BAL SWAN CHILDREN'S CENTER
1145 EAST 13TH AVE.
BROOMFIELD, CO 80020
303-466-6308
BRIAN CONLY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PHILOSOPHY:
In this program the abilities rather than the disabilities of each child are emphasized, with particular focus on the "Three C's" basic for everyone: Caring for self, coping with his/her world and communicating with others. The goal of the staff is to build an adequate foundation for the child's public school years. The program we pursue is geared toward helping children develop habits of observation, questioning and listening. We want to ease the transition from home to school - helping them to learn how to get along with other children and adults, to develop skills through active games and spurring emotional growth through group activities. We want you, as a parent, to look into our busy, happy, noisy, creative classrooms and see your child at work and play. We want you to realize the validity of that play and the importance of what is being learned. Parents and teachers together can help the children to develop their full potential.

AGES ACCEPTED:
Children, with special needs or typical, clients may be accepted for enrollment from birth through 5 years old in accordance with the center's policies.

SERVICES OFFERED:
Services offered for special needs children are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Educational programming and full therapy sessions are available for children with developmental disabilities.

TOTAL INCLUSION APPROACH:
We feel that there is great benefit to providing preschool education to both children with special needs and typical children combined in classes together as peers. The typical students serve as models for the children with special needs inspiring language and creative play. The typical children are gaining understanding and acceptance and building wonderful values.

HOURS OF OPERATION:
The center is open from 8:00 am. to 4:30 PM. Monday through Friday, September through May. Limited service is also provided in June, July, and August. Holidays that the center is closed are: Labor Day, Thanksgiving (3 days), Winter Break (two weeks of December), New Year's Day, Martin Luther King's Day, President's Day in February, last week of March (for spring break), Memorial Day, and Independence Day.

Children should not arrive at school more than 5 minutes before the time for their class to begin, as staff will not be available to supervise children before that time. Please call if you are going to be late picking up your child. We parallel the Boulder Valley School District calendar for the major holidays. You will be provided a yearly calendar. In-service days and the ending of school are different, however, from the Boulder School District. We are out of session at the end of May for most preschool classes.

WEATHER:
SEVERE WEATHER:
Since the Bal Swan Children's Center calendar follows that of Boulder Valley School District, decisions regarding severe weather and school closures made by BVSD superintendent and announced by radio and television stations are generally followed. Should severe weather develop after the students are in school, parents will be notified and requested to pick up their children. It will be the option of the director to terminate school functions when deemed appropriate and inform staff. Parents can obtain information on school closures due to inclement weather from announcements on KOA Radio 850 AM and on Channel 9 - KUSA.

TORNADO ALERT:
The children would be taken to inner rooms without windows. We follow the directions of the local authorities regarding dismissal.

FLOOD/DISASTER:
The Bal Swan Children's Center's facility is located on high ground and away from lakes and streams. It is doubtful that it would be necessary to evacuate. In fact, the Center would probably be used as a refuge location.

EXCESSIVELY HOT WEATHER:
The school is equipped with an evaporative cooling system. If this is not adequate, and the building gets too hot in excessively hot weather, the families would be called to pick up their children.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE:

Enrollment for classes is open all year long. Registration forms are provided to families. A NON-REFUNDABLE annual registration fee is required for enrollment for the fall classes to hold the child's space.

The center can accept children only of the ages for which it has been licensed. At no time can the number of children in attendance exceed the number for which the center has been licensed.

Admission procedures must be completed prior to the child's attendance at the center and must include: A pre-admission interview with the child's parent(s) or guardian(s) to determine whether the services offered by the center will meet the needs of the child and the parent(s) or guardian(s). Explanation of the center's policies and procedures is in the parent handbook. A parent's signature must be secured, indicating that they have read and agree to the center's policies and procedures. Completion of the registration information required for inclusion in the child's record includes: emergency information, field trip, pool use, permission to photograph and authorization for medical care. The family is required to list individuals authorized to pick up the child. The admission of a child with special needs must be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a reasonable effort must be made to accommodate the child's needs and to integrate the child with other children. The parents are to be advised that the school does not provide trained and/or licensed medical care providers, physicians and/or nursing staff who are capable of administering emergency medical care or medical treatment for either special needs children or children who do not have special needs. It shall be the parents' responsibility to fully advise and apprise the school as to the medical needs of their child at the time of application. The parents must provide all specific relevant information regarding their child's physical, mental and medical condition at that time, in order for the school to assess each child's needs.

