PHILOSOPHY
We seek to provide an emotionally secure and physically safe environment where children are encouraged to explore a variety of experiences and materials through play and planned activities. Our professional staff plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum in a supportive, nurturing learning environment to promote each child’s social, intellectual, creative, physical and emotional growth. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dapartmentof early Education and Care (DEEC), and we operate under their regulations. A copy of these regulations, 102 CMR 7.00, is available upon request.

Our program seeks to:
* Treat children with respect, understanding and good humor.
* Balance structured activities designed for fun and learning with free time for children to make choices and explore new possibilities.
* Foster each child’s sense of self and responsibility.
* Encourage good communication between home and the Center in order to be mutually supportive.
* Encourage ongoing professional development for teachers.
We provide full day care for children ages 12 months to 6 years old (and not yet in kindergarten) in accordance with our License from the Dpartment of Early Education and Care , Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Center is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each weekday excluding major holidays.
A Toddler program is available for children who are 12 months old by September 1. Enrollment in this class does not exceed nine children and there are two teachers trained in the development and education of Toddler - aged children.
Our Preschool program is designed for children who are at least 2 1/2 years old by September 1 and are ready for more structured activities. The two teachers in this class are trained in both Toddler and Preschool development and curriculum and the classroom accommodates nine children at one time.
Our morning PreKindergarten program has two teachers trained in the field of early childhood development and enrollment in this class does not exceed eighteen children. A child must be older than 3 1/2 years old and younger than 6 years old (and not yet in Kindergarten) by September 1 to be enrolled in this program. Children in this class are ready for longer and more structured activities, and must be toilet trained. We offer two-day (T•Th), three-day (M•W•F), or five-day opportunities in the morning and extended care in the afternoon. All children enrolled at the Center will engage in activities, projects and free play opportunities suited to their needs and developmental readiness.
Additional Staff members are available throughout the day to assist in all programs. All programs are designed to accommodate the needs of each child, and activities and planned programs are developed by the Staff to ensure developmentally appropriate practices are being utilized. Individual, small group and large group activities are made available to all children on a daily basis.

GOALS: TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
* To provide a safe,loving, caring atmosphere where physical affection is carefully but freely given.
* To instill in each child a positive self - concept.
* To provide a joyful, enthusiastic and spontaneous response to children.
* To meet each child’s physical needs.
* To establish the foundations for the respect of equipment and materials.
* To establish the foundations of respect for others and their rights.
* To provide for beginning language development through example, modeling and encouragement.
* To make available a full range of activities appropriate to the developmental age of each child and provide easy access to a variety of age-appropriate materials.
* To introduce the child to his/her environment with fun learning activities in the areas of art, science, language, social awareness, cognitive abilities, gross and fine motor development, dramatic and imaginative play, music and movement.
* To provide care for children individually, as well as in small and large groups. To provide for a balance of quiet activities with more active activities throughout the day in a calm, nurturing and unhurried manner.
* To foster self-help skills as is appropriate to the age of each child.
* To be supportive of parents by encouraging open, honest communication, while using tact and discretion.

