Revised 2009
A. PHILOSOPHY/POLICY
The purpose of The First United Methodist Children’s Center is to provide a safe, loving, Christian atmosphere, where children, ages 6 weeks through school age are encouraged to learn and grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, physically and cognitively.
B. ELIGIBILITY
Children are enrolled in the following order:
Children whose parents are members of the First United Methodist Church.
Children of FUM Children’s Center Staff.
All other children who meet the eligibility requirements.
C. HOURS OF OPERATION
The FUM Children’s Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. When a child is in fulltime care their space is available all day long. However to keep the children in a routine and to assure that all of the children eat and rest on their normal schedule, we asked that you bring your child to the center no later than 9:00 a.m.
D. HOLIDAYS
The Children’s Center will be closed on the following days:
New Year’s Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Friday
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
E. CONFIDENTIALITY
Children have a right to privacy. Neither students, staff nor parents may divulge any information about children or families to others.
The FUM Children’s Center list of parents and children’s names will not be released without prior notification. Parents must sign a release before their child’s picture will appear in any newsletter or other child care publication associated with the First United Methodist Children’s Center.
F. TUITION
Tuition amounts are based on enrollment. If a child is enrolled in a fulltime slot they are guaranteed care every day that the center is in operation. The same tuition amount is due even when a child is not present or when the center is closed for a holiday or weather day.
Tuition is as follows:
$90.00 per week for infants, ages 6 weeks to 12 months;
$85.00 per week for toddlers ages 12 months to 24 months;
$80.00 per week for preschool children ages 2 years through 5 years of age;
$45.00 per week for after school care;
$78.00 per week for school age summer care or year round school vacation (bring own lunch & drink); and
$88.00 per week for school age summer care or year round school vacation (center prepared lunch provided).
When a child needs care on a part-time basis (teacher work-days/holidays, etc) he/she may attend as a drop-in if there is space. Prior arrangements must be made with the director. The drop-in fee is $20.00 a day and is due the day of service.
Children enrolled only in the morning preschool program who need afternoon care on their specific preschool days may stay if space is available. The charge is $15.00 per day, payable the day of care.
G. TUITION PAYMENTS
All tuition payments are due on Mondays. Tuition payments are to be put in the slot in the Early Childhood Office door. Cash payments must be put in an envelope with child’s name, amount enclosed and dates for payment marked clearly on the envelope. Checks are to be made to: First United Methodist Children’s Center or FUMCC. Please write child’s name on memo line. Receipts are available upon request.
H. LATE FEES
Tuition payments that are not made on Mondays are considered late. A $5.00 late fee will be added for each business day that a tuition payment remains unpaid. If the tuition remains unpaid on Friday for that week of care, the parent will receive a notification memo from the director in the child’s cubbie. When a tuition payment remains unpaid for two weeks after the memo is dated the child will automatically be removed from enrollment.
I. REDUCED TUITION
Children whose parents are active members of the First United Methodist Church may attend FUM Children’s Center at a 20% reduced rate for each of their children enrolled. Child must live with this parent to qualify for the reduced rate.
A family discount is offered when two or more children from the same family are enrolled (must live in same household). The discount fee is $5.00 for each child enrolled.
J. HOLDING FEE
Fulltime enrolled children who are away from FUM Children’s Center for any extended period (summer, sabbatical, unexpected prolonged illness or other) may arrange to pay a holding fee to hold open their spaces until they return. The holding fee is one-third of the regular tuition for each week the child is not present at the center. If the child needs care for a few days during his extended time away he/she may return but must pay the drop-in fee of $20.00 per day, in addition to the regular holding fee.
Parents of newborns who wish to place their infant in The “Zoo” room must pay a $180.00 holding fee once the space becomes available. This nonrefundable fee will hold the space until the infant is six weeks of age, at which time the parent must begin paying the regular weekly tuition fee to hold the space even if the child is not yet in attendance.
K. WITHDRAWAL
A two week notice must be given to the director if a parent decides to withdraw their child at any time. This notice will enable the space to be filled without the loss of center funding. If a parent pulls their child from the center without notice, the parent will be charged the regular tuition for the following two weeks. When a child who is enrolled only for the morning preschool is absent for more than two weeks with no report from the parent, the child will automatically be dropped from class.