The parents are also to be advised that the school reserves the right to require, as a condition for admission of "children with special needs ", that a qualified medical person, as well as all necessary medical equipment, be provided by or at the cost of the parents for the purpose of meeting those needs. The determination of a "child with special needs " shall be made solely by the school and shall be defined as a child requiring specialized equipment which the school and/or staff does not have the capability and/or training to provide.

At the time of admission, the center must be provided telephone numbers of the child's physician or other appropriate health care professional and numbers where the parent or guardian and at least 1 other responsible adult can typically be reached in the event of accident, illness, or other emergency. The center must be provided written authority to arrange for medical care in the event of an emergency.

At the time of admission, the center must obtain health information for each child entering the center, including any known drug reactions and allergies, medication being taken, and any special diets required. The name, address and phone number of the child's physician and dentist must be provided.

The parent or guardian of each child who attends school at the center must submit a statement of the child's current health status signed and dated by an approved health care professional who has seen the child within the last 12 months. The center has a right to refuse to admit the child if a statement from an approved health care professional is not submitted. The statement of health status must be obtained at the time of admission or within 30 days after admission, must be kept at the center, and must include the following:

Information and instruction on care of each child who has a chronic or disabling condition, physical or emotional, such as seizures, asthma, diabetes, allergies, heart or respiratory illness, and drug reaction.
Information regarding all immunizations a child has had, including month and year each immunization was administered. Immunizations must be recorded on the certificate of Immunization supplied by the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Subsequent statements of the child's current health status, signed and dated by an approved health care professional, must be obtained at least annually and whenever the director has reason to suspect that a child participating in the program may have a condition potentially hazardous to others, or finds that the child's general condition indicates the need for such examination.

If a parent or guardian of a child wishes an exemption from the requirement for immunizations due to religious, medical, or personal beliefs, a written statement signed by the child's parent or physician which states the reason for such an exemption must be submitted to the center.

TUITION FOR TYPICAL STUDENTS:
An itemized fee schedule for the current school year is provided on a separate sheet. Payment of tuition is expected the first class day of each month. You will not receive a bill. Please drop the payment off at the office. A late charge of $10.00 will be added after the 10th of the month unless prior arrangements are made with the office for delayed payment of tuition. Tuition is based on enrolled days. There is no prorating for illness or vacation absences. In order for staff to keep their skills updated, in-service days will be scheduled periodically. There is no discount for these days.

Children with developmental disabilities who qualify for services through the School District's evaluation process may be enrolled without cost to the families. Developmentally disabled students who are not funded by the Districts or the Community Center Board may be enrolled on a private client basis, according to space and staff availability.

Scholarship assistance is available for both disabled and non-disabled clients. Applications are available in the office. The committee to review the requests is made up of staff and board members and meets once a month.

WHEREABOUTS OF CHILDREN:
SIGN IN AND OUT PROCEDURE:
The individual that transports the child to and from school must sign the form by the door of the classroom upon arrival and departure each day. Children are taken directly to their classrooms when brought to school. Parents or guardians sign the student in. Attendance is taken daily with periodic head count by the teacher. Staff members keep attendance records daily, which are then turned in the office. Therapists sign children out and in for service. At the end of the child's school day the parent signs the child out when they are picked up.

DISCIPLINE:
Children are treated with respect and caring. The use of corporal punishment and verbal abuse (shouting, screaming, swearing, name calling) or any other activity that would be damaging to a person's self respect are prohibited by the center. Behavior management is part of the daily structure so children learn what is acceptable and how to work together in a group setting and get along with others. Redirection is the discipline most frequently used.

The director shall not use, nor permit an employee to use, corporal or other harsh punishment, including but not limited to pinching, shaking, spanking, punching, rough handling, hair pulling or any humiliating or frightening method of discipline to control the actions of any child or group of children. Children must not be subjected to physical or emotional harm or humiliation. Children must learn to respect others and not pinch, bite, hit or hurt other students.

