.     FIRST AID SUPPLIES

        K.     FIRE DRILLS

        L.      EMPLOYEE HEALTH

        M.     CHILD ABUSE

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. PHILOSOPHY* and MISSION STATEMENT

GREEN LAKE PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE CENTER is a nonprofit organization wholly owned and operated by and in a manner consistent with the philosophy and mission of the Green Lake Church of Seventh-day Adventists.  It is dedicated to the growth of young children.  Our goal is to surround children with a safe, sharing, caring, learning and growing environment.  This nurturing atmosphere enhances and stimulates the development of a child's body, mind, and spirit.  Our methods are centered on that goal and our knowledge that children learn through active manipulation of the environment and concrete experiences.  The developmentally appropriate activities and materials used provide opportunity for the child's growth and participation in decision making, development of self-esteem, and the establishment of values.*

Our purpose at Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center is to create an atmosphere of acceptance and caring as expressed by the love of God as we understand it affecting everyone who comes here:  children, parents and teachers.

We place an emphasis on spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional development.  Out of this grows a supportive bond among people in the center.  We accept the basic principles of love to God and our fellow human beings as expressed in actions of helpfulness, respect, and cooperation, showing that we value the dignity and worth of every individual.  We further accept people's individuality, their circumstances and difficulties.  From this foundation all other things are possible.

Staff are given the freedom to apply their own abilities, talents, and interests to their work.  They participate in an on-going training process that helps them grow continually as people and teachers.  This process-centered approach underlies everything we do.  Each child is seen as unique and precious, deserving of respect and love, valued by those who care for the children.  Enjoying the individuality of each child and the milestones of his/her development is a major benefit for educators.  We work hard at constantly improving to achieve an even more balanced, stimulating environment that will provide for each child's spiritual, physical, cognitive, and social needs.

*Portions of our philosophy have been adopted from the National Association for the Education of Young Children Positive Statement.

2.  HISTORY and LOCATION

    A.   HISTORY

On October 3, 1988, Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center opened as an infant/toddler childcare center only.  Within 2 months, the facility had 28 children and was at full capacity with a waiting list.  At that time, the Center consisted of two classrooms on the center level, the kitchen, the office, and the play yard.

In September 1989, we began a preschool program.  The new year, 1990, brought a new beginning as the preschool class moved upstairs into a third classroom.

Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center is a non-profit organization licensed by the State of Washington and complying with all the standards put forth by that governmental body.  Its operation is governed by a volunteer Advisory Board of Directors and a paid Director.

    B.    LOCATION

Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center is located on the corner of East Green Lake Way North and North 64th Street in the Green Lake Church of Seventh-day Adventists.  We are approximately five miles from downtown Seattle, three miles from the University of Washington, four miles from North Seattle Community College, and less than a mile from the I-5 freeway.

3.  DAYS and HOURS OF OPERATION

The Center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  We may close for cleaning and organizing (the Center is closed for cleaning on the third Friday in June and the third Friday in October).  The Center will be closed weekends and the following legal holidays:

New Year's Day                                                January 1

Martin Luther King, Mr.'s Birthday                Third Monday in January

Presidents' Day                                                Third Monday in February

Memorial Day                                                     Fourth Monday in May

Independence Day                                           July 4

Labor Day                                                          First Monday in September

Veterans Day                                                    November 11th

Thanksgiving                                                     Fourth Thursday in November, we are also closed Friday the day after Thanksgiving

Christmas                                                     December 24 &  25

(Any holiday that falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Center will be closed the preceding Friday or following Monday. The center will be closed if attendance is 10 or less.)

Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center will celebrate the holidays of Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving planning commemorative activities appropriate for the season.  Major holidays of other religions and cultures will be acknowledged, with activities aimed at expanding the child's understanding of a diversity of religious and cultural practices.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to visit to share information about their religion or culture with children on or around holidays celebrated in their family.

4.  STAFFING

The staff of the Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center are dedicated to creating a safe, caring and stimulating environment.  While they cannot replace parents/guardians, they are committed to modeling positive behaviors which will encourage a strong self image and a happy and confident outlook on life.  Staff members are chosen for their ability and commitment to providing skilled care which recognizes every child's individuality and unique needs.

They are trained, experienced professionals who have received certificates and/or degrees from an accredited community college or university child development program or have significant experience in the child care field.

