Our Parent Handbook

Our handbook was designed to give you as much information about our center as possible. It should answer most of your questions about our Philosophy, Programs and Policies. If, after reading it, you have any other questions, please, don't hesitate to ask our Center Director.

State Licenses, Equal Opportunity Provider

Daycare Preschool Dom Dinis is licensed by the State of California and is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Better Business Bureau. We are inspected regularly by the state and our Executive and Center Directors to ensure that we meet the highest standards of health, safety, and all state requirements.

At Daycare Preschool Dom Dinis, we accept applications for admission and employment without regard to race, religion, sex or national origin.

Philosophy

We believe that each child is an individual, unique, and is influenced by many different forces. Thus, we emphasize the inseparability and interdependence of intellectual and emotional development. We believe that the home and community socialization experiences of all children, regardless of cultural background, are valuable in their own right. We believe that every child should be assured a pleasant, safe environment; of the physical care that will help his/her body to grow strong, and the loving and mental stimulation that will help develop his/her identity.

Goals

As you shape your child's environment you promote the qualities you value in yourself: independent thinking, self-confidence, and respect for learning. And you want your child's preschool to do the same. Our main goal is to provide experiences that will enhance each child's growth and development. We believe that early childhood is the most important time of exploration and discovery. Children need opportunities to create, play, make friends, learn, and have fun. Our school offers children an atmosphere of warmth, understanding, and a place to develop both as individuals and as part of a group

We believe that each child is an individual, unique, and is influenced by many different forces. Thus, we emphasize the inseparability and interdependence of intellectual and emotional development. We believe that in the home and community socialization experiences of all children, regardless of cultural background, are valuable in their own right. We believe that every child should be assured a pleasant, safe environment; of the physical care that will help his/her body to grow strong, and the loving and mental stimulation that will help develop his/her identity.

Values

Programs

Toddlers (Our Teddies & Teddy Bears) learn primarily through exploration of the physical and social environment and through direct experience with objects and events. They also need lots of caring, individual attention, and interaction. Our "Toddler" curriculum is planned around weekly themes that balance novelty with familiarity. It is flexible and adaptable to a wide range of developmental levels and abilities. Dom Dinis Toddler Program is primarily experience-oriented rather than skill-oriented. There are fun things to watch, and touch, and do. Our goal is for toddlers to have opportunities to explore objects and materials as well as themselves and other people. Language, self-help and potty training skills are developed during this period.

Preschoolers (Our Chipmunks & Tigers) are continually searching for meaningful relationships in their environment, the early childhood years are ones of rapid concept development. Dom Dinis Preschool Program features developmentally appropriate, theme-based learning designed to help children understand concepts as we emphasize pre-reading skills, problem solving, and oral and written language. Our preschool curriculum includes process learning addressed through eight curricular domains: aesthetic learning; affective learning; cognitive learning; language learning; physical learning; social learning; construction play; and pretend play.

Potty Learning We will make every effort to coordinate our program with the one you start at home. For your information we have on hand a detailed description of our program, but we will not proceed from one stage to another until you decide the time is right. Please ask your Toddler Teacher or our Center Director for a copy of our Potty Learning program.

Parent Involvement

Parent Responsibilities

We encourage you to visit anytime and join us for fun field trips or special celebrations at the center. We would also like you to share your talents and skills with us.

Parent Assistants

We always welcome classroom assistance for tuition credit. Parents who wish to earn tuition credit by assisting in the classroom will be asked to attend an orientation-training meeting. There are also other ways in which credit may be earned. We are always in need of minor repairs. Fathers can also be helpful in this area. If you are willing to help out, please notify us.

Parent Volunteers

In addition to those tasks for which tuition credit is earned, we are always in need of volunteers to help us in the enrichment of our education program. Some of these activities include: assisting the classroom teacher with easel painting,cooking, gardening, carpentry or other activities requiring extra supervision; coordinating and assisting with field trips; providing transportation for children on field trips; assisting during School Picture Day and staff meetings.

