Childcare & Preschool Center - Policies

Financial Policy

The Children’s Campus at RVCC operates under the direction of Raritan Valley Community College. Fees are set by the RVCC Board of Trustees and are subject to change. 

• Tuition is calculated on annual costs and charged on a monthly basis, and is included in registration packets.
• A security deposit equal to one month’s tuition is collected at the time of registration.  The security deposit will be applied to the last month’s tuition.
• Parents are required to complete and sign a schedule form upon enrollment noting the sessions and days their child will be attending.
• Thirty days (30) written notice is required prior to schedule change or withdrawal from The Children’s Campus in order to avoid charges for the next month’s tuition. 
• No adjustments are made for holidays, illness, snow days, absences, early withdrawals during the month, or other school closings.  

The Children’s Campus accepts funding from government assistance programs such as Community Child Care Solutions and NORWESCAP.  Parents are responsible for enrolling in these programs and obtaining a contract. Parents are responsible for any co-payments not paid by the funding agency.

Tuition is charged each month on Pro-Care.  Drop-in fees will be added to the monthly statement when applicable. All tuition and fees are to be paid directly via the PROCARE App.

Any tuition and fees not paid for any month are subject to a late fee. Any outstanding balances may result in an outside agency or attorney for collection, the parent or guardian agrees to pay all responsible collection costs and attorney’s fees equal to a maximum of 50% of the outstanding balances. 
 

Parent signature: _________________________________________________________________  Date:_______________
 

Arrival, Departure and Release Policies

Your child is important to us!

The Children’s Campus is open from 7:30 am till 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, 12 months a year. Parents who are late picking up their child will be assessed a late fee (please refer to the current tuition rate schedule for fee). This fee will be billed in the following month’s tuition. While the Center recognizes there are occasions beyond a parent’s control that necessitate late pick up, every effort must be made to arrive before closing. Parents who are late more than normal circumstances would dictate may be asked to withdraw from the program.

Authorization for the Release of Children
Children who attend the Children’s Campus at RVCC may only be released to those adults (individuals 18 years and older) who have been authorized by the parent. Unless it is otherwise stated and legal documentation is on file, it is assumed both parents may be permitted to pick up the child. (Parents are required to keep the Center fully informed in writing of any legal changes in custody or visitation.) An individual will be asked to identify themselves by showing picture identification. If someone other than the usual person is picking up the child on a given day, please inform the staff. If you wish to change someone you have designated for pick up, you must inform the director in writing. If you wish to have someone pick up your child on one occasion that is not on the list, you may send a written note specifying that one occasion.

Please note: The Child Care Licensing Regulations clearly state that staff may not release a child to anyone they have reason to believe is impaired. If a person appears impaired to the staff member in charge, campus security will be called to verify the individual’s behavior.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP ROUTINES

Infants Drop Off and Pick up routines

Parents of Infants come into the building for drop offs and pick-ups.

• We encourage parents to give all information concerning feeding/sleeping to the caregiver and exit the room. Give your child a quick hug and kiss and leave quietly 

Toddlers, Pre-schoolers and Pre-K Drop off and Pick up routines

We look forward to seeing your child every day! When dropping off your child each day, it is important to remember:

• Sign him/her in on the sheet located outside the class door
• Please note the time and your initials
• Give your child a quick hug and kiss and leave quietly
• Allow your child to independently walk into their classroom to take care of putting away their belongs

At no time should you leave a child in the classroom without a teacher present!

PICK UP - Upon entering the vestibule you will be acknowledged, if not ring the bell and your child will be bought to you by a staff member.  Please, do not allow anyone in the building if you are in the school, for safety reasons the Staff will acknowledge and follow through.  
 

Late Arrival Routines
Please remember drop off time for children attending the morning session is between 7:30-9am; if you arrive after the designated time, your child will be accompanied to the classroom by a staff member. This will minimize the disruption to the class. Please say your good-byes and the staff member take the child to their class.

