SFI Kids Rock Handbook

 

 

1. Their children are cared for in a safe, supportive, and caring environment.

2. That children have a balance of quiet and active activities.

3. They may visit with the On-Site Coordinator or Program Director about concerns related   

4. They will be informed of both positive and negative behaviors of their child.

5. The On-Site Coordinator will regularly inform them about program activities.

6. That they may visit the program at anytime.

 

The program expects that parents/guardians will:

1. Pay weekly fees on time by check or money order

2. Pick up the child(ren) before our closing time of 6:00 pm

3. Pay attention to any communication, i.e. newsletter, calendars, and bulletin board.

4. Comply with policies stated in this handbook.

5. Sign their child(ren) in and out daily.

6. Work with the staff to handle any child’s negative behaviors

7. Keep the staff informed of any changes that will have an impact on the child

8. Let us know when your child is not in school or will be picked up early by you.

Children may expect:

1. To have a safe, supportive and consistent environment.

2. To use all program equipment, materials and facilities on an equal basis.

3. To receive respectful treatment.

4. To have discipline\ that is fair and non-punitive.

5. To receive care from staff members who are actively involved with them.

 

The program expects that the child will:

1. Be responsible for their actions.

2. Respect program rules at all times.

3. Respect staff, peers, and equipment.

4. Remain with the group at all times.

5. Take care of materials and equipment properly and return them to their place when done.

6. Check in to After School Program IMMEDIATELY after school.

 

 

 

The doors to Solid Start/Kids Rock programs are open to all children. No person is excluded from our programs because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ability. We strive to meet each child's individual needs. In addition to School Age child care we offer the following:

The Early Childhood Program serves children 6 weeks through 5 years of age. Operation hours are from 6:00 am - 6:00 pm. Our 5 star licensed program is on the Benhaven School Campus and our 3 star rated licensed program is in Cameron at Solid Rock UMC.

 

The More at Fourpre-kindergarten program, initiated by Governor Mike Easley and funded by the North Carolina General Assembly, is a community-based, voluntary pre-kindergarten initiative designed to prepare at-risk four-year-olds in North Carolina for success in school. The More at Four program serves qualifying children turning four years of age by August 31^st of the school year for which they enroll. The More at Four program operates similarly to the Harnett County Pubic school calendar. The hours are between 8:00 am - 2:30 p.m. daily.

In order to enroll in More at Four you must submit a complete application packet to the More at Four office. The child care office can assist you with this process.

Our program is a total family program. We are here to resource the needs of families. We want to help you excel in parenting and will assist you in any way possible toward that goal. We are a resource that you can call upon to help you meet the demands on your life as a parent.

All of our programs have an open door policy (unless you are denied access by a court order) Parents are welcome to visit and participate in our program at anytime. Parents are encouraged to share a hobby or interest with the children. Please discuss with the On-Site Coordinator ways you may become involved.

 

Once a year you will have the opportunity to formally evaluate our program. This evaluation will occur mid-year. Your thoughts and opinions about the quality of our Kids Rock program are important to us. We will use this information to improve on our services to children and families.

If at anytime you have a concern or problems please discuss this with your child’s teacher. If you believe nothing has been accomplished by this please bring your concerns to the On-Site Coordinator or Program Director.

 

Parent Concern= 1) Teacher--- 2) On-Site Coordinator ---3) Program Director---4) CEO

 

 

 

·                     Upon arrival, an adult (18 years or older) must accompany all children inside the building.

·                     It is imperative for the Staff to be notified of the child’s arrival and the child must be signed into that classroom. 

·                     Upon the child’s departure, an adult (18 years or older) must come inside to notify staff that the child is leaving and sign the child out of that classroom.

 

Authorization is required, in writing, or verifiable phone contact from parent when anyone other than the designated adult arrives to pick up the child. Only persons listed on the child’s enrollment forms are permitted to pick up a child. When someone other than the parent or guardian picks up children ID will be checked.

 

Arrival and departure is very important to us. Safety is our primary concern. We welcome any and all suggestions for making this time safer and more efficient. 

 

 

 

As caregivers of your children it is our responsibility to protect the health and safety of the children we serve. Use of alcohol or drugs by adults before transporting children can create an unsafe situation for your child. If, in our opinion, the child cannot be safely transported by the person picking the child up we will propose contacting another person listed on your child’s emergency contact information sheet to come transport the child. If the person transporting refuses this alternative and insist on transporting the child under unsafe conditions, we will immediately call Harnett County Child Protective Services and/or the police to report the unsafe driving situation.