L. PRESCHOOL
All preschool age children enrolled in fulltime child care will automatically attend preschool classes. Other community children who only need the morning preschool may attend by paying a separate preschool rate which is due the first school day of each month, September through May. These fees are prorated over the school year.
**Class placement determined by the director.
Preschool fees are as follows:
Two year olds (2 mornings a week) pay $125.00 a month.
Three year olds (3 mornings a week) pay $140.00 a month.
Three and four year olds (5 mornings a week) pay $170.00 a month.
All children enrolled in preschool must pay a $25.00 supply fee for each school year. This fee will cover the cost of crayons, markers, paint, paper, etc. The preschool fee will be collected the first week of preschool.
M. FIELD TRIPS
From time to time the preschool or the school age children will use the church bus for field trips. Our designated bus drivers are insured through the church insurance company. They hold current CPR and First Aid certifications. A staff member will always be in attendance along with the driver when the bus is in operation.
When a child under 70 lbs. or 4 years of age is riding on the bus he/she will be fastened in to an approved child safety car seat. All other children will be in seats equipped with safety seat belts at all times.
Prior notice will be given for all field trips. No child will be taken on a field trip unless we have a signed permission slip from the parent/guardian.
N. DISCIPLINE
At the FUM Children’s Center we encourage children to learn to use their words to communicate with others and not their actions. Teachers reinforce communication by encouraging children to use words such as “Stop!” or “I don’t like that” if they are being hurt or bothered by another child.
Children are not allowed to hurt themselves or others or destroy the center property. When a child loses self-control and is destructive or endangering to others, he/she is placed in “time out.” Time out is not more than one or two minutes per age of the child. For example: a two year old can be place in “time out” for two to three minutes. When the child regains self-control a teacher talks over the situation with the child, and may need to redirect the child’s play.
Children will be taught to use respect for their teachers. No child will be allowed to use unacceptable language a the center.
If the child continuously displays unacceptable behavior a parent/teacher conference will be needed to determine a plan of action. If the unacceptable behavior does not improve, the parents will be asked to withdraw the child from the center.
Staff members sign a discipline policy agreement at the time of employment stating that they for no reason will ever abuse a child verbally, emotionally, physically or any way harmful to the well-being of a child in their care at First United Methodist Children’s Center. The signed agreement indicates that if staff members break this agreement at any time they will be immediately dismissed.
O. CLOTHING
Comfortable and washable play clothes are the appropriate attire for the Children’s Center. Children need to be able to manage their own clothing for bathroom use. No belts or clothing that button at the shoulder should be worn to the center, unless the child can manage on his/her own.
Open toe sandals and flip flops are not allowed. Regular sneakers or closed toe shoes must be worn on the playground.
Children should not wear any type of jacket or coat that has strings hanging from it. Strings or ties can be a hazard while climbing on playground equipment.
Young children need to bring a Ziploc bag with clean underwear, socks, and an extra outfit. These items need to be clearly marked with the child’s name. Accidents do happen, and it is best to be prepared. Each season the parents need to change the clothing appropriately.
Children who are not fully potty trained must bring wipes and pull-ups. The center does not supply extra ones. Parents should check the child’s supply regularly to be sure there are plenty of needed items.
P. TOYS FROM HOME
Children are encouraged to bring a toy to share on specified “Show and Tell” days. Names or initials need to be on all toys. Other toys that are not to be shared cause much grief for the owner and for other children; these toys need to be left at home or in the car for later use. Toy guns and gun playing are not allowed at the FUM Children’s Center.
Q. MEALS/SNACKS
Children are served a snack every day about mid-morning and again in the mid-afternoon. Summer school age children who go swimming in the afternoon are responsible for bringing their own afternoon snack and drink.
Breakfast is offered for children ages one and up who arrive at the center before 8:00 a.m.
Children ages one and up will be served lunch every day. The daily lunch will be posted on the board by the kitchen. School age children attending for the summer will have an lunch option at enrollment. If you have an idea for a healthy lunch that you think the children would like please let us know. Children will be encouraged but not forced to try new foods.
If your child has a food allergy, please notify us so precautions can be made.