Attendance
The policies and practices of The Children’s Campus reflect our commitment to learning. Children need to arrive by 9am to fully participate in the day’s activities. They must attend on a consistent basis, a minimum of two days a week, in order to allow time to feel comfortable in the classroom setting and to be ready to learn.

Withdrawal from Program
In order to withdraw a child from The Children’s Campus, parents/guardians must submit their intent in writing and provide (30) thirty days’ notice and tuition. 

Special Needs Students
The Center complies with the NJ Law against Discrimination (LAD) and the American with Disabilities Act. In the case of a medical special needs child, all components of care must be reviewed and approved by The Children’s Campus prior to acceptance in the program.

Classroom Management and Discipline Policy

The Children’s Campus has a clearly defined Discipline Policy that is posted in the front hallway leading to the Nursery. At the Children’s Campus, we use the word “discipline” to mean training in rules rather than punishment. Part of growing up is learning to live and cooperate with other children as well as adults. At a very early age children can learn the manners and rules of our society and this is part of the childcare experience. The staff observes the children closely during the day. The following guidelines are considered when guiding children’s behavior:

• Awareness of children’s developmental ages and the related capabilities
• Understanding of individual differences
• Reasonableness of demands
• Consistency in approach and consequences
• Patience
• Firmness in dealing with inappropriate behavior, remembering to separate the child from the action
• Quickness in giving praise and recognizing positive behavior
• Forgiveness. Each day is a new day and yesterday’s mistakes should not cloud today
• Careful use of words

Sometimes a verbal reminder is not enough to change the behavior. In such instances the teacher or assistant may have the child “sit-and-watch.” This means sitting in the classroom or playground away from the other children until the child is in control of his/her behavior. This method takes just a few minutes and works well because children want to get back to their play and friends as quickly as possible.

The staff is trained to implement this disciplinary policy and to not use physical punishment in any way.
 

Transitions

There are many changes during a young child’s life. One of the most significant is leaving his/her parent for the first time. We offer these suggestions to help both you and your child through this transition:

• Spend time before enrolling your child to determine if The Children’s Campus best meets your needs. Now is the time to ask questions!
• Become comfortable with the policies and procedures of The Children’s Campus.
• Bring your child’s personal items to The Children’s Campus a few days before your child is to start.
• Have your child accompany you so that he/she has one more opportunity to go through the new routine.
• Be sure to arrive on time. Your child will feel uncomfortable coming into a group that has already begun the day’s activities. It also limits the teacher’s ability to help your child through the adjustment.
• Leave your child with a warm kiss and hug! Children react in many ways but research indicates the best indicator of how well a child will adjust to the new surroundings is how well the parent adjusts. While you may call during the day to see how your child is doing, please be assured we will call you if we feel the transition is not going well.
• The director and teachers are busy in the classrooms during the day. Our focus is on the children. Do not be anxious if you get the voicemail!

It is the director’s, teachers’ and assistants’ jobs to help you and your child through the many adjustments. We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with you.

Moving Up!
There are times throughout the year when children will be moved up from one class to another. Most children are generally moved to another room at the start of the academic year. The teachers in consultation with the parents make these decisions. Many factors will determine if a child is ready to move and may include:

• Teacher observation
• Developmental age
• Socialization and language skills
• Independent and self-help skills

Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy

The Children’s Campus at RVCC is dedicated to promoting healthy eating and physical activity through supporting, educating, and engaging parents in developing a healthy living environment, and role modeling healthy behavior for the children who attend our program.

Healthy Eating Guidelines:

• Ensure all snacks include healthy foods from at least two of the four food groups.
• Serve/encourage low fat (1%) milk at meal and snack times (for ages 2.5 and older).
• Serve/encourage whole grains and nutrient-rich foods.
• Serve/encourage vegetables and fruit prepared with little or no added fat, sugar and salt.
• Modify snacks for children with documented food allergies or special dietary needs.
• Avoid packaged foods that contain trans-fats.
• Avoid offering snacks of sticky, sweet foods such as dried fruit and gummy snacks.

