Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center The AISD Child Development Center enrolls children, ages 6-weeks to pre-kindergarten. Only children and legal dependents of AISD staff are eligible to enroll. In order for staff and parents to be eligible to enroll a child, they must be employed full-time by Aldine ISD. Applications are on-line on the district web-page. Absenteeism There is no discount for absenteeism. Access to Child Care Director The child care director is available during the operational hours to discuss and review any questions or concerns about the policies and procedures of the Child Development Center and can be reached by telephone at 281 985-7465. Admission Information Admission information, including information on special care needs, must be updated on a regular basis. The Child Development Center needs to know how to contact parents and needs to be aware of any changes in care required for the child. Routine updating of records occurs annually at the beginning of the school year. This ensures that accurate information is available if an emergency occurs. Advance Registration A cancellation fee in the amount of two-weeks tuition will be charged for withdrawing the child less than 45 days before the desired start date. Ages The Child Development Center serves children age six-weeks to pre-kindergarten. Arriving Upon arrival, parents are required to sign their child in on the sign-in sheet in the child’s classroom. This is a licensing mandate. Parents must leave their child in the care of the child’s teacher or the on duty staff member. Do not leave your child unattended in any classroom. Children may not enter, leave or re-enter the center unless accompanied by an adult. Authorized Persons/Emergency Pick-up Departing children will be released only to parents or other persons shown on the “Release Form”. No one else may pick-up your child except those listed on the release form. All authorized persons, including parents that are not yet familiar to staff, will be asked for photo identification prior to release of children to ensure the safety of each child. In addition, caregivers may copy the photo identification and record the car tag numbers. In case of divorced parents, the Child Development Center must be notified of parent with legal custody and proper court documentation must be on file. The center will not be involved in separation or domestic disputes. Availability for Review The following information is available for parent review in the office:  Copy of the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Care Center (also available on the web at www.dfps.state.tx.us)  Most recent DFPS inspection/investigation report (also available on the web at www.dfps.state.tx.us)  The most recent Fire Marshal’s Inspection Report  The most recent Health Department’s Sanitation Inspection Report  The most recent Gas Pipe Inspection Report  The Child-Care Center’s Operational Policies Backpacks/Diaper Bags Each child in the pre-school 1, pre-school 2, and pre-kindergarten rooms may bring a backpack to keep in his or her classroom. The backpacks must be taken home every day. The backpack should contain items such as a change of clothes and personal items. Parent(s) are responsible for checking backpacks nightly, remove soiled clothing, check Friday folders for information, and review arts and crafts projects with your child.

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center Birthday Parties & Celebrations The Child Development Center recognizes that celebrating a child’s birthday with a classroom party is a timehonored tradition that provides the opportunity for parental involvement in the education of their children which is beneficial for children, parents and teachers. It is recommended such parties be scheduled after the end of the nap period for the class so that these celebrations do not replace a nutritious lunch. Federal regulations do not permit foods of minimal nutritional value to be served in the food service area during meal periods. Home-baked goods are not allowed due to health regulations. If you are planning a birthday party elsewhere, please do not send invitations to the center unless all of the children in your child’s class are invited. The child care staff will collect $1.00/child for the winter, spring and Valentine Day Parties as scheduled on the Aldine ISD calendar. Biting Biting is most common in younger ages, particularly 9-months and up to 2 ½ years-of-age. As children mature and develop their verbal skills, biting incidents decline. Biting in these younger age groups is not considered an “aggressive” behavior. Children are redirected as needed. However, excessive or consistent biting that is beyond the staff’s control or that is disruptive and threatening may lead to dismissal. Business Hours, Days/Months of Operation The hours of operation are 6:30 am until 6:00 pm following the traditional school calendar. Please let the Child Development Center know if you will be picking your child up after 5:00 pm. By letting us know a day ahead of time, the Child Development Center can arrange for adequate staff coverage from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Summer child care will be available for AISD staff members who work more than 187-days/year, teach summer school or attend staff development. Food is not provided for summer care. A copy of the 187-day pay group contract calendar is available from the child care director. Child Care Licensing The local child care licensing office is located at 2223 West Loop 610 S, Houston, Texas 77027. The phone number at the child care licensing office is 713 940-5200. Copies of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Minimum Standard Rules are available at the front desk or on their website at www.dfps.state.tx.us Children’s Files All enrollment forms must be completed and returned before the first day of care. It is very important that your child’s records be kept current. Inform the Child Development Center of any changes in employment, address, phone numbers (including home, work, cell, pager, doctor, dentist, emergency pickup, relatives, etc.) as well as immunization records. Your child’s records are confidential. The parent of the child has the right to access their own child’s record during a parent conference with the caregiver or child-care director. Emergency contact information, pick-up information and medical information is shared with caregivers. Clothing Learning is experienced through children’s senses. At the Child Development Center, the children will be involved in activities requiring them to observe, to listen, to taste, to touch and to feel. Please dress them in play clothes that can be soiled without disappointment. Boots, sandals without heal straps or flip flops are dangerous for children to manage on play ground equipment and are not encouraged for wear at the Child Development Center. An extra set of clothing, with your child’s name or initials, is required in case of an accident. Soiled clothing will be sent back home. When soiled clothing is sent home, it must be replaced with a clean set the following day. The Child Development Center’s washer and dryer are for bedding in the infant and toddler rooms. Conferences Conferences between teachers/caregivers and parents are encouraged. To schedule a conference with a teacher/caregiver or an administrator, please contact the front desk to schedule a conference. (281-985-7465)

