Parent Handbook
Welcome to AdventureLand Learning Center. We are excited to have been chosen to partner with you in providing care for your child. Please read through this Parent Handbook to learn a little more about us and everything you need to know to make your child’s stay here an adventure.
Grace Community Church’s AdventureLand Learning Center provides quality Christian day care and preschool for children infant to five years as well as before and after school care for Frederick Douglas Elementary.
Mission
The mission on AdventureLand Learning Center is to welcome, love, and accept all children enrolled in our program; provide holistic child care that creatively fosters physical, social, emotional, mental, academic, and spiritual growth; and partner with parents in the nurturing of each child to their fullest potential.
Theme
Excellence in loving, caring, and learning.
Hours of Operation
6:30 AM – 6:00 PM Monday through Friday
While the administration and staff of AdventureLand Learning Center understand that having quality day care enables you to work and provide for your child, we believe that children need to have quality time with their parents, siblings and extended family. In order to help you fit family time into your schedule, children should not be left at the center for longer than 10 hours per day unless in extreme circumstances and only after consulting with the Center Director.
Physical Facility
ALC occupies the Children’s Ministry, lobby and kitchen areas of Grace Community Church. There are three self-contained rooms that serve as a nursery and/or classrooms, and a mini auditorium. In addition, that larger area contains a stage which can be used for children programming and a mini-theatre. The main auditorium area is available for before and after school care.
Enrollment Capacity
The current enrollment capacity of AdventureLand Learning Center is fifty full time students.
Safety
To ensure the safety of your child while at AdventureLand Learning Center, al entrances to the facility will be locked after 9:00am everyday. If you need access, please ring the door bell at the center’s entrance and someone will let you in.
All children must be signed in and out by the parent/guardian/care giver that drops them off or picks them up. In the event, that they are to be picked up by someone other than a parent, please notify us of the change. We will ask for identification before releasing a child to a person other than the parent.
Technology Conduct and Safety
The staff of AdventureLand Learning Center recognizes the value in utilizing technology in a daycare/preschool setting. To ensure the safety of the children and in order to manage/maintain the systems, computer access will be restricted to approved systems at scheduled times with appropriate staff supervision. Internet access will be restricted to only age-appropriate sites.
Food Service
Lunch and morning/afternoon snacks will be provided by ALC. Lunches may be brought from home if desired. In the event that you or your child wishes to celebrate a birthday or other special event with his/her class, please contact the child’s teacher to make arrangements. All special treats brought in by parents must be store bought. A lunch menu will be distributed on a monthly basis. All students will eat lunch in the designated lunch area. Please provide breakfast for your child if they do not eat breakfast before arriving to ALC.
Religious Exemption
The AdventureLand Learning Center is registered with the Department of Social Services as a religiously exempt day care provider and has met all the qualifications as set forth by DSS regulations. Future plans include fulfilling the requirements to be a fully licensed day care/preschool facility.
Staff Ratios/Qualifications/Background Screening
Staffs to student ratios are mandated by the Department of Social Services. To ensure the safety of each child and that we can provide the highest quality of care, ratio guidelines will be strictly followed at all times in the center.
The administration and staff at AdventureLand Learning Center are carefully screened to ensure that they have appropriate education/experience for the position in which they are assigned. Additionally, each staff person undergoes an application process that includes a multi-step personal interview, reference check and criminal/child protective services checks. All staff is required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Above all, ALC staff is selected for their passion for children and their ability to relate to them with Jesus’ love.
Education and Instruction
Students are placed in age appropriate classes. Our low teacher to student ratios, provide opportunities for individual attention and small group experiences. We take care of ensuring that your child is academically, socially and emotionally growing within the classroom setting. In the months of December and May, each student will be evaluated on their growth based on their age. Chapel is offered at least once a week to ensure that the children have opportunities for spiritual growth.
Preschool Curriculum: Each month, the preschool classes work from a specific theme. Teachers choose activities based on the theme that will help stimulate the preschool student’s growth and enjoyment.
Nap Time
Mats will be provided for each child to use during nap time. Parents can provide a pillow and blanket which can be kept at school until the last day of your child’s week to be washed. All students are to rest for the required thirty minutes; however, napping students may rest for two hours. Cribs and/or port-a-cribs will be available for each infant to accommodate their nap schedule.
Field Trips
On occasion we will take field trips. Any child taking a field trip must be restrained in a car seat/booster seat. We do ask for parent volunteers as drivers for our field trips, but you MUST be able to fit car seats/boosters in your vehicle.
When children are transported on field trips, all drivers of motor vehicles (teachers or parents) must provide proof of a valid Virginia Drivers License. If a vehicle is used that transports sixteen or more children, the driver is required to present a Virginia Commercial Driver’s License. All vehicles used by ALC to transport children must be insured with bodily liability insurance and property damage insurance. Staff members and parents must provide this information before they will be allowed to transport children.