 

From time to time the Kids Rock programs will participate in field trips. Each field trip will require you to give your permission in order for your child to attend. If you do not wish for your child to travel with us on the field trip, then you must make other arrangements for their care. Your weekly fee will not be adjusted if your child does not participate in the field trip.

 

You will be responsible for leaving your child’s safety seat when they are being transported on the van. At no time will we transport children without appropriate child restraints. Child/staff ratios for Kids Rock will be 1/15 during field trips. No child of any age will be left unattended in a vehicle. Your child is expected to abide by all safety rules during transporting. Failure to do so may result in your child no longer being able to participate in field trips.

 

Solid Foundations, Inc Field Trip policies and procedures are available for review in the office.

Children who where unable to attend school or children who were dismissed from school due to illness may not be in attendance at Kids Rock. Children who become sick while at Kids Rock will be sent home, the parent will be contacted immediately.

 

Exclusion/dismissal should be for the comfort and safety of both the ill child and the rest of the children in the group.

 

Our sick policy is as follows, and any child with these symptoms may not return for twenty-four hours except as otherwise noted:

·         Temperatures will be checked under the arms only (axially). A child with an under the arm temperature reading of 101 degrees or higher will be sent home. They may return in 24 hours if the fever is absent without medication.

·         Children will be excluded if they have a skin rash that has not been identified by a phone call or in writing from a physician who has seen the rash.

·         Children with chicken pox may not return until all sores have dried and crusted this is usually 6 days or longer.

·         Scabies: child may return 24 hours after treatment has been initiated.

·         Impetigo. Child may return 24 hours after treatment has been initiated.

·         Evidence of head lice or other parasites/a child may return when they have been treated. Please request information on how to treat lice.

·         Conjunctivitis (pink eye). Signs of conjunctivitis are red, watery eyes with yellow discharge). Child may return after antibiotic treatment.

·         Strep throat until 24 hours of treatment

·         Have been diagnosed with TB. Child can only return with doctor’s note stating that the child is on appropriate therapy.

·         Any communicable disease

·         Children with vomiting will be sent home and may not return for 24 hours.

·         2 episodes of diarrhea (increased number of bowel movements with increased stool water) will be sent home, and may return in 24 hours.

 

The program reserves the right to continue to exclude a child despite a physician’s statement if that statement contradicts the program’s policies.

 

Communicable disease control measures will be handled by recommendations of the health department and that returning poses no risk to the child or others. We require notification from the parent or doctor if your child has a communicable disease this will enable us to notify other parents of the possibility of the illness being spread.

 

 

Kids Rock will only administer the following:

·         Sunscreen

·         Bug Spray

·         Breathing treatments

·         Long-term medications that the child must take during the day or in emergency  

In order for the above to be administered you must complete required permission forms you may request these forms from your child’s teacher. You must label each item with the child’s name in permanent marker.

 

Kids Rock provides Breakfast, Lunch and PM snack during the summer months. Breakfast will not be served at Overhills or Benhaven during the school year. The children will be released to eat breakfast in the school cafeteria. Spout Springs will receive breakfast before getting on the bus.   

The safety of every child is of utmost concern. The staff strives to maintain safety standards at all times. Equipment and materials are inspected on a regular basis, and all staff is trained in First Aid and CPR.

 

Should an accident occur every precaution will be taken to minimize the stress to your child. All accidents will be documented on an Incident Report Form, which will be read and signed by the parent. If an accident is more than minor, a parent will be called to discuss the need for possible medical treatment.

 

 If the accident is more serious, a parent will be contacted and requested to come immediately. If life threatening, the Rescue Squad will be called to transport the child to the nearest medical facility or your preferred medical facility listed in your emergency information. If your child should be transported to a medical facility a staff member will stay with them until a parent or guardian arrives. 

 

Emergency Information Updates:Each Kids Rock program contains a file with your child’s emergency information. It is your responsibility to notify us promptly with any changes to your addresses, phone numbers or pick up authorization as well as any other pertinent information. In addition, custody and/or restraining orders can only be enforced with the proper legal paperwork on file at the facility.  

 

 

Emergency Release Form: Please be sure that all individuals authorized to pick up your child are listed on the Emergency Information Form and have current phone numbers. ANY adult not known by the staff will be asked for a photo ID. This policy is in place for the safety of your child. If an emergency situation arises, call the Program Director or designed staff member with a specific description of the adult picking up the child, and have that person be prepared to show a photo ID before we will release the child.