The Center values continued professional development of the staff and recognizes that quality childcare depends largely upon maintaining high levels of skill among the employees.  Therefore, the Center has provided as part of employee benefits training opportunities in and out of the Center.  In addition, the staff is encouraged to complete at least one Director-approved course or seminar related to early childhood education per quarter.

          Toddlers (12-24 months)                      1:5 (group size is 10) never to exceed 12

          Toddlers (24-36 months)                     1:7 (group size is 14) never to exceed 14

          Preschoolers (3-5 years)                      1:9 (group size is 18) never to exceed 20

5.  ENROLLMENT

    A.   ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILITY

Green Lake Preschool and Child-care Center advertises in order to make openings known to the public. Children and families are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, gender, parental/guardian sexual orientation, veteran’s status, national origin, religion, marital status, or the presence of any physical, mental, or sensory handicap. The center is licensed to participate in the subsidy programs offered by the State, the City and King County. Please check with the Director for specific information.

Children between the ages of 12 months and 5 years are served in 3 classrooms:  1 year old (Pooh Bears), 2 year old (Piglets), and 3-5 year old preschoolers (Tiggers).

    B.    ENROLLMENT

Parents/guardians may apply to the Center by mail, telephone, or in person.  All registration forms must be completed before a child is enrolled.  Washington State law requires that immunization records must be up-to-date before a child can attend.

Classes are filled on a first-come first-served basis according to the date the Center has record of receiving the deposits. If classes are full, the child's name will be put on a waiting list to fill vacancies as they occur.

A $400.00 deposit is required to reserve a space for your child.  Only one deposit is needed per family.  If a child needs to be withdrawn from the Center, two weeks notice is required so that the vacancy can be filled by another child. A deposit is only taken if the center can guarantee a space for your child/children. If you change your mind prior to your child's enrollment the deposit is not refundable. 

An initial registration fee of $50.00 is charged on the date of your child's first day at the Center.  If there is less than $5.00 in your account and there is no activity for one year, it will be closed.  If re-enrollment is desired, a new deposit and registration fee will be required.

A written two-week notice is required for a change in a child’s enrollment status in order to provide adequate staffing and maintain legal child staff ratios.

    C. SCHEDULE, CHANGE PROCESS AND SCHEDULE OPTIONS 

Families may choose any one of three child care schedules when enrolling children at Green Lake Preschool and Child care.  The options are:

          Part time:     Two days per week (to be arranged)

                             Three days per week (to be arranged)

          Full time:     Five days per week

This structure allows the Center to maintain the correct ratio of children to staff five days per week and allows for needed budget planning to cover staff costs and related expenses.  The equivalent of one part-time 2-day/week client and one part-time 3-corresponding day/week client is one (1) full time client (FTE). The center does not enroll children Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: this schedule takes up a full time space and we do not schedule children to attend on Monday and Friday to make up the FTE.

For example, if one staff is required per six children and the center has five (5) full-time children, the center could enroll one 2 day/week child on Monday, Thursday and one 3-day/week child for Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  In any configuration, there would never be more than six children in care by a staff person while meeting staff costs.  

    a. CHANGE IMPACT

New clients are considered for service based on the above ratios. When schedule changes are made, a new balance through new    clients must be sought by the Director to maintain ratios and budget.

    b. PROCESS

Schedule changes, when approved by the Director, become effective at the beginning of the month; clients are required to provide the Director with written notice of their schedule change requests by the 15th of the previous month.

   c. EXCEPTIONS

An exception may be made as needed to accommodate an urgent reduction in days due to unexpected circumstances such as a loss of a job, etc. This is at the discretion of the Director.

   d. VACATIONS/LEAVES

Because GLPCC is open, staffed weekdays year-round except announced federal holidays, the monthly rate for service is charged year round based on the client’s respective agreed upon schedule. In order to maintain the year round service, charges are not pro-rated based on attendance and do not consider vacations and temporary leaves from service.

GLPCC Services Schedule Change Process 10/9/03

 

6.  TUITION RATES and PAY SCHEDULE

 

Toddler

(12-36 months)

 

Preschool

(3-5 yrs.)

Full Time

$1225.00

 

$1060.00

3 days/week

$910.00

 

$760.00

2 days/week

$595.00

$520.00

 

For families with more than one child at the Center, a 10% discount will be applied to the older sibling's rates.

    A. PAY SCHEDULE

    Tuition is due on the 1st of each month.  A $15.00 late fee will be charged on the first business day after the 5th day of the month.  If the balance is not paid by the eleventh day of the month, a $25.00 per day fee will be charged until all fees and charges are paid.  Please see the Director regarding special and/or unusual circumstances.  In the event that any child's tuition is behind more than two weeks, Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center reserves the right to ask parents to withdraw their child from childcare and to take further action to receive payment due.

