WHISTLE STOP POLICIES

PDF version
 

Basic Information

Whistle Stop is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  The center is closed on all major holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the Friday after, and Christmas Day).  We also close at 12:00 Noon on Christmas Eve and 3:00 PM on New Year’s Eve.  We also close on one Friday in October each year for an all-day staff training session.  We inform parents of this date well in advance.

Enrollment Policy

Children must be at least 12 months of age and not older than Kindergarten age (13 years of age for the summer school-age program) to attend Whistle Stop.  A minimum commitment of 2 days per week is required to enroll.  All necessary enrollment forms and a white Emergency Card must be completed and turned in to Whistle Stop before your child’s first day.

Parents are given a tour of the Whistle Stop facility with the Director.  We also encourage families to meet their child’s teacher or caregiver before the child’s first day.

Registration and Tuition Policies

Once you have registered you child and have paid the non-refundable registration fee, you will be given a contract.  A non-refundable two-week deposit is due at the time your contract is signed.  Please specify on your contract the days and times that your child will attend Whistle Stop.  Whistle Stop will reserve this space for your child and will charge accordingly.  If you child’s schedule changes, a new contract is required.

You will be responsible for your weekly payment regardless of any absence due to illness, holiday, etc.  Absences do not reduce tuition.  We plan for, staff, and prepare for your child whether s/he is here or not.  Our costs are based on enrollment figures, not on actual attendance.  While we are entirely sympathetic to the situation of working parents and ill children, we are obligated to maintain sound fiscal policies.

Payment is due in full on or before Friday of each week.  A $3.00 late fee will be charged to your account until payment is made in full.  There will be an overtime charge for children not picked up by 6:00 PM.  A late fee of $3.00 for every 5 minutes will be added to your account and will be paid to the employee who stayed late with your child.

There is a $10.00 fee charged for any returned check.

Withdrawal Policy

A written two-week notice must be given prior to withdrawing from Whistle Stop.  Non-payment for two weeks could result in your child not being permitted to attend until payment is complete.  If a child does not adhere to the Behavioral Policy set forth in the handbook, the family will be withdrawn from the program.

If we find the program offered at Whistle Stop is not best suited for your child, we will withdraw the child from the program.

Procedures for Check-In/Check Out

When planning your departure time from home, please incorporate 10-15 minutes or more to allow for you and your child’s transition time when arriving at the center.  While we understand that the morning hours are usually a busy time, we feel it is most important to plan time for a relaxed, unhurried separation for you and your child.

During this time, you will need to sign your child in on the sign in sheet.  For children in the Sweet Peas room, we ask that you fill out a short daily log that will tell us about any special needs that your child has that day.  Your input, honest communication and feedback are important because they provide us with the information we need to plan for you child’s continuity of care, routine, and any adjustments that may need to be made.

When arriving at the center, please take a few moments to sit quietly or play with your child, put away belongings, and share with the caregiver.  Although there may be times of tears or conflicts, and “tiptoeing to the door” may seem much easier, always try to remain positive.  Smile, hug and kiss your child, and say goodbye.  At the end of the day, please remember to sign your child out on the attendance sheet, and say goodbye to your child’s caregiver or teacher.

Please call us if your child will not attend on one of his or her regularly scheduled days.

We must have permission from a parent to release your child to anyone other than you.  The names of these persons must appear on the white emergency card or may be in the form of a specific dated and signed letter.  We will also ask to see a valid picture identification card of anyone we are not familiar with who comes to pick up your child.  Please make a point to notify us in advance of an alternate drop off/pick up person.

Parent Communication and Involvement

Parents will receive a center-wide bi-monthly newsletter highlighting staff, upcoming events, staff training updates, reminders, articles, fun ideas and recipes.  In addition, each room has a bi-weekly calendar of activities that is given to parents.  Daily activity plans are also posted in each room.  Take some time to review these daily plans and talk about them with your child.  By staying informed of the daily activities, you will be able to provide a more personal introduction, enrichment, and follow through with your child at home.

