Introduction Message from the Director Message from the Parents Organization Message from the School of Education Philosophy Statement  Purposes and Goals Licensing Statement  General Informations Hours of Operation Waiting List Enrollment Application Process Attendance Children Enrollment and Medical Records Custody of a Child Information on Parents Parent Rosters Payment of Tuition Fees Late Pick Up Fees Returned Check Fees Mailboxes and Notices Parent Participation and Visitors Parent Teacher Conferences Vacations  Withdrawal of Child

Procedures and Policies Animal Handling Policy Continuity of Care Classroom Transcations Code of Conduct Computer use by Children Conflict Resolution Outside Employement of Bombeck Centre Employees Orienting your Child to School  Dropping Off and Picking Up your Child  Parking  What to Wear  Outdoor Play  Nap Time and Rest Period  Birthdays  Meals and Snacks  Off Campus Trips  Discipline of Children  Use of Videotape and Photographs    Healthy and Safety Policies and Procedures Illness Policy Exclusion for Medical Reasons General Emergency Medical Emergency Communicable Disease  Mildly Ill Children  Medications  Accidents  Abuse Safety

                                                             CLASSROOM INFORMATION AND SCHEDULES

Room Assignments  Small Groups  Infant Room Information  Daily Schedules  Infant Room Schedule (Sunbeams)  Toddler Rooms Information

Room Schedules (Flyers)  Room Schedules (Gliders and Rockets)  Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum and Information  Room Schedules (Explorers and Voyagers)  Room Schedules (Jets)

                                                                    Glossary of Early Childhood Education Terms

Link for Glossary Terms      Demonstration School      Model Programs      Best Practice      Research Based Practice      Pre Service Teachers/Candidates      In Service Teachers      Licensure      Accrediation

Link for Glossary Terms Developmentally Appropriate- Practice NAEYC Professional Practice Standards Link for Glossary Terms Early Learning Academic Standards (ELACS) Curriculum Appropriate Curriculum for Preschoolers

Link for Glossary Terms Assessment Continuous Care Directed Multi-Sensory Environment Theorists Link for Glossary Terms Educational Approaches Link for Glossary Terms Methodology

                                                                            Appendix(Forms)

Administration of Medication/Food Supplement Form  Animal Handling Form  Child Enrollment and Health Information Child Release Form Computer Use Policy and Permission Form  Employment Waiver Document

Exclusion of Sick Child Form  Field Trip Form Map (campus)  Medical Form Vacation Week Sign up Form Wading Pool Permission Form Walking Permission Form

                                                                                        Introduction                                              
Message From The Director 
Welcome to the Bombeck Family Learning Center and the University of Dayton Family.

Our affiliation with the University of Dayton allows us to provide a model Early Childhood Program based on developmentally appropriate best practices. The dedicated staff creates a nurturing and exciting environment where children are encouraged to reach their full potential. Respect for the individual child and family as the primary force in their lives sets the tone for our collaborative approach.

Care and education of children are inseparable and we view ourselves as your partners in helping your child develop physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. You are encouraged to take and active part in your child's experience at the center by visiting, volunteering and participating in the Parent Organization. 

Feel free to contact me at any time at (937) 229-5381 or  by email at    diana.smith@notes.udayton.edu.  I look forward to meeting and working with you and your child.      back to top 

Message From The Parents Organization

The Parents Organization welcomes you to the Bombeck Family Learning Center. We understand the importance of a strong partnership between the parents, teachers and the staff of the Center and encourage your participation in the Parents Organization. Every parent of an enrolled child is eligible to participate in the organization. A parent need only attend meetings whenever his or her schedule permits; there are no dues or fees to participate.

Mission: The Parents Organization exists to bring parents, teachers and staff together to plan and to provide programs of interest to parents and their children, to support BFLC through fundraising and other activities, and to provide an avenue for parents to voice questions or concerns regarding the Center’s policies and procedures.

Governance: A four-member board governs the Bombeck Family Learning Center’s Parents Organization. Officers consist of a president, a secretary and a treasurer with the Center’s Director serving as ex-officio member. Each year the BFLC Parents Organization elects officers.

Meetings: The BFLC Parents Organization holds open meetings at least once a month from September through May. Meeting dates, times and locations vary.    back to top

Message From The School Of Education and Allied Professions
On July 1, 2000 the Bombeck Family Learning Center was incorporated into the School of Education and Allied Professions (SOE-AP). This partnership has established the Center as an early childhood learning demonstration school. Second year students who are studying for a license in early childhood education spend approximately three hours per week for the entire academic year as part of the classroom teaching team. The goal of the demonstration school is to examine, discuss and implement the key concepts of the best practices in early childhood education. The Center also benefits from its association with the School of Education in that faculty members provide in-service training for the Center’s staff members. Our hope is that this partnership will provide your child the unique opportunity to be involved in a Center that provides the best practice in early childhood education.      back to top
 

The Bombeck Way

We who are part of the BFLC (Bombeck Family Learning Center) have embarked on an exciting journey of discovery and growth of what it means to be a stateof the art demonstration school. Three foundational elements have come to represent who we are and to define our future:

• Respect - We are a community of learners in an environment of respect for children, families, teachers and staff.