Punishment shall not be associated with rest or toileting. No child should be punished for toileting accidents. Food must not be denied or forced upon a child as a disciplinary measure. Children shall not be subject to threats or coercion including but not limited to force feeding, threats of loss or denial of food, or other punishment for refusal to eat.

Separation, when used as discipline, shall be brief and appropriate for the child's age. The child shall be within sight of an adult in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated area. No child shall be isolated in a locked, closed room or closet. Verbal abuse or derogatory remarks about the child, his family, or his race, religion, or cultural background shall not be used nor permitted.

Behavior modification programs, where indicated, are designed by staff with the psychologist and parents must approve the plans and sign written copies of the plans prior to implementation.

ILLNESS, ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, EMERGENCIES.
HEALTH PRACTICES AND CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
ILLNESS:
Although regular school attendance is very important, your child should be kept at home if he/she is showing any indications of a cold or other illness. Please be sure to inform us of any illness your child has, such as, strep throat, measles, chicken pox, etc., so we can inform other families of possible exposure. Please keep teachers informed and up-to-date with telephone numbers of persons to be contacted in case of an emergency or any changes to be added to your child's emergency card. To comply with Colorado State health regulations, we need a medical health record on each child from the family doctor and a completed immunization card within 30 days of enrollment. It is necessary for us to make a report to the State and turn in names of those not in compliance.

When children become ill at school they are isolated from the other children in the class. The parent is called to pick up their child. Parents are informed of accident and injury to a child. The staff members in attendance fill out forms providing all details of the incident.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES:
Information regarding exposure will be provided to staff, volunteers, parents and the local Health Department.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
Should a child be lost the parents would be notified, as well as the police, and we would begin an immediate search. Fire drills are held monthly with evacuation procedures well established. In case of a need to evacuate the building the children would be taken to the Broomfield Community Center. All parents would be called to pick up their children. We would follow directions of local authorities regarding dismissal.

KIDNAPPING:
Should an attempted kidnapping occur, the staff would intervene and authorities would be called immediately.

TRANSPORTATION:
The school does not provide transportation. Field trips are taken in private cars and in rented school buses. Parents are informed about the method of transportation when they sign permission slips for their child to participate in the activity. We depend upon parent support for transportation on our field trips. We think field trips are valuable learning tools. Drivers will be asked to complete a form regarding insurance coverage. A copy of proof of insurance and drivers license must be included. Parents must provide car seats for children under 60 pounds. Children under 1 year of age must be properly restrained in a rear-facing safety seat, and children ages 2-3 must be restrained in a forward facing safety seat. Children must be instructed and encouraged to remain secured in their safety seats. In vehicles with a manufacturer's established capacity of 16 or more passengers, seat belts for passengers are not required.

Requirements for Drivers of Vehicles:
All drivers of vehicles transporting children must comply with applicable laws of the Colorado Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, and ordinances of the municipality in which the center operates. Drivers must provide a photocopy of license and proof of insurance to the school office.
In each vehicle used to transport children, drivers must have access to a first aid kit. The driver must ensure that all doors are secured at all times when the vehicle is moving. The driver must make a good faith effort to ensure that each child is properly restrained throughout the trip.

FIELD TRIP, TELEVISION, VIDEO POLICY
Field trips, television and video viewing shall relate to the class curriculum and program. Staff has the responsibility for arranging for adequate supervision for the children on the field trips, so it is a safe environment. All children must be in the presence of an adult when at the center and on field trips.

FIELD TRIP REGULATIONS
Children must be properly restrained in a safety system when riding in a vehicle with adequate adult supervision in the car. The staff takes their class list with emergency numbers with them and a cell phone so they can make immediate contact in case of emergencies. The center must notify the children's parents or guardians in advance of any field trip. The appropriate staff-child ratio must be maintained at all times. Children must be actively supervised at all times. An accurate itinerary must remain at the center. The staff must have with them on a field trip the following information about each child: Name, address, and phone number of the child's physician or other appropriate health care professional and the written authorization from the parent or guardian for emergency medical care. A list of all children and staff on a field trip must be kept at the center.