 

 Divorce/Separation:Kids Rock programs want to serve all our families in the best possible way, especially during difficult transitions. If shared custody agreements are in place, we would appreciate a written notice of your family’s plan to make arrivals and departures for your child/children an easy event. Unless we have a legal document, the program can not presume one parent has more or less rights than another.

 

In case of evacuation: If for any reason Kids Rock need to evacuate the premises we will contact your emergency contact numbers letting you know where we will be. In most cases the Benhaven and Overhills/Kids Rock sites will transport to Solid Rock UMC on HWY 24. Spout Springs child care site/Kids Rock site would evacuate to Benhaven School on Olivia Road.

 

Emergency Plans: All parents should be reassured that Solid Foundations has emergency polices and procedures in place that address all types of scenarios. Our staff has knowledge of this information so in case of emergency situations they will know what is expected.

 

The North Carolina mandatory reporting law requires that we must report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. "Any person or institution who has cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused or neglected shall report the case of the juvenile to the Department of Social Services in the county where the juvenile resides or is found."

 

Should a staff member have reason to suspect abuse or neglect they will maintain a written account of what has been seen; they will alert administrative personnel and follow up with an immediate phone call to the Protective Services' Division. The program may or may not notify the parents or guardian that a report has been made this is left up to the administration.

It is our intent to build a partnership with parents to help them provide the most suitable safe environments for children. Toward this end, we are able to help parent’s access resources in the community when desired or needed. If your or your family has need of assistance please make your request known to the Director or CEO of Solid Foundations.

 

Kids Rock Programs prohibits the mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of any child in our programs by staff members. All staff is required to complete a fingerprint and criminal background check and no person will be hired who has been convicted of child abuse of any type.

 

 

 

"Time-out" is the removal of a child for a short period of time, (no more than 1 minute per age of the child) from a situation in which the child is misbehaving and has not responded to other discipline techniques. The "time-out" space, usually a chair, is located away from classroom activity but within the teacher's sight.

During "time-out," the child has a chance to think about the misbehavior, which led to his/her removal from the group. After a brief interval the teacher discusses the incident and appropriate behavior with the child. When the child returns to the group, the incident is over and the child is treated with the same affection and respect shown the other children. At no time during the time out period is the child criticized or belittled by staff or other children.

 

 

“Sit and Watch” is a way to assist children in learning appropriate ways to interact with materials, activities or other children in the environment. The sit and watch method can be used when children are not responding to verbal messages from the teacher. The child is asked to stop participating in the activity and to sit and watch the other children for a short time. During this time the staff makes the child aware of how the other children are appropriately handling the materials or the activity. This method is a way to praise children who are responding appropriately to the environment or activity and to teach the child that is sitting and watching the best way to interact with the environment or other children.

 

Each staff member at Solid Start is required to sign the following statement signifying that they have read and agree to abide by our discipline policies. The following discipline and behavior management policy is a copy of what each of our staff members agree to follow. We encourage you to use these same techniques in developing the discipline of your children in your home.

Date Revised May 22, 2008

 

Praise and positive reinforcement are effective methods of the behavior management of children. When children receive positive, non-violent, and understanding interactions from adults and others, they develop good self-concepts, problem solving abilities, and self-discipline. Based on this belief of how children learn and develop values, this facility will practice the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The safety and welfare of all the children at our programs are of primary concern. The staff will make every effort to work with children and families to promote appropriate behaviors, there are situations when additional action may necessary.

 

Initial Meeting: If a child’s extreme, uncontrollable behavior continues to physically or emotionally endanger staff or other children at the child care program despite positive guidance techniques or if a parent is uncooperative with staff in working toward their correction of their child’s recurring disruptive behavior, a meeting with the child’s parents will be requested by the Program Director and the child’s teachers. The problem will be defined in writing and goals for correction will be established.

 

Second meeting: if, after a predetermined time frame, the initial plan for helping the child fails, a second meeting will be requested by the Program Director. The problem will be identified again and new approaches will be defined.

 

Suspension/Dismissal: if no progress occurs within the established timeline, suspension will result. Parents will be responsible for payment during the length of the suspension. The period of suspension may vary from the remainder of a day to one week relative to the severity of the problem. Termination of care will occur after three suspensions for the same behavior, or immediately if the child’s behavior severely injures a staff member or another child.