• Reflective Practice - Quality care and education comes from the conscious reflective practice of all involved.

• Research - We believe children benefit from practice that is well grounded in reasearch.      back to top

       
Philosophy Statement of The Center

We who are involved in early childhood education at the University of Dayton are dedicated to giving our full attention to the needs of all the children whom we care for and educate. We believe that the positive experiences of infants, toddlers and young children are critical to healthy development and that these experiences establish a foundation from which children can reach their full potential. Our philosophy is based on childhood theorists, such as, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotski, Maria Montessori, Erick Erikson and the early childhood movement from Reggio Emilia, Italy. We believe that children benefit from practices that are well grounded in research. We also strive to maintain a program where children and families from all religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds will find an environment that embraces their similarities and differences.      back to top

We believe in the following developmental principles:

Each child's uniqueness is the result of interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Infant and child development involves interrelated physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Rates of development vary from one child to another, but the sequential progression of growth does not.

With these principles in mind, we believe that infants, toddlers, and young children are individuals in their own right and must receive the same respect and consideration afforded older children and adults.

We believe that it is our responsibility to provide responsive and understanding care, responsible guidance, modeling and generosity in our warmth of feeling. Furthermore, we are committed to providing a developmentally appropriate environment in order to nurture growth in each of the areas of development, while treating each child as a whole person.

We believe that it is the job of adults to provide children with enticing and accurate learning experiences that are based on sound content knowledge and developmentally appropriate practices.       back to top

Vision Statement

The University of Dayton's Bombeck Family Learning Center is a learning community which provides leadership in the Early Childhood Education field through implementation and demonstration of research based, developmentally appropriate practice for young children and professional development for early childhood professionals in collegial, collaborative and quality environment.      back to top  

Mission Statement

The Bombeck Family Learning Center's mission is to provide a high quality early childhood care and education program for young children, and a best practice demonstration setting for early childhood professionals.    back to top

Goals

Goal 1 - Promote the optimum social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of the children at the center.

Goal 2 - Promote the professional development of the University of Dayton's School of Education and Allied Professional's early childhood education candidates.

Goal 3 - Provide professional development opportunities for the Bombeck Family Learning Center staff and the greater early childhood education community.

Goal 4 - Advocate for children, their families, and the profession in community and society.

Goal 5 - Model the Catholic Marianist Tradition of faith formation, service, adaptation and change by providing, in the family spirit, a quality education for children, teacjer candidates and staff.      back to top

Academic Support/Affiliation

In 2000 the Bombeck Family Learning Center became affiliated with the School of Education and Allied Professions. The Center serves as an important resourced for UD students enrolled in Teacher Education, Psychology, Music, Art and other academic departments.      back to top


 NAEYC ACCREDITATION

The Bombeck Family Learning Center earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (the nation's leading organizationof early childhood professionals in 2003. NAEYC created its accreditation program in 1985 to set professional standards for early childhood education, and to help families identify high-quality child care and early education programs. To earn NAEYC's accreditation, programs conduct a self study to determine how well it meets the standards, the program is then observed by independent, professional validators, and reviewed by a national panel. The Bombeck Family Learning Center is proud to have received this accreditation.   back to top

Licensing Statement

The Bombeck Family Learning Center is licensed to operate by the State of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The rules and regulations are available upon request. The Center's licensing record is available upon request from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The numbers and ages of children the center is authorized to serve are on the license posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway across from the family mailboxes.  The 1-800 phone number for licensing information is posted in the Center hallway. Inspection reports and complaint investigation reports are also posed on the bulletin board for review.
 

 The Bombeck Family Learning Center does not discriminate in the enrollment of children basis on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, or disability in violation of ADA act of 1990, 104Stat. 32,42 U.S.C/12101 et seq.

The state license determines the maximum teacher/child ratios to be maintained for each of the age groups as follows:

The Bombeck Family Learning Center follows NAEYC teacher/child ratios. We believe that the lower ratios are an essential factor in providing optimal quality of care and meet or exceed the recommendations for accreditation by the NAEYC.

The licensing record of the Center, including compliance reports, health, and fire evaluations are available upon request from the Department of Job and Family Services, 65 E. State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.             back to top

 

General Information

Application Process

The Center is required by state licensing regulations to obtain a variety of enrollment and health information and signed consent forms prior to enrollment. Children may attend only after all necessary and required forms are completed. A registration deposit is required at the time of enrollment, which is equal to the amount for one week's tuition. This deposit will be refunded with two weeks of written notice prior to withdrawal.        back to top

Attendance

A parent should notify the center by 9:00 am when a child will not be attending on a scheduled day. Absences affect both staffing ratios and lunch cost, so please help by calling in before the 9:00 am deadline.          back to top

Child Enrollment and Medical Records

The state of Ohio Licensing rules require that the following information be on file at the center no later than the first day of attendance: child's medical statement, enrollment record which includes health records, emergency transportation information and parent or guardian roster permission (see forms). These forms must be updated annually. Parents who are U.D. students must file a class schedule and estimated location during the day with the center's office at the beginning of each semester.              back to top