Eating Environment Guidelines:

• Give children 20-30 minutes to enjoy meals and snacks, in clean and pleasant surroundings.
• Provide snacks and meals in a designated area where children can sit and eat without distraction.
• Have convenient access to hand washing facilities before meals and snacks.
• Staff members should sit, eat, and converse with the children at snack and meal times.

Healthy Eating Education Guidelines:

• Teach children about healthy nutrition throughout the year.
• Take appropriate precautions to serve safe snacks for children with life-threatening allergies
• Include children in snack preparation throughout the year.
• Offer opportunities for families to provide input with snack.

Lunches From Home:

• Encourage families to support safe and healthy eating by providing only nutrient-rich choices.
• Parents should provide healthy choices of grains, meat (and alternatives), vegetables and fruit.
• Lunch should include child-size portions that are trans-fat free & low in saturated fat, sugar, salt.
• Beverages should be low-fat, unflavored milk, or water without added ingredients.
• Be respectful of the religious and dietary restrictions of families.

Physical Activity Guidelines:

• Children go out when temperatures are above 32 degrees or below 95 degrees.
• Outdoor time is in safe settings, including play equipment and open space, supervised by adults.
• Per state licensing, children spend 30 minutes or more outside (weather permitting) each morning and afternoon.
• A variety of indoor equipment is available, such as balls, hoops, and tumbling mats.
• Ensure endurance and strength based activities are incorporated into physical activity each day.

Physical Activity Education:

• Teach children about physical activity and make it fun.
• Include information in newsletters to encourage families to be active.
• Physical activity shall not be used as a punishment.
• Physical activity shall not be withheld except when a child’s behavior is dangerous to himself and others.

Physical Activity Promotion Guidelines:

• Ensure physical activity is co-operative and noncompetitive in nature.
• Ensure all physical activities are developmentally appropriate.
• Follow safety recommendations for all equipment and activities.
• Limit screen time (computer, video games, movies) to 30 minutes, or less, per day for ages 2 and older.
• Incorporate physical activity into group times and special events.

Infant Feeding Policy

The Children’s Campus at RVCC understands that providing adequate nutrition to infants and toddlers is of major importance to all parents and caregivers for growth and development.  

• Breastfeeding mothers are more than welcome to feed/express milk at our facility whenever needed.  (Mothers who are employees/students on Campus have other available places to express milk on the campus.  Please contact Human Resources office for access to those designated areas.)
• Refrigerators are available for all milk, breast or pre-made formula
• ALL milk must be labeled with child’s full name and date 
• Bottle warmers are used to warm milk, no bottles are microwaved
• All infants – regardless of what they are fed will be held closely when feeding.  Bottles never "Propped” in an infant’s mouth
• All milk not used is returned to family at end of the day (NO MILK is left over night)
• Solid foods require labeling full name and dates, no food is kept overnight food is warmed as needed, upon instruction from family.
• Nursery STAFF – is trained, in all policy and procedures regarding infant care

Dress Code and Clothing Needs

• Children are requested to have a change of clothing at the Center.
• We need shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and for young children, a change of shoes or sandals. Please put your child’s name on all items.
• On occasion your child may not have a dry change of clothing at school.
• When a child is changed for whatever reason, a Change of Clothing form is sent home with the wet clothing. 
• Parents are encouraged to dress their children in comfortable casual clothes that are easily cleaned.
• The Center is not responsible for any damage to clothing.

For safety reasons, children must wear sneakers or closed toe shoes that tie or Velcro securely, with socks throughout the year. Sandals, crocs, flip-flops, or water shoes are acceptable only during water-play in the summer.

Sun Protection

• Parents are requested to apply a generous coating of sunscreen on their children before school.  This is especially important on water-play days. 
• Parents are asked to leave sunscreen at school for their children.
• Sunscreen is not shared among the children; only the lotion you provide will be used by your child. 
• Please be sure the container is clearly marked with the child’s name and given directly to the class teacher.