GOALS: PREKINDERGARTEN / KINDERGARTEN EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
* To provide a nurturing, safe, flexible and calm atmosphere where self-concept is enhanced, independence is encouraged and expectations are made clear.
* To provide a wide variety of age appropriate activities, within a routine with fun learning activities in the areas of art, science, language, social awareness, cognitive abilities, gross and fine motor development, dramatic and imaginative play, music and movement.
* To provide care for children individually, as well as in small and large groups.
* To provide for a balance of quiet activities with more active activities throughout the day in a calm, nurturing and unhurried manner.
* To develop each child’s active curiosity about his/her environment and to foster an enthusiasm for learning which stimulates exploration and creativity.
* To offer ample opportunities for cooperative play experiences.
* To provide an atmosphere where respect for others and their needs are reinforced and respect and care of equipment and materials is expected.
* To provide ample opportunities for children to engage in activities where there are choices to be made, balanced with more defined and structured activities.
* To meet each child’s physical needs while fostering self-help skills as is appropriate to the age of each child.
* To be supportive of parents by encouraging open, honest communication, while using tact and discretion.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
The Creative Mind Children’s Center does not discriminate in providing services to children and their families on the basis of race, religion, cultural heritage, national origin, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status of parents, or disability.
We suggest that parents interested in enrolling their child in the program make an appointment with the Director to visit during the program day if at all possible. At that time, information will be made available regarding the operation of the Center, application forms distributed, a tour of the facility will occur and information will be shared regarding the parent’s needs and interests in the program.
When the decision has been made to enroll a child in the program, an agreement is signed between The Creative Mind Children’s Center and the parents, a registration fee is paid, and all necessary forms and paperwork as required by the DEEC license are completed and returned to the Center prior to a child’s entering the program. It will be necessary to keep these forms updated on a yearly basis, and the Center will notify parents of their expiration in a timely manner. It is the parents’ responsibility to complete and return necessary forms. Failure to do so will result in the nullification of the contract between the Center and the parent.
Children are accepted into a program at the Center on a four - week trial period. After that time a conference may be held if deemed necessary. We wish to ensure that every child is cared for in a way best suited for him / her as well as for the program.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Creative Mind Children’s Center operates primarily on the tuition fees from each child. It is therefore essential that your fees be paid promptly and regularly. All tuition must be paid in advance for the days and hours your child is registered to attend. A fee will be charged for a returned check, late payments, late pick-ups and extra hours. Community Partnership funds are available for those who qualify and are in need of tuition assistance. Our Fee Schedule andFee Policy are printed on the last page of this Handbook.
All payment, paperwork and/or written information from the parent must be hand-delivered or sent to the Director or the Director-designee’ or placed in the Director’s Box located in the kitchen area. Please do not place important papers in your child’s backpack or diaper bag or hand Teachers these papers.
The programs offered at The Creative Mind Children’s Center end at 6:00 p.m. Please be mindful and considerate of the Staff members who care for your child and arrive promptly. Habitual lateness (i.e. - more than three times per month) may result in dismissal from the program.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Information contained in a child’s record is privileged and confidential. The Creative Mind Children’s Center shall not distribute or release information in a child’s record to anyone not directly related to the program plan for the child without written consent from the child’s parent(s). The parent(s) will be notified if a child’s record is subpoenaed. The child’s parent(s) will be given access to their child’s record at reasonable times. In no event shall such access be delayed more than two business days after the initial request, and at that time the child’s entire record, regardless of the physical location of its parts, shall be made available.
The Creative Mind Children’s Center will maintain a written log in each child’s folder indicating any persons to whom information has been released. This log will include the following information : name, signature, position, date, record portions disseminated or released, purpose of such dissemination or release, and the signature of the person to whom the information is disseminated or released. This log will be made available only to the child’s parent(s) and program personnel responsible for record maintenance. The Creative Mind Children’s Center will maintain records of each child for a period of five years.

WITHDRAWAL &/OR TERMINATION
If you no longer need child care at the Center, we require that you provide two weeks written notice of your child’s last day in the program. Parent(s) wishing to withdraw a child, but who fail to provide a two week notice will still be liable for tuition payment of the last two weeks.
We also recognize that not every situation is appropriate for every child. If, for any reason, the program provided by The Creative Mind Children’s Center is found to be a poor match for any particular child, we will make every effort to discuss this with the parent(s) in order to determine the cause. Sometimes, together we can work on plans to make the situation more suitable for the child’s needs. If this is not possible, the parent and/or program may choose to terminate the arrangement, to be in the child’s best interest. The child will be informed and prepared for dismissal from the program to the best of his / her ability to understand.
Other reasons which may result in the termination of a specific care arrangement are as follows:
* Nonpayment for child care services and/or lack of adherence to our tuition payment policies.
* Lack of cooperation from parents with the program’s efforts to resolve differences and/or to meet the child’s needs through parent / staff meetings or conferences.
* Abusive behaviors and/or verbal threats directed by parents or a child toward Staff, children, or other parents.