Custody of a Child

When custody rights or visitation of a child has been determined by a court or other legal entity, a copy of the order must be provided to the Center. The order of the court will be strictly adhered to unless the custodial parent requests a more liberal variation of the court order in writing.          back to top

Enrollment

Enrollment is open to children of the Greater Dayton Area if spaces exist after meeting priority enrollments of children of U.D. faculty, staff, and students. Applications are taken without regard to color, race, religion, sex, or national origin.      back to top
 

Hours of Operation

The Center is open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Center follows the University of Dayton staff holiday calendar. A copy of this calendar is posted on the parents’ bulletin board and provided yearly in parent mailboxes. The posted weekly tuition rate has been prorated to account for these holidays. The Center will be closed additional days for Christmas and New Year’s Holidays as well as one teacher in-service days per year. No tuition is charged for the week between Christmas and New Years.           back to top


Waiting List

Applications are accepted on a first come first served basis, with first priority given to siblings of U.D. families already enrolled. The next level of priority is given to siblings of other families already enrolled at the Center. The third priority is given to U.D. employees, fourth priority to U.D. students, fifth priority to U.D. alumni and the last priority is given to families from the general community. Parents will be given the opportunity to enroll, as spaces become available according to priority and date of application. The waiting list guarantees the “right of first refusal” for a space when it becomes available and is then offered to the next waiting list parent. When a space is offered to a waiting list family, the family must begin using the space within two weeks. In order to obtain the child’s place, parents may opt to begin paying for it prior to attending, if they wish to reserve the space for an additional reasonable amount of time. Once on the waiting list, your position will remain by date of application, even if your child’s age changes to the next age group, so you will not regress in position or start over in the next age group. The waiting list fee is $25.00.              back to top


Information on Parents

Information on the application form must be updated frequently especially with current phone numbers and addresses. Parents who are U.D. students must file a class schedule and estimated location during the day with the Center's office at the beginning of each semester.            back to top

Parent Rosters

Parent rosters are available to any parent upon request. Signed approval for parents' names, addresses, and phone numbers to be included on the roster is on the first page of the application form. This information will be excluded at the parents’ request.               back to top

Payment of Tuition Fees

Tuition payments are to be paid one full week in advance. Payments must be received by the University Bursar's office or by the Center’s office before 6:00 p.m. on Friday for the following week. If payment is not received on time, a $10.00 late charge will be added to the balance. Tuition payments and late charges not paid by the following week are cause for withdrawal of childcare services by the Center.        back to top

Tuition payments may be paid by one of the following methods:

1. Parent may deliver payment to Center’s office. Only check and money orders are accepted.
2. Payment may be made at the Bursar's Office, 103 St. Mary's Hall. The Bursar’s Office hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cash, check, money order or credit cards are accepted. Be aware that lines occur during university class registration that may delay the process. Payments to the Bursar's Office must be received by 3:00 p.m. Friday.           back to top

Late Pick Up Fees

A late fee will be charged for children left at the Center after 6:00 p.m. Late fees are as follows:

1 - 5 minutes $5.00
6 - 10 minutes $10.00
11 - 15 minutes $15.00
16 - 25 minutes $25.00
26 - 30 minutes $35.00
After 6:30 $5.00 for each additional minute

If late fees are charged more than three times during a semester, childcare services may be withdrawn.      back to top

Returned Check Fee

The University Bursar's Office will assess $20.00 to your account if a check is returned for insufficient funds. Childcare services may be withdrawn if more than two Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) checks are returned.         back to top

Mailboxes and Notices

Please check your mailbox each day, which is located near the main entrance, and the parents' bulletin board. Messages, newsletters, and news articles will be directed to parents via the mailbox and note board. Children will keep their work in their classrooms. Please take their treasures home daily.           back to top
 

Parent Participation and Visitors

Any custodial parent, custodian, or guardian of a child enrolled at the Center is welcome to visit at any time. Parents are encouraged to observe the children at any time through the observation booths.
Parents are welcome to participate in any of the activities, whether special holidays, birthdays, or ordinary days. If you would like to visit the classroom itself, please let the teacher know in advance if possible.
Parents have cooked with us, demonstrated musical instruments, explained their family celebrations of holidays, and talked about their jobs or hobbies with the children. If you have special interests you would like to share with us, please let the Director or your child's teacher know.
Parents are encouraged to voice any comments, concerns, or questions concerning our program. The sooner we are alerted to a problem, the quicker we can move to solve it! If family changes occur such as a new baby, divorce, death of a family member, please let us know as these changes do affect your child at school. Please talk to your child's teacher, the Director, or to the office staff about any of your concerns.            back to top

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled during each term and are required annually for parents. If you need to confer with the teacher at any other time, please call for an appointment.             back to top

Vacations

Within the time frame between date of enrollment to the enrollment anniversary date, (and succeeding 12-month periods), the Center will provide one week vacation free in which payment is not required. This week is to be taken on five consecutive Center days.          back to top