RELEASING CHILDREN
A child shall be released only to the adult for whom written authorization has been given. This list is part of the child's initial registration and is kept in the child's record file. Please keep this list current. In an emergency the child may also be released to an adult for whom the child's parent or guardian has given verbal authorization. If the staff member does not know the adult, identification is required to assure that the adult is authorized to pick up the child. If the individual is approved as being appropriate to transport the child, the parent will be asked to add this individual to the written list. If the individual who is not on the approved list attempts to pick up a child and the parent/guardian cannot be reached by telephone to give authorization, the child will not be released. The child will be kept at the school until the parent makes arrangements for pick up.

AFTER HOURS
If a child is not picked up, every effort is made to call the parents and the emergency numbers on the list as well as the names of those approved for transportation. A staff member would stay with the child until arrangements are made.

BUILDING CHECK:
The entire building is checked each day upon departure. The building is then secured with all doors locked and alarm set.

LATE ARRIVALS
If students arrive late and their class is away on a field trip the parent is given the option of taking the child to join his/her class or the child staying in another class until his/her class returns from the field trip.

MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
Prescriptive and non-prescriptive medication for eyes and ears, all oral medication, medication for lacerations or severe burns, and individual special medical procedures can be provided only on written order or a prescription from a physician to the child's parent(s) or guardian(s), or to the center, with knowledge and written consent of the parent(s) or guardian(s). Medications must be kept in the original container. Prescriptive medicine containers must bear the original pharmacy label that shows the prescription number, name of medication, date filled, physician's name, child's name, and directions for dosage. The written record of medication administered must include the child's name, the date and time the medication was administered, the name and dosage of the medication, and the name or initials of the staff person who administered it. All medicines and drugs must be kept in a storage area inaccessible to children and according to pharmacy instructions. Medicine is stored in a locked file cabinet in the office. Emergency medication such as an epi-pen will be kept in their original container and in a locked cabinet in the classrooms along with medical and parent permission, a health care plan, and a medicine log.

SUN PROTECTION
The center must obtain the parent or guardian's written authorization and instructions for applying sunscreen to their children's exposed skin prior to outside play. A doctor's permission is not needed to use sunscreen at the center. When supplied for an individual child, the sunscreen must be labeled with the child's first and last name. If sunscreen is provided by the center, parents must be notified in advance, in writing, of the type of sunscreen the center will use. Children over 4 years of age may apply sunscreen to themselves under the direct supervision of a staff member.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS
The children's personal belongings are kept in their cubbies and coats hung up on hooks. If the child brings money to school the teacher puts it in an envelope marked with the child's name. The money is kept in a locked cabinet in the office.

CLOTHING AND BELONGINGS:
Be sure to label every piece of outdoor clothing your child will wear to school as well as swimsuits and towels. We feel it is a good learning experience for children to put on their own outdoor clothing and learn how to zip up or button up coats etc. Clothing the children wear to school should be washable. Our activities sometimes get a little messy and children cannot enjoy participating in an activity if they have to worry about keeping clean. Please send an old shirt for your child to paint in (name not necessary on this). Please send your child in sturdy shoes for play on the playground or in the gym. Tennis shoes are best.

SHOW AND TELL:
Items brought in for show and tell should be taken back home the same day. Show and tell is an important part of our program and we encourage children to bring in items that relate to their classroom theme. If there is any concern your child may not recognize the item as belonging to them, it might be well to label it with his/her name.

SNACKS:
Snacks are served during the child's school hours. We encourage healthy snacks. All children's allergies are posted in the classrooms. The size of servings must be suitable for the child's age and appetite, and sufficient time must be allowed so that meals are unhurried. Staff members must sit with the children and encourage them to try a variety of foods served. Home-canned vegetables, fruits and meats cannot be served. Parents participate in snacks in some classrooms on a rotating basis. The monthly calendar will show when your child's snack day will be. We want to stress the importance of sending healthy snack items.

ALLERGY ALERT
We have several children enrolled that have severe nut allergies. For some children it is even life threatening!
Do not send any snacks to school that contain, or may contain nut butter, nuts, or even nut oil.

DIAPERING
Diapering is done in the bathrooms on changing tables covered with paper and changed following each child's use. Staff use non-latex gloves and dispose of diapers in plastic bags. Bleach water is used to wash changing table between diapering. For children three years and older toilet training is encouraged unless there is a medical reason for their inability to be toilet trained.

VISITORS
Visitors to the center must sign in when they arrive, giving name, address and purpose of visit. The staff will request identification for those who are strangers to personnel at the center.