Birthdays

We celebrate birthdays during snack time, either in the morning or the afternoon. Please notify your child's teacher if and when you'd like us to celebrate. We prefer you do not send cake or full-size cupcakes. Please send cookies, miniature cupcakes, or donut-holes. These are easier to handle and are greeted by the children as a special treat. If you wish your child to hand out prizes or prize bags, do not write the name of each child on the bags; you may designate the bags for either boys or girls. This will expedite the process for your child to accomplish. Your child's teacher will add special songs, candles, etc., to make this a special time for your child.

Newsletter

We publish a monthly newsletter for parents. In it, we offer items of interest to families in a variety of areas including health, nutrition, learning, and parenting tips. The calendar posts the Theme of the Week and the goals and objectives for each classroom.

Policies*

Operating Hours

Our Center operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for children ages 2.5 to 6.0 and from 7:30 to 5:30 for children 18 to 30 months old, Monday through Friday, with the exclusion of legal holidays. Our School Day is from 8:00 to 4:00 for all programs. The Junior Preschool session is from 8:30 to 11:30 A.M; the Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten sessions are from 9:00 A.M to 12:00 noon.

Enrollment

Our Center accepts children 1.5 to 6 years old. In order to enroll a child in our Center all registration documents and emergency forms must be filled out. In addition, the child's health/medical and developmental history forms must be completed. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $100.00 (a school smock is included) for new families and an annual $25.00 re-registration fee for continuing families.

Deposit

Upon enrollment, a deposit equal to one week's tuition is required. It will be applied towards the last week's tuition, provided a written two-week notice is given prior to withdrawal.

Withdrawals

Should you need to withdraw your child from our program we require a two week's written notice prior to your leaving. Sometimes children or families may not adjust to the structured environment. In these cases we reserve the right to terminate our services.

Payments and Refunds

Tuition is always payable in advance, on the first day of attendance, each week or each month. A 2.5% discount will be given to those who elect to pay on a monthly basis. For those parents with 2 or more children enrolled in our program, an additional 5% discount will be given. Monthly tuition will be calculated as follows: (weekly rate x 4.33) - (2.5%). If tuition is not paid by closing time on the first day of attendance of each week, a $10 late fee will be charged.

In case of involuntary withdrawal or withdrawal with proper written notice, the tuition owed will be calculated on number of days of attendance. Any excess tuition will be refunded.

Each child is allowed a two-week (one week every six months) vacation leave per year without charge, and without risk of losing position of enrollment.

A fine in the amount of $25.00 will be charged for all returned checks. Payment of returned checks plus all applicable charges is due within 24 hours of notification of returned check. Cash or Money Order will be required if a second check is returned for whatever reason.

A $2.00 charge will be added to a fee when a child in our full-day program does not come to school with a lunch. A school lunch will be provided for an additional $3.50.

A late charge will be assessed for each 10-minute period after 6:00 p.m. The fee will be $1.00 per minute to be paid, in cash, at the time the child is picked up or the next morning of attendance.

For attendance in excess of agreement, i.e. extra hours or extra days of attendance, the Non-Contractual Rate will be charged.

Non-Attendance

If a notice of withdrawal has not been given, tuition payments are due and payable whether the child has attended or not. Tuition will be based on the program signed in the tuition agreement.

Holidays

The Center is closed on the following holidays:

Child's Records

Our center maintains a record of each child. Each child's record includes names, addresses, and telephone numbers of relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child if, for some reason, the parent cannot be reached when necessary. Each child's record contains information on dietary restrictions and allergies; instructions for the action to be taken in case the parent, or the physician designated by the parent, cannot be reached in an emergency; a signed consent form for emergency medical treatment; a receipt of the child abuse prevention pamphlet and notice form; immunizations records; and parents/guardian rights to enter and inspect the center.

In accordance to the State of California, the Center must provide the name, address, and telephone number of the child's parent/guardian to a peace officer when required.

Inspection Authority

In accordance to the State of California General Licensing Requirements, Section 101195, it states:

The Department or Licensing agency shall have the authority to interview children, or staff, and to inspect and audit child or facility records without prior consent.

The license shall make provisions for private interview with an child(ren), or any staff member; and for the examination of al records relating to the operation of the facility.