Registration
Upon requesting registration information, parent will be sent a Quick Facts sheet listing the basic information about AdventureLand Learning Center including the program’s mission, licensing status, hours of operation, ages served, enrollment capacity, and tuition rates. A non-refundable registration fee is required to enroll a student.
Admissions
Openings are limited to the approved classroom ratio. AdventureLand Learning Center is unable to adequately meet the needs of students with the following concerns: serious emotional/behavioral problems, a physical handicap or other major issues that would impair the learning process.
Non-Discrimination Admissions Policy
Grace Community Church and AdventureLand Learning Center do not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion or national origin.
Birth Certificates
Parents of children enrolled after July 1, 1998 are required by Virginia law to provide proof of a child’s identity and age. This proof may include a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, notification of birth (hospital, physician, or midwife record), baptismal record, or school record from a Virginia public school. While not required to keep this proof or documentation, we must view this information within 30 days of enrollment. We cannot keep children in our program for which proof of birth has not been received within 30 days of enrollment.
Medical Records
Every child enrolled must have a complete physical exam and have the Medical Health Form on file. These forms need to be filled out and signed by your child’s health care provider showing good health. The forms also need to indicate updated immunizations.
For children age two through school age, the form must be dated within twelve months of admission and updated every time the child receives his/her immunizations. School age children are required to have an updated Medical Health Form. As with the proof of birth, we cannot keep a child in our program without a Medical Health Form on file. It is the responsibility of the parent to supply an updated form when new immunizations are given and/or health conditions change.
Age Requirements
AdventureLand Learning Center will provide care for infants six week old. To ensure accuracy in placing your child in the right class, the birthday cut off is September 30. Students applying for the three and four year classes must be the age of their approved class by September 30. It is expected that all children will be potty trained by three and a half years old. We reserve the right to find alternative placement or release the child from the program for a time until the parent begins a potty training program with their child. No discount or reduction of fees will incur during this period. Children who are not potty trained will not be moved into the four’s class. Parents interested in an age waiver, must contact the Center Director.
Waiting List
Once a maximum number of students have been accepted into each class, a waiting list will be started. The Center Director will grant acceptance as positions become available. Families offered a position will be expected to sign a contract within three business days or forfeit the position. All fees and tuition will be due at this time.
Terminations
The following actions or behaviors are grounds for immediate termination from AdventureLand Learning Center: uncontrollable behavior, such as physical violence towards teachers or children, past due accounts, and excessive late pick up. In the event of expulsion, parents will be provided documentation of the reason for dismissal. Parents remain responsible for tuition up until the date of expulsion. Fees are non-refundable.
Withdrawal
Any withdrawal from the center must be in writing not less than fourteen (14) days before the proposed last day of attendance. The two week notice will be calculated from the date of receipt of the withdrawal letter. In the event of receipt of a two week notice, notification will be given to families on the waiting list. AdventureLand Learning Center takes no responsibility for filling vacated positions.
Financial Policy – Tuition
Payment of fees and tuition are expected at the beginning of your child’s week. Parents/guardians wishing to pay on an alternative schedule will need to consult with the Center Director. Families are expected to keep all accounts current. Refer to the tuition contract for information regarding your financial commitment. Contact the Center Director with specific payment needs. All delinquent accounts over two weeks will result in termination of child care provided by AdventureLand Learning Center. A late payment fee of $5.00 will be assessed of each day that tuition is not paid. A $35.00 return check fee will be charged if a check deposited by ALC is returned. Parents are responsible for full tuition payments even if the Center is closed or child/children are absent. If the Center is closed on your tuition due date, then the full tuition is due the following business day.
Arrival Policy
In order to maintain a consistent learning environment, and to help your child’s transition from home to preschool, please make every effort to have him/her at the center by 9:30 a.m. Consistency with arrival times is crucial for your child’s transition and gives them every opportunity to form relationships with teachers, classmates and maximizes their learning.
Morning Drop-Off Procedure
Parents dropping off children for the Waddler, Preschool I, II and III classes will be met at the end of the ramp by a teacher who will accept your child, assist you with sign-in, note any information that needs to be passed on to their teacher and walk your child to their class. This eliminates the need for you to get out of your care to bring them in (and also helps with transitions for those children that have a difficult time saying good-bye in the morning). Your child (ren) will need to be here by 9:00 a.m. each day to fully participate. Parents will need to come into the ALC to sign out and pick up their child in the afternoon.
*New parents are welcome to walk their children into the center for a two week period before participating in the drop-off procedure.
Late Pick-Up Fee
AdventureLand Learning Center closes at 6:00pm. If a parent/guardian picks up at 6:10pm the will be responsible for a late pick-up fee. The fee is $1.00 for every minute after 6:00pm. Fees must be paid either at pick-up or on your next tuition payment.
