Daycare and Summer Camp Guidelines

Philosophy & Goal

• To provide a safe, supervised and reasonably priced program for the students of SMS before and after the regular school day.
• To provide a service to parents of the school community who are in need of childcare services. The operation of our programs will at all times reflect the philosophy of SMS as stated in the Student/Parent Handbook.

In keeping with this philosophy these programs will:

• Provide the students and parents with an alternative to having a child unsupervised before or after school, or during summer months.
• Provide a safe, supervised atmosphere that will foster positive attitudes and self-image.
• Provide an opportunity for assistance in beginning homework in all subject areas with a certified teacher.
• Provide activities that are age appropriate, interesting and challenging.

General Policies

SMS Preschool Day Care, Extended Care and Summer Camp Programs:

• Admit children from the day school of any race, color, creed, or ethnic origin provided space is available.
• Are licensed to operate by the Ohio Department of Education.
• Will open for operation on the same schedule as the day school. (6:30am-6:00pm)
• Summer Camp hours of operation (6:30am-5:30pm)
• Will observe all holidays designated by SMS as posted on the school calendar. The programs are open on most days off from school and on some snow days; if the weather is too severe for our staff to travel on snow days, the Day Care will be CLOSED.
• Will only release a child to those designated on the pick up list unless prior arrangements are made in writing. A child may be released to an extra-curricular activity in the school if the parent has granted permission.
• Will follow the discipline policy as outlined in the SMS Handbook. The form of discipline used will be a “time out” in amounts of time appropriate for the age of the child. No cruel, harsh, physical or unusual punishments shall be permitted. A written report will be sent home if inappropriate behavior persists. Three reports sent home would result in a suspension of services for one full week. (Please refer to the discipline statements posted as required by the State of Ohio.)
• Our Day Care and Summer Camp are in full compliance and licensed by the Ohio Department of Education

Supervision & Safety

• The staff meets all required certifications for First Aid, Communicable Disease, and Abuse Recognition.
• All areas used by the Programs will have full supervision. The child to staff ratio will never exceed 14:1. There will always be at least two trained staff members on duty and on site.
• A copy of the SMS emergency medical form for all enrolled students will be kept in the childcare area, and a First Aid kit will be available.
• All children will have practiced tornado and fire drills according to school policy; evacuation diagrams are posted in all areas.
• Since services are provided for use on an as needed basis, it is very important that communication between home, school, and Day Care are maintained. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide a schedule to the child’s teacher and Day Care staff. Notify your child and the office of any schedule changes as soon as possible.

Communicable Disease Policy

• All employees will be aware of the signs and symptoms of illness and hand washing and disinfection procedures. This will be reviewed periodically.
• All students will be observed as they enter each day. A parent or guardian will be notified if signs and symptoms of communicable disease are observed.
• No employee will attend the Day Care if they show signs of a communicable disease.
• Any child, who has been absent because of a communicable disease, will be readmitted to the program when both the parent and the school agree that the child is well.
• The programs will follow all school and Ohio Health Department guidelines in observing, caring for, and readmitting children to the program. (Please refer to posted statements by the State of Ohio.)

Communication

Every attempt will be made to keep open lines of communication with parents. Every family will be given a copy of the Daycare and Summer Camp Handbook upon enrolling. Employees can be reached to answer questions or address concerns during regular business hours at (440) 234-7210. We have an “open door” policy and parents are welcome at any time; however, staff must focus on the children rather than have discussions with parents. Parents may schedule meetings to discuss any issues.

Communication between the school and the Day Care is held on a daily basis. A note or schedule of the days your child will be attending Day care should be sent to your child’s teacher. This information will then be passed on to the Day Care. The Ohio Department of Education Ombudsman is at 614.466.0224, if you have any questions or concerns.

Program Description

SMS Preschool Day Care, Extended Care and Summer Camp will provide quality supervised care for students ENROLLED at SMS. The Day Care programs are not an extension of the school day and formal classes will not be held. However, homework help is given Monday through Thursday between 3:30 & 5:00 p.m. in the Collaboration Hall, during the school year. We will provide a caring atmosphere and activities to make your child feel safe and secure while in our care. All activities will take place at the SMS facility only. However, Summer Camp students will experience several field trips for which parents receive detailed itineraries and permission slips.

Hours of Operation - Extended Care

6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day Extended Care is in session. There will be a late charge of $1.00 per minute after 6:00 p.m.

Fees - Extended Care

A $30 per child registration fee will be charged for the Day Care /Extended Care programs. This fee covers the cost of activities, supplies, craft materials, etc. The hourly rate is $4.75. A daily log will be kept for each child’s use of the program. Parents will be billed at the end of each month. Accounts must be current to continue the use of the program.

Facility

The SMS school gym will be used for Extended Care with expansion to and use of other areas as needs arise. We also make use of specialty areas such as the Activity Rooms and playgrounds. We will not transport the Extended Care children to other facilities for activities. The Preschool Day Care will be located in the Day Care Room adjacent to the indoor playground and will also make use of the specialty areas. The Summer Camp children will experience a variety of planned field trips. We work in cooperation with other community organizations to provide fun activities for your child.