    B.    REFUND POLICY

    The deposit is refundable if your child has attended at least 6 months and the Center has received a 30 day notice of your child's last day at the Center. If you choose a different Center before your child meets the previous 2 conditions, your deposit is not refundable.

    Tuition and registration fees will not be refunded. Because we have planned our budget and staffing according to tuition agreements, no refunds will be given for illness, vacations, snow or natural disaster days, and those days cannot be made up.

    C.    ADDITIONAL FEES

    Parents/guardians will be billed on their monthly statement for field trips, special events and/or special activities.

7.  CURRICULUM

Developmentally appropriate materials, toys, and activities make up the curriculum for all ages.  The children learn daily through music, movement, play, stories, rhymes, art, sensory activities, circle times, etc.

Graduation Criteria:  Transition to the next class is determined by age, toilet training, and developmental readiness.  Readiness is monitored by developmental check lists and other skills discussed and agreed upon by the teachers involved with the transition.

Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum and childcare program at Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center.  Periodic trips are planned to places such as the Woodland Park Zoo, Pacific Science Center, Children’s Museum, as well as short neighborhood walks.

The Center staff will arrange for public transportation or private insured vehicles when required for the planned excursions.  Parent/guardian volunteers may be needed for some field trips.

8.  DISCIPLINE

Guidance and discipline are based on developing the child’s positive self-image and self-control. Children are encouraged to use problem-solving skills and become independent thinkers and decision makers.  Caregivers positively redirect inappropriate behavior.  Brief, simple explanations are given for acceptable behavior.  The staff is trained to give directions in a positive manner, and care is taken to prevent a child from developing a negative self-image.  Physical punishment, sarcasm, and humiliation are not allowed.

9.  HOLIDAYS and RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center will celebrate the holidays of Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, planning commemorative activities appropriate for the season.  Major holidays of other religions and cultures will be acknowledged, with activities aimed at expanding the child’s understanding of a diversity of religious and cultural practices.  We encourage families to share their traditions and beliefs.

Stories and songs which teach basic principles such as positive self-image and basic moral, ethical, and humanitarian conduct will be part of the literature and music used as curriculum.

10.  PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION and INVOLVEMENT

     A.   PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION

  §         Conferences are held annually and as needed to discuss children’s progress, accomplishments, and difficulties at the Center.  We promote an open exchange between parents/guardians and caregivers.

  §         Each child has a hanging file in his/her classroom in which letters, notices and monthly newsletters from the Center can be found.  In addition, each child’s projects and art work will be found there.

  §         Each classroom posts a weekly schedule which tells about specific planned activities during the week and other classroom announcements.

      §      Bulletin boards are also posted around the Center.  There is one located in the lobby next to the Childcare Office and one by or in each classroom.  It is here that you can find posted monthly menus, newsletters, class schedules, health and safety information, etc.

    B.    PARENT/GUARDIAN EDUCATION

 Periodically, the Center sponsors seminars or workshops in the Center for parents and guardians of children who are cared for here and for parents of community children.

    C.    PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

We feel parent/guardian involvement is essential for quality childcare.  It can be a tool by which Center administrators are made aware of parental concerns and objectives in child rearing.  Parents/guardians can participate in the following ways:

    §         You are encouraged to share in our daily activities.  Staff members will welcome parents/ guardians and other family members’ involvement in the program in various aspects such as sharing special skills, hobbies, or ethnic interests.

  §         You are welcome at any time to observe, eat lunch with your child or volunteer to help in the Center or on field trips.

  §         You are welcome to serve a term on the Childcare Board.

  §         We also encourage the use of parents’/guardians/ professional and vocational expertise to better the quality of their child’s care.

 11.        HEALTH and SAFETY POLICIES and PROCEDURES

    A.   MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Childcare staff are trained to render first-aid or to give CPR to children who need such intervention.  In the event of a life-threatening or serious illness or injury, staff will immediately engage local medical emergency assistance (Medic One) and notify parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians are required to keep emergency information updated to reduce delays in providing emergency care for their child.

    B.    SNOW POLICY

The first day of a large snow storm during which Seattle Public Schools are closed, Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center will also be closed.  On subsequent days of the storm, even if the Seattle Public Schools are closed, we will attempt to open the Center.  We will open the Center as soon as safety permits.  We must take into consideration adequate staff and food for the children’s needs.