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center Discipline At the Child Development Center, we take a positive approach to discipline, one that is consistent with the age and needs of a child. If your child is experiencing a change in his/her home environment that may affect their behavior, please let us know. Parents must refrain from corporal or physical punishment on center grounds. Shouting, inappropriate language or display of any physical anger in the center is cause for dismissal. Each parent is given a copy of the center’s discipline policy to sign. Child Development Center’s Discipline and Guidance Policy 

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Discipline must be: (1) Individualized and consistent for each child; (2) Appropriate to the child’s level of understanding; and (3) Directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control. A caregiver may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourages self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction, which include at least the following: (1) Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior; (2) Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements; (3) Redirecting behavior using positive statements; and (4) Using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age. There must be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child. The following types of discipline and guidance are prohibited: (1) Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment; (2) Punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training; (3) Pinching, shaking or biting a child; (4) Hitting a child with a hand or instrument; (5) Putting anything in or on a child’s mouth; (6) Humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting or yelling at a child; (7) Subjecting a child to harsh, abusive, or profane language; (8) Placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom or closet with the door closed; and (9) Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time for the child’s age. Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Chapters 746 and 747, Subchapters L, Discipline and Guidance

Drills Drills are an important tool in the training and education of our children to ensure emergency procedures are followed should a fire or severe weather incident occur. Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis without prior notice to staff, children or parents. Severe weather drills help children understand what to do in an emergency. Evacuation routes for each room are posted at every door entrance. Emergency Closings The Child Development Center will follow the Aldine Independent School District’s procedures regarding closing. Parents should listen to news reports for this information. Illness and Emergency Treatment At enrollment, parents are required to sign a medical authorization statement. This form includes the name and address of your child’s physician and hospital. In the event of a serious emergency, your child will be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room via ambulance. An immediate attempt to contact the parent will be made. Please continue to up-date your child’s records to include current phone numbers, emergency numbers and other pertinent information. Use the comment section of the sign in/out sheet to indicate the phone number that should be used if you will be away from your usual campus while your child is in your care.

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center Enrollment Procedures Enrollment is limited to children of AISD employees only. An application may be obtained by contacting the AISD Child Development Center Office or employees may obtain an application on the AISD website, www.aldine.k12.tx.us or contact us at [email protected] or Child Development Center Office 15014 Aldine Westfield, Houston, TX 77032 281-985-7465. Form W-10, Dependent Care Provider’s Identification and Certification Form W-10 is provided by AISD with your W-2 form on or before January 31. Gang-Free Zones st House Bill 2086 passed during the 81 Legislature, Regular Session, Chapter 42 of the Human Resources Code includes section 42.064, effective September 1, 2009. This statute requires that information about gang-free zones be distributed to parents and guardians of children in care at licensed child care centers. A gang-free zone is a designated area around a specific location where prohibited gang related activity is subject to increased penalty under Texas law. The gang-free zone is within 1000 feet of your child care center. Grievance Policy Refer to school board policy 1410. Ground Rules School Rules: Everyone at the Child Development Center has the right to feel safe and secure. We follow three basic rules: be kind, be neat, be safe. Adult Rules: Drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden on the Child Development Center premises. Any violation of this rule may be grounds for immediate expulsion. The Child Development Center will not tolerate any irresponsible and dangerous behavior, acts of violence, threats of violence, emotional or sexual harassment, or verbal abuse directed towards anyone. We abide by the rules for public school. It is illegal and forbidden to bring or carry a weapon to the Child Development Center or on the grounds of Aldine Independent School District. The Child Development Center is a smoke/tobacco free environment. The Child Development Center community, including staff, students, and administrators are responsible for helping maintain the order and neatness of the school environment. Hearing and Vision Screening Enrollees who are four-years-old by September 1 of each year will be screened for possible vision and hearing problems prior to the completion of the first semester of enrollment or within 120 calendar days of enrollment, whichever is longest, or present evidence of screening conducted one-year prior to enrollment. This service is provided at no charge and administered at the Child Development Center for your convenience. Health Statement To ensure that the individual needs of children are met, while protecting the health and safety of all children in oucare, each child must have a health statement on file at the center prior to admission. Your child’s health statement is: (1) A written statement, from a health-care professional who has examined the child within the past year, indicating the child is physically able to take part in the child-care program or; (2) A signed affidavit from the parent giving the name and address of a health-care professional who has examined the child within the past year stating that the child is able to participate in the program. This must be followed by a signed statement from a health care professional as specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection within 12 months of the date of admission. (3) If your child has special needs, please let us know. On the Admission Form, please indicate your child’s special needs.