 

A non-refundable registration fee of $30.00 per child is due upon enrollment and each year thereafter by June 1^st unless the parent fee has been paid within the past 90 days. This fee shall apply for any program for which the child registers anytime within that year. DSS registration fee is $5.00 per child

 

 

Kids Rock requires a weekly fee. Weekly Tuition is due on Friday by 6:00 pm prior to services to be rendered the following week.

 

Kids Rock at Overhills will only accept payment each Friday morning from 6:00 am till 7:30am and each Friday evening from 3:00pm till 6:00 pm. This payment is paid prior to services to be rendered the following week. If you wish to make a payment at another time you must do so at our Spout Springs site. A $15.00 a week late fee will be applied to your outstanding balance for every week you fail to pay.

 

DSS Parent fee payments are due the 1^st Monday of each month for all Kids Rock sites. Kids Rock at Spout Springs and Kids Rock at Benhaven are the only sites that accept DSS.

 

We expect you to stay current and up to date with your child care payments. If you fall behind you will receive a written notification to pay your balance due. If you fail to do so you will receive a courtesy phone call. Children of those parents with unpaid balances of more than two weeks will be subject to dismissal from the program until their account is current. If you lose your child care spot you may be denied future services if you owe a balance for your child’s care. You will also need to pay the enrollment fee of $30 if you reenroll your child after clearing you balance.

 

We understand that families face various circumstances from time to time. A simple call to the financial administrator or office manager alerting them to your situation and making arrangements may alleviate actions that prevent the care of your child in the program.

 

A $25.00 returned check charge will be assessed for any returned checks from the bank, plus the late charge of $15.00. If we continue to receive return checks from you we may request that you pay us only with money orders. 

 

Tuition must also be paid in full during times when your child is not in the program due to holidays, vacations, sick days and closing due to inclement weather or staff orientation and training. 

 

Applications for enrollment should be completed in full. Registration fees must be paid before your child’s first day and are NOT applicable to your child’s tuition. Registration fees are non-refundable. Tuition is due prior to your child’s first day of care.

 

The program reserves the right to change tuition rates, late fees or enrollment fees at any time.

 

 

 

When you arrive past our 6:00 pm pick up time a late fee will be charged and will be paid within 3 business days. You will be required to sign a copy of a late notice given to you by the teacher who is with your child. This notice will be submitted to the office manager for processing.

 

Lateness will be determined by the faculties’ time clock.

 

It is expected that you will not make a habit of arriving at the facilities past 6:00 p.m. Our staff is paid to work till 6:00 p.m. prompt pick up of your child respects your child’s teachers who have their own families and obligations to attend to.

 

If you are late more than 3 times in a 3-month period a meeting will be set up to address our concerns. Continued abusive lateness will not be tolerated since it is not in the best interest of our staff nor your children and may be cause for dismissal from the program

Please refer to the late fee policy in the back of the handbook.

 

 

It is in the best interest of your child and our program to give notice if you will be removing your child from our care. Two weeks written notice must be given to the program prior to you child’s last day of attendance. Please be aware that you are responsible for payment of services until the withdrawal date. Your courtesy is appreciated not only for billing purposes, but your child’s vacant spot may make it possible for another child to attend our program.

 

 

Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care for the children within our programs and to be a support to families. However, there may came a time when we feel we have done all we can to assist your child or family. We reserve the right for immediate termination should circumstances warrant such measures. Therefore, Solid Foundations child care programs may terminate enrollment for the following reasons:

 

·         non-payment of fees/tuition

·         The parent/guardian fails to follow correct admission procedures, especially related to 

·         The parent/guardian continues to abuse the 6:00 pm closing time.

·         Physical or verbal abuse of staff or children by a parent or child.

·         Retention of the child would be detrimental to the health and safety of the other

In most cases of termination, a one week, written, dated notice will be given to the parent/guardian. Solid Foundations’ reserves the right to terminate care immediately if the situation warrants.

 

 

We are open from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except as noted below). To run a smooth program, we appreciate parent cooperation with all late policies. Repeated late pick up or failure to pay late fees may result in the dismissal of your child from the Program.

 

Holidays can be very important times in the lives of families which include the families of our child care staff so most Holidays we will close. We also reserve the right to close for teacher training opportunities. We may also need to close for emergency reasons or close for weather related reasons. We also understand the need of working parents to have child care available to them when they are working. The calendar below hopefully is a good balance toward meeting both the needs of staff and families.