Health and Medications Policies

Immunizations Policy
All children in childcare centers in New Jersey are required to have up to date immunizations.

A written record, signed by a health care practitioner, must be provided prior to the child’s first day. Any child who does not have the appropriate immunization or health records may be excluded from the program.

In the event the parent requests exemption from the immunizations, they must provide The Children’s Campus with a letter explaining the reason for the exemption. If requesting a medical exemption, it is necessary to provide a statement from the child’s doctor stating the reason for such a request. If the parent is requesting exemption from the immunizations on religious grounds, it must be received before the child attends the program for the first time.

Illness Exclusions
In the event of illness, state guidelines as outlined in the New Jersey Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers are followed. The following is a list of symptoms/illnesses that require exclusion from the Center:

• Severe pain or discomfort
• Acute diarrhea, characterized as twice the child’s usual frequency or bowel movements with a change to a looser consistency within a 24 hour period
• Two or more episodes of acute vomiting within a 24 hour period
• Elevated oral temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or over
• Temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit in conjunction with sore throat or severe coughing, red eyes with discharge, infected, untreated skin patches, difficult rapid breathing, skin rashes lasting more than one day (excluding diaper rashes), untreated weeping or bleeding skin lesions, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, stiff neck or blood in urine.

Parents are asked to pick up their child should the child show any of the symptoms noted above. In the event a parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called. An Illness Report will be sent home with the child and the required action noted. Where appropriate, an information sheet related to the condition may be attached.

Accidents

• In the event a child is injured, no matter how minor, an accident report is completed by the staff and sent home with the child at the end of the day
• Above the neck injuries that are not serious, a minor occurrence, within a normal child’s interaction will not warrant a phone call. You will receive notice of the occurrence via ClassDojo and an accident report given at the end of day.
• Emergency medical personnel or services will be called should the injury be severe, and parents will be notified immediately. 
• In the event the parent cannot be reached, the adult designated as an emergency contact will be called.

Permission to Administer Medication
The Children’s Campus at RVCC administers prescription medication only if:

• it is in the original container
• prescribed for the child to whom it is to be administered
• a current prescription
• dosage as specified on the label

Non-prescription medication shall be dispensed in accordance with recommended dosage, age and/or weight of child as indicated on the label. It must be in its original bottle/container. Dispensing of non-prescription medicine is limited to the following:

• antihistamines/decongestants
• acetaminophens (aspirin substitutes)
• cough suppressants
• topical ointments
   
• Parents must complete and sign the Permission to Administer Medication form on the first day it is to be given 
• Staff will note the date, time, who administered the medication and any adverse reaction 
• A separate form must be completed for each child for each prescription 
• All medication is kept in the Director’s office, or/if necessary, in the refrigerator
• Under no circumstances should any medication of any kind be in the child’s possession 
• Medication may only be administered by a parent (or designate), Director or Head Teacher.

Allergies
Parents must notify the Center in writing of any allergies. This information must be updated on a regular basis by the parents.

The Children’s Campus at RVCC provides a morning and afternoon snack each day. The menu is posted in the kitchen and on the parents’ bulletin board in the front lobby. Substitutions can be made without notice due to the availability of food, birthdays, special events and children’s cooking projects. Every reasonable effort is made to provide snack items that are nutritious, appealing and reflective of the cultural habits of our students. The staff welcomes parents’ ideas and contributions to the menu.

To best protect the health interests of children with known food allergies, parents are asked to provide snacks for children with allergies to food that might commonly be found. (Shellfish, for example, is not commonly found on our snack menu. Parents who have children allergic to shellfish would not need to provide an alternate snack item.) Snacks should be included in their lunch boxes every session (morning and/or afternoon) the child attends the program. Please discuss with your child’s Head Teacher your alternate snack arrangements. A notice will be posted on each classroom table alerting staff to the children needing snack alternatives.

Preventing Infection at the Children's Campus at RVCC

Table of Excludable Communicable Diseases
If a child contracts any of the diseases below, please report it to us immediately. The child may not return to school without a doctor's note stating that the child presents no risk to himself/herself or others.