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center How a Parent May Contact Poison Control Center, DFPRS Child Abuse Hotline, the Local Licensing Office, and DFPRS website. Poison Control Center……….. 1-800-222-1222 DFPS Child Abuse Hotline……….. 1-800-252-5400 Nearest Child-Care Licensing Office Phone…. 713-940-5200 Nearest Child-Care Licensing Address…… 2221 West Loop South, P. O. Box 16017, Houston, TX 77222-6017 Licensing Permit Number……………….. 816791 DFPRS Website…………………. www.dfps.state.tx.us Illness and Injury In the event of illness or serious injury, the Child Development Center will attempt to contact the parents first and continue calling those on the emergency list of contacts. All contacts listed must be notified by the parent, prior to the illness or injury, that they will need to respond by picking up your child or meeting your child at the hospital in case of serious injury. The front desk maintains an emergency contact file that must be updated periodically and at a minimum whenever phone numbers and other information becomes outdated. Exclusion from Child Care: An ill child cannot be admitted to the Child Development Center if one or more of the following exists: 1. The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in the Child Development Center activities including outdoor play. If your child cannot go outside, your child cannot attend. 2. The illness results in a greater need for care than caregivers can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children in care. 3. The child has one of the following, unless medical evaluation by a health care professional indicates that you can include the child in the Child Development Center’s activities: a. An armpit temperature of 99.4 degrees or greater, accompanied by behavior changes or other signs of illness. Children should be kept home until they have been free of fever at least 24 hours, without medication. b. Symptoms and signs of possible severe illness such as lethargy, abnormal breathing, uncontrolled diarrhea, two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, behavior changes or other signs that the child may be severely ill. 4. A health-care professional has diagnosed the child with a communicable disease, and the child does not have medical documentation to indicate that the child is no longer contagious. 5. Communicable diseases that exclude a child from care are defined by the Texas Department of Health in 25 TAC §97.7 (relating to Diseases Requiring Exclusion from Child Care Facilities and Schools). When it is necessary for the child care to exclude your child from care, he or she must be picked up no later than 1 hour after being notified of the illness/injury. A written record of any accident or incident that requires medical attention by a health-care professional or any situation that placed a child at risk will be reported on an Incident/Illness Report form. This report must be received by the parent within 48 hours or less of when the incident occurred either by e-mail or telephone. Immunizations Each child enrolled or admitted to child-care centers must meet applicable immunization requirements specified by the Texas Department of Health Immunization Requirements in Texas Elementary and Secondary Schools and Institutions of Higher Education. This requirement applies to all children in care from birth through pre-kindergarten. These records must be updated throughout the year as requirements change due to your child’s birthday. Exemptions for immunization requirements must meet criteria specified by the Texas Department of Health rules in 25 TAC §(relating to Exclusions from Compliance). Parents must provide the Child Development Center a copy of the child’s completed immunization record prior to admission. The record must be validated by a physician or other health-care professional with a signature or rubber stamp and include the child’s name and date of birth, the number of doses and vaccine type, the month, day and year the child received each vaccination. Requirements for tuberculosis screening and testing vary across the state. The Child Development Center follows the recommendation from the regional Texas Department of Health on requirements for tuberculosis screening and testing.