The Department or licensing agency shall have the authority to observe the physical condition of the child(ren), including conditions which could indicate abuse, neglect, or inappropriate placement, and to have a licensed medical professional examine the child(ren).

Parents/Guardians Rights

Parents/guardians, upon presentation of identification, have the right to enter and inspect the child day care facility, in which their child(ren) is receiving care, without advance notice to the provider. Entry and inspection is limited to the normal operating hours while their child(ren) are receiving care.

The law prohibits discrimination or retaliation against any child or parent/guardian for exercising their right to inspect.

The law requires that parents/guardians be notified of their rights to enter and inspect.

The law requires that this notice of parent's rights to enter and inspect be posted in the facility in a location accessible to parents/guardians.

The law authorizes the person in charge of the child day care facility to deny access to a parent/guardian under the following circumstances

  1. The parent/guardian is behaving in a way which poses a risk to children in the facility, or
  2. The adult is a non-custodial parent and the facility has been requested in writing by the custodial parent to not permit access to the non-custodial parent.

Personal Rights for Children Attending

To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationship with staff and other persons.

To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs.

To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions or a punitive nature, including but not limited to: interference with the daily living functions, including eating, sleeping, or toileting, or withholding shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning.

To be informed, and to have the authorized representative informed by the licensee of the provisions of the law regarding complaints including, but not limited to, the address and telephone number of the licensing agency's complaint receiving unit, and of information regarding confidentiality.

To be free to attend religious services or activities of his/her choice and to have visits from spiritual advisor of his/her choice. Attendance at religious services, either in or outside the facility, shall be on a completely volunteer basis. (In child day care facilities, decisions concerning attendance at religious services or visits from spiritual advisors shall be made by the parent or guardian of the child).

Not to be locked in any room, building or facility premises by day or night.

Not to be placed in restraining devices without advance approval by the licensing agency.

Arrival and Pick-Up Procedures

Arrival Procedures:

In accordance with State Law, when the child arrives at the center, you must sign the child in the sign-in book, including time of arrival.

When arriving with your child, please wait until he/she has been recognized and accepted by a staff member before you leave.

Pick-Up Procedures:

In accordance with State Law, when you pick-up your child, you must sign the child in the sign-in book, including the time the child leaves the center.

We request that you do not leave your child for more than the contract time. Please notify the Center when this is not possible.

In case of custody, a copy of the court document must be in the child's file before the Center release a child to a parent.

We must have written or verbal authorization for any person picking up your child. No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick up the child up. In special circumstances and with proper official documentation, we may release a child to a peace officer. Furthermore, we'll provide the peace officer with the address and telephone number of the child's parent or guardian in order to enable the peace officer to make the notification required by law. The Center will not release your child to anyone under 18 years of age not listed on your child's center folder or emergency card. Please make sure the teacher has the current names and phone numbers of at least two people that could pick up your child from school in an emergency.

If anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol comes to the Center to pick up a child, the Daycare Center staff is required to call the police immediately.

Schedule, Discipline, Health, Nutrition, Napping, and other Routines

Daily Schedule:

The following daily schedule is a general one. Time and activities may change depending on the weather and children's needs.

Activities

7:00-8:00 Greeting children and parents. Quiet play.
7:30 - 8:30 Breakfast either from home or school may be served upon request
8:30 - 11:30 Junior Preschool Program (Teddies and Teddy Bears)
(Detailed daily and weekly lesson plans are posted in each classroom)
9:00-12:00 Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten Program (Chipmunks & Tigers)
(Detailed daily and weekly lesson plans are posted in each classroom)
Snack Served between 9:30 and 10:30
(Copy of weekly menu available upon request)
Lunch Lunches, either brought from home or school hot lunches, are served between 11:45 and 12:30 according to the program.
Toilet/Diaper changing On the hour and/or according to need and hand washing
Nap 12:30-2:30 (Teddies & Teddy Bears)
1:00-3:00 (Chipmunks & Tigers)
3:00-3:30 Grooming
3:30-4:00 Afternoon Snack
4:00-5:30 Enrichment Activities/free play in the classroom, patio and/or playground.
5:30 - 6:00 Quiet activities in classrooms

Midmorning and Afternoon Snacks

We provide a midmorning and an afternoon snack. Our snack program is based on good nutrition which includes, at least, one serving from each of two or more of the four major food groups. For instance, the midmorning snack may consist of, either, fruit or vegetable plus crackers and juice or milk or, peanut butter & jelly or grilled cheese mini-sandwich, trail-mix, and juice or milk.