 There will be no credit given for a closed day.

We will communicate our plans via a taped recording at the Center, notes left at the Center and KOMO and KIRO radio stations.

   C.    CHILD PROTECTION STATEMENT

In compliance with local and state requirements as well as to increase awareness of our obligations in this area, the following policies have been adopted by Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center:

In accordance with licensing requirements for childcare centers, we will report incidents or suspected incidents of physical or sexual abuse or neglect of children in our care.  Children’s Protective Services will be contacted as soon as the incident of abuse or neglect is suspected.

Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center reserves the right to report incidents of physical and/or sexual abuse to Children’s Protective Services immediately without consulting parents or guardians.  Parents/guardians will be contacted upon recommendation from C.P.S.  Both the Director and the staff in charge will be involved in the decision to report whenever possible, however, both are mandatory reporters.

       D.   MEALS and SNACKS

Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks are provided.  A morning snack, a hot lunch, afternoon snack and a 5:30 snack are served with creativity and care.  Menus are prepared by a Registered Dietitian and served family style supervised by staff.  All meals and snacks served will be vegetarian, but include egg and milk products.  USDA standards for food groupings, protein, iron, vitamins A and C are maintained.  Parents/guardians may join their children for a family style hot lunch.

As plenty of food is provided for your child, please refrain from sending food which is intended for replacement of food provided in the Center unless it has been prearranged with the Director.  (This is due to the laws concerning nutrition in childcare and is state mandated).

12.  OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

A.    ABSENTEEISM

 Tuition is paid monthly and is charged for a full month of care.  Tuition will be charged whether the child attends the entire month or not.  Regular attendance is encouraged, and parents/guardians need to call if their child will be absent.

 Unless the Director is notified, in the event a child's absence will involve more than three weeks, the child may be terminated and re-enrolled when desired.  However, a new deposit may be required.

       B.     TOYS

The Center will provide age-appropriate and interesting toys.  Sharing of children's own favorite toys is difficult, so we ask that these be left at home.

        C.    BEDDING

The Center will provide mats and sheets for your child.  Parents/guardians will provide blankets. Toddlers and preschoolers who remain at the Center all day will be put down for a nap or required to observe a quiet period.  Families are responsible for taking home to launder blankets when needed.

 D.    CLOTHING

Parents/guardians are required to provide an extra set of clothing (outerwear and underwear) in case of accidents.  These will be kept in the child's cubby until needed.  Soiled clothing will be wrapped in a plastic bag and sent home.  We request that each child's clothes be labeled with his/her name clearly so that they may be identified easily and quickly.

E.    TRANSITION FROM ROOM TO ROOM

 The center makes every attempt to move children from one room to another in a timely manner. The center is open year round and transitions take place based upon space availability as well as determined by age, toilet training and developmental readiness. 

 F.    PICK-UP and DELIVERY OF CHILDREN/LATE FEE POLICY

 We want to encourage parents/guardians to develop a standard time to pick up their children who look forward to seeing their parents/guardians at the end of the day. We understand that at times parents can be late. In an effort to pay for our Staff’s overtime a late fee will be added to the monthly statement. No child is to be brought to the Center before opening or left after closing. If a child is not picked up by 6:00 p.m. late fees will be as follows:

                                         Fee

Time: 6:00 to 6:14                                               $40.00

          6:16 to 6:30                                               $55.00

          6:31 to 6:45                                               $70.00

          6:46 to 7:00                                               $85.00

 The late fee is according to the clock in the Pooh Bear room.

For the safety of the children, they must always be left in care of a staff member and signed in and out in the designated manner.  Parents/guardians must always accompany their child into the center.

      G.    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KITS

Upon enrollment, parents/guardians will receive a list of items to be kept in the Center for the child in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster that may require the child to be kept at the Center for longer hours until the parents/guardians can pick him/her up.

             H.    CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS

 Children's records are open only to the Staff, the Director, and authorized employees of the licensing agency, or a child's parent or guardian.

           I.    DIAPERS

 Disposable diapers are supplied for children up to three years of age.  If cloth diapers are used for your child, please send them with the child each day.  Soiled cloth diapers will be sent home each day in a plastic bag.

               J. TOILET TRAINING

Toilet training is a partnership between the parents/guardians, the child and the Staff.  We encourage children who show an interest in toilet training to use the toilet or potty, clean themselves and dress.  Toilet training is done under Staff supervision and guidance.  All efforts are made to treat the child as an individual and to work with her/his specific needs and abilities.