Visitors/Observers

The Bombeck Center is a demonstration school for the University of Dayton. As such, visitors and observers come to the Center to see best practices in early childhood education.  Tours are provided for visitors from other learning centers, universities, school districts, potential families, etc. The Director or Assistant Director, or occasionally School of Education and Allied Professions faculty serve as guides for these tours.University of Dayton early childhood classes are held at the Center in the college classroom. These students have assignments that require them to be in the classrooms interacting with the children. All visitors and observers are asked to sign in at the front desk and wear a visitor badge throughout their stay at the Center. University students who interact with the children as part of class assignments are required to have Bureau of Criminal Investigation checks.Parents who volunteer in the classroom are not required to have a BCI check unless they are responsible for children without the direct supervision of the teacher.          back to top
 
Withdrawal of Child

A parent wishing to withdraw a child from the program must give written notification to the Director two weeks in advance. Failure to do so will result in a continuation of the weekly scheduled billing or loss of registration deposit.          back to top
 

                                                                Procedures and Policies
 

Animal Handling Policy

The Bombeck Family Learning Center has numerous animals (gerbils, hamsters, snakes, frogs, lizards, birds, and fish) in the classroom and around the center. The presence of these animals provide the children the opportunity to observe, interact with and care for the animals which fosters the development of language skills, a sense of stewardship and responsibility for other living things and encourages the development of a positive attitude towards the world of nature. Because the investigation and care of these animals often involves children holding or handling the animals the center requires a “Permission Form” (see appendix) be signed by the parents in order for their children to participate in these activities.             back to top

 Birthdays

Birthdays are special days for us with lots of songs and games.  If you plan to have a special treat for your child's birthday, please let the teacher know in advance. Consideration should be given to providing a healthy treat as an alternative to traditional birthday cake or cupcakes. It is requested that actual parties or large  celebrations be planned outside of the Center’s hours.        back to top

 Continuity Of Care

The infant and toddler classrooms at the Bombeck Family Learning Center follow a continuity of care program which attempts to provide the children with consistent care-giving during the years they attend infant and toddler classes. The teachers in the Sunbeams (infants), Flyers (older infants), and Gliders (toddlers) classrooms comprise a nine member infant/toddler team. There are two planned transitions throughout the year, one in the spring, and another in the fall to accommodate movement from one room to another, as well as provide openings for newcomers into the Sunbeams classroom. Additional transition may occur should openings become available. The goal is for at least one staff member to move with the children transitioning, so that the children always have a familiar caregiver as they make the change to a new environment.         back to top

Classroom Transitions

Classroom transitions occur when it is determined by the teaching staff that a child or group of children are developmentally ready to move to the next class level. Parents will be notified in writing before a tradition takes place and conferences will be schedule with new teacher.          back to top

Code of Conduct

 An effective educational program requires the services of men and women of integrity, high ideals, and human understanding. To maintain and promote these essentials, The Bombeck Family Learning Center, in conjunction with the University of Dayton’s School of Education, expects all professional staff members to maintain high standards in their working relationships and in the performance of their professional duties, to:

A.    recognize basic dignities of all individuals with whom they interact in the performance of their duties;

B.    represent accurately their qualifications, background and professional development status;

C.    protect the mental and physical safety of student, colleagues, and subordinates;

D.    stay current in professional knowledge and apply current best practices;

E.    keep in confidence legally confidential information as they may secure;

F.     ensure that their actions are not made with specific intent of advancing private economic interests to the detriment of the BFLC or the families it serves;

G.    avoid accepting anything of value offered by another for the purpose of influencing judgment;            back to top

Computer Use by Children

The Bombeck family Learning Center will follow the guidelines set forth in the NAEYC’s position statement, which are:

            1.      Computer use by children younger than three years is generally not recommended.

2.      Computer use by three and four year olds should be as much about playing, exploring, and experimenting as other more traditional activities are.

3.      In preschool and child care settings, teachers should choose software and arrange the physical space around the computer to encourage more than one child to use it at a time.

4.      At home, parents should be with their young children when the computer is turned on, exploring the games and programs together.

5.      Monitor and limit the time children spend on computers.

Parental permission forms (see appendix) for the use of classroom computers by our children are required to be signed and on file prior to a child using a computer in our classrooms.              back to top

Conflict Resolution 

While every effort is made to meet the needs of children, parents, and staff, we realize that from time to time a conflict may occur between parents, staff and administrators. The following process is to be followed should a conflict occur: 

Step One: A respectful discussion is held between the persons directly involved. This discussion should be held at a time and place that assures privacy and sufficient time for a thorough discussion (not in front of other children, parents or staff). If resolution is reached, no further action is necessary. If resolution cannot be reached, a meeting is scheduled with the persons involved and the Center Director. 

Step Two: During the second meeting an initial plan for resolving the issue is written and signed by all persons involved and copies distributed to those attending. A follow-up meeting is scheduled with sufficient time given for implementing the plan successfully. 

Step Three: The success of the plan is discussed at the follow-up meeting. If the problem is resolved, the plan is continued. If the problem is not resolved, adjustments are made to the plan and another follow-up meeting is scheduled to determine the status of the issue.

Step Four: If at any time resolution of the issue is determined by the Center Director to be impossible, the Center Director may consider the following: 

a)       removal of the child from the classroom

b)       withdrawal of Center services from the family

c)       suspension of the staff member until disciplinary steps can be determined

d)      involvement of the Assistant Dean of the School of Education and Allied Professions in the resolution process

 The following circumstances will be considered grounds for determining that a resolution is not possible:  

1)       any person involved displays inappropriate behavior such as shouting, accusing, name-calling, swearing or physical assault.