 

 

Before/After School Enrichment program begins on Wednesday, August 26, 2009

 and ends on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. The Harnett County School board may change these dates.

Summer Enrichment programs begins on Thursday, June 10^th and ends on the first full day of the new school year

Kids Rock Closings 2009/2010       Staff training/workdays……..Thursday, August 6 & Friday August 7,      Labor Day ………………….Monday, September 7      Veterans Day……………….Wednesday, November 11      Thanksgiving…….…………Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27      Christmas………….. ……….Wed. Thurs & Fri. December 23, 24 & 25      New Year’s Day………….…Friday, January 1      Martin Luther King………....Monday, January 18      Easter ……………………... Monday, April 5      Memorial Day………………Monday, May 31

 

 

 

Kids Rock follows the guidelines of the Division of Child Development that limits homework time to 30 - 45 minutes in the afternoon. Our staff will strongly encourage children to work on their homework assignments while they are attending the afterschool program. The children will be given 30 – 45 minutes of quiet time in which to complete their homework or study. Any child wishing to spend more then this amount of time will be given that opportunity. The staff will assist/tutor children in understanding their homework directions and the concepts they are learning. The staff is not responsible for making sure that any child’s homework is completed or to check for the accuracy of the work. It is recommended that the parents encourage the child to be responsible for completing homework during the given time.

 

Kids Rock will not be responsible for lost or stolen items. Parents are advised to not allow children to bring valuables to the program.

Following is an example of our daily schedule for summer care and before/after school care.

AM Schedule

 

6:00  – 7:00                   Greetings and quiet activities        (puzzles, games, reading)

7:00 – 7:45                    Devotional time, reflections on the day, yoga stretches, quiet activities

7:45 – 8:00                     Enter School

 

PM Schedule

 

2:45 – 3:00                     Arrival/ attendance

3:00 – 3:15                     Snacks conversations, reflections

3:15 – 4:15                    Gross motor activities – sports, outdoor play, dance, gross motor games

4:15 – 5:00                    Homework time, board games, arts/crafts, reading

5:00 – 6:00                    Free choice activities (Gym games, centers, outdoors, friend time)

 

 

 

 

 

6:00 – 8:00           Arrival/Greetings quiet activities (puzzles, games, reading, arts/crafts)

 

8:00 – 8:30           Breakfast/conversations

 

8:30 – 9:00           Large Group meetings (discussions, devotionals, daily ice breaker)

 

9:00 – 12:00                   Break into groups. Groups will rotate between activities.

Activity 2………..         Summer Academic Enrichment Activity (Math made fun, Hands on Science, Spanish, Bringing books to life)

Activity 3………..         Outdoor sports activity

Activity 4………..         Indoor Game room (board games, thinking games, getting to know you games)

Activity 5………..         Indoor Sports activity (Games, tumbling, Dance/Movement)

 

12:00 – 12:30       Lunch

 

12:30 – 1:00                   Large Group meeting

 

1:00 –   4:00                   Break into Groups. Group will rotate between activities 

 

4:00 – 6:00           Free Choice Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solid Foundations was incorporated in May of 2002 through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office as a non-profit organization. The corporation was formed to serve the needs of the citizens in the Western Harnett County Area and beyond. Under the leadership of a Board of Directors comprised of members from Solid Rock United Methodist Church, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and the community Solid Start opened as a child care center on the Benhaven Elementary School Campus on March 10, 2003. In August of 2004, property was purchased on highway 24 in the Spout Springs area which became the location of our third child care site. This year we will open our fourth child care site and it is located on a second public school campus in the county.

 

Another aspect of our community development is in the resourcing of area residents with food. Over 12,000 pounds of food is distributed every week to over 600 people. This operation located at the Spout Springs Campus is set to move to a new site on highway 27 in the Pineview area of the county.

 

The Board of Directors meets regularly to hear reports and conduct necessary business to the fulfilling of the organizations goals. As a community Development Corporation the group has plans be involved in areas with housing, food supplies, family resources, children’s services, youth services, educational institutions, economic development and any other identified needs within the community.

 About

Solid Rock United Methodist Church is a new church start in Western Harnett County. In 2000, Bishop Edwards sent Reverend Gil Wise to this area to begin a new congregation to serve this community. Through much prayer a vision was birthed for a church that would serve the community and not itself. On March 25, 2001 Solid Rock held its first worship service in the auditorium at Benhaven Elementary School. Worship for the church continued to be held at Benhaven until August 2004.