• Respiratory Illnesses
• Gastrointestinal Illnesses
• Contact Illnesses
• Chicken Pox
• Giardia Lambia
• Impetigo
• German Measles
• Hepatitis A
• Lice
• Hemophilus Influenzae
• Salmonella
• Scabies
• Measles
• Shigella
• Conjunctivitis
• Meningococcus
• Ringworm
• Mumps
• Strep Throat
• Tuberculosis
• Whooping Cough

Parent Involvement & Communication

Parent/Teacher Communication
Communication with parents is vital to the optimal well being and development of children. Communication can take many forms. This includes:

• General College announcements (publications, RVCC web page, e-mail, texts, etc.)
• Parents’ Bulletin Board in the main lobby
• One-time letters regarding special events or circumstances
• Daily Information Sheets from the Nursery and Toddler classrooms only
• Monthly classroom newsletters for preschool/Pre-K-aged children
• Standard Reports (accident, illness, change of clothing, etc.)
• Informal notes to parents from the classroom teacher, written as the occasion requires
• Informal conferences with parents at drop off and pick up times
• Formal parent-teacher conferences

Formal parent-teacher conferences are offered a minimum of twice a year. At the close of each regular academic semester, parents are invited to sign up for a conference with their child’s teacher.

Parent Involvement and Visitation Policy 
The Children’s Campus welcomes parents and encourages participation in many ways. There are formal opportunities, such as parent-teacher conferences, parents’ meetings, and open houses. There are also less formal occasions such as helping out at a holiday party, joining us for a walk or lunch. Whenever your schedule permits, we hope you will join us.

Parent volunteers are also encouraged to help with projects outside the classrooms. Do you have a special talent that you could share? Parents have contributed their musical talents, artistic interests, craft specialty or specific interests that can be extended in the classroom environment. If you have a talent or hobby you are willing to share, please let the Director know.

Parents are invited to promote multicultural learning opportunities and to share examples of their cultural practices through the use of books, food, music, and/or clothing. Please let your child’s head teacher know what and when you plan to do so.

The Manual of Requirements for Child Care Centers clearly states that parents are welcome to stop by the Center, unannounced, at any time their child is attending. We invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities to visit with your child.

Parents who wish to tour the Center with the interest in enrolling their child are asked to schedule an appointment. This insures the staff has time to meet individually the parents and address any questions they may have.

Computer and Video Time Policy

• There will be no TV time, at any time, for children of any age at The Children’s Campus.
• Children younger than 2 years shall not have access to computers or videos at The Children’s Campus.
• Videos and computer software must be related to a unit of study, a social studies holiday, or other curriculum-related topic.
• Children in the preschool classes shall have only 10 minutes of computer time/day – whether full or half-day.
• Children in the preschool classes shall have no more than 20 minutes of video time – only when the weather is too extreme for being outside instead.
   

Social Media, Email and Internet

Parents of children at The Children’s Campus must be clear about the appropriate use of social media and the internet in order to protect The Children’s Campus, themselves, staff, other families and children from consequences from inappropriate use – whether intentional or not. Inappropriate use can have profound effects both personally and professionally. Everything posted is likely to be indexed and stored forever, either via search engines or through blogger references. Inappropriate use of social media can be grounds for expulsion from The Children’s Campus. We ask that parents and family members will:

• Be respectful and exercise good judgement and common sense in social media interactions.
• Be responsible for the content of posts, presenting content as personal views, not those of The Children’s Campus.
• Not discuss The Children’s Campus in a negative or derogatory manner on any social media, including but not limited to email, Facebook, My Space, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media.
• Not post false information about The Children’s Campus.
• Not use confidential information, staff or family personal information, RVCC logos.
• Not reveal any personal or confidential information about staff members, families, children or The Children’s Campus.
• Not use company information, including email addresses, to register illegal activities.
• Not post photos from The Children’s Campus without administrative approval.
• Not “friend” students without administrative approval. In most cases, we do not recommend “friending” parents.

