Children's Enrichment Program

Parent Handbook

This information last updated: March 5, 2009

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Children's Enrichment Program & Youth Enrichment Program exists as an extended ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Cedar Hill (FUMC). Our program was designed to provide quality childcare in a safe environment with interesting and fulfilling learning experiences. Our program grew out of an increased need within the Cedar Hill community and the ability of FUMC to help fulfill these needs.

The current program consists of Parent's Day Out, Childcare and our after/school summer YEP program. The curriculum offered at CEP is a combination of age appropriate activities consisting of but not limited to the following:

• ART, SCIENCE, BOOKS, BLOCK PLAY, DRAMATIC PLAY, SMALL
• AND LARGE GROUP ACTIVITIES, MANIPULATIVES, OUTDOOR PLAY, OPTIONAL COMPUTER LEARNING, AND AGE APPROPRIATE FIELD TRIPS.

The learning centers are set up to allow the children easy access to the materials and to promote a sense of independence in each child. By allowing the children to learn through play, example and by doing, we hope to encourage this trait in the little ones that you have entrusted to our care, so that they may reach their highest potential.

Bible stories, prayers, and Christian worship experiences (during chapel) are part of the curriculum. We realize that families from many different denominations participate in our programs and we are respectful of their individual beliefs. We do not instruct the children in distinctively United Methodist beliefs.

ENROLLMENT

1. Completed registration forms with driver's license numbers must be filled out and kept on record. Be sure all phone numbers and addresses are kept current.
2. Current immunization record and doctor's statement should be included with Registration. All immunizations must be up-to-date before admission to the Classroom. SEE THE REQUIREMENTS STATED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
3. Proper fees need to be paid. (Registration Fee, Supply Fee and First week's Tuition.)
4. Receipt of the Children's Enrichment Program Parent handbook complete with date and parent signature.

SCHOOL POLICIES

1. Complete enrollment information is mandatory by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. An extended deadline of one week from starting day is allowed for immunization records to be received.
2. Tuition is due on the first of each month. Weekly tuition is due by Tuesday at closing. A $10.00 late fee will be added if not paid on time. All tuition received after the fifth of the month, regardless of your child's days of attendance, is considered late and a $10.00 late charge will be assessed. Supply fees need to be paid by April to hold your child's place for the fall semester and December for the spring semester.
3. THERE IS A $25.00 RETURNED CHECK FEE. After two (2) returned checks, future fees or tuition will have to be paid in cash or by money order.
4. REFUNDS CANNOT BE MADE FOR ABSENCES.
5. A PARENT, GUARDIAN OR OTHER ADULT MUST ESCORT THE CHILD INTO THE FACILITY AND LEAVE THEM WITH A TEACHER.
6. THE CENTER CLOSES PROMPTLY AT 6:00 P.M.. A LATE FEE IS APPLIED PER CHILD AT THE RATE OF $2.00 PER FIVE MINUTES. IF THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO OCCURRENCES, THE FEE BECOMES $1.00 PER MINUTE. LATE FEES ARE DUE WHEN YOU PICK YOUR CHILD UP. (CASH) THIS WILL NOT BE ADDED TO THE TUITION AND/OR ACCUMULATED.
7. If your child is ill, or running fever, please keep him/her home until he/she is well. If your child is sent home with any illness, he/she may not return the following day. This will prevent the spread of whatever is bothering the child and class activity will not be disrupted. If he/she becomes ill at school, parents, guardians or person listed on your child's emergency card will be notified immediately. If your child is diagnosed with pink eye, he/she must be on a prescription eye drop to be able to return to CEP. PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS NEED TO BE LEFT IN THE OFFICE AND THE PARENTS WILL HAVE TO FILL OUT A PRESCRIPTION FORM. (located on the office door.) Non-prescribed medications will only be given with a doctor's note. NO FEVER REDUCING MEDICATIONS WILL BE GIVEN.
8. NO GUNS, KNIVES OR MONEY ARE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL
9. Texas State law requires the staff of this child-care facility to report any suspected abuse or neglect of a child to the Texas Department of Human Services or a law en­forcement agency.
10. Accepting drop-ins is not a part of our program. We feel that established class participation gives children more consistency and stability that is important to their well being. We realize that families have times that extra care is needed in regard to special circumstances. If such a need should arise, contact the office immediately.
11. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR: Unacceptable behavior, per age group, will not be tolerated. Biting, continual temper tantrums, and similar incidents will have to be dealt with by the parent. If CEP staff has been unsuccessful in correcting this behavior the parent will be called to come to CEP and correct the child. If at any time a child's behavior could cause harm to themselves, other children or to a teacher it could result in temporary suspension from the Children's Enrichment Program.