Release of Children
Children will not be dismissed to anyone other than his/her parent unless a written note has been received in the main office. A photo ID may be required of the authorized person. Please do not be offended if you are asked to report to the office for verification. This is for your child’s safety. It is the parent’s responsibility to inform alternate caregivers such as babysitters or grandparents of these essential security procedures.
School Closing Policy – Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, and when Winchester Public Schools are delayed or closed, AdventureLand Learning Center will not open BEFORE 10:00a.m. SAFETY FOR YOU, YOUR CHILD AND OUR STAFF ARE THE FIRST PRIORITIES IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO OPEN. Please be sure to listen to WINC 92.5 or log onto their website www.winc.fm on mornings that there may be a weather related delay or cancellation. Daycares are announced AFTER public schools.
Because we understand that you as the parent usually still have to go to work regardless of the outside weather conditions, AdventureLand Learning Center will do the best that we can to open during times of inclement weather. These types of decisions are NEVER easy and are bound to disrupt someone’s schedule. Whether or not we open will be dependent on not just the road conditions but also the conditions of the church parking lot and sidewalks. If you have any concerns about our status due to winter weather conditions, please call 540-539-0682 and the Center Director will let you know our decision.
Outside Weather Policy
Students may go outside if the weather permits. Students will not go outside for recess on rainy days, if temperatures are below freezing, or if there is a heat warning. It is required that all children be appropriately dressed for the outside weather conditions.
Dress Code
While the administration and staff of AdventureLand Learning Center trust that you know how best to dress your child for their day, we would like to offer a few tips that will ensure your child’s safety and comfort at all times while they are here with us:
- Shoes: please be sure that your child wears sneakers at all time; crocs and sandals are very unsafe and make it difficult to run and play both inside and out
- Dress your child according to the weather – if in doubt, use layers and we will adjust according to room temperature/activity/etc.
- Please provide a hat and gloves during the winter as we will go outside if only for a few minutes
- Make sure that your child’s clothes do not hinder their movement (pants that are too big or long, etc.)
PLEASE PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE COMPLETE SET OF CLOTHES THAT ARE MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME AND PLACED EITHER IN THEIR BACKPACK/BAG OR IN A ZIP LOCK PLASTIC BAG. When clothes have been used, be sure to replace them with another set so that there is ALWAYS a change of clothes available in the event of a spill or toileting accident.
Discipline Policy
When a child feels good about him/herself and about others, he/she is able to develop inner discipline and control. Discipline helps the child acquire the skills needed to function effectively in the world today. The administration and staff at AdventureLand Learning Center are firmly committed to using a positive approach to discipline.
No child will be allowed to hurt others or to destroy property. The staff will intervene and an appropriate consequence will be given to reinforce to the child that the behavior is unacceptable. When a child consistently displays behavior that is disruptive to the continuity of the program or threatens the safety of other children or staff, the following steps will be implemented as needed:
- The teacher/director will discuss the behavior with the child and help them make retribution
- The director will discuss the behavior with the child and the parent will be notified by means of a letter, phone call or conference that a serious behavior problem is occurring on a regular basis
- A behavioral plan will be implemented
- The teacher will keep a log of ongoing behavior problems and notify the director of any concerns
- The director will meet with the parent and the teacher to discuss a realistic course of action, establish a time limit for improved behavior, and set expectations regarding the child’s continued enrollment at the center.
In the event of extreme behavior, the director has the right to immediately suspend or dismiss the child.
The following actions or threats on the part of the staff are forbidden:
- Physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, restricting movement through binding or tying, forcing the child to assume an uncomfortable position
- Enclosure to a small confined space or any space that the child cannot freely exit himself; however, this does not apply to the use of equipment such as cribs, play yards, high chairs, and safety gates when used with children preschool age or younger for intended purpose
- Punishment by another child
- Separations from the group so that the child is away from the hearing and vision a staff member
- Withholding or forcing of food or rest
- Verbal remarks which are demeaning to the child
- Punishment to toileting accidents
- Punishment by applying unpleasant or harmful substances
- Punishment by repetitive writing
Harassment Policy
AdventureLand Learning Center’s goal is to provide an atmosphere that is free from all forms of intimidation, exploitation, and harassment (whether based on gender, race, color, national or ethic origin, age, disability and including sexual harassment), where all individuals treat each other with dignity and respect. The center includes bullying in its definition of harassment. The center is prepared to take action to prevent and correct any violations of this policy. This policy applies to administrators, teachers, staff, parents, volunteers and children. Anyone who violates this policy will be subject to immediate discipline, including termination or expulsion.
Health Policy
Your child’s health is a matter of major importance to all of us. For this reason as well as to comply with the Department of Social Services, AdventureLand Learning Center has established a health policy. Upon a child’s arrival to the center each day, a staff member will briefly observe the child for obvious signs of illness. A staff person who has been trained in daily health observation will be on duty at all times.