Children are not allowed to chew gum at the Children’s Center. Children are not allowed to bring food to the center unless enough is brought to share with the whole group; this includes breakfast foods.
R. BIRTHDAYS
Sometimes parents like to bring a special snack to celebrate a child’s birthday. If you do not want to do this, please do not feel obligated. If you do wish to bring a birthday snack please let us know which day, so we can give you a count of how many children will be present. A decorated birthday cake is not necessary. We can share, sing over and make anything special. Invitations to private parties will only be distributed at The Children’s Center when all of the children in the class have been invited.
S. DROP OFF/PICK UP/ATTENDANCE
Children must be signed in each day when they arrive and signed out when they leave. This is for the protection of your child.
Each teacher will keep an attendance record in the classroom. This record book stays with the children throughout the day whenever they leave their designated classroom (on the playground, in the dining room, etc.).
While your child is in our care we will only release your child to persons whom you have authorized to pick up your child. Anyone picking up your child must have a driver’s license on file in the Early Childhood Office. This means you the parent, grandparents, friends, etc.
Children must be picked up on time. We realize that delays do happen. However, we must charge a $10.00 late fee when a child is picked up after 5:30 pm. This fee is due on that day and must be given in cash directly to the teacher that has stayed late with the child.
T. HEALTH POLICY
Sick children cannot come to the Children’s Center. Upon arrival your child will be assessed for any illness. If your child is running a fever, has a bad cold, is vomiting, or has diarrhea or any other contagious illness, please keep him/her at home. Children need to be free of fever for 24 hours (with no fever reducer meds) before returning to The Children’s Center.
Listed below are symptoms of illness that are causes for a child to be kept at home, or if observed, sufficient reason to send a child home.
FEVER: within the last 24 hours of at least 100;
COLDS: a cold that is causing them to be listless or obviously uncomfortable with coughing and congestion;
PERSISTENT RUNNY NOSE (green or yellow discharge);
CONJUCTIVITICS (PINK EYE): If eyes are matted shut after waking or eye pupil or surrounding area is red and/or yellowish green discharge is present;
DIARRHEA, VOMITING or FEVER: Must be free of symptoms or fever or 24 hours (with out medication) before returning to the center;
ANY CONTAGIOUS CONDITIONS: Should your child contract a contagious disease, you must notify the center immediately so parents of other children can be notified if necessary. A doctor’s note may be required before a child is allowed to return.
We cannot care for ill children at The Children’s Center. If your child becomes ill while in our care you will be notified and expected to pick him/her up immediately.
Children must be on prescribed medication for 24 hours before returning to the center.
Please call the center if your child is absent more than one day due to illness.
First Aid: The center is able to provide basic first aid in case of an accident. An accident report will be filled out and sent home if a child is hurt at the center. It will also be recorded in the classroom accident book. There will be at least one staff person present at all times who has been trained in the Red Cross-certified Infant/Child CPR and Basic First Aid.
U. EMERGENCY CONTACTS
If a child becomes ill or gets hurt seriously, a staff member will try to contact the parents immediately. If the parents cannot be reached, the emergency contacts designated on the medical emergency form will be called. If a situation requires immediate medical attention, the staff member will call EMS while trying to get in touch with the parents or emergency contacts. If the child must be transported to the hospital an staff person will go with the child and stay with the child until the parent or emergency contact is present.
Parents sign the permission slip for emergency medical treatment so that their child may be transported to the Emergency Room and medical personnel can begin treatment in the case that the parents or emergency person can not be reached.
Please let us know in writing if your home phone, cell phone or work phone number should change, so that our records can be kept up-to-date.
V. IMMUNIZATIONS
All children must have their immunization record on file in the Early Childhood Office. These files are checked periodically and must be kept up-to-date.
If an immunization record is found to be delinquent in information a parent will be informed and expected to give a new updated immunization record within thirty days. If the center does not receive the update within the time frame, the child will be immediately dismissed. This is in compliance with the S.C. Day Care Licensing Regulations.
W. MEDICATION
All medication (over the counter and prescribed) must be accompanied by a written, signed and dated note from the child’s physician indicating dosage amounts and time the medication is to be administered.
Prescribed special medical procedures ordered for a specific child shall be written, signed and dated by a physician or other legally authorized healthcare provider.