2)       any person involved refuses to follow the prescribed process of a)following the plan, b) attending scheduled meeting(s), or c) communicating or responding respectfully with other persons involved

3)       any person involved jeopardizes the process by spreading information concerning the conflict to those outside the immediate conflict or those involved in the resolution process 

If the issue involves a conflict with the Center Director, the Assistant Dean of the School of Education and Allied Professions will facilitate the process if necessary.         back to top

Orienting Your Child To School

Parents should consider the first days/weeks at the Center a time of adjustment. We recognize that each child’s adjustment period will vary depending on his or her age and prior experiences in a childcare setting. But even children who usually say goodbye cheerfully can sometimes feel anxious. Here are some suggestions on how to help your child transition into the Center:

Visit the Center with your child before he or she begins attending the program.
Spend time together in the classroom before you leave each day. A routine of reading a story or playing a game together gives your child a feeling of confidence and helps begin his or her day. Staying in the classroom with your child communicates that you feel the classroom is a good place to be, not a place from which you want to hurry away.
Say good-bye to your child rather than slipping out so that your child will recognize that although you are leaving, you will be back.         
It is normal for a child to take two to three weeks to fully adjust to a new routine.              back to top

Dropping Off and Picking Up Your Child

Each child must be brought to and picked up inside the child's classroom by a parent or guardian and to be welcomed or dismissed by a staff member. The child must be signed in upon arrival and signed out prior to departure. Only the authorized persons listed on the application form will be permitted to remove a child from the Center. If for any reason a child is to leave with a person who is not listed, prior written notification must be submitted to the Director or office staff. A picture I.D. will be requested before the child is released. A picture I.D. may be requested from any person authorized to pick up a child from the Center until the staff is familiar with those persons.

Children may be dropped off at any time with the exceptions of lunchtime and naptime. Advance notice of late arrival must be given if lunch is to be saved for your child. Arrivals during naptime may cause children already napping to be prematurely awakened. If a child is brought to the Center during naptime, the parent will be asked to remain with the child outside the classroom until the children napping have awakened.            back to top

Parking
Parking spaces are available in the Center’s parking lot for parents, who are bringing children to or from the Center, or parents who have arranged teacher conferences or persons who are observing or visiting children. The drive-up and drop-off area is reserved for parents bringing babies to or from the infant room. Parents of infants may use the door to the infant room. All other parents are asked to enter by the main door. Parents are asked to enter from Alberta Street by way of the east gate. Courtesy, precaution and restraint are asked of everyone to ensure the safety of the children. Safety must always be our first priority and consideration is called for at peak times regarding parking procedures, as others may be waiting for parking spaces.    back to top

What To Wear
Please send your child in comfortable play clothes that allow for active and often messy projects. Pants and T-shirts prove the best, even for girls, since dresses may hamper climbing or other active play. Cowboy boots and dressy flats sometimes get in the way of a child's easy movements and may often be the cause of falls and slips.   

A child's clothing will be changed if it becomes wet or very dirty during the day. If your child comes home with Center clothing, please launder and return the clothing within one week of use. If Center clothing is not returned, a charge will be added to your bill. For children who are not toilet trained (infants and toddlers) at least two complete, marked sets of clothing must be kept at the Center for necessary changes.

Please label all your child's belongings, especially hats, coats, mittens, and boots.     back to top

Outdoor Play

The Ohio Child Day Care Licensing Code states "the Center shall plan a daily outdoor play period for each toddler, preschool child or school child (in suitable weather)". The Center follows this directive by seeing that the children do go outside for an appropriate period of time as determined by weather conditions. Due to a number of factors which must be considered during the winter months - temperature, wind chill, sunshine or clouds, precipitation, condition of the playground, etc., it is impossible to set any specific guidelines to determine ahead of time when the children may go out and for how long. The Center Director has the responsibility for determining whether the conditions are acceptable or unacceptable at any given time, and will relay that decision to the Center Staff.           back to top

Nap Time and Rest Periods

Each afternoon there is a quiet time for all children. Depending upon their age, children are expected to rest quietly in cribs, on cots or engage in quiet activities, allowing those who need to sleep the opportunity to do so. Infants however, sleep on demand, according to each infant’s own schedule.

A favorite blanket and/or pillow or stuffed animal may be sent to the Center for your child to cuddle with at naptime. Parents are asked to take all blankets, pillows, etc. home weekly for laundering. Cots and cribs are disinfected weekly.          back to top

Birthdays

Birthdays are special days for us with lots of songs and games. If you plan to have a special celebration for your child's birthday (special napkins, treat for the day, etc.), please let the teacher know in advance. Consideration might also be given to providing a healthy treat as an alternative to traditional birthday cake or cupcakes.           back to top

Meals and Snacks

The Center participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The CACFP is a child nutrition program of the United States Department of Agriculture. It provides funding to childcare Centers to help them meet the cost of serving nutritious meals to enrolled children. Our Center is reimbursed for a daily maximum of two meals and one snack served to each enrolled child, including infants. The meals we serve must meet CACFP nutritional guidelines for infants and children. All children who are in attendance at the Center between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will receive a lunch that fulfills at least one-third of his or her recommended daily dietary allowances. Food from each of the four basic food groups is served in a sufficient quantity that meets the required nutritional allowances. Individual food servings may be varied according to the developmental needs of each child being served. Nutritious morning and afternoon snacks contain at least one food from each of two of the four basic food groups.