COMMUNICATION
Communication between the child’s home and childcare facility are extremely important and help to provide all those involved in the care of the child with a clearer view of the child on a daily basis. Teachers working with the Toddler program will provide parents with daily written notices describing special happenings and activities the child was involved with, and providing information regarding eating, sleeping, elimination, and general behavior patterns. Staff members who work directly with a child in all of our programs will share any important information regarding the child’s day at The Creative Mind Children’s Center with parents upon request.
Parents are strongly urged to provide any pertinent information that they may feel will help us care for their child during the day, and it is helpful for the Staff to know of any major changes in the child’s routine or home life that may affect his/her performance or activity during the time spent at the Center. We invite parents to visit the Center and we maintain an open-door policy. We do ask, however, that parents make an appointment with the teacher and/or Director if there are significant issues to be discussed, as it is the responsibility of the staff at The Creative Mind Children’s Center to care for and provide their undivided attention to the children in the program at all times. Staff at the Center will make every effort to consult with parents as soon as possible.
The Creative Mind Children’s Center welcomes parents’ input and ideas for the program we provide for their child. Parents are encouraged to offer assistance, talents and ideas to help make this a truly sharing experience between each child’s home and the childcare program!
A newsletter is published periodically to keep parents informed of upcoming events, changes to the program, parenting “tips” and teacher accounts of classroom happenings. Weekly plans and classroom events are posted on each classroom’s White Board. The Parent Board posts notification concerning the Center, community events, and recent articles relating to parenting issues.
The parent(s) whose child is enrolled in the Toddler program will be informed on a daily basis as problems or milestones are observed by the staff and will receive a more detailed written progress report every six months. The parent(s) whose child is enrolled in the Preschool and Prekindergarten programs will receive a more detailed progress report twice yearly. Copies of these reports will be kept in the child’s folder. Conferences between staff and parent(s) will be held upon request or as significant issues arise.

AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION TO DEEC
Upon request, The Creative Mind Children’s Center will make available to the Deaprtment of Early Education and Care any information required to be kept and maintained under regulations and any information reasonably related to such regulations. Only those who are authorized DEEC personnel will peruse records, and will maintain confidentiality. No records may be removed from the premises of The Creative Mind Children’s Center.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
Parents are requested to call if their child will be absent or late in arriving at the Center. The Creative Mind Children’s Center opens its doors at 7:00 a.m. We ask that parents park on the Broad Street parking area. Please be mindful of children and drive slowly upon arrival and departure from the Center. Parents are to hold the child’s hand and escort the child into the building. Children are not to be left unattended in cars or in the building, nor are cars to be left running.
The security door should be closed behind you upon entering and exiting the building. Do not leave the door open for others unless you are sure of their identity! This is for everyone’s safety. The code on the security door is only to be used by authorized adults. Please do not let children play with the buttons.
To make the daily transition as easy as possible for the children, we ask that parents walk their children into the Center, help them remove their coats and organize their belongings in their space, and escort them to their program. The Center is not responsible for the safety of unenrolled siblings and friends.
At the end of the day, parents will assist their children with preparing to go home, gathering their belongings, and escorting them to their cars. Information will be shared regarding the child’s day.
We ask that parents call if they will be late in picking up their child at the end of the day so we may prepare the child for your late arrival. Please pass on any information to the closing teacher if there are any changes made as to who will be picking a child up at the end of the day so that the child may be aware of any changes.
We will release a child to authorized adults only. Parent(s) will complete an authorization form upon enrollment at the Center. This form will indicate those people to whom a child may be released. A photo identification will be requested by Staff members unfamiliar with a named person picking up a child. If for any reason someone other than a named, authorized person will be picking up a child, we require written permission from the parent and picture identification from the person. Copies of legal documents must be provided to the Director before any Staff member can actively prevent a noncustodial parent from picking up their child.

POOR WEATHER PROCEDURES
The Creative Mind Children’s Center will not close for poor weather days unless there is a declared state of emergency by either the Town of Groveland or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On occasion we may announce a delayed opening due to weather conditions. We keep a weather watch during stormy days. On occasion the weather may merit a decision for early closing. Parents will be called to make arrangements to pick up their children as soon as possible, for the safety of all.

PARENT PARTICIPATION
The Creative Mind Children’s Center encourages active parent involvement. Our Parents-at-Large(PAL) group plans special family events, parent trainings and provides the opportunity to share the joys and tribulations of parenthood with each other! New members are always welcome! Individual classrooms will from time to time seek volunteers. Volunteering can occur in many ways -from membership in PAL, reading a story in class, sharing a talent with the children, baking a special snack, or donating “stuff” for projects.