Lunch

We do not have a lunch program and therefore ask that you bring lunch for your child. We suggest that lunch should contain one of each of the following:

School Lunch

For your convenience and/or in case of emergency, we provide school lunches for an extra fee. Order forms are available in the front office. School lunches must be paid in advance.

If your child is allergic and/or requires special foods, please let the staff know.

Nap Time

All children in our Center are given an opportunity to nap or rest without distraction or disturbance from other activities at the center. We ask that each child bring his/her own sleeping bag for naptime. No child will be forced to sleep, but each child is encouraged to rest during this designated time.

Discipline

Any form of discipline or punishment which violates a child's personal rights is not permitted. Our discipline for inappropriate behavior consists of:

  1. Use the positive approach whenever possible. e.g. "I really like the way Jane is sitting."
  2. Quietly try to talk the misbehaving child out of his/her actions. Find something to praise or something for the child to look forward to.
  3. Change the misbehaving child's activity or redirect the child to a different part of the room.
  4. If misbehavior persists, use a "time-out" or thinking chair for a few minutes to remove the child from the group.
  5. Continuing problems will be discussed with the Director and/or the parents.

A child may be dismissed:

  1. If his/her misbehavior persists over a period of time without improvement.
  2. If his/her behavior continues to puts other children in danger.
  3. If his/her behavior routinely interferes with the normal program schedule of the center.

Health Procedures

For the health and protection of all children at the Center, we ask that a child be kept home if there are any signs of illness. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether a child is sick enough to stay home. We hope that our policy will explain that clearly.

According to state law, each child must be given a brief health inspection upon arrival each day. As a guideline, if your child is too sick to be outside during nice weather, then your child is too sick to be in school. A cold is usually not contagious after 3 or 4 days, although a runny nose or cough may still persist.

A child will not be accepted by the Center if the child shows obvious symptoms of illness, including but not limited to fever or vomiting. If signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or fever or ear infections occur during school time, we contact you and you may need to pick up your child. In the event of a serious accident or illness, an ambulance may be called if needed.

If a child needs to take a prescribed medicine for illness, we require that you sign a medical release form and give to the teacher before we can administer any medication.

We will keep you informed of any instance of disease affecting children at the center. If a child is absent because of a contagious disease, he or she may not return to school without approval from a physician indicating that the child is no longer contagious and is able to participate in activities. If your child will be out sick for a few days please phone the Center and communicate this to the office so that the teacher may be informed.

We will immediately notify you of any illness or injury in the center other than minor cuts and scratches, and obtain from you specific instructions regarding action to be taken.

Toys and Personal Belongings

We request that all toys be left at home. This is to avoid problems with classmates, and to preserve the wellbeing of your child's toys. We cannot be responsible for missing or broken articles.

School Smock

Your registration fee includes a school smock, which is considered our children s school uniform. We expect your child to arrive in school wearing a school smock every day. It is your responsibility to keep it clean and presentable; dirty and torn school smocks are not acceptable. Extra smocks are available for your purchase. We advise two smocks for all children who are in our 5-day program.

Clothing

Since ours is an active, exploring preschool, we ask that you dress your child in such a way as to allow him/her to participate freely in the Center's activities without being restricted because of improper dress and attire. Please do attire your child in clothing that fits comfortably so as to allow freedom of movement. For safety reasons, we require that all children wear shoes. During the summer, only sandals with a sturdy strap over the top of the foot around the ankle are permitted. Parents should provide a complete change of clothing for their child in case of accidents (please include a change of socks).

Finally

* Daycare Preschool Dom Dinis reserves the right to change existing policies or introduce new policies with two weeks prior notice to customers

Preschool Daycare DomDinis 1395 E. Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA 95116 408-993-0383

Questions can be directed to Goretti Silveira