Lunches are prepared and delivered daily by the University Food Service. The Center kitchen aide prepares snacks. A nutritionist from the university has reviewed all meals for nutritional content and h menus are available to all families.

Parents of young infants (Sunbeams) may choose to use infant formula, baby food and juice provided by the Center. Or if they choose they may provides these foods themselves. Pre-made and pre-filled formula food must be labeled with the preparation date and child's name and will only be kept 24 hours. Parents and staff work together to maintain any feeding schedule the infant has established.


For children other than infants, no food may be brought to the Center except for special treats (pre-approved) or special diet foods.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program is available to all regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Any person who believe that he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write immediately to the Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center drive, Alexandria VA 22302            back to top

Off Campus Trips

Periodically, field trips will be scheduled for the preschool and pre-kindergarten classes. University vans or the U.D. Athletic Department bus will be secured for transportation. Parents will be asked to pay for the van or bus mileage, and when applicable, for the bus driver. Center staff members who have completed a university required driving course will drive the vans. At least one staff member present on a field trip will have current First Aid training certification. Parents will receive specific permission forms prior to the day of the field trip. The forms must be signed and returned to the Center in order for the children to participate in the field trip experience.         back to top
 

Discipline of Children

Teaching children appropriate behavior is discipline. Discipline is not punishment. If conflicts occur, staff members strive to help children find alternative modes of behavior and explain why inappropriate behavior is not acceptable. Staff members try to identify potential conflicts before they occur and to help a child before problems develop.

Constructive, developmentally appropriate child guidance and management techniques are used at all times, and may include redirection, separation from a problem situation, talking with the child about the situation, and praising the child for appropriate behavior.

The Center strictly adheres to the discipline guidelines set forth by the Ohio Childcare Licensing Code. That Code includes the restrictions listed below:

1. There shall be no cruel, harsh, CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OR ANY unusual punishments such as, but not limited to, punching, shaking, SPANKING or biting.

2. No discipline technique shall be delegated to any other child.

3. No physical restraints shall be used to confine a child.

4. No child shall be placed in a locked room or confined in an enclosed area such as a closet, a box, or similar cubicle.

5. No child shall be humiliated or subjected to profane language, threats, and derogatory remarks about himself or his family, or other verbal abuse.

6. Discipline shall not be imposed on a child for failure to eat, failure to sleep, or for toileting accidents.

7. Techniques of discipline shall not humiliate shame or frighten a child.

8. Discipline shall not include withholding food, rest, or toilet use.

9. Separation, when used as discipline, shall be brief in duration and appropriate to the child's age or circumstances, and the child shall be within sight and hearing of a childcare staff member in a safe, lighted well-ventilated space.

10. The Center shall not abuse or neglect children and shall protect children from abuse and neglect while in the Center's care.

Sometimes a child may have behavioral or emotional problems that prove very disruptive to the general program. If one-to-one supervision is required on an on-going basis, to ensure the health and safety of the child or other children, parents may be asked to withdraw the child from the Center. Referral may be made for therapeutic intervention.        back to top

Outside Employment of Bombeck Centre Employees

The early childhood profession has worked very hard to counteract the misimpression that teachers are babysitters. The Bombeck Family Learning Center teachers are credentialed early childhood education professionals, or individuals who are working toward credentials in the early childhood education profession, and we do not want to create any misunderstanding with our children and their families. To that end, teaching staff are encouraged not to baby-sit for BFLC children or be employed by a Center parent. When professional early childhood educators are employed as babysitters for BFLC children or in positions that bring them into regular contact with Center children, the role of teacher and babysitter may become blurred in the minds of children, their parents, and occasionally, the teacher themselves. This can produce friction in the child’s home and in the center, because the roles of teacher and babysitter are considerably different.

Students enrolled in EDT211 or EDT 212 and who are fulfilling a required practicum at the BFLC are not permitted to baby sit for Center children. Students not enrolled in EDT 211 or EDT 212 may be employed by Center parents for babysitting. However, staff will never give out a student’s home phone number to a parent. Student staff are expected to keep anything that they hear/learn/observe while babysitting confidential. Furthermore, anything they hear/learn/observe while babysitting will not be discussed with others associated with the BFLC and conversely students will not discuss any BFLC matters with the family members while babysitting.

 BFLC staff and BFLC parents who choose to enter into a working relationship outside of the Center will sign a waiver document (see appendix) to be kept on file at the BFLC holding the Bombeck Center, the University of Dayton, and agents or employees of either harmless in cases of liability, as well as agreeing to abide by the Bombeck Center policies concerning outside employment and ethical conduct.

Parents, guardians, and other family members are cautioned to observe appropriate boundaries and not place Center employee or university student in situations that might make it difficult to maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct.