GENERAL HEALTH
It is required by the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC), our licensing agent, that current medical and immunization records of all Staff and children be submitted prior to their attending the program. The individual’s private physician and Hospital of choice must also be registered with us on the Emergency/Authorization Card.
Fresh air and outdoor play is an integral part of our daily program. Children will go outside unless the weather is inclement, and we request that children are dressed in clothing that is comfortable and suited to the weather, including boots, warm coat, hat, mittens and snow pants in the winter. It is the Center’s policy that children who are well enough to come to the program are well enough to go outdoors. If children are dressed appropriately, weather conditions should not pose any health risk. Classrooms will be aired out daily for at least fifteen minutes to ensure fresh air flow. To help keep the children at our Center as healthy as possible, children are encouraged to sneeze and cough away from others, into a tissue or sleeve rather than into their hands. After sneezing, coughing or blowing their noses, children are to wash their hands. Staff will model the appropriate behaviors.
We encourage parents to keep ill children home until they can fully participate in the total program at the Center. Children should remain home, or will be sent home, if they display any of the following symptoms:
• Fever (defined as 100* or higher)
• Vomiting
• Two or more loose bowel movements
• Green or yellow discharge from the nose
• Conjunctivitis
• Excessive coughing or congestion
• Lethargy that prohibits normal function and activity at school
• Any communicable illnesses (such as Strep throat, Fifth Disease, Head lice/nits, Impetigo, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Rotovirus, Ringworm, etc.)
• If your child has a fever, diarrhea, or is vomiting, he/she must remain home and be symptom free (without the aid of Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc.) for at least 24 hours before returning to school. If your child has an illness that requires an antibiotic, he / she must have at least a full day’s worth of the antibiotic prior to returning to school. Also remember to take home and launder nap items when your child has been sick.
• Please make sure you have updated the information on your child’s Emergency form.
We need to enforce these rules to ensure the health of every child and staff member at the Center.
Please help us keep The Creative Mind Children’s Center a CLEAN and HEALTHY environment for all !
Any child showing signs or developing signs of a contagious disease during the course of the day will be separated from the group of children and the parents will be notified to pick up the child as soon as possible. The child will be cared for by the Director or designee’ in a quiet and restful spot in the office. Quiet activities and a rest mat will be provided to entertain the child while awaiting parent’s arrival. It is strongly advised that you have alternate emergency care available for your child when an illness strikes. We do not provide sick care. If you cannot be reached or are unable to come immediately for your ill child when called, the Director, or teacher in charge, will call the next person on your child’s Emergency contact form to come and take your child home.
The child will be readmitted to the Center with verification from a doctor that the child is able to be in a group setting. In the event a child arrives at the Center with a rash or other questionable communicable disease, the Center reserves the right to request a doctor’s note explaining the illness and its communicability. Parents whose children have come in contact with a child who has been diagnosed with a communicable disease will be informed by the Center.
Allergies are common among young children. Parents will alert the Director to a child’s allergies so that the Center may take all necessary precautions. A list of children and their allergies will be posted clearly in each room. We request that parents whose child has a food allergy provide appropriate non-allergenic snacks to feed the child during our snack times to prevent possible contact with an allergy-producing food.

MEDICATIONS
Prescribed medication may be administered to a child only with a parent’s written approval, to include date, time to be given, amount, storage information and name of medication. The medication must be in the original prescription container and delivered directly to the Director or designee’ by the parent (or adult designee’). The medication will be stored out of children’s reach in a locked cooler next to the First Aid Kit on top of the refrigerator. Administration of dosages will be monitored by the Director or designee’. Over-the-counter medications can be administered by the Center Staff only if accompanied by the above-mentioned note from the parent as well as a note from the child’s doctor. All dosage will be recorded in a medication log giving child’s name, medication name, dosage, time, and by whom dosage was given. All notes will be kept in the child’s folder, and medications will be returned to the parents when expired or completed. Medications with an “as needed” order will only be administered to a child after the parent(s) has been notified and agreed to its dispension.



PLAN FOR INFECTION CONTROL
All staff and children shall wash their hands with liquid soap and running water using friction for 15 to 30 seconds. Hands shall be dried with individual disposable towels. The faucet shall be turned off with a disposable towel so that clean hands are not dirtied. If absolutely necessary , individual towelettes may be used instead of soap and water. In order to minimize the spread of infectious disease Staff members should wash their hands: before eating or handling foods, after using a tissue on themselves or a child, after toileting themselves or a child, after coming into contact with body secretions, after handling Center animals or their equipment, after caring for a child who may be sick, and after cleaning. Children will wash their hands before eating, after bathroom procedures, after playing outdoors and whenever they are dirty.

PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE
Staff members at The Creative Mind Children’s Center have been trained in early childhood First Aid and CPR procedures. First Aid kit, CPR and First Aid manuals and a copy of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s guide, Health & Safety in Child Care are located in the Kitchen area of the Center. An ear thermometer is kept in the Director’s desk. The First Aid kit contains: Band aids, Gauze pads, Gauze roller bandage, Ace Bandage, Cotton, Adhesive Tape, Sling, Instant Ice Compress, Pressure pad, Tweezers, Razor, Scissors, and Safety Pins.
Each classroom is also supplied with a Class Bag complete with essential first aid materials, each child’s Emergency/Authorization Card, and attendance sheets which are always accompanied by the teachers. Teachers will notify the Director or designee’ in the case that any child becomes ill or is in need of emergency care. After the child has been checked and it is decided further medical care is necessary, the parent(s) will be contacted and provided with information of the child’s current status. If possible, the child will be moved away from others. In the event that the child’s parent(s) or designee’ cannot be reached, the Director will determine if the child requires hospital care and call the child’s physician. If necessary, an ambulance will be called and the child will be transported to the Hospital indicated on the child’s Emergency/Authorization Card. The parent, Director or designee’ will accompany the child to the Hospital. DEEC will be notified as soon as possible in the event that the child needs hospital care.

PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
All Staff members are mandated reporters and shall report any instance of suspected abuse or neglect immediately to the Director. Any child showing the following warning signs will be closely monitored, observations made and recorded by Staff members:
* unexplained bruises, welts, lacerations, burns, sores or broken bones
* inadequate clothing, dirt, lice, malnutrition
* frightened of parents, afraid to go home
* has difficulty walking, sitting,or complains of itching/pain in genital area
* precocious sex play, unusual knowledge of sex matters, sexually acting out with dolls
* masturbates compulsively
* inappropriate adult or infantile behavior
* exhibits excessive withdrawal, fear, or anxiety, or aggressive, destructive behavior
Documentation of observations must include, but are not limited to, date, time of day, circumstances (free play, rest time) or activity child was engaged in, and any conversation that may have taken place between the child and adult and/or child and other children. The Director will contact the Department of Social Services immediately and file a written report within forty - eight hours if abuse or neglect is suspected. A conference will be called with the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) notifying them of a filed report with DSS, dependent upon the circumstances. The Director will notify DEEC immediately after filing a 51A report or upon learning that such a report has been filed, alleging abuse or neglect of a child while in the care of the program or during a program related activity. Staff members will cooperate in all investigations of abuse and neglect, including identifying parents of children currently or previously enrolled at the Center. Cooperation from Staff is expected in providing consent for disclosure to DEEC of information from, and permitting DEEC to disclose information to, any person and /or agency specified as necessary to the investigation of allegations and protection of children.
Any Staff member suspected of allegedly abusing or neglecting a child will be suspended from working directly with the children until the Department of Social Services investigation is completed and for such time as DEEC requires.

TOILETING POLICY
The Creative Mind Children’s Center strongly encourages children to be toilet trained and able to care for their own toileting needs upon entering the PreK program.
Toilet training for younger children in the Toddler and Preschool programs will begin when appropriate for each child’s age and stage of development. Parents will be consulted on the methods used at home, and feedback will be provided to the parents concerning the progress of the child while at the Center. When parents and the staff agree to begin toilet training, the child will be taken to the toilet at frequent intervals. The child is allowed to sit as long as he/she is willing. The process is stopped at any sign of distress. Normal diapering procedures will be used if the child has wet or soiled clothing.
No child shall be punished, verbally abused, or humiliated for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet. Children’s hands shall be washed with liquid soap and running water after toileting or diapering procedures are completed. Staff members shall also wash their hands with liquid soap and running water after diapering, assisting children with toileting, or using the toilet themselves. Individual disposable towels shall be used to dry hands.
Clothing soiled by feces, urine, vomit, or blood shall be “double - bagged” in sealed plastic bags and stored apart from other items. A complete change of clothing shall be provided by parents for each child. Extra, Center-owned clothing shall be made available for changing purposes in addition to the clothing brought from home for each child. Center owned clothes must be laundered and returned to the Center after being used by a child.