ALC defines a sick child as on who has the following symptoms:
- A temperature of 100 degrees or more within the past 24 hours
- A thick, yellowish-green runny nose accompanied by a fever or a cough
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
- Three bowel movements within a short period of time
- An undiagnosed and/or contagious skin disease
- Symptoms of possible communicable disease (Please notify the center at once if your child has a communicable disease)
- A highly contagious condition: pink eye or lice
Please DO NOT bring your child to school if any of the above conditions were present the night or the morning before school. We reserve the right to refuse admission to any child with the above symptoms. If a child becomes ill during the school day, parents will be notified immediately. Pick-up arrangements must be made within one hour of notification. For this reason, it is imperative that emergency numbers are current and up-to-date. From time to time the center director may feel that the child is displaying curious signs of illness. The center director reserves the right to ask for a doctor’s note stating that the child has been seen by a physician that is aware of the concerns and has helped in improving the child’s overall health.
CHILDREN WHO ARE PICKED UP DURING THE DAY DUE TO ILLNESS MUST BE SYMPTOM FREE FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE RETURNING TO THE CENTER UNLESS THE CENTER DIRECTOR HAS RECEIVED A DOCTOR’S NOTE STATING THAT THE CHILD IS CAPABLE TO RETURN TO THE CENTER.
Medication Policy
A Medication Release Form must be completed in order for any child to be given medication while at AdventureLand Learning Center. All medication should be dropped off and picked up daily in the main office. All prescription medication must be in the original container with the child’s name, name of medicine, doctor’s name and dosage instructions. Over the counter medication must also be in the original container with the child’s name clearly marked on the container. Dosage instructions must be in writing. The medication, the measuring dispenser, written dosage instructions and Medication Form should be placed in a zip lock bag with the child’s name clearly labeled. Expired medication will be disposed of. Parents of students who require long-term medications will be notified if the medication expires. No medication will be administered past the expiration date. Any medication to be administered longer than ten days must have a physician’s signature.
Child Abuse Policy
All staff members are mandated by the code of Virginia Section 63.1-248.3 to report any suspected child abuse or allegation of neglect.
Emergency Policy
An Emergency Evacuation Plan will be provided to all parents at the beginning of the school year. Emergency plans are located in every classroom and additional location throughout the building. Practice drills will be conducted with the children on a quarterly basis.
Fire Alarms
All fire emergency procedures are located in the center director’s office and will be made available upon request. Annual inspections are done with the Winchester Fire and Rescue.
Personal Property Policy
We ask that you do not allow your child to bring toys, electronics, stuffed animals, etc. into the classroom unless requested by the child’s teacher. If an item is brought to school, we cannot be responsible if lost or broken.
Lost and Found
When articles are found anywhere in AdventureLand they will be turned in to the lost and found in the main office. They will be returned to their owner upon verification. All items not claimed or identified will be donated to charity. Please write your child’s name on lunch boxes, backpacks, bags and outerwear to help us identify the owner.
Grievance Policy
From time to time, disagreements may arise between students and/or parents and school personnel. The principles for resolving such matters are described in Matthew 18: 15-17.
Specifically, if a legitimate disagreement with a teacher or staff arises, parent should seek to resolve the problem with that teacher. If issues still continue, a parent may ask for the center director to mediate a conference with the staff person. If a parent continues to disagree with the process of an issue, they are welcome to hold conference with Senior Pastor, Mike Woods.
Special Events
Birthdays and observed holidays may need your assistance in providing special treats for holiday celebrations.
Family Night Activities
The administration and staff of ALC recognize the need that families have to spend quality time with each other and with other families. In order to provide opportunities for your family, Grace Community Church and AdventureLand Learning Center may collaborate on family oriented activities.
Parent Council
A group of parents have formed the Parent Council of ALC. These wonderful parents have given their time and efforts to support ALC with sponsored activities and events. The council also helps the center director address concerns and ideas of current parents. Any parent of ALC is free to join the Parent Council. Meetings are posted in the newsletter and email.
Volunteers
Volunteers are a welcome source of support in the AdventureLand Learning Center. Volunteers are never left alone with the students at any time. All volunteers, substitutes, teaching assistants and tutors must have completed a Virginia State Police Criminal History Record/Sex Offender and Crimes against Minors Registry Search and Child Protective Services prior to being placed in an AdventureLand class.
Donations
ALC gladly accepts donations from parents and family members. Of particular use are snack items, especially fruit, applesauce, cheese sticks, pudding, etc, new or gently used toys, book, and craft supplies. If you have items you would like to donate, please see the center director prior to bringing the items to the center. Any monetary donations can be given to the center director in the main office where a receipt will be written upon request.