Whistle Stop has an open door policy.  We encourage parents to stop in at any time.  You are welcome to join us for work time, lunch, or to read a book before rest time.  Family members are also welcome at the program at all times.

Some ways you can become involved with your child’s class are by coming with him or her on field trips.  Also, our classrooms host family fun nights, fund-raisers, and parent-teacher conferences for those parents who may not be able to attend during the workday.  At home parents can help gather materials needed for classroom activities and bring them in for the children to use.  Parent involvement on various levels relays the message to children that school and learning are important.

Communication between parents and staff is essential for our program to function smoothly and effectively.  No matter what age child, we encourage parents to call if there is a concern, to visit when possible, to help out if you can be of assistance, and to spend time getting to know your child’s caregivers and friends.

Parent-Staff Problem Solving and Communication

On occasion, parents may have questions or matters they would like to discuss with the staff.  We recommend the following suggestions for addressing them.

First, talk to your child’s teacher.  Try not to “drop in” for a talk.  Set up a time that is convenient for both of you so the teacher can give you his or her undivided attention.  Try to select a time when the teacher is able to confer with you without having to oversee children.  A call to arrange such a meeting is always welcome.

Second, be clear on what it is you have a question or concern about.  State the nature of the concern and what it is you would like to see happen.  Be sure when you finish talking that you both are clear about what is discussed and the desired outcome (including a time frame) for what you discussed.

Third, keep matters confidential.  This is the bets way to keep the matter in perspective.

Finally, if you do not feel the problem or concern is resolved after discussing it with your child’s teacher, talk with the Director.

Behavioral Policy

All children need to know that the people who love and care for them will provide for their safety by setting consistent, reasonable limits.  One of our primary goals is to promote positive growth in your child’s social and emotional development and keep conflicts to a minimum.  We set a positive interactive structure by showing encouragement, following children’s interests, giving choices, and listening.  We use words that describe how children feel and also alert children of acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

 Children’s natural curiosities and explorations are respected, allowed and encouraged through the setting and maintenance of a safe, inviting environment that supports this free exploration.  Firm but gentle distractions by the caregiver, a substitution of an object when necessary to one more appropriate, and/or redirection to another area of the room are positive methods we use to respond to safety concerns and problems.  We use these same tools in setting developmentally appropriate limits.

 Our caregivers are responsive and attentive to children’s needs, soothing and comforting them with speech and physical affection.  Parent communication about events at home will help us pinpoint a possible health or other problem such as teething, fear, separation or stranger anxiety, or stressful situations, etc.

During the “NO” or tantrum phase, toddlers will be given necessary leeway, gentle guidance and support on their road to autonomy by allowing for choices when appropriate and encouraging emerging self-help skills and independence.  In the case of unacceptable behavior, the teacher will help the child to understand the situation.  Verbal directions such as, “Gentle touches, please.  Pulling hairs hurts.” or “You both want to play with the same toy.  Let’s see if we can find another one.” are given when needed.  If the behavior continues, the child will be taken away from the situation with an explanation that they may return when they decide to use appropriate behavior.  Concerns will be discussed with parents.  If inappropriate behavior continues and becomes a threat to the well being of the other children and staff, we will recommend alternative arrangements for parents.

Severe Weather 

During a severe weather watch, the children will remain indoors.  In the event that a severe weather warning is issued, all children and staff will move to the Marywood basement tunnel.  Signs will be posted on the classroom doors for parents.  Children may be picked up by entering Marywood through the business entrance located on the north side of the building (by the circle drive).

In some cases of severe weather (heavy snow, ice, etc.), Whistle Stop may have to close.  In those rare instances, the closing will be announced along with other school closings over television stations WOOD TV-8 or WZZM channel 13.  Check one of these stations for information about our status in the event of severe weather.

Fire Safety

Our buildings are all equipped with fire extinguishers and fire alarms.  Practice fire drills are held every month to ensure proper evacuation in the event of a true emergency.