NAP POLICY
After lunchtime and a brief play period, children will have a two hour rest time. State licensing regulations require that the length of this rest time be appropriate to the needs of the children, but in no case less than 45 minutes. Individual mats will be provided for each child, lights will be dimmed and quiet music will be played to aid in relaxation and to provide for a restful environment. Blankets or sheets and soft “snugglies” from home (a favorite stuffed animal or soft doll) also help to make a child feel comfortable and restful. During the 45 minutes of quiet, children at the Center will be expected to remain on their mats and rest without disturbing others. If a child has not fallen asleep after 45 minutes of quiet rest, a quiet activity will be offered as entertainment (crayons and paper, book, puzzle, etc.) . At all times the proper teacher - child ratios will be met. Mats will be used by only one child between washings. Mats will be labeled with the child’s name if the child will be consistently using the same mat. Blankets and sheets are to be sent from home and be laundered on a weekly basis or when wet or soiled. Mats used by the same child will be washed weekly, unless wet or soiled.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY
Guidance and discipline are consistent and based on a knowledge of the individual needs and development of the child. Discipline is directed to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of the child, and the protection of the group and the individual within it. Staff members use a positive, gentle approach to discipline. Young children are redirected to other activities and/or offered an alternate choice when they display difficulty interacting positively with materials or others. Logical consequences within the realm and feasibility of the program are given and children are given the opportunity to help make the decision. Children are praised and encouraged to express themselves verbally, and not physically, to others. Children are assisted by the Staff in settling disputes with others in a way that protects the dignity of each child. Negative, aggressive and/or uncontrolled behaviors, which could be harmful to others, will result in brief separation from the group. The child will sit in an area separate from the group, but within view of a Staff member, for periods no longer than three minutes. If a child is unable to rejoin the group due to uncontrolled or aggressive behavior, the Director will care for the child in her office until the child is able to rejoin the group. When feasible, children will help to establish the rules and procedures of the group.
We prohibit the use of any corporal punishment, spanking, humiliation, neglect, verbal or physical abuse, deprivation of food or force feeding of food as policy in adherence to our own standards of care as well as the regulations put forth by DEEC, our licensing agency.

CLOTHING
In order for each child to fully enjoy his / her time while at the Center, we ask that you dress your child in comfortable, season - appropriate play clothes. We wish all children to be able to participate in all activities, and “party” clothes and shoes can be a hindrance on the playground or when painting or engaging in other types of messy activities. Most children do not want to dirty their fancy clothes. Smocks may be provided from home, or Center-owned smocks may be used for messy activities.
We request that each child enrolled at The Creative Mind Children’s Center have a complete change of in - season clothes to be kept at the Center in case of accidents requiring clean, dry clothing. (At least one of the following items to be included: underwear, socks, shirt, pants or shorts, extra pair of mittens and hat, dependent on the season) All clothing and personal belongings should be clearly labeled and placed in a shoe box with the child’s name. We ask that the box be periodically checked - not only do the seasons change, but children grow! In the summer, a bathing suit, towel and closed toe swim shoes will be needed for outdoor water play. Children who wish to use the Center’s tricycles or scooters must wear appropriately fitted bike helmets brought from home and closed-toe shoes. We also request that you do not send your child to the Center wearing “flip flop” sandals.
SNACKS AND LUNCHES
Snacks are served twice daily at the Center, at midmorning and again after the rest period. Another snack will be offered during the extended day afternoon program from the child’s lunch bag if parents request. A weekly menu is posted on the refrigerator. We request that parents whose child has a food allergy provide appropriate non-allergenic snacks to feed the child during our snack times to prevent possible contact with an allergy-producing food. Children’s individual needs and food allergies are considered when planning for snacks, but we do encourage children to try new foods (if no known food allergy exists).
Emphasis is placed on nutritious snacks. We attempt to introduce children to a variety of different foods and tastes while providing an opportunity for young children to develop positive eating habits and learning social skills in sharing foods with their friends. Sometimes snacks will be prepared by the children as part of their daily program. Special snacks may be provided to celebrate a unit or holiday, and special treats may be sent in from home to help celebrate a child’s birthday or a family-celebrated holiday. Parents should let the teacher know if they are sending in a special snack so that it may be included in the the weekly menu.
Snacks usually consist of the following:
*fruit juice (apple, orange, lemonade, grape, mixed fruits)
*dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt,cream cheese, ice cream)
*grains (crackers, non-sugar cereals, pretzels, trail mix, muffins, bread products)
*fresh fruit and vegetables
A bag lunch is to be provided from home for each child who is in our program during lunch time. We strongly urge parents to support our efforts of teaching children about nutritious choices when preparing lunches. A typical bag lunch consists of a meat or dairy protein item, a grain product, a vegetable and/or fruit and a drink. Small icepacks or frozen juices will keep lunches fresh when packed in an insulated lunchbag. Lunch is eaten together at the end of the morning program. We ask that you do not send in Go-Gurts, candy or carbonated beverages. Lunches may be warmed in the microwave. Please label lunchbags and containers with child’s name or initials.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES AND COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM
The use of a computer in the Prekindergarten program at The Creative Mind Children’s Center is an addition to the curriculum where children may explore new technology, practice problem-solving and fine motor skills, and use their resources to make decisions. Working with computers provides an ability to receive an immediate response which can strengthen a child’s self-concept and supports self-direction while meeting personal challenges the child designs. It is our hope that children will feel comfortable working with computers in today’s technological world by introducing them to computer use at an early age.
Each classroom will have opportunities each month for additional enrichment times provided by professionals other than their teachers which will enhance the curriculum and provide opportunities for children to engage in stimulating and challenging learning activities.