PARENTS SHALL NOT POST/SHARE PHOTOS/VIDEOS OF CHILDREN OTHER THAN THEIR OWN.

Social Networking and Photo Sharing

There are times when parents wish to post photos of a child at play in the Center on a social networking site to share with others. Parents may choose to post photos of their own child at play in the Center, but should respect the privacy and confidentiality of other enrolled children. Parents are not at liberty to post photos of other children from The Children’s Campus at RVCC on social networking sites, blogs, personal websites, etc. even if those children are photographed during play with their own child. Identifying or personal information of staff, children, RVCC students, and The Children’s Campus parents must not be posted on any social networking site or webpage without express written consent by the individuals and The Children’s Campus at RVCC Director.

Photos, Photography and Videography

Children at The Children’s Campus will be photographed, or their images recorded for print or electronic use in promoting our curriculum, routines and activities.

Anyone who discovers that photographs of himself or herself or family members have been included in RVCC or The Children’s Campus publications or on the website that they do not wish to remain there should contact the office by phone or email to request the photograph’s immediate removal.

On the other hand, many settings have a small number of children with very good reason to keep secret about where they live and where they attend school. Along with worries about children's identity getting into the wrong hands, it is important that we clarify our position.

It is our duty to protect the children who are in our care while supporting our families' desire to record important memories.

The Children’s Campus at RVCC has the following policy:

• Photos may be taken by the staff to be displayed in the classrooms and for inclusion in children's individual files.
• The Children’s Campus will allow photos to be published in the newspapers, but not names of children unless prior permission has been obtained.
• Photos / video taken by parents are only for family use and will never be passed posted or shared on with social or press media without prior permission from The Children’s Campus.
• Any request from other agencies to use children's photos, for example on literature or websites will only be allowed with prior permission from parents.
• If you do not want your child's image to appear on displays or in the press, please inform the Director or Office Manager so that we can keep them out of such photos.

If you would like to discuss the matter further, ask questions, or offer some feedback, you are very welcome to do so.
 

Expulsion from Center Policy

The safety, well-being and optimal development of all children are the first concern of The Children’s Campus. In the event that a child is overly aggressive or acts in such a manner to cause serious harm to other children and staff, the Head Teacher will notify the parent. It is hoped that with parents and staff working together in the child’s best interest, negative behavior can be minimized. However, RVCC reserves the right to ask a parent to withdraw their child from the Children’s Campus.

Unfortunately, there are sometimes reasons a child must be expelled from The Children’s Campus either on a short term or permanent basis. We will do everything possible to work with the families in order to prevent this policy from being enforced. The following are reasons we may have to expel a child from this The Children’s Campus:

Immediate Causes for Expulsion

• The child is at risk of causing serious injury to other children or himself/herself.
• Parent intimidates or threatens physical actions toward staff members.
• Parent exhibits verbal abuse to staff in front of enrolled children.

Parental Actions for Child’s Expulsion

• Failure to pay or habitual lateness in payments
• Failure to complete required forms including the child’s immunization forms
• Habitual tardiness when picking up a child

Child’s Actions for Expulsion

• Failure to adjust after a reasonable amount of time
• Uncontrollable tantrums and/or angry outbursts
• Ongoing physical or verbal abuse to staff or to other children
• Excessive biting, hitting or physical harm to others

The Children’s Campus makes every effort to work in partnership with parents except when the behavior is so severe or disturbing to the class that the group is affected negatively. The Director may recommend a child be evaluated in order to identify strategies to help the staff work more effectively with the child. In the event a parent refuses to have the child evaluated, RVCC reserves the right to have the child withdrawn. The Center encourages on-site visits of Early Interventionists or members of a school’s Child Study Team, but only with parental permission. The results of any evaluation, whether through the public schools or other sources, must be shared with the Director. Refusal to share this information may lead to the child being asked to withdraw from the program.