K. SIGN IN/SIGN OUT POLICY

Each child must be signed in and out daily with a full legal signature.  There is a sheet provided in each classroom for this purpose.  Each child in that class will be listed with in/out lines next to the name.  The parent or approved pick up person must record the time and sign on the appropriate line.  Green Lake Preschool and Childcare Center will not release a child to any person not listed on the child's release authorization sheet unless prior arrangements have been made by the parents/guardians with the Center.

L.     GREEN LAKE PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE CENTER CLIENT COMPLAINT PROCESS

           PRINCIPLES:

STEPS:

        M.    NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Green Lake Preschool and Child-care Center advertise in order to make openings known to the public.  Children/staff/parents/guardians are admitted regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, national origin, religion, marital status, or the presence of any physical, mental, or sensory handicap.  WAC 388-150-390.

N.      VACATIONS/LEAVES

Because GLPCC is open, staffed weekdays year-round except announced federal holidays, staff in-services/cleaning days the monthly rate for service is charged year round based on the client’s respective agreed upon schedule. In order to maintain the year round service, charges are not pro-rated based on attendance and do not consider vacations and temporary leaves from service and there are no discounts of tuition.

       O.    COMMUNICABLE DISEASES  

When children are exposed to a communicable diseases the center, we will notify all families as to which disease, and follow the recommendations from the Seattle Public Health Department. Children must be symptom free for 24 hours prior to coming back to school.

 

    P.    EXCURSIONS & FIELD TRIPS

Excursions & field trips are part of the regular activities in the childcare program. Families are notified of planned field trips and are often invited to participate with their child/children. When field trips are planned for more than just a neighborhood walk or short bus ride families will be notified in writing. When children are transported via personal vehicles, we will make sure that each individual participating in the field trip has auto insurance. Children must be transported in certified car/or booster seats.

 

    Q.    TERMINATION OF SERVICES

  Policy:

Green Lake Preschool and Childcare seeks a partnership between staff and families as a basis for the success of each enrolled child. We recognize that each family has certain expectations for the care of their child, and we make every effort to support these expectations in the context of our developmentally-appropriate group care program. We strive to be open and flexible to the needs of families as a means of promoting and achieving our child-centered philosophy of care.  However, on occasion, a parent, guardian or enrolled child’s actions or requests may warrant the need to find a more suitable setting for the child. The decision to remove a family from the center is difficult for center staff, administrator and family. In all cases, our goal is to act quickly, thoughtfully, and thoroughly to address and resolve concerns relating to all of our families.

 Procedure:

 Reasons for termination of services are as follows:

 Process of termination of services:

a.      At this meeting, the concern (s) will be clearly stated, the issues and problems surrounding the concern (s) will be discussed and a plan will be developed, in collaboration between the center and parents or guardians.

b.     Additional outside support such as mental health counselors, physical therapists etc. may be brought in to support the family/guardian and center staff and administration.

 

  

    13.        MEDICAL/EMERGENCY INFORMATION/PROCEDURES

       A.   EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Fire Department:                                          911

Police:                                                           911

Poison Prevention Center:                                526-2121

Crisis Clinic:                                                  461-3222

Department of Health:                                   296-4600

Public Health Nurse:                                   296-4755

Communicable Diseases:                               296-4774

Child Abuse Hotline:                                     1-800-422-4453

Child Protective Services:                             721-4225

Licensor:                                                      721-4013

        B.    HOSPITALS USED FOR EMERGENCIES

             Children’s Hospital

    4800 Sandpoint Way NE

    Seattle, WA 98105

    Information & Emergency:          206-526-2000

  Harborview Medical Center

    325 Ninth Avenue

    Seattle, WA 98104

    Information: 206-223-3000

    Emergency:   206-223-3074

  Northwest Hospital

    1550 N. 115th Street

    Seattle, WA 98133

    Information & Emergency:          206-364-0500

       C.    EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

1.                   Life-threatening Emergencies

a.                  One staff trained in CPR and First Aid stays with injured/ill person applying CPR and/or First Aid if needed.

b.                 One staff calls 911

If the child is taken to the hospital by an aid car, and a parent has not yet been contacted or arrived, one staff member will accompany him/her with the child’s Emergency Information Form.

c.                  As soon as possible, contact parent/guardian.