PARENT CONFERENCES
Parents are requested to attend parent conferences and staffings for their child and are urged to visit classes and attend meetings at the school. Conferences are scheduled twice and year with the parent/guardians and appropriate staff members. The family shall be informed regarding the child's behavior progress and social and physical needs. A record of the parent conference shall be maintained in the child's file to include the date of the conference and the name of everyone attending. Developmental observation records and conference records are kept on file.

The entire center shall be open to visitation by parents/guardians of the child at anytime the center is in operation.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT LICENSED CENTER
Procedures for filing a complaint about childcare are addressed in the licensing rules under 7.701.5 and would be given to anyone requesting this information.

Complaints about licensed centers, homes, or agencies shall be handled in the following manner: Complaints may be received by telephone, letter, or personal interview. Complaints received in written form or statements signed by the complainant are preferable. However, if this is not possible, the complaint received by telephone will be read back to the complainant to be sure that the content of the complaint is accurate. Complaints which involve the safety of children in care shall be investigated even though the complainant refuses to identify him/herself. In the case of other types of complaints, only those complaints in which the complainant identifies him/herself to the Department will be investigated. Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care, 1575 Sherman St., First Floor, Denver, CO. 80203-1714, telephone, 303-866-5700

CHILD ABUSE
The staff members have the responsibility to report any suspected cases of child abuse to the local authorities. A manual for school personnel entitled The School's Role in the Prevention/Intervention of Child Abuse and Neglect is kept in school office.

Any staff member of the child care center who has reasonable cause to think or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately report or cause a report to be made of such fact to the county department of social services or local law enforcement agency.

BUS ZONE:
Please leave the front area by the door for families unloading the children in wheelchairs and bus loading and unloading. Do not park your car by the yellow curb.

PARKING LOT SAFETY:
It is not safe, nor is it legal, to leave children unattended in the cars while you bring the enrolled students in and out. Ring the doorbell if you need assistance. Please enter the front driveway from the east and exit on the west.

HELPING YOUR CHILD:
Your attitude and example are very important. As a parent, you are your child's first teacher. Take time each day to sit down with your child and let him/her tell you about the pictures, art projects, work papers, weekly reader, etc., and let your child know you are interested in what he/she does in school. Something that is very important, especially by the time a child enters pre-school, is that he/she knows how to listen. This helps in reading readiness... so try to be sure that he/she is listening when you talk or read to him/her. We promise a nurturing, caring environment for your child at the Bal Swan Children's Center. We want your child to feel valued and important and we will do our very best to build strong self-esteem and provide a climate conducive to learning and growth. Children are our most valuable resource! The center is always attempting to improve its techniques of child training and education. Our love and concern for those it serves goes beyond school walls and hours.

POOL USE
Written permission is obtained for pool use. If a child has a medical consideration, written permission is requested from a physician. The door to the pool room must be locked at all times. No paper diapers or cutoffs allowed. Students in cloth diapers need plastic pants over them. Should feces be found in the pool at any time, the pool shall be closed and all bathers removed. Solid matter shall be removed. Water chemistry shall be checked. The pool shall remain closed for at least 60 minutes. If feces are in the form of diarrhea, the pool shall be closed, super-chlorinated, and remain closed for 24 hours. The student to adult ratio must be 3:1 for children 3 years and older and a ratio of 1:1 for children birth through 2 years old. A ratio of 1:1 is provided for children who may need special attention. Since a full-time lifeguard is not provided by the center, classes are required to provide a fully dressed adult as a safety monitor observing from the side of the pool during pool use. Pool use is canceled when fewer than required staff and volunteers are present. Pool use rules and emergency procedures are posted and explained to the children. The pool meets the standards of the Colorado Department of Public Health. Child care staff directly supervise and monitor all children in the pool area at all times. Supervision includes monitoring children for exhaustion, distress, heat stroke and threat of drowning. A shepherd hook, life preserver ring, and ready pole are available in pool area. Parents are encouraged to volunteer on their child's pool day. The more supervision in the pool area, the better.

NUMBER ONE RULE: NEVER HURT ANYONE ON THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE.

NO NECK WARE WILL BE ALLOWED AT ANY TIME - SCARVES, TIES, LIP BALM ON A ROPE, NECKLACES ETC.