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND/OR SPECIFIC NEEDS
It is the policy at The Creative Mind Children’s Center to accept children and follow regulations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other applicable state, federal or local law pertaining to provision of services to those with disabilities. Each case is reviewed to determine if the child’s needs can be best met at the Center. A child’s special needs will be discussed at the time of enrollment
When working with a family who has a child with identified specific needs The Creative Mind Children’s Center will attempt within reason to make modifications in the environment, staffing pattern, schedule, and activities to meet the child's special needs. Indoor and outdoor environments are accessible to the special needs of the child. Programs are modified as needed, such as provision of special materials and equipment, use of supportive services, and individualization of activity whenever feasible and within the scope of our program. Individual education plans are developed and implemented in a developmentally appropriate manner. Therapy is developed appropriately and incorporated within classroom activities as much as possible rather than removing the child from the classroom. Staff address the needs of parents of children with specific needs.
When disabled, developmentally delayed, or emotionally disturbed children are served, staff are aware of the identified/diagnosed special needs of individual children and are trained to follow through on specific intervention plans. Each child with an IEP or other plan will be assigned to a member of the staff who will be the designated liaison for that child.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) are involved in development and use of individual education plans for children with identified special needs.

REFERRAL PLAN
The Creative Mind Children’s Center shall use the following procedures for referring parent(s) or guardian(s) to appropriate social, mental health, education and medical services for their child should the Staff feel an assessment for such additional services would benefit the child.
Teachers will observe children on an ongoing basis. Any concerns and questions they have about a child will be reported and discussed with the Director. The teacher and Director will determine the child’s possible needs, using any pre-referral resources necessary. The Director and teachers will meet with the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) to receive input regarding observations from home and to discuss concerns, share observations and efforts made by the Center to accommodate the child’s needs. The Director will provide the parent(s) with a written statement which will include the reason for the recommendation of a referral for additional services, a synopsis of the observations related to the referral, and any efforts made by the Center to accommodate the child. A list of possible sources for additional services will be provided and assistance will be offered in making the referral. Parent(s) or guardian(s) will be encouraged to contact the appropriate service, or, if necessary, be asked to give written consent for a referral. Referrals will be documented by the Director and kept in the child’s folder. If necessary, a second conference will be scheduled with the parent(s) or guardian(s) to review and discuss progress. Any information regarding the child may be shared with the referral agency with the parent’s permission.
When a child exhibits possible special needs, a specialized consultant may be contacted to provide information and referral information. Information and referrals will be shared with the parent(s) or guardian(s) and documented in the child’s folder before the referral is made. The teachers and Director will participate in the development and implementation of an individual education plan, with the written permission of the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s). The plan will be kept in the child’s folder, and updated every 90 days.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are fun and interesting but they have the potential for causing serious legal problems for the Center and for the teaching and administrative staff, should anything go wrong. To protect each one of us and the Center as a whole, for legal reasons as well as common sense, it is essential that all staff members observe a few important rules.
“Walking” field trips, off the Center’s property, but not to exceed a one-mile radius from the Center, may be taken. Authorization from each child’s parent(s) is given by signing the Authorization and Consent Form upon a child’s enrollment. Copies of each child’s Authorization and Consent form, a First Aid kit, and the daily attendance record must accompany children on the trip. Staff - child ratios, safety and emergency procedures will be maintained at all times.
Periodically the Center will offer in-house field trips with special interests. Family Outings during the week-ends will be held periodically.