 If parents or other guardians cannot be contacted in the case of a life-threatening emergency, Aid Car Officials and Hospital Officials will be in charge of making crucial decisions as authorized by the Emergency Information Form.

2.                 Minor Emergencies

a.                Staff trained in CPR and First Aid will take appropriate steps referring to emergency and first aid manuals as             needed.

b.                  Incident will be record on an Injury/Illness form in the classroom where the child is enrolled by a staff member who  was present.

c.                  The incident shall be reported to the parent when the parent picks up the child that same day at the Center.  The parent will be expected to sign the Injury/Illness Form, thus indicating his/her awareness of the incident.  The Injury/Illness form shall be kept in the child’s file in the Center Office.

d.                  The incident shall be recorded in the Center’s Accident/Illness & Medication Log kept in the office.

 Parents are required to keep emergency information updated to reduce delays in providing emergency care for their child.

        D.   HEALTH RECORDS:

           The following is a list of forms used involving children in the Center:

           Registration

          Child Emergency Information

          Child Health Information

          Parent Permission Sheet

          Parent/Guardian Contract

          Child Pre-Admission Health Evaluation

          Immunization Form

          Parent Sign-In Sheet

          Log Sheet

          Injury/Illness Report

          Parent Instruction for Medication

          Field Trip Permission

      E.    CHILD ILLNESS

 We follow the advice of the Seattle-King County Health Department in preventing children with certain symptoms of communicable disease from attending childcare.  If your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep the child at home, or make appropriate arrangements for care.  Your child must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to the Center.

 When children become ill while in our care, they will be isolated, and the parent notified to pick up the child immediately.  While we regret the inconvenience this may cause, we need to enforce this policy to protect all the children in our care and our staff from unnecessary exposure to communicable disease.  If you have any questions, please ask us.  However, the Director reserves the right to make a final decision.

    F.    CARE OF ILL CHILDREN

When a child becomes ill with any of the symptoms noted above or an injury which requires parental attention while in our care, these are the procedures which will be followed:

1.       The child’s parent/guardian will be notified to pick up the child as soon as possible.

2.       The injury/illness will be recorded in the classroom log.

         3.       The following diseases are reported to the Health Department by the Director upon notification of diagnosis:

                    Hepatitis                                  Meningitis

                   *Mumps                                    *Hemophilus Influenza

          Giardiasis                                 Salmonella

                   Diarrhea outbreak                       Shigella

          *Pertussis (whooping cough)      *Diphtheria

                   *Tetanus                                   *Polio

                   *Measles                                    *Rubella (German Measles, 3 day Measles)

        *Diseases preventable by vaccination.

 4.       Medications

a.                  Will be stored in the refrigerator in the Pooh Bear classroom

b.                 Unused medications will be sent home or discarded in the commode

c.                  Authorizations will be kept in the child’s office file and in a mini-file in each classroom

d.                  Medication instructions will be filled out by parents and doctor when necessary and recorded by staff member and kept in child’s office file

e.                  Staff are not authorized to give any medication without a parent’s and/or physician’s permission.  All medications and drugs must be in their original container and labeled with the following:

                             1.                   Child’s name

2.                 Dosage

3.                 Directions for administration

4.                 Date and times the medication is to be administered

5.                 Instructions for care in case of adverse reaction or side effects.

 In addition to the above, prescription drugs and medications must be marked with the following:

1.                   Drug name

2.                 Prescription number

3.                 Expiration date

4.                 Dispensing pharmacy and telephone number

5.                 Physician’s name

          State Licensing requirements mandate PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION for ANY MEDICATION given to a child at the Center during business hours.  Even if parent's permission is given for over-the-counter medications to be given, the label instructions must be followed unless a doctor’s written instruction indicates otherwise.  Doctor’s permission is not required for:

          Antihistamines                 Non-aspirin pain relievers and fever reducers

          Cough medicine                 Decongestants

          Anti-itching creams          Diaper ointments and powders

          Sunscreen

 Note:  Sunscreen and ointments may be administered from the same bottle for all children as long as the staff member applying the substance washes his/her hands between administrations.

    G.   HAND WASHING

 1.                   Staff will wash their hands:

                    a.                  After diaper changes or toilette

b.                 After coming into contact with body fluid

c.                  Before food preparation

d.                  When arriving at work

e.                  After being outdoors

2.                 Children will be directed or assisted to wash hands:

                    a. On arrival at the center

                        b.  After using the toilet

    c.      After the child is diapered

    d.      After outdoor play