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center Late Fee Policy The AISD Child Development Center’s hours of operation are from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. A late fee of $5.00 will be charged if a child is picked up late during the first 5 minutes and $1.00 per minute charge thereafter. Charges will be collected and recorded by the staff member on duty that day. The Child Development Center reserves the right to terminate the enrollment of a child who is picked up late four (4) times within a school year. Meals and Food Services Practices Meals and snacks are provided by the AISD Child Nutrition Department for the appropriate age groups where the specified age is 18 months and above. Menus are on a two-week rotational cycle. Menus are on-line through the e-portal. Please limit food from home. Food sent from home should not require heating. Food sent from home cannot contain candy, carbonated soft drinks or caffeine drinks. Medication Administration To comply with Texas State Law, the following restrictions apply to the taking of medicine by children at the Child Development Center. Your child may have an illness that requires medication for relief or cure that does not prevent his or her attending the Child Development Center. When possible, such medication must be scheduled to be taken at home. The following requirements must be met by the parent or legal guardian requesting school personnel administer medicine to their child: 1. Prescription drugs that need to be taken at school for 15 days or less: a. All prescription drugs must be in their original pharmacy container and labeled by the pharmacist. The label must include: Child’s name Name of prescribing health care provider Name of drug Amount of drug to be given and frequency of administration Date prescription filled. b. All prescription drugs to be administered at school for 15 days or less must be accompanied by a written request (Request for Administration of Medication), signed and dated by a parent or legal guardian. 2. All non-prescription drugs (“Over-the Counter” medication) must be in their original container. The original container must have the child’s name on the original container. A medicine giver labeled with your child’s name must be provided in a zip-loc bag. A written request, Request for Administration of Medication, must be completed. If the original container does not indicate the dosage for the age of the child, a physician’s statement will be required. The American Academy of Pediatrics “Guidelines for the Administration of Medication in School” and the Aldine ISD School Health Policies state “Non-prescription ("over-the-counter") medication will be administered according to the instructions on the original container.” The Child Development Center will require a physician’s statement with any over-the-counter medications if the medication or dosage is not indicated for that age. 3. All non-prescription drugs (“Over-the Counter” medication) needed for more than 15 days must be in their original container with the child’s name written on the original container and must be accompanied by a written request (Request for Administration of Medication), indicating name of drug, amount to be given, reason drug is to be given, and signed and dated by the prescribing health care provider and the parent or guardian requesting this service. 4. Medications prescribed or requested to be given 3 times a day or less are not to be given at school unless a specific time during child care hours is prescribed by a health care provider, or a nurse consultant determines that a special need exists for an individual child. 5. Complete the Authorization to Administer Medicine form (available at the front desk) and leave the medication with the person at the front desk. 6. No child may have prescription or non-prescription drugs in his/her diaper bag or back pack during child care hours. Medications will be stored with the first aid kit or in a separate area of the refrigerator. It is the parent’s responsibility to take it home nightly. 7. No medications will be administered from or kept in the Child Development Center for more than 15 days unless otherwise prescribed by a physician or other health care provider. 8. In accordance with Board of Nurse Examiners Rule, 22 Texas Administrative Code §217.11, the school nurse consultant has the responsibility and authority to refuse to administer medications that, in his or her judgment, are not in the best interest of the child.

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center Open Record Act During enrollment, parents are given the opportunity to determine if a child’s records are open or closed. This information may be changed at any time. Procedures for Release of Children Children are released only to a parent or a person designated by the parent. Employees must verify the identity of a parent or a person a parent has designated to pick up the child.  Persons a parent has designated to pick up or visit in the classroom must have their identity verified by a photo ID at the front desk.  Their names must be on the Emergency Form.  A staff member has the right to make a photo copy of the photo identification or record the driver’s license number and car tag numbers. Procedure for Parental Notifications: Parental notifications are transmitted via e-mail, telephone calls, written documentation, parent conferences and notices posted. Photos/Videos Obtaining parent’s permission to video and/or photograph your child is part of the enrollment process at the Child Development Center. Occasionally children and staff pictures and videos will be used for publicity and/or advertising purposes. At no time will last names or personal information be given. This information may be changed at any time during the enrollment year. Procedures for Parents to Participate in the Center’s Operations and Activities Parents are welcome to visit the childcare facility any time during the child care center’s hours of operation to observe their child, the child care center’s operation and program activities, without having to secure prior approval. Questions Any questions regarding the contents of your contract with the AISD Child Development Center to provide child care should be discussed with the child care director immediately. The Child Development Center appreciates the opportunity to provide childcare services to your family and sincerely hope our partnership will be rewarding for all parties. Most problems concerning childcare, both from the parents and providers viewpoint can be resolved. However, if a mutual solution cannot be reached, the Child Development Center reserves the right to terminate services at anytime. Registration The registration process begins with completing an application that is available at the Child Development Center and on the AISD website www.aldine.k12.tx.us Enrollment slots are filled based on application date. The Child Development Center maintains a waiting list for each room. Rest Time A supervised sleep or rest period, after the noon meal, for all children 18 months of age or older will be provided. Children are not forced to sleep during this rest time, but are encouraged to lie quietly and rest. If after resting quietly for 1 hour, children may participate in an alternative, quiet activity until the nap/rest time is over for other children. If your child is younger than 18 months or sleeps in a crib, your child will be removed from the crib for other activities when she or he awakens. Specified Age of Children Child/caregiver ratio is based on the specified age of the children in the caregiver’s group. Specified age of the children in each group is calculated using the following formula: 1. List all of the children in the group in order of their ages from youngest to oldest. 2. Determine the total number of children in the group and divide this number by two. If the result is not a whole number, the number is rounded to the nearest whole number. 3. Begin counting at the first or youngest child on the list and count down the list from youngest to oldest, until you reach the core number. The age of this child is the specified age of the children in the group.