ABSENCE/ILLNESS

If your child is scheduled to attend CEP/YEP or Parent's Day Out, but is otherwise unable to attend, tuition for the regularly scheduled day is still due.

ACTIVITIES/FIELD TRIPS

Children may be given an opportunity to participate in special activities or field trips. Notice of these events will be posted no less than twenty-four hours in advance. A signed permission slip will be required for your child to attend a field trip. Activity 'Fees, if any, are due the week of the activity/field trip or on the day of the activity/field trip.

Notice of a field trip will include a start or departure time and an end or return time. If your child is late to the center on the day of a scheduled field trip, or cannot otherwise attend, the parent or guardian must make alternate childcare arrangements until the children and the teachers return to the facility. THE CHILD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAY AT THE CEP FACILITY until the teachers have returned with the other children. Children cannot be dropped off at the sight of the field trip.

FUND RAISING

Fund Raising is essential to make improvements and acquire equipment, toys or other activities that would otherwise not be possible, given the fact that CEP is a non-profit organization. Because all of our tuition and supply fees go directly to the payment of teacher salaries and basic supplies, fund raising, is essential to keep our tuition costs low' and is the means by which we can provide new and exciting games, equipment and activities for our children to enjoy. Over the years these efforts have provided CE I' with a library, playground equipment, expansion to the YEP building, renovations to classrooms and buildings, activity centers, manipulative toys and yearly scholarships to children and families in need.

Your support and involvement is essential to insure the continued improvement of our facilities and programs to benefit our children. PLEASE BE READY TO DO YOUR SHARE!!!!!!!

PARTIES

Celebrations for birthdays, special occasions, etc., are allowed. Please make arrangements in advance with your child's teacher. No cakes or cupcakes please. Cookies or Rice Crispy Treats are good. Only juice that does not contain red dye is allowed.

ROOM MOTHERS

Each class will have a room mother. This person helps in the planning of class parties, calling of other parents regarding parties, if necessary, and may be asked to help with special projects. Room mother and party signs-ups will be posted at the "Meet the Teacher Night."

HOLIDAYS / VACATION

The center is closed on all of the following Holidays: New Years Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 4`h of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Regular tuition for all programs is still due for scheduled holidays.

There is no Parent's Day Out during winter, spring or summer breaks.

Childcare is available during school holidays or breaks as scheduled by Cedar Hill ISD (CHISD) and as needed by parents. If you reserve a space - you must pay for reserved space regardless of illness or change of plans. Notice must be turned in to the office by December lst for Winter Break and March lst for Spring Break. If your child will be attending one of the two weeks in winter break, full tuition is required for both weeks. If you do not turn in notice to the office by the above listed days, you will be charged.

Each child is allowed one full week of vacation time per year without tuition due. (ONCE YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN ENROLLED WITH CEP FOR A YEAR) Vacation time is only given in weekly increments. Advanced notice of vacation must be in writing to the office two weeks prior to taking the time off.

One Extended Vacation will be granted per year and only charged half price tuition.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

When CHISD closes for the day, has delayed opening, or early dismissal due to bad weather, we follow the same schedule. Be alert to news reports for school information on Fox channel 4. Days closed to bad weather will not be made up.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Information regarding scholarships is available in the CEP office. Our scholarships are offered on a term basis (fall, spring or summer) based upon a family's individual financial need and recommendation of the CEP Scholarship Committee. The scholarship will not exceed 1 year total and must be applied for each semester.

TEXAS MINIMUM VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN

Children born on or after September 2, 1991 must have two doses of measles vaccine (this dose may be received as part of a second MMR )

Children born on or after September 2, 1992 must have three doses hepatitis B, vaccine.
Proof of pertussis vaccination not required for children 5 years of age and older.

PARENTS' DAY OUT

Available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Toddlers and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for children ages two through five. The Parent's Day Out program is available during the fall and spring, excluding holidays, winter, spring & summer breaks per CHISD School Calendar.

FEES

TUITION

Children will be assigned to classes according to their age as of September 1.

· Children entering the three-year-old classes must be potty trained.

Please have your child at the school on time (9:30) so the daily class schedule can be followed. Children need to be picked up by 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. for toddlers. If you bring your child EARLY (before 9:25 a.m.) or pick up LATE, you need to make arrangements in the CEP office. There is a charge for additional time. There may be daycare children in your child's classroom and their hours should not be confused with your Parent's Day Out hours.

MEALS

CEP's lunches are catered by the Paper Plate Co.  The lunches will be served hot and the children will be eating a nutritionally well balanced meal.  Each menu will consist of a meat, vegetable, fruit, and milk.  All lunches will be delivered each day and served preplated to each child.