Health and Safety

Whistle Stop is inspected regularly by the State of Michigan to insure that all safety and health requirements are being met.  Anything that could be considered a hazard to the well being of children is noted and rendered either safe or eliminated.  Our license is granted only after we have passed all the standards set by the state.

Health and Sickness Policies

The state of Michigan requires that we have a Health Appraisal Form, proper immunization record, and an Emergency Card on file for each child by the first day he or she attends the center.  You may obtain any of these forms from our office.  The Health Appraisal Form must be updated every year (when age-appropriate immunizations are administered or when changes in health occur).  It is also very important that Emergency Cards are kept current with any changes in emergency names or telephone numbers.

In the event of an accident or emergency, a child’s parents will be contacted immediately.  If we are unable to reach you, we will contact the other people listed by you on your child’s Emergency Card.  If we cannot reach any of the people listed, we will seek emergency medial care as specified by you on the Emergency Card.

Please notify us in writing of any known food allergies, special health concerns or precautions.  Information will be posted so that all staff people, including substitutes, are aware of these concerns.

For your child’s well being, as well as that of other children and caregivers, please keep your child at home if he or she seems ill.  WE MUST TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO KEEP ILLNESS FROM SPREADING WITHIN OUR ROOMS AND OUR CENTER.  We know you will appreciate other parents following these guidelines as well.

If you notice that your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep him or her at home:

-Fever of 101.3 degrees (with other symptoms)
            -Vomiting/excessive spitting up formula or food
            -Frequent loose or foul smelling stools (3 or more)
            -Continuous hard, croup-like or hacking cough
            -Difficulty breathing or eating due to congestion
            -Excessive yellow or green discharge from nasal passages (a slight, clear runny nose is not usually a sign of serious or contagious illness)

An outbreak of a contagious illness (i.e. chicken pox) will be posted along with an information sheet on symptoms and treatment available.

Children must be free of an elevated temperature for at least 24 hours before returning to Whistle Stop.  When antibiotics are prescribed, they must be taken for 24 hours before the child may return.  Children who are under a doctor’s care may return to Whistle Stop when the doctor feels the child is well enough to do so.  A doctor’s statement may be requested stating that the child is well enough to return.

 Please notify us if your child will be absent.  We will be concerned until we hear from you.

Daily outdoor play is an important requirement for healthy development.  Unless the weather is inclement, children will go outside one or more times per day.  Children who are too ill to go outdoors are too ill to attend the center.

Also, children at Whistle Stop are constantly on the go.  It can be hard for children to muster the energy to fight illness, recover, and play with so many peers all at once.  Our final health requirement is that if children are well enough to come to Whistle Stop, they must be well enough to participate in all our activities, both indoors and out.

Hygiene

Personal hygiene is taught and encouraged.  Children wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating.  They are also taught and encouraged to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and to use a tissue when needed.  All children brush their teeth after lunch.  Parents provide their child with a toothbrush that can be kept at Whistle Stop.

Medication 

A parent permission slip must be completed before the staff can give any medication.  The medication and a medicine spoon (if necessary) must be handed directly to a staff person with the signed permission slip.  All medication must have the pharmacy label on it indicating the name and strength of the medication, the child’s name, the doctor’s name, and specific instructions.  Medication will be administered in accordance with these instructions.  All medication given will be recorded on a posted medication sheet with the child’s name, name of medication, dosage, time given, and the initials of the staff person who gave the medication.  All medications are stored in a locking cabinet unless refrigeration is required.

Injuries

Minor injuries such as bumps and bruises will be tended to and reported to parents at pickup time.  Any major accidents will be reported to parents immediately.  Necessary immediate care will be given and transportation will be arranged per parental instructions.  On-duty staff will submit a written report of any major injury.  Back-up emergency telephone numbers will be used when parents cannot be reached.