Summer Camp

SMS will provide a Summer Camp Program in conjunction with the Extended Care Program. Children must be enrolled at SMS for the fall term to attend the Summer Camp. The summer program will operate under the same philosophies and guidelines as SMS. Special activities and field trips will be planned throughout the summer for the students. Parents will receive a detailed calendar of planned activities and permission slips for field trips.

Hours of Operation - Summer Camp

6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day Summer Camp is in session. There will be a late charge of $1.00 per minute after 5:30 pm. NOTE: The Summer Camp is always closed on July 4th.

Fees - Summer Camp

A $30 per child registration fee will be charged for the Summer Camp program. The hourly rate is $4.75. A daily log will be kept for each child’s use of the program. Parents will be billed at the end of each month. Accounts must be current to continue the use of the program.

Summer Camp Field Trips

Past field trips have included the following: Young Chef Academy, Chuck E. Cheese, Cleveland Zoo, movies, restaurants, Nature Trail, and art sessions, among others. We schedule two days per week for the Berea pool, leaving the school at 11:30 a.m. and walking to the outdoor Coe Lake Pavilion to have a picnic lunch and then go to the pool from 1:00 to 3:50 pm., and then return to school. Additional fees apply for field trips. NOTE: We walk to many local field trips and it is imperative that your child be able to walk along with us. If your child is too young or physically unable to walk along, your child will not be able to use the Summer Camp on that day.

State of Ohio Addendum - 01/16/11

Behavior Management / Discipline Policy

• A Preschool staff member in charge of a child or group of children shall be responsible for their discipline.
• The school shall have a written discipline policy describing the philosophy of discipline and the specific methods of discipline used at the school. This written policy shall be on file at the school for review. Constructive, developmentally appropriate child guidance and management techniques are to be used at all times, and shall include such measures as redirection, separation from problem situations, talking to the child about the situation, and praise for appropriate behavior.
• There shall be no cruel, harsh, or corporal punishment such as, but not limited to, punching, pinching, shaking, spanking, or biting.
• No discipline shall be delegated to another child.
• No physical restraints shall be used to confine a child by any means other than holding a child for a short period of time, such as in a protective hug, so the child may regain control.
• No child shall be placed in a locked room or confined in an enclosed area such as a closet, in a box, or a similar cubicle.
• No child shall be subjected to profane language, threats, and derogatory remarks about himself or his family or other verbal abuse.
• Discipline shall not be imposed on a child for failure to hear, failure to sleep, or for toilet accidents.
• Discipline shall not include withholding of food, rest, or toilet use.
• Separation, when used as discipline, shall be brief in duration, and appropriate to the child’s age and developmental ability, and the child shall be within sight and hearing of a staff member in a safe, lighted and well ventilated space.
• The day care shall not abuse or neglect children and shall protect children from abuse and neglect while in attendance in the program.

Communicable Disease Policy

The following precautions shall be taken for children suspected of having a communicable disease:

• The school shall immediately notify the parent or guardian of the child’s condition when a child has been observed with signs or symptoms of illness.
• A child with any of the following signs or symptoms of illness shall be immediately isolated and discharged to his/her parents or guardian:
  • Diarrhea (more than one abnormally loose stool within a 24 hour period.)
  • Sever coughing, causing the child to become red or blue in the face or to make a whooping sound.
  • Difficult or rapid breathing.
  • Yellowish skin or eyes.
  • Conjunctivitis.
  • Temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit taken by the auxiliary method when in combination with other signs of illness.
  • Untreated infected skin patch(es).
  • Unusually dark urine and/or grey or white stool.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Evidence of lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation.
• A child isolated due to suspected communicable disease shall be cared for in a room or portion of a room not being used in the day care program.
• A child isolated due to suspected communicable disease shall be within sight and hearing of an adult at all times. No child shall ever be left alone or unsupervised.
• A child isolated due to suspected communicable disease shall be made comfortable and provided with a cot. All linens and blankets used by the ill child shall be laundered before being used by another child. After use, the cots shall be disinfected with an appropriate germicidal agent, or if so soiled with blood, feces, vomit or other bodily fluids, the cots shall be cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected with an appropriate germicidal agent.
• A child isolated due to suspected communicable disease shall be observed carefully for worsening condition.
• A child isolated due to suspected communicable disease shall be discharged to parent or guardian as soon as practical.
• Each program shall have a written policy concerning the management of communicable disease. The policy shall include at a minimum, the program’s means of training all staff in signs and symptoms of illness and in hand washing and disinfection procedures.
• Procedures for isolating and discharging an ill child and policy for readmitting an ill child.
• Procedures for notifying the parent or guardian immediately when a child is exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness or has been exposed to a communicable disease.
• Procedures regarding the care of a mildly ill child. “Mildly ill child” means a child who is experiencing minor common cold symptoms, but who is not exhibiting any of the symptoms specified in the above listings of this rule or a child who does not feel well enough to participate in activities, but who is not exhibiting any of the symptoms specified in the listings shown above of this rule.
• Procedures for notifying all parents of enrolled children when children are exposed to a diagnosed communicable disease such as pink eye, ringworm, chicken pox, or lice.