When a special meal or event is scheduled such as "Thanksgiving Feast" or "Week in the Life of Jesus", we will inform you of such event.

NAPS

Toddler nap time begins after lunch and continues until 2:30 p.m. Be sure to send any special nap items your child may find comforting. Please allow only one nap item from home to come with your child to school. Be sure to label these items. Please do not send bed-sized pillows for nap. Small pillows only. Nap items need to be taken home and washed weekly.

Out of respect of every child in the class, teachers will not accept children that arrive at nap time.  You can however return after nap (2:30) if need be.  This gives each child the respect of having been in class all day and has been busy in class and needs their rest.

GENERAL TIPS FOR TODDLERS

Be sure you include adequate diapers and wipes in the diaper bag.

1. Each child needs to bring a change of clothes daily for any accidents that may Occur. Please be sure all your child's belongings are labeled with their name.
2. Please do not send any toys from home. The center provides toys for the children to play with. Toys brought from home might be misplaced or mixed in with our toys.

Please arrange with your teacher if you have any special arrangements to be made or unusual events planned.

NURSERY AND TODDLER CHILDCARE

Available Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 p.m. excluding holidays as noted by the Cedar Hill ISD Calendar.

FEES

TUITION

MEALS / SNACKS

The children's lunch will be provided by the Paper Plate Co.  Toddler Age Only.  Snack times are 8:30 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.

NAPS

Toddler nap time begins after lunch and continues until 2:30 p.m. Be sure to send any special nap items your child may find comforting. Please allow only one nap item from home to come with your child to school. Be sure to label these items. Please do not send bed-sized pillows for nap small pillows only. Nap items need to be taken home and washed weekly.

GENERAL TIPS FOR NURSERY AND TODDLERS

1. Diaper bag, food containers, spoons, cups, bottles, toys, extra clothes etc., must be labeled with your child's name. No glass bottles or containers are allowed. Be sure you include an adequate supply of diapers and wipes in the diaper bag.
2. Each child needs to bring a change of clothes daily for any accidents that may occur. Please be sure all your child's belongings are labeled with their name.
3. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY TOYS FROM HOME. The center provides toys
   For the children to play with. Toys brought from home might be misplaced or mixed in with CEP toys.

TWOS THROUGH FIVES CHILDCARE

Available for Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. excluding holidays noted in the CEP Handbook.

FEES

TUITION

SPECIAL CLASSES

Spanish             (Mondays)      $5.00    3 & 4 Year Olds Only
Stretch-n-Grow (Tuesdays)      $3.00   Toddler through Five
PC Kids            (Wed & Thu)  $8.00 (each day)  Optional for 2-5 year olds
Music, Creative Art, Story Adventures, Super Science, & Chapel -Included in Tuition.

MEALS / SNACKS

The children's lunch will be provided by the Paper Plate Co. Snack times are included in the daily schedule of each teacher.

When a special meal or event is scheduled such as "Thanksgiving Feast" or "Week in the Life of Jesus", we will inform you of such event.

NAPS

Please allow only one nap item from home to come with your child to school. Be sure to label these items. Please do not send bed-sized pillows for nap, small pillows only. Nap items need to be taken home and washed weekly.

GENERAL TIPS FOR CHILDCARE CHILDREN

1. Each child needs to bring a change of clothes daily for any accidents that may occur. Please be sure all your child's belongings are labeled with their name.
2. Please do not send toys from home. The center provides toys for the children to play with. Toys brought from home might be misplaced or mixed in with our toys.

YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (YEP)

A Youth Enrichment Program is available for elementary children. Monday through Friday, excluding designated holidays. This is for kindergarten through the fifth grade. This program is designed to offer children organized leisure time activities in a controlled environment with loving adult leadership. We desire that these children will also receive the benefit of new and expanded relationships. We provide after-school pick-up at all Cedar Hill Schools. Bray students walk across the street, with a staff member (except in bad weather).

FEES

TUITION

MEALS / SNACKS

CEP provides an afternoon snack at 3:30 for after school children.

During winter, spring or summer breaks, the Paper Plate Co., will not be serving lunch for the YEP kids so plan to bring lunch unless otherwise informed of a field trip including lunch.

When a special meal or event is scheduled, the YEP Coordinator, will inform you.

PERSONAL ITEMS

YEP Children may bring "appropriate" toys, games or activities from home. The center is not responsible for any damage or loss to personal items. All personal items should be properly labeled with the child's name. Any personal item that is deemed inappropriate or is otherwise disruptive to the YEP class, will be held in the director's office and may be picked up by the parent at the end of the day or when the child is picked up.