Responsibility to Report Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect is a terrible crisis.  As caring and concerned providers, we take our responsibility to report very seriously.  We are required by low to report any suspected cases of abuse or neglect.  Should a parent or staff member suspect abuse or neglect, these are the steps that are taken:

1. The staff member will discuss the suspected case with the Director.
2. The Director will observe the child and talk with the child to see if abuse or neglect has transpired.  All observations and conversations will be documented in the child’s file.
3. The Director then may discuss the concerns with the child’s parents.
4. The Director along with the owners will discuss and determine the need to call Child Protective Services.  The staff member may also be involved in this discussion.
5. A social worker or representative from the state may visit the child at Whistle Stop or at the child’s home.

 Clothing

Your child’s comfort is the most important factor in deciding how to dress your child to attend Whistle Stop.  Provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings.  Dress your child in play clothes that will allow him or her to feel comfortable about spills, paint drips, mud, etc.  We try to keep things neat, but we are not always able to prevent spills or dirty clothes.

Suitable outdoor clothing will be needed each day.  Always send clothing appropriate to the weather and perhaps a little extra as the weather can change dramatically in the course of the day.

PLEASE LABEL ALL CLOTHING THAT MIGHT BE REMOVED AT WHISTLE STOP:  MITTENS, BOOTS, SCARVES, HATS, JACKETS, SNOWSUITS, SWEATERS, SWEATSHIRTS, AND SOCKS.  We cannot be responsible for lost or misplaced articles of clothing.  Please be sure to send adequate winter gear when the weather shifts.  We go outside everyday, and without proper clothing, your child may be uncomfortable.  Shoes should also be comfortable, practical, and protect the feet.

Nutrition Policy

Good health and nutritious meals are important for the proper development of each child.  Calorie needs of children differ according to body size, growth spurts, and physical activity level.  Each child is required to bring his or her own lunch to Whistle Stop.  Serving a variety of foods in their lunches can help children grow properly and maintain a healthy body and weight.  For a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and grain products, the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service recommend these servings:

-Three or more servings of various vegetables (One serving equals 1 cup of raw leafy greens or ½ cup of other kinds) including deep yellow, dark green leafy, dry beans and peas, corn and potatoes.

-Two or more servings of various fruits (One serving equals 1 medium apple, orange or banana; ½ cup of small or diced fruit; or ¾ cup fruit juice.)

-Six or more servings of grain products:  breads, cereals, pasta, and rice.  (One serving equals 1 slice of bread; ½ bun, bagel, or English muffin; 1 once of dry ready-to-eat cereal; ½ cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta.)  Have several servings of whole-grain breads and cereals daily and eat products from a variety of grains:  wheat, rice, oats, and corn.

Serve less fat and fewer fatty foods.  Serve sugars and sweets only in moderation.  Following these recommendations will result in healthful meals for children whether they need to gain, maintain, or lose weight.

We recommend a cold pack in your child’s lunchbox to keep the lunch cold.  For your convenience, we provide a microwave oven for items that need to be heated.

Whistle Stop provides a nutritious morning and afternoon snack for the children each day.  We also provide milk or juice at snack and lunchtimes.  Snack menus are posted weekly in each room.

At registration parents will be required to sign a nutrition policy for their child.

Field Trips

Throughout the year, children 3 years and older participate in a variety of off-campus activities.  In order for your child to participate:

1. Parents must fill out and sign the field trip permission section of the white Emergency Card.
2. A parent must sign the specific permission slip for each field trip.
3. Children under age 4 must have an approved car seat to be used for transportation on the field trip.

Field trips to various locations help children to learn about many things in their community.  They are fun and educational at the same time.  Parents are welcome to come with their child on field trips.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Whistle Stop complies with the requirements of the ADA, and in accordance with the policies and procedures to assure people with disabilities are accommodated and not excluded from center programs, activities, functions, except when to do so would fundamentally alter the nature of the services, facilities, privileges and programs offered by the center.  Whistle Stop will provide auxiliary aids and services to assure effective communication with people with disabilities except when to do so would result in an undue financial or administrative burden.

*The policies, procedures, terms, and conditions in this handbook are guidelines that are subject to change at the discretion of the Director.

*Whistle Stop is licensed by the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services/Bureau of Family Services.