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Use of Videotapes and Photographs

The parent of every child enrolled at the center must sign a Permission to Videotape and Photograph Form. University students who are enrolled in Education courses may be required to periodically videotape or photograph the children as they participate in classroom activities. These tapes and photos are used to revisit and evaluate the experiences they have had with the children as they develop their skills and understanding of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.     back to top


 

                                    Health and Safety policies and Procedures

Exclusion for Medical Reasons
As a center that is licensed by the State of Ohio, it is required that the following procedures concerning communicable diseases be strictly adhered to at all times to protect the health and safety of all children and staff members. Any child or staff member exhibiting any of the following symptoms is considered to be possible carrying a communicable disease and may not be in attendance at the center. 

1.      Temperature of at least 101 degrees Fahrenheit when in combination with any other sign or symptom of illness.

2.      Diarrhea (three or more abnormally loose stool within a twenty-four hour period).

3.      Severe coughing, causing the child to become red to blue in the face or to make a whooping sound.

4.      Difficult or rapid breathing

5.      Yellowish skin or eyes

6.      Redness of the eye, obvious discharge, matted eyelashes, burning, itching.

7.      Untreated infected skin patches, unusual spots or rashes.

8.      Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool.

9.      Stiff neck with and elevated temperature.

10. Evidence of untreated lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation.

11. Sore throat or difficulty in swallowing.

12. Vomiting more than one time or when accompanied by any other sign or symptom of illness.

If a child becomes ill while present at the center, the parent will be notified promptly. If the child shows above symptoms, s/he will be isolated within sight and hearing of an adult and made comfortable on a cot. The parent is expected to pick up the child immediately (minimum allowances for travel time). An exclusion form will be issued (see appendix) noting the date and time when the child’s reentry may occur. Please strictly observe the return time indicated, as we must all work together to prevent the spread of disease for the well-being of all the children and staff at the center.        back to top  

General Emergencies

In the event of an environmental emergency (fire, tornado, threat of violence, etc.) and the safety of the children is compromised the following procedures will be followed. The staff will direct the children to designated areas within and outside the center for their safety. Each classroom has posted designated areas and routes to follow. Children and staff have been trained in evacuation procedures. The University Public Safety Department will be notified immediately. A panic button is available to receive an immediate response from the University’s Public Safety Department. In the event of a power outage the center is equipped with battery powered emergency lighting. If heat or water is unavailable or the building should become uninhabitable the children will be removed to the PAC/Frericks Building (see map in appendix) on campus. Parents will be notified to pick up their children. back to top

Medical Emergencies

The center’s staff is trained in First Aid procedures. If a serious medical emergency should arise a call to the University Public Safety Department would summon an emergency vehicle staffed with EMT’s who would evaluate the situation and transport to an area hospital if necessary. Parents would be notified immediately. A staff member would stay with the child until parents arrive. The child’s emergency transport, health and medical records will accompany them. A child safety car seat is available if needed. back to top  

Illness/Sick Policy

Parents will pay for all scheduled childcare whether their child attends or not. In the event of a long-term illness on the part of the child, the following procedure will be followed:

1. The parent will submit a written request for sick leave to the Center Director.
2. The parent will pay the contracted fee for the first ten consecutive school days the child is ill.
3. The parent will pay a holding fee of 50% of the fee per week for any succeeding weeks of the child’s illness.
4. A doctor’s statement, verifying the child’s illness and projected recovery will be required
prior to the time of return.                back to top

Communicable Diseases

As a childcare center that is licensed by the State of Ohio, it is required that the following procedures concerning communicable diseases be strictly adhered to at all times to protect the health and safety of all children and staff members. Any child or staff member exhibiting any of the following symptoms is considered to be possibly carrying a communicable disease and may not be in attendance at the Center. If a child becomes ill while present in our Center, the parent will be notified promptly. If the child shows the following symptoms, s/he will be isolated and the parent will be expected to pick up the child immediately (minimum allowances for travel time). 

1. Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose stool within a twenty-four hour period)
2. Severe coughing, causing the child to become red to blue in the face
3. Difficult or rapid breathing
4. Yellowish skin or eyes
5. Conjunctivitis
6. Temperature of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit taken by the auxiliary method, in combination with any other sign of illness
7. Untreated infected skin patches or rash
8. Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool
9. Stiff neck
10. Vomiting
11. Evidence of lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation

The child or staff member will not be readmitted to the Center until he or she is symptom free for a period of 24 hours, or until a physician’s written permission verifies that there is no risk of contagion. If a communicable disease has been identified in the Center parents will receive a written notice of exposure.            back to top


Mildly Ill Children

Children, who are not exhibiting the above-described symptoms but are not feeling well, will be cared for and observed for worsening conditions. Parents will be notified, and if necessary removal from the Center will be discussed. The final decision shall be that of the Centers.

Our staff is trained to recognize signs and symptoms of illness. Training is also provided in proper hand washing and disinfecting procedures during in-service sessions.            back to top


Medications

The completed “Administration of Medication by the Center Personnel” form must accompany any medication, prescription or over-the-counter drugs, to be administered to a child. The form is also necessary for any child who is to be on a special diet. This form must be filled out at the front office where the medication is to be dropped off. The child's name and the time(s) the medication is to be administered must be written on the form provided in the classroom each day in order for the medication to be administered.