All medications shall be used only for the child for whom the medication is labeled. If it is a medication that should be given on an on-going basis we must have a signed note from the child’s doctor. No expired medication will be given. Medications will not be given in excess of the recommended dose.
All medication must be in its original container, and the child's first and last name must be on the container. Medicines must be kept in the locked medicine cabinet which is located in the kitchen.
X. WEATHER EMERGENCY
In case of inclement weather, the Children’s Center will follow the same procedure as the Marlboro County Public school System. If the Marlboro County Public Schools are closed, we will also be closed. If the public schools operate one or two hour delay we will operate on same.
In case of a weather emergency (tornado, hurricane, etc), the children will be moved to the activities room on the first floor. This is the safest part of the building. The church building is equipped with emergency lighting which will come on automatically if the electricity goes off. The children will remain in this area with the staff until it is safe to return to their classrooms.
In the event that the children must be moved from the church building because of a weather, fire or other emergency, they will be moved to the Methodist Family Center gymnasium.
Y. INFANT/TODDLER CARE
Children enrolled in The “Zoo” Room will have their own cubbie to keep their change of clothing, diapers and wipes. Additional diapers and extra wipes can be stored under the counter (marked with name).
Each child will be assigned a crib. It is the responsibility of the parent to bring a clean sheet each Monday and make up their child’s bed. Likewise they must take the sheet home on Friday and wash it to be returned the following Monday.
According to the Applicable Standards from Caring for Our Children National Health and Safety Performance Standards, recommended by S.C. Childcare Licensing Agency we follow the safe sleep policy. Therefore healthy babies should always sleep on their backs. Because babies sleeping on their sides are more likely to accidently roll onto their stomachs, the side position is not as safe as the back and is not recommended.
A physician’s note is required for all non-back sleepers that explains why the baby should not use a back-sleeping position, how the child should be placed to sleep, and a time frame that the instructions are to be followed.
All jars of baby food, bottles, sippy cups and eating utensils must be marked with the child’s name (a black permanent marker works well). Each toddler will need to bring two sippy cups to leave at the center: one for milk and one for juice.
Warming bottles or formula in the microwave is prohibited at FUM Children’s Center. A bottle warmer is available when needed.
Parents will be responsible to take their infants bottles home at the end of the day, wash them to return the next day.
The Center will provide lunch and two snacks each day for toddlers 12 months and older.
A information sheet regarding each child’s day will be sent home at the end of the day for each infant/toddler.
Z. VACATION
Children who are enrolled fulltime at FUM Children’s Center are entitled to one free week of vacation per year after one full year of enrollment. To earn this privilege a one week prior notice must be given to the director and the child must be absent from the center for the entire week.
AA. VISITS AND/OR OBSERVATIONS
Parents may visit or observe at FUM Children’s Center at any time without prior notice.
However, it is hard sometimes for children to resume play with a hovering parent. If prior notice is given our staff will try to find a less noticeable place for a parent to observe.
BB. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
At the beginning of each preschool year there will be a Preschool “Sneak-a-Peek” Open House for parents to bring children to visit the preschool teachers and to learn more about preschool activities. Formal preschool parent/teacher conferences are held once a year, usually in the spring. Parents or teachers may request additional conferences if needed.
CC. PRAYER NEEDS
The FUM Children’s Center is a ministry of First United Methodist Church. The Pastor of First United Methodist Church is available to meet with parents who have a special need or prayer request. Please feel free to contact the Pastor through the church office at 479-3231.
DD. EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMITTEE
All policies and fees outlined in this book are written by the guidelines of the Early Childhood Committee which is made up of eight members of the First United Methodist Church. These committee members meet monthly to review policies and to give vision and direction to the Children’s Center. The director of the FUM Children’s Center and the Pastor of First United Methodist Church serve on this committee as ex-officio members to voice concern and input, but have no vote.
EE. GRIEVANCES
Anyone who would like to voice an grievance or concern may do so by arranging a meeting with the director. If agreement is not met the Pastor may be contacted through the First United Methodist Church office at 479-3231. A request for a meeting with the Early Childhood Committee may be made in writing outlining the need for such and submitted through the church office.
SC Child Care Licensing—Registration #50