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center The developmental or emotional age of the child, rather than the chronological age, of a child with special care needs may be used if this is recommended by a health-care professional or other qualified professional and is documented in the child’s record. Every effort is made to group children by their age as of September 1 so that each year the children have the opportunity to participate in new activities and enjoy learning. However, the September 1 date is used as a guideline and does not guarantee that all children in the classroom will be the specified age of the group. Termination of Child Care Service Please provide the Child Development Center a two-week written notice stating the last date your child will be attending the Child Development Center. The Child Development may deduct up to two-week’s tuition if sufficient notice is not provided. Re-enrollment in the Child Development Center will be based upon availability of space in the specified age group. Toilet Training If toilet training is begun when your child is ready, the task is easy and quick. If a parent undertakes the task of toilet training when the parent wants it to happen but the child is not ready and the task is frustrating for all concerned. Twenty to thirty months of age is a good rule of thumb to start checking for signs of readiness. These signs of readiness include longer stretches between dirty and wet diapers, waking up from a nap dry, uncomfortable at being wet or dirty, and self-help skills such as the ability to pull pants up and down and the ability to express the need to use the toilet. When the toileting program has begun and your child is successful in his or her toilet training, please do not send your child in overalls or clothes with suspenders, buckles or belts. Elastic waist pants, shorts or casual dresses for girls work well. Choose clothes for your child that sets them up for success! Your child must have at least two complete changes of clothes. If your child is not successful after several days and becomes frightened or frustrated, the Child Development Center will suggest your child be put back in a diaper. After a respite, the process will be attempted again. The Child Development Center will not force a child to use the toilet. The Child Development Center wants to be your partner in helping your child successfully learn to use the toilet. We will do our best to maintain consistency with what you are doing at home to make this transition easier. Please communicate with the caregivers the words you and your child use and anything that would be helpful. We keep in mind the dignity and self-esteem of the child and they will be successful in toilet training when the time is right. Tuition Tuition is through payroll deduction. Video Monitoring System The Child Development Center is equipped with a video monitoring system in each room and outer areas. To view the video of your child’s room, please make an appointment with the child care staff. A staff member must be present when the video is viewed. If a parent would like a copy of the video, a request for open records must be made through central office. Because of the other children being recorded, a central office staff member will obtain an estimate of the cost to blur the faces of the other children. The parent requesting the information will be informed of the cost. Withdrawal The child is considered to be enrolled until written notice of withdrawal is received.

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Operational Policies Aldine ISD Child Development Center Return this page of the Operational Policies to the Reception Desk Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians 

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arrive daily with a positive attitude, knowing that your child’s physical, dietary, emotional and academic needs are important to the child care staff and every effort is being made by the childcare staff to meet these needs. To ensure your child’s day-to-day needs are met, parents/guardians needs to talk daily with your child’s teachers about their day-to-day care. arrive daily with a mind-set that your child/children are safe. be respectful of the childcare’s staff including their time and approach staff in a cooperative manner with a positive attitude. This includes exercising self-control over actions and words with other parents and staff members. respect and follow the policies established by this center and understand that as different circumstances arise, new policies may be established. The operational procedural manual is designed to maintain high standards at this facility and amendments will be made.

Parent’s Acknowledgement This is to acknowledge that AISD Employee Childcare has provided me with a copy of the Operational Policies, Discipline Policies and the Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians. On my behalf, I affirm that I have read and will comply with the Child Development Center Operational Policies. My signature confirms that I understand the conditions of maintaining my association with the Child Development Center.

(Signature of Parent/Guardian)

(Date)

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