For the administration of medication by a person other than a Center staff member and other than the parent, the parent must give permission in writing for that person to administer the medication. The written permission should include the name of the person and the time the medication is to be given.            back to top

Accidents

In case of accidents, a staff member will complete an incident report that is given to the parent on the day of occurrence, which must be signed and returned to the classroom teacher. A copy of the report is given to the parent and one is kept on file at the Center for at least one year.            back to top

Abuse

Any member of the Bombeck Family Learning Center staff who suspects an incidence of child abuse is required by law to report his or her suspicions to the Montgomery County Children's Services Board.            back to top

Safety

No child is ever left alone or unsupervised.
No spray aerosols are used in a room when children are present.
Monthly fire drills are held at varying times each month. Emergency instructions for fire or weather alert are posted in each classroom.
Staff members trained in first aid, the prevention and recognition of child abuse and communicable diseases are available.
In case of a serious accident or medical/dental emergency, requiring medical attention, efforts will be made to notify the parent immediately. Upon recommendation of the U.D. Security personnel, the child may be transported to the medical treatment Center identified on the child's application form on file in the Center office.
A telephone for emergency use is available at all times in the Center’s office.              back to top

Grievance Procedures

In the event that a problem or complaint should arise that relates to the center’s policies, procedures, or program, the following are suggested procedures for resolution.

It is strongly encouraged that the issue be resolved with the staff member involved.
If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved, the issue may be brought to the attention of the center’s director. She will counsel with all individuals involved in order that a resolution is reached in a positive way.          back to top  
 

                                                        Classroom Information and Schedules

Room Assignments

Children are assigned to individual room based on many factors, chronological age, cognitive, social, emotional development and classroom makeup. The Center Director determines these destinations with input from the classroom teachers and parents.                back to top

Small Groups

The children in each room are assigned to small groups with a specific teacher. That teacher is responsible for the well being of the children in his or her small group.

Sunbeams Young Infant Room Two groups of six infants (with additional staff member)
Flyers Older Infant Room Two groups of six older infants (with additional staff member)
Gliders Young Toddler Room Two groups of seven children (with additional staff member)
Rockets Older Toddler Room Two groups of seven children (with additional staff member)
Explorers Preschool Room Two groups of twelve children (with additional staff member)
Voyagers Preschool Room Two groups of twelve children (with additional staff member)
Jets Pre-kindergarten Two groups of twelve children (with additional staff member)             back to top

Infant Room (Sunbeams) Information

Our infant room provides a comfortable, nurturing environment in which two groups of six infants, each with a primary caregiver, receive the love, security and encouragement that is invaluable to a healthy beginning. We respect the individuality of each child, therefore; encouraging the cognitive, physical, and emotional growth and development of each child at his/her own rate in his/her own way.

We support developmentally Appropriate Practices by emphasizing the concept of allowing children freedom of movement. Because we don’t use any type of bouncy seats, exercisers, or highchairs, our infants are consistently offered the opportunity to move, explore and discover the novelty of their expanding capabilities. They also learn the impact that their interactions have on the people and objects in the space around them.

Nursing mothers are welcome at any time in the Sunbeam Room; a special space is available for mothers and babies.

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DAILY SCHEDULES


Sunbeams - Young Infants: 6 weeks to approximately 14 Months

The daily schedules in the infant room are totally individualized. The needs of each young infant determine their schedule and even as they begin to establish a daily routine of needs and wants, it is ever changing. Room staff works with the parents so that the infant-initiated routines may be anticipated, acknowledged and promptly responded to. Parents are encouraged to visit the infant room at any time of the day. A system of record keeping is in place so that there is continuous and consistent care between home and center.                  back to top


Toddler Information

Our toddler classrooms are influenced by the philosophy of many developmentally appropriate theorists including Maria Montessori’s, “follow the child,” which offers a prepared environment in which the child directed curriculum allows the children to individually choose the activities in which they are interested. Gross motor, (climbing, sliding, stair climbing, etc) fine motor, (puzzles, stacking cups, pegs, etc.) books, music, art, dramatic play and sensorial activities are available throughout the day. Independence, a desired goal for toddlers, is nurtured through their participation in self-help skills such as dressing, undressing, serving and cleaning up at snack and lunchtime. An important aspect of our toddler program is that of fostering the development of appropriated social skills through consistent modeling of positive interactions.

Diaper changes occur throughout the day as needed.           back to top

Flyers - Older Infants: 14 to 24 Months

7:30 Arrival and Free Play
8:30 Diapering
9:00 Transition
9:10 Gym
9:45 Morning Snack
10:05 Transition
10:15 Indoor Activities (song, games, finger plays, small muscle activities)
Outdoor Activities (warm weather)
10:45 Transition
11:00 Quiet or Musical activities in the room/Diapering
11:20 Transition and preparation for lunch
11:30 Lunch
12:00 Naptime (Quiet time for early risers)
3:00 Snack time
3:30 Gym/Outdoor Activities (weather dependant)
4:00 Transition
4:15 Creative/small activities
4:45 Free play and departure             back to top