EMERGENCY PLANS FOR THE EVACUATION OF THE CENTER
Separate evacuation plans are posted at each doorway. The first teacher in each classroom will lead the children out of the building, while the second teacher gathers the Class Bag and checks for stragglers. The classroom teachers are responsible for assuring that the number of children in attendance is equal to the number of children safely evacuated by checking attendance sheets. The Director or designee’ is responsible for ensuring everyone is out of the building. Evacuation drills are randomly conducted without notice, but at least every month.
In the event the Center loses power, heat or water, the Director or designee’ will assess the situation in regard to time of day, weather conditions and any other extenuating circumstances which would impact the safety and/or health of the children. The Groveland Fire Department and/or Police Department will be contacted if necessary for assistance in evacuation or in providing any necessary equipment or provisions to ensure the health and safety of the children while waiting for their departure. Parents will be assessed of the situation by phone.
If the Director or designee’ deems it necessary to close the Center due to the situation, or an unresolved problem occurs, parents will be notified to pick up their children as soon as possible. If the situation requires more immediate and permanent evacuation of the Center, one of the following plans will be used. There are two Evacuation Bags prepared with materials to entertain and comfort the children while awaiting their parents arrival, located near the front door of the Center, to be taken along in the case of a more permanent evacuation. The Director or designee’ will be responsible for gathering any medications necessary for individual children/staff members and carrying out the Evacuation Bags and a cellular phone.
If there is an environmental emergency confined to the Center or its immediate area (e.g.-fire, toxic fumes), children and staff will be brought to the Groveland Town Complex on Main Street with the assistance of the town’s emergency personnel, where they will be cared for by our staff until parents are notified and arrive to transport their children home. Mode of transportation will be determined by the emergency personnel dependent on weather, numbers and any other extenuating circumstances and we will follow their advice as to the safest and most efficient evacuation. In the event of exposure to toxic materials or gases and a physical examination is recommended, children and staff affected will be transported by ambulance and/or patrol car to the hospital of choice (Merrimack Valley Hospital, Haverhill,MA or Anna Jaques Hospital, Newburyport, MA) as determined on their Emergency/Authorization Card, or to the nearest hospital if deemed necessary by safety personnel.
If there is a more widespread environmental emergency which encompasses a larger area (e.g. -toxic fumes from a spill, flooding) and the Town Complex buildings are not considered an option, the children and staff will be transported with assistance from Groveland’s emergency personnel by school bus and/or patrol cars to Pentucket Regional High School, Main Street, West Newbury or to Bagnall Elementary, School Street, Groveland as decided by safety personnel. In the event of a major environmental hazard which requires evacuation of several neighborhoods or towns (e.g. -nuclear accident, earthquake, hurricane) children and staff will be transported with the assistance of emergency and safety personnel by vehicles determined by said personnel to Tewksbury State Hospital, MA, our area Red Cross-designated shelter.

INJURY PREVENTION PLAN
Teachers are responsible for reporting hazards from their classrooms and/or playground to the administration. All reports will be in writing giving the date, location, and description of the problem. The Director will then make the appropriate arrangements to correct the problem.
When a child has been injured, the staff person responsible for the child shall administer appropriate first aid and complete an Injury Report Form. The child’s parent(s) are to be informed of the injury and sign the report, which will be filed in the child’s folder. All reports are also documented in an Injury Log by the Director or designee’ for purposes of assessing possible problems regarding safety issues.

PLAYGROUND RULES

SANDBOX RULES
• Sandbox is to be covered when play is finished
• Sand is to remain in sandbox
• Sand is not to be thrown or eaten
• Sand toys need to be shared
• Only sandbox toys allowed in sandbox
TRICYCLE AND SCOOTER RULES
• Personal bike helmets must be fastened securely before any child rides on a trike or scooter
• Hard or rubber- soled shoes must be worn on riding equipment - no open toe shoes or sandals.
• No crashing of trikes into fence, wall, children or other riders
• No racing - moderate speeds only
• Trikes and scooters are to be put away in shed and locked at end of play
BALL PLAY RULES
• No throwing balls at others or out of the confines of the playground
• Balls are to be returned to bin or shed at end of play
• Ball play only in teacher designated areas


CLIMBER / SLIDE RULES
• Only two children on platform at a time
• No climbing above platform or jumping off platform
• No toys or small objects on climbers or slides
• Children should not wear bike helmets while on climber (their heads get stuck!!)
• One child on ladder / slide at a time
• Children slide down slide in sitting position - no climbing up slide or head first sliding
PLAYHOUSE RULES
• No closing of doors and handles on other’s hands
• No bikes, sand or other toys not designed for playhouse play allowed in playhouse
• Three children only at a time
HELICOPTER, FIRE ENGINE, ROUND-ABOUT AND BOUNCER RULES
• Children must be seated, one to a seat
• No playing underneath equipment
• No climbing on top of equipment frame
RIDE - ON TOY RULES
• No crashing into fence, wall, children or other riders
• One